Top Office Design Trends in 2024

Gone are the days of drab grey cubicles and soul-sucking office spaces!

Over the past decade, workplaces have undergone a dramatic makeover, ditching the monotony for thoughtfully designed environments that boost employee satisfaction, efficiency, and even profits.

The pandemic was the final blow to poorly designed offices. Now, in 2024, businesses are focused on creating the ultimate workspace experience.

But it's not just about aesthetics. Modern office design revolves around fostering a vibrant sense of community, sparking innovation, and prioritising the well-being of a hybrid workforce that thrives in both office and remote settings.

In this article, we will explore the top office design trends for UK businesses in 2024 and how your business can be at the forefront of trendy workplace design.

Hybrid Comes of Age

Remote and hybrid work are here to stay. Businesses must create office spaces that encourage employees to come in more than once a week.

Encouraging employees to work in the office requires your business to foster a dynamic workplace culture and promote a healthy work-life balance. This starts with an ideal office. 

Designing an office space to support workers in the hybrid age involves many considerations that many businesses had never considered before 2020. You need to balance remote working with your company's cultural needs to consider the needs of a diverse workforce.

If your business has struggled to attract workers to the office post-pandemic, then it definitely needs renovation or refurbishment.

Tips for creating a hybrid-friendly office space

• Create collaborative spaces to encourage employees to work together and boost company culture
• Incorporate natural light and natural elements into your floorplan
• Set up private spaces and quiet zones for focused work

If you don’t have the time or money to invest in creating a hybrid-friendly office space, then switching to a serviced office may be better for your business in the long term.

Serviced offices are fully furnished offices that utilise modern office trends to create idyllic spaces employees want to work in. For a fraction of the rent and upkeep costs of a traditional office in London, they also come with essential services and amenities that support hybrid businesses in their operations.

Alternatively, coworking spaces enjoy many of the same benefits as serviced offices but are more dynamic and cost-efficient collaborative workspaces.

Sustainability Takes Centre Stage

As the world embraces eco-friendly policies and practices, the use of sustainable materials and biophilic design is fast becoming a key feature of modern office design.

Some of the most well-known sustainable office features include the use of energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, renewable energy sources, rainwater water management systems, and recycled building materials.

Not only is this great for reducing your company’s environmental impact, but it’s also cost-efficient as businesses can enjoy great energy savings.

Many office spaces are also bringing in elements of the natural world into their office design, tapping into our ​​love of nature to create spaces that are healthier and more productive.

Popular examples of biophilic design in the modern workspace include:

• Use natural elements such as live plants, water features, and natural materials as decorations.
• Maximise windows and skylights for natural light and create views of outdoor spaces.
• Incorporate organic and natural shapes, curves, and patterns that reflect nature.
• Use natural materials such as wood, stone, water features, and fabrics to create a sense of connection to the outdoors.

Serviced offices: The most sustainable office spaces

Due to operating on a larger scale, serviced offices are known for their environmental sustainability, making them a great office solution for businesses wanting to lower their carbon footprint.

These sustainability credentials come from resource sharing and investment in solutions like energy-efficient HVAC systems or renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

A high-end serviced office provider also actively incorporates sustainable features into their buildings and operations, from using recycled materials to implementing recycling programs. They also embrace biophilic design in their office layout to improve employee satisfaction and well-being.

An example of this is Servcorp’s serviced offices in the Leadenhall Building in London, which features energy-efficient lighting, advanced HVAC systems, and rainwater harvesting. 

Learn more about eco-friendly and luxurious serviced office spaces in London

The Wellness Revolution

Office trends have shifted in the last decade, from packing in employees to prioritising well-being. Employee well-being is now a hallmark requirement for the modern office.

But what is wellness office design?

Wellness design focuses on employee needs, comfort, and health, leading to a happier, healthier workforce and increased workplace satisfaction.

Studies show that workers in well-designed offices experience greater focus, creativity, and productivity, and significantly improved employee health.

In today's competitive job market, a well-designed office putting the physical and mental health of its employees first can be a major perk for attracting and retaining top talent.

What does wellness office design look like in the modern office?

Working environments centred on employee well-being encompass a range of design elements and office fit-ins.

One of the most popular inclusions has been the establishment of various breakout areas, whether they are dedicated spaces for quiet time or collaborative zones for team meetings or downtime. These spaces are proven to increase employee engagement and encourage collaboration, especially if your business uses a hybrid work model.

Other features that are must-haves for the modern office include adjustable lighting, easy-to-use temperature controls, ergonomic furniture (bonus points if they fit the colour palette of ‘warm neutrals’), and advanced ventilation systems to maintain high air quality.

Embracing Flexibility

Flexible office design goes hand-in-hand with the concept of a flexible workspace. It's all about creating a physical office environment that can adapt to the changing needs of employees and the overall business.

Adaptable and modular office layouts allow companies to maximise office space and accommodate team growth or project changes, avoiding frequent and costly renovations. This not only future-proofs your office spaces but also encourages employees to move throughout the day if they so choose to collaborate with peers.

How to make your workplace flexible:

• Utilise modular seating and movable desks
• Use of reconfigurable furniture and movable partitions
• Incorporate ergonomic furnishings such as sit-stand desks
• Create designated multi-functional spaces. It’s amazing what you can do with a meeting room.

This is where serviced offices come in handy, as they typically make the most out of their spaces through modular arrangements and furnishings.  For example, Servcorp’s office design ensures that businesses make the most of their space whilst preserving the company culture. Servcorp’s design team has also created luxurious collaborative spaces that support all working models.

Tech-Infused Workspaces

Tech-infused workspaces are what the name suggests: office environments where smart technology is seamlessly integrated into the design and functionality of the space.

This office design trend is only going to grow in popularity, so it’s best to get ahead of the curve and make your workspace a smart office. 

Many leading companies already use technologies in some capacity, whether this is through apps to book and secure meeting rooms to fully integrated video conferencing for virtual face-to-face communication. 

Smart offices are known for incorporating elements such as interactive displays, noise-cancelling technologies, and smart sensors that can control lighting, air temperatures, and even security alarms.

Artificial intelligence also has the potential to further personalize the work experience, whether this is through individuals controlling the amount of natural light their desk space has.

Creating the right work environment for your business

The modern office design landscape is undergoing a significant shift, as today’s workplaces embrace the flexibility, comfort, and well-being of their workers.

By embracing these 2024 workplace design trends, companies can create offices that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also take into consideration the future of the workplace.

It’s critical for UK businesses to adopt these office design trends to attract and retain top talent, either by undergoing renovations or making a switch to a well-designed serviced office.

Looking for a new office to create the perfect work environment? Our helpful guide will help you choose the right space for you.