The latest trends in commercial fit out design are focusing on the wellbeing of employees and the space itself. It’s a shift towards denser, more agile spaces that are designed to accommodate an increasingly diverse workforce.
Cubicle farms and rigid partitions are on the way out, replaced with mobile furnishings and adaptable space elements. This will allow offices to adapt and grow with their staff.
1. Natural Light
Natural light is a key component of commercial fit out design. It has a positive impact on employee health, productivity and property management costs.
Research shows that employees who spend more time working in an environment that has plenty of windows are much happier and more productive than those who are exposed to poor lighting. They are also more alert and responsive to stimuli, which means they work more efficiently, producing higher-quality output.
It’s also believed that natural light can boost Vitamin D levels, helping to fight depression and chronic pain. In addition, it can improve sleep quality, which helps to regulate the human body’s internal clock and increase overall health and wellbeing.
This is particularly true for people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can be exacerbated by exposure to lack of sunlight during the winter months. In addition, it’s a proven mood enhancer and can help to combat fatigue in the workplace.
Fortunately, there are some simple ways to get the most out of natural light in your office space. These include incorporating biophilic elements and designing your space to maximise daylighting opportunities.
For example, consider opening up existing windows and repositioning desk arrangements to maximize the amount of natural light. Additionally, try placing high-traffic spaces near natural light sources.
If you’re interested in learning more about natural light, check out this handy guide to the different types of light, and how they can be used in photography. It covers all the basics from color temperature to shadow placement, and it’s a great way to learn more about what makes a natural-light shot beautiful. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, it’s always worth exploring the different ways that natural light can be used to create stunning photographs.
2. Minimalist
Minimalist design is all about keeping things simple and clean. This means no clutter, no unnecessary elements and minimal colour schemes to create a sleek and simple feel.
When it comes to commercial fit out design, minimalism is a great way to make the most of your space, whilst keeping things simple and clean. It also helps keep the space looking and feeling fresh, which can help to boost employee productivity and wellbeing.
Many minimalist designs are based around natural light as well. This is because it brings a feeling of brightness, helping to brighten up any space and improve employee productivity.
Another great benefit of minimalism is that it reduces the risk of physical injuries, as employees can avoid sitting at their desks for extended periods of time, increasing their health and wellbeing. This is especially beneficial for office workers who spend a large amount of time working in front of their computer screens.
The streamlined nature of minimalism also makes it easy to keep things tidy, as less clutter will mean fewer pieces of paper and supplies lying about the workplace. This is essential for any commercial workspace as clutter can lead to disorganisation and a messy working environment, which can be detrimental to productivity levels.
One of the best ways to keep your workspace clean is by ensuring that any items you have are properly stored and procured. This includes all office supplies and other essentials that are necessary to run your business.
By implementing a few simple storage solutions into your work space, you can create a home for these items and minimise the risks of them getting lost or misplaced. This can help to keep your workspace neat and tidy, as well as keeping it safe for those that visit regularly.
3. Resimercial
Resimercial design is a recent trend that combines residential and commercial elements to create a comfortable workspace that employees enjoy spending time in. It also helps improve employee wellness and promote productivity, leading to more efficient work.
This is especially important for businesses that hire a large number of employees. Millennials and Gen-Xers are more likely to move from a company if they don’t feel at home there. In addition, the influx of remote workers has led to employees returning to the office with a different idea of what a workspace can be like.
With resimercial design, companies can meet these expectations and keep their best talent from leaving. In fact, many employers are beginning to see resimercial design as an opportunity to improve workplace wellness, boost employee engagement, and reduce absenteeism.
The resimercial style emphasizes residential-inspired furnishings and decor, along with flexible, open spaces that encourage collaboration and relaxation. It also uses modern technology, such as touchscreen displays and wireless connectivity.
A resimercial space also focuses on natural lighting, home-like accessories, high-end amenities, and comfort. These aspects help to increase the overall appeal of the space, attracting new clients and employees.
In addition, resimercial design emphasizes the use of sustainable materials and practices. Incorporating resimercial elements into your business’s fit out can reduce the amount of resources and energy it uses, which can save money in the long run.
Resimercial design is also a good option for businesses that are looking to attract younger generations. This is because millennials and Gen-Xers are more likely than older workers to be interested in working for companies that value their wellbeing and have a positive workplace culture. For all your commercial interior fit outs, we suggest letting Zhoosh handle the project.
4. Collaboration Spaces
Collaboration spaces are a vital part of modern commercial fit out design, providing teams with the space and tools to collaborate effectively. Collaborative workspaces offer a variety of benefits, from increased productivity to improved team relationships and a positive work culture.
The key to designing collaborative workspaces is to consider a variety of factors, including the needs of each team, and how they will work together. This includes space planning and rationalisation to ensure the design accommodates each team’s requirements and works best with their existing technology and communication tools.
Working collaboratively also reduces the amount of time employees spend focusing on individual tasks, and increases overall efficiency. This is due to workers being able to pool their skills, knowledge and experience when working with other people in a group.
These benefits are especially important in fast-paced environments. Without a joint working environment, the speed at which information is shared can be reduced, causing projects to take longer than they should.
The design of a collaborative workspace should incorporate a variety of different types of working areas. This can include mixed-use areas that allow employees to work flexibly, and huddle areas for smaller meetings or casual discussions.
Another popular layout option is activity-based workspaces. These spaces include quiet zones, meeting rooms and break-out areas, allowing team members to choose the area that best suits their work style.
Regardless of the type of collaborative workspaces you decide on, it is essential to ensure they offer a mix of acoustic privacy and natural light. This can be achieved by using ceiling hung acoustic panelling or other wall elements that can be moved and adjusted to suit your needs.
5. Sustainable
A sustainable office fit out design can benefit a business in many ways. It can increase staff wellbeing, productivity, and morale while reducing the company’s impact on the environment.
Creating an environmentally friendly workplace can be a challenge, but it is worth considering. Businesses are constantly looking for ways to save on costs and reduce their environmental footprint.
For example, they may want to use less electricity and energy-efficient technologies in their offices, or they may choose materials that are renewable or manufactured locally. This will help to reduce the amount of carbon emissions that are produced, and also helps to support local economies.
Another aspect of a green office fit out is to allow natural light into the building. This will not only increase employee productivity but can also reduce electricity costs, helping to lower the company’s overall cost of ownership.
This can be done by implementing skylights, atriums, and glass to bring more natural light into the space. This can also improve the overall health of the office and reduce air pollution.
The latest trends in commercial fit out design are all about sustainability, and this can be a great way for companies to demonstrate their values and make a positive contribution to the community. Incorporating sustainable principles can also help to attract the right people, improve productivity and performance, and reduce regulatory compliance risk.
The Better Buildings Partnership has launched a new toolkit to help property owners and occupiers to identify the opportunities that sustainability presents in their offices. This toolkit outlines the key considerations that need to be addressed from project inception through to construction and operation.
