Our workplace predictions for 2024

Times they are a-changing…and at breakneck pace. And nowhere is seeing more rapid progression than the workplace.

The 2020/1 Covid pandemic and the associated work from home regime has had a dramatic and enduring impact on the way businesses operate – and that is still being felt today. There is more demand for flexible working especially from employees, who have, through necessity, demonstrated what can be achieved from working remotely.

The meteoric rise of AI will also have a significant impact on the working environment as technology steps forward to take an even more significant role in our daily working lives.

But against this backdrop of distance and high tech working, there is also a yearning for human interaction. The value of face-to-face collaboration is now more clearly understood and there is a strong movement towards encouraging more employees back into the workplace as we move forward in 2024.

Here we offer five predictions for workplace trends in 2024 – and how to adapt to them.

Agile working

On the back of working from home during the pandemic, there are strong arguments for the benefits of remote working including savings made in terms of time and money in travelling to and from the office. However, that comes at the expense of the more intangible benefits of work friendships and innovation generated through collaboration and closer, more frequent communication.

An agile working environment is the answer to creating a new dynamic workspace which is a departure from the traditional bank of desks while retaining some of the virtues of home working. Agile workspaces offer employees a choice of where to work within an office space. There can be private, quiet spaces for when concentration is of paramount importance as well as communal spaces promoting socialising and collaborative work. These workspaces are the best of both worlds for producing top results in terms of staff welfare and productivity. Mobile and modular furniture can be moved and rearranged according to need and convenience.

Artificial Intelligence

Love it or loathe is, AI is stamping its mark on the 21st century. There are (understandably) concerns over its impact as it is set to infiltrate every aspect of our lives… but AI also has so much to offer. Its influence in the workplace is set to accelerate significantly in 2024. We predict a rise in the number of smart offices where sensors monitor light levels and adjust them accordingly reducing energy costs and carbon emissions. Staff at the forefront of the AI technological revolution will be worth their weight in gold in the coming years as the new Generation Z will be offer up ideas and insight which will have a positive impact on workplace culture. Workspaces should be adapted to maximise these new age opportunities and should be designed to encourage collaboration and stimulate communication. While AI will take away data and functional tasks, it cannot replace the creativity and innovation needed to drive a business forward.

Sustainability

A key element of any workplace is its sustainability. We have all seen only too clearly the devastating impact of climate change and understand a universal approach is needed if we are to reverse the trend. Businesses know they must reduce their carbon footprint and develop environmentally friendly initiatives as we move forward in 2024. Companies and customers want products which are not only comfortable but durable (to avoid unnecessary waste) and made of material which is both recycled and recyclable. Explore our range of products for style, design and eco-credentials.

Biophilic Workplace

Biophilia is the introduction of natural forms and flora to a built environment and is a trend we expect to continue to rise in 2024. The aesthetic value of plants has long been recognised in promoting well-being and we are expecting to see more indoor gardens with natural lighting as well as office furniture made from sustainable, natural wood frames. There is a sense of being in touch with the natural world (despite the practical need for steel and wires).

Collaborative Workplace

Benefits from remote working include being able to concentrate in the peace and quiet, having more flexibility and saving time and money on travelling to and from work. But what you can’t get from working alone is the support and camaraderie from your colleagues. As we progress further into 2024, we anticipate more return to the workplace. Working with colleagues provides a greater sense of teamwork, creates bonds and connections and inspires creativity and ideas. Companies who understand the importance of collaboration – both emotionally and professionally – will be looking to create meeting spaces such as work tables, social spaces and meeting booths. Despite the march of AI and new technology, people still need humanity.