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7 Office Trends in 2018
Change is inevitable. It’s happening right now.
Copyright BFI 2018

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Why Should
YOU
Care?

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Employee retention is crucial for today’s businesses. One component of a
solid “employer/employee relationship” is a pleasant office environment.
Let’s face it, the workforce has different expectations than it did before.
Companies must revolutionize their approach to the work environment if
they are to thrive.
Going to the office isn’t simply about working from a cubicle anymore.
Modern office design is all about unique workspaces — workspaces that
will appeal to a broad range of employees.
Companies need to offer flexible working environments. Prioritize
technology. Keep up with the mobile revolution. Shift their perspective to
attract the best talent.
Because change is inevitable. It’s happening right now. Let’s take a look at
today’s trends in the workplace.

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Trend 1 - Activity Zones
Activity based working

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Last year we saw more companies switching to
activity based working in a bid to boost productivity.
Activity based working is where staff aren’t assigned
a desk or workstation, but provided with a choice of
work zones.
These zones allow employees to undertake specific
tasks, whether it be creative thinking or making a
private phone call.

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Sound proof booths for phone calls
and video chats

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Quiet Zones

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Zones for ad-hoc collaboration

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Unassigned desks with integrated
screens

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Private meeting rooms

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Trend 2 - Industrial Elements
Brick walls, exposed ceilings, industrial look

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Industrial workplace design is continuing to grow in
popularity due to its edgy and urban aesthetic
qualities. Key elements of the industrial look include
brick walls, pendant lights, graffitti signage and
exposed ceilings.

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Graffiti signage

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Pendant lights and exposed
concrete

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Exposed ceiling pipes

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Brick walls

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Trend 3 - Home Comforts
Making employees feel more at home

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Introducing elements to make employees feel
more at home is a great way to boost happiness
levels in the office.
This year, expect to see more emphasis on fun,
relaxing areas to work.

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Break out areas

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Feeling at home

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Comfortable work environments

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Break out areas

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Trend 4 - Breaking Down the Walls
Removing walls to adopt an open plan layout

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Walls can be a real inconvenience when it comes to
workplace communication.
That is why more companies are removing walls to
adopt an open plan layout.
To maintain a departmental feel, consider using
screens, glass partitions, storage solutions and/or
furniture as dividers.

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Shelving being used as a divider

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Storage cabinets being used as a
department divider

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Glass partitions

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A typical open plan office

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Trend 5 - Meeting Pods
Perfect for private conversations

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If your office is lacking in meeting rooms, pods
offer a practical alternative.
In addition to taking up little space, some even
have sound blocking capabilities - perfect for
private conversations.

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Soundproof office pods

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Privacy pods

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Portable meeting pods

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Trend 6 - Eco-Awareness
Natural elements being brought into the office

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Last year we saw the rise of biophilic interior design,
where natural elements are brought into the office.
This year, expect to see more business embracing
the idea of a green office.
To really instill an eco-friendly ethos consider
introducing energy saving LED lights, water saving
dual flush toilets and used furniture.

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Natural light

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Conference room with LED lighting

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Biophilic workplace design with a
‘living wall’ of foliage

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Trend 7 - More Pantone Colors
Offices have been getting more colorful.

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This year, Pantone’s color of the year is Ultra Violet
due to the fact that it communicates “originality,
ingenuity, and visionary thinking.”
This color would be perfect for a company with
creativity at its core.
If UV is not for you, however, consider using your
company brand colors combined with a neutral shade
like white.

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Color of the year

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Distinguish departments in the
office with color

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Colors stimulate productivity and
creativity

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Woods and white laminates are still
popular compliments to color

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Use corporate colors to tie in
branding to your office

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Questions?
(908) 355-3400 | NJ www.bfionline.com | NY www.bfiny.com
Copyright BFI-2018

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SOURCES:
Five workplace design trends to watch in 2018
https://www-bizjournals-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2017/12/27/five-workplace-desi
gn-trends-to-watch-in-2018.amp.html
What Apple’s New Office Chairs Reveal About Work In 2018
https://amp.fastcodesign.com/90155533/what-apples-new-office-chairs-reveal-about-work-in-2018
Is This The Future Of Open Office Space?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/keithflamer/2017/12/31/future-of-open-office-space-is-chill/2/#5474b17532b3
7 Office Design Trends for 2018
https://www.rapinteriors.co.uk/news/7-office-design-trends-2018/
Photo credit: Herman Miller
http://www.hermanmiller.com