The Future of Workplace Design

The Future Workforce
The modern office has evolved numerous times over the last 30 years. Now that younger generations make up the majority of the workforce, the workplace environment will see even more revolutionary changes.
It is predicted by 2020 that 60% of the working population will be made up of millennials and centennials. This demographic and future generations will be more demanding of their place of employment. They are likely to choose employers and office buildings based on facilities and lifestyle as well as their sustainability credentials. With this, it is essential that employers provide workplaces to inspire, support wellbeing and encourage collaboration and creativity of their current employees as well as attract the best talent.

The Design Challenge
A challenge both designers and employers are likely to face is that for the first time, we will have four different generations in the workplace. As a result, the future offices must foster an environment that supports and adapts to the needs and talents of all those who work there. In essence, employers can empower people by allowing the right space to focus, innovate, collaborate and encourage constructive interaction naturally.

Adapting to the Needs of the Versatile Workforce
To create such spaces for the versatile workforce, the idea of designated areas which provide comfortable, modern and effective environments will suit the different methods of working. Through technology and wealth of innovative products available, employers now have the ability to make such suitable spaces as the ones mentioned below.

The Space to Focus

Different projects will require alternative environments to work in. Open-plan offices and co-working spaces are vital for promoting collaboration, however, when an individual requires a moment of deep focus, they can really struggle in this environment. Offering small areas or cocoon type rooms allow individuals or small teams the concentration space needed to gather their thoughts. Acoustic control can play a vital role in meeting the needs of these individuals and spaces. Using appropriate acoustic ceilings not only absorbs reverberations and sounds but insulates them in a bid to control unwanted noise. Systems best placed for these types of areas and rooms are:

Suspended Ceilings

The Social and Collaboration Space

Just as the need for quiet space is vital, integrating a sense of community will remain important to the future workplace. Therefore, by offering a social and collaboration space, employers can encourage teamwork as well as offer employees, clients and other visitors a comfortable environment to socialise or meet.

As this will be an interchangeable space for working and socialising, acoustic support will be significantly beneficial. A range of our acoustic systems such as SAS330 and SAS500 have been installed in collaboration spaces for clients such as HSBC, KPMG, SWISS RE and CBRE.

Projects

The Inspirational Space

A design of a room can be a major factor in how a person performs. Therefore a space where inspiration is cultivated and innovation is created deserves meaningful space that blend design, materiality and performance. Using finishes and bespoke designs, SAS metal ceilings have played a part in realising the architects vision when creating areas that inspire people. Examples of these works are PWC Manchester, Hubspot and Log Me In Dublin, projects which have been designed to be notably inspirational for the building users.

Bespoke Ceilings