The way we work is constantly changing. Technological advances and changes in working models are leading to new trends in office design and work organization. In 2024, some of the biggest office trends will continue to focus on hybrid work models, sustainability in the office, the 4-day-week, employee well-being and a paperless office will also continue to play an important role. Here are the 5 biggest office trends for 2024.

1. More sustainability in the office

Sustainability is more than just a trend: Protecting resources, using green energy and keeping the ecological footprint as low as possible has already become a corporate culture in many offices. Because the Call for more sustainability is also finding its way into office design.

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When buying new office furniture, attention can be paid to resource-saving and sustainable production. And: Not everything has to be new! Stylish vintage furniture, which can be used to upgrade living areas, for example, is often available in second-hand stores.

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The infrastructure in the office can also be made more sustainable in many areas with little effort: With the help of green electricity and green gas, the use of energy-saving lamps and the purchase of energy-saving appliances, resources can be saved. Environmentally friendly solutions such as recycled copy paper can also be used for consumables. You can also travel by train for business trips or commuting to the office instead of by car.

2. Rise of the 4-day week

The four-day week has recently gained in importance and is seen by many as a positive change in the world of work. Many countries such as Scotland, Sweden and Spain are already leading the movement as positive examples. A key advantage is the improved work-life balance of employees. An additional day off gives them more time for personal interests, relaxation and family obligations. This can not only increase employee life satisfaction, but also promote their physical and mental health.

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In addition, the four-day week has the potential to increase productivity by promoting concentration and efficiency during regular working hours. This innovative working time regulation not only helps to increase job satisfaction, but also supports the adaptation of companies to modern, flexible working models, which in turn can increase their attractiveness as an employer.

3. Hybrid work models with desk sharing remain relevant

The need to work flexibly will continue to be a key trend in 2023. More and more companies recognize that their employees work more productively and effectively when they can decide for themselves when and where they work. Since the pandemic, have hybrid working models, reinforced by Measures such as desk sharing and supported by practical tools such as Flexopus, has experienced a clear upturn that can only rarely be observed in modern working environments. And this trend is here to stay in 2024. The division between physical presence in the office and working from home has been proven to have a positive effect on the work-life balance of employees and offers a healthy alternative to purely remote work.

4. More needs-oriented office design and increased employee well-being

Work and feel good — when working from home, employees attach great importance to a working atmosphere that feels good. 45% The Americans who work from home work from their sofas. However, cozy work areas with sofas or sunbathing areas are still scarce in the office. All too often, the needs of employees who work most efficiently in a comfortable working environment are not adequately met.

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Open-plan offices in particular with continuous background noise should therefore be rethought: Various zones such as home zones with sofas and armchairs, still work areas, ergonomic furniture or telephone booths help employees find the location that best suits their current work.

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The feel-good atmosphere in the office can also be supported by a lighting and plant concept. A vision of the future: It is not people who have to fit into the office — but the office adapts to people and their individual needs in different life situations. Large corporations are already living this example: with hairdressers, gyms and kindergartens on office campuses.

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Companies will also offer wellness programs and activities to promote the wellbeing of their employees. Another aspect that improves the well-being of employees is so-called “workations.” These are work vacations where employees work elsewhere and have the opportunity to relax and recharge their batteries at the same time. Companies will offer this as part of their efforts to improve the wellbeing of their employees, to enable them to do their work in an inspiring environment without sacrificing the pleasure of a vacation. Workations not only offer a welcome change from everyday office life, but also promote creativity and can increase employee engagement and productivity. Flexopus also holds a workshop every year.

5. Paperless office as the new norm

In 2024, the trend towards digitization and paperlessness in offices continues to increase. This change is being driven by the progressive integration of modern technologies to enable simpler work processes. The benefits are obvious: Lower environmental impact due to the absence of paper, improved accessibility to documents, accelerated information flows and increased Collaboration through digital tools. The increasing importance of cloud technologies, electronic document management, and collaborative platforms is helping to transform offices towards a faster, more flexible and more sustainable work environment.

Is your office ready for 2024?

The constantly changing world of work is creating numerous trends in 2024. From sustainability and the 4-day week to hybrid models and paperless offices. Your office can successfully adapt to these developments. Focus on sustainable office design, integrate the four-day week for an improved work-life balance, establish hybrid work models with desk sharing and create needs-oriented office designs. Increase the well-being of your employees through innovative concepts such as Workations and promote the use of digital tools. Flexopus helps you create an efficient, flexible and sustainable office that is up to the challenges of the modern working world. Prepare yourself for the future!