As 2014 comes to a close, we take time to make predictions for upcoming office trends for the new year. Will you see these changes in 2015?
INCREASED WORK/LIFE BALANCE
Many experts agree that with more Millennials entering the job market, 2015 will see a shift in the traditional structure of business. More flexibility will be required as younger generations demand a more casual, individualized approach to work. Personal drive will play a greater role in success as workers spend increasingly more time outside the workplace.
TELECOMMUTING
More than ever before, workers in 2015 will spend less time at the office in favor of working from home. The ease of communication by smartphone and laptop will allow workers to complete their tasks without spending as much time or energy in traffic. Driverless cars and more intelligent public transportation are also expected to become more widespread to aid those who still commute.
WOMEN ON THE JOB
With more flexible work options, more women will enter the traditional workplace than previous years and will enjoy more equitable salaries to men than ever before.
DIGITAL COLLABORATION
“Facebook for work” and other means of mass digital collaboration will transform the workplace by allowing employees a greater ease of communication via the internet. Text messaging and forum-style websites will keep businesses running efficiently despite decentralized office models.
LOUNGE FURNITURE
In office furniture trends, the continuing decline in popularity of the cubicle workstation will give rise to more informal shared spaces. These open areas will be characterized by modern, colorful, modular furnishings that can be rearranged for different purposes. Furniture will also start to include a more pronounced tech component, offering more charging ports, wire organization, and audiovisual components.
MORE JOB TURNOVER
More workers will be freelancing or frequently changing jobs than previous years. It will become necessary to spend more time to perfectly match workers to jobs and company culture will play a more important role in choosing candidates. This may cause a skill gap as workers are more likely to require training for new positions.
In short, the workplace of tomorrow will see an increase in efficiency by using new technology to keep workers connected while offering more freedom and flexibility to individuals. Attention to health and comfort in the workplace is increasing and will hopefully give rise to a greater degree of well-being in the office.
