The key to future-proofing the modern workspace.
Never has there been a more critical time for workplaces to evolve. In today’s world of hybrid and flexible working, creating a workplace that responds to a multitude of needs is vital for both attracting workers back to the office, as well as continuing to serve those who wish to work remotely. Innovative workplace design is also increasingly a key factor in the recruitment of talent.
To get a deeper understanding of what makes a truly future-ready workspace, we spoke with Chloe Sproston, Creative Director at Blueprint Interiors, who shared her expert perspective on how flexibility, culture, and human-centred design are shaping the offices of tomorrow.
1. Develop Multi-Use Spaces
Creating multi-functional spaces, for example a reception area that becomes an impromptu event space, doesn’t just save physical space, it also helps recoup your investment in square footage, and provides a uniqueness to your facility which can be used to both impress your clients and enhance the wellbeing of your employees.
2. Make Remote Working Easy
Investing in collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams Rooms or similar technology makes it simple to have online meetings with the same ease and efficiency as in-person interactions, allowing teams to work seamlessly wherever they are.
Today’s younger workforce isn’t just asking for free coffee and funky furniture. They want meaningful spaces, places that reflect company values, support career growth, and feel worth showing up for.
According to Chloe: “Gen Z are looking for living, breathing proof of a company’s engagement on issues like sustainability, wellbeing and inclusion—the office can do that. Learning by osmosis, building relationships and being seen for their contributions are what keep younger employees engaged.”
In this context, flexible working isn’t just a policy, it’s part of the workplace identity that attracts and retains top talent.
3. Personalise Workspaces
Not everyone works well at a desk. Great office design offers a mix of spaces so staff can choose where and how they work best. From huddle rooms to break out areas,
incorporating a mix of workspaces into your office design will allow your employees to work in an environment that they feel helps them work most productively.
4. Make Hot Desking Easy
Hot desking is a key aspect of flexible office design. By using intelligent desk booking systems, employees can easily find and reserve a meeting space that suits them best. Whether it’s a silent working area or a collaborative workspace, desk booking technology maximises the utilisation of space while giving employees the freedom to choose where they work best.
Using intelligent data, desk booking systems also allow businesses to streamline space layouts, eradicate wasted space, and create a constantly evolving setting that maximises productivity. Employees can see availability of desks, book spaces in advance, and even locate coworkers—all within a single integrated platform.
As Chloe puts it: “Rather than a ‘one size fits all approach’, workspace design has become much more in tune with our needs as individuals. The core underlying principle is to ensure there is plenty of choice available to its users.
“Firstly, this means making sure there is the right balance of focus, collaboration, learning and rejuvenation spaces available. Then it’s good practice to make sure each of these spaces has a different experience which could be based on the level of acoustic, privacy, the amount of tech in the space, lighting and temperature controls, so spaces can be ‘hacked’ to the individual’s needs.”
The Takeaway
Whether you are looking to better nurture your employees, or your strategy is to attract new talent into your business, adopting flexibility and adaptability into your office design is key to creating an appealing, cost-effective and functional work environment, one that instils effective collaboration and productivity no matter the type of worker or where they are based.