Over recent years, offices and workspaces have reinvented themselves to fit our rapidly changing needs. Flexibility and working from home, or remotely elsewhere, mean the office has become a place to meet, collaborate, share ideas, entertain clients, and less a base for the daily grind. Offices of the future are set to become more inviting, balanced, comfortable, and welcoming, and we at ABM celebrate that.

With the hybrid and remote working model firmly rooted in to our culture, offices and specifically office furniture is adapting and evolving to meet the needs of modern business and workers.

Flexibility, health and wellbeing, sustainability and smart technology will be at the forefront in 2024. Office furniture manufacturers will continue to create flexible, modular, ergonomic and eco-friendly products incorporated with the latest technology.

We can also expect the boundaries between office and residential designs to continue to blur and merge as companies continue to try to create spaces that feel more like home.

Biophilic elements will also be prominent as businesses seek to connect workers with nature to create calming environments. Expect to see more natural materials, living walls, greenery and lighting that mimics outdoor light.

We can also expect to see more acoustic solutions at the forefront of 2024 which support the new way of working and having meetings in less formal spaces, such as a dining hub or coffee area where sounds can often be distracting. 

Flexible, moveable, and modular furniture

Office spaces are rapidly evolving to become more dynamic and collaborative. Gone are the days of static cubicles and closed-off conference rooms. To support agile working styles, office furniture in 2024 will focus on modular, movable designs that allow for reconfiguration as needed.

Wellbeing and Ergonomics

Workplace wellness will be a top priority for office furniture in 2024. With some intense work becoming more sedentary and screen-focused, furniture that encourages movement, correct posture, and overall wellbeing will be in high demand. We have seen the emergence of apps which track your time spent in a seated position and remind you to stretch and move around.

Height adjustable desks allow you to sit or stand throughout the day, reducing back strain and increasing circulation and alertness. Ergonomic chairs provide adjustable lumbar support, encourage correct spinal alignment, and promote good posture when sitting for long periods of time.

The emphasis on wellness and ergonomic design reflects the understanding that healthy, supported workers are more focused, engaged, and productive. Expect workplace wellness to be a major theme in 2024 office furniture.

Sustainability

Companies are shifting to more environmentally friendly practices across their entire supply chain. From sourcing sustainable materials to low-waste manufacturing. Sustainability is becoming ingrained in the DNA of office furniture manufacturers.

We can also expect to see greater use of recycled and upcycled materials in office furniture. Reclaimed wood, plastic derived from ocean debris, and upholstery made from reused textiles are growing in popularity. These eco-friendly materials reduce the environmental impact compared to virgin materials.

At ABM, we strongly support Environmentally friendly design, encourage the use of recycled materials, and carbon conscious suppliers, as well as support our customers with closing the loop by disposing and repurposing their old furniture the right way.

Biophilic Design

Biophilic design focuses on bringing natural elements and connections to nature into office environments. This promotes harmony between the built space and the natural world using materials, lighting, views, plants, art, and patterns that reflect nature. 

Research shows that biophilic design in offices reduces stress, improves well-being and productivity. Key elements of biophilic office design include:

• Incorporating a diversity of natural shapes and forms through sinuous architectural details and organic-looking wood furniture. Flowing lines and asymmetry found in nature are calming and pleasing.
• introducing natural materials like stone, reclaimed wood, bamboo, cork, wool, and cotton in furnishings, finishes, and interior architecture. These tactile and comforting materials connect us to the environment.
• Adding living green walls, moss panels, potted greenery, and green spaces. Caring for plants fosters nurturing feelings.
• Using biomorphic shapes and natural patterns in carpets, screens, acoustic wall panels, and artwork. Organic motifs are calming.
• Letting in fresh outdoor air regularly. Natural ventilation invigorates and connects us to the outdoors.

Acoustic solutions.

Acoustic solutions such as pods and booths, seen as a trend a few years ago will still be on trend in 2024. Acoustic pods and booths will become standard in open plan areas as employee demand for privacy crystalizes. Remote and hybrid working helped highlight and develop a new purpose for the office. Instead of being a place just to work the office is now considered a ‘destination’ where staff can come in and work but also socialise. The Hybrid workers may expect higher levels of privacy where they can focus or pop into an acoustic phone booth to make a call.

So, all in all, the office is set to become a more inclusive space, with versatile functionality, to be used in a different way since the advent of working from home. Employees needs are being understood, and the ‘hotelification’ of the workspace is seeing a blend of the domestic creep into the commercial space.
offices are set to become cooler, more homely spaces, that work for everybody. We at ABM cannot wait!