Emerging Office Furniture Trends

Warehouse2The workplace constantly changes as we embrace new, more effective ways to work.  Some of the most important changes involved with the modern workplace come from the office furniture we use day in and day out.  As a result, our office furniture can tell a lot about the way an individual or a company works.  Here are some notable trends in today’s office furniture.

Everyone is More Equally Involved.

No longer is a secretary responsible for all of a CEO’s dirty work.   Executives are more and more involved in everyday business routine and are much more hands on with employees and clients of all statuses.  As a result, executive chairs are now being designed with tuck away tablets, so they can work on their smart phones or iPads, making the ability to communicate and stay involved easier than ever.

You’re Always Working.

Technology has made it so no matter where we are or what we are doing, we can still check our email, make a call, or browse the internet.  Because of this, more comfortable, ergonomic seating options are available for everything from break rooms to lobbies, so that people can feel content in whatever place they find themselves working throughout the day.

Importance of Colors.

As far as colors go, offices used to be filled with large, white walls and lack of originality.  Earthy tones such as tans, beige, greys are still popular, but more and more do we see splashes of color embellishing the workplace through chair fabrics, cubicle tiles, desk sets, even carpets.  The importance of creativity for different businesses has also played a role in aesthetic changes.  These color help with company branding and create an inviting, exciting place to work and visit.

Going Green.

The importance of LEED certification and sustainability has really taken precedence in many workplaces.  A lot of this is because good business practices are sought out by investors and increases competitiveness as industries are forced to create new, innovative solutions that impress customers and help the impact on the environment.  Because of this, pre-owned furniture and furniture made from recycled materials are becoming more and more popular.

Transformation of the Meeting Room.

Today’s meeting room has taken form throughout the entire office as collaboration has become a bigger part of the modern office.  Office furniture is now allowing meetings to come to the employee with web conferencing and collaborative work spaces.  Cubicles have lower walls and multiple-employee designs, so the social aspect of a meeting can be experienced all day long.

Everyone is Working More!

The more time we spend in a place, the more comfortable we like to be.  With increasing work hours for employees, office furniture has been evolving to accommodate comfort for long periods of time.  Chairs are designed with ergonomic features that fit different body types, and the multiple postures and positions of a single employee throughout the day.  In addition, the home office now has much more stylish, yet efficient furniture options, for those who take their work home with them.  The look and style of the corporate office are now available for your home. (EthoSource Retail Locations: King of Prussia and Reading)

Companies Like Spontaneity. 

Like mentioned earlier, work can be conducted anywhere.   When necessary, companies like the quick availability of a space that can be set up on the fly for customer visits and impromptu meetings.  More chairs now have swivel tables attached and desks have mobile, folding capabilities for easy set up and storage.  Office furniture is much more multi-purpose for use in various settings and situations.