Most people spend more time in the office than they do at home, so it is important that work environments are comfortable, yet functional for optimal productivity. Business owners today want their employees to work more collaboratively and encourage idea-sharing throughout the business day. CORT recently unveiled the 2014 office workspace trends that support this idea of the changing work environment and the impact it has on the way workspaces are designed and furnished.Offices designed in 2014 must reflect the needs of modern-day employees and invoke collaboration, flexibility, mobility and more. Collaborative workspaces are open, welcoming public spaces that encourage individuals to share and learn from each other by mixing and mingling. Lounge seating areas are a key furnishing feature that enables collaboration. Unassigned tables put between work spaces are also enabling employees to meet and collaborate spontaneously.
To achieve flexibility in the office environment work surfaces are designed to fulfill a number of needs. It is not just a “desk” anymore. Examples of flexibility in offices include gathering areas for spontaneous meetings, a variety of seating and works surfaces designed to varying work styles and comfort levels. Unassigned workstations are also becoming commonplace for employees who telecommute and only occasionally come into the office.
Today, more than ever before, the workforce is mobile, offices should be also. Most chairs have wheels, but stools and standing height tables are also becoming popular. Seating that can move with employees is fostering the collaboration and flexibility mentioned above. Today’s employee is also increasingly aware of the health effects of prolonged sitting, hence the focus on ergonomic chairs for employees at all levels and stand-up desks.
Companies like CORT are providing products that meet the needs of today’s business owners and their employees. In fact, CORT recently revamped its workspace product offerings to introduce its new Staks collection. This collection provides entire workspace systems that easily promote collaboration, flexibility and mobility.