In the ever-evolving landscape of office design, companies are embracing innovative solutions to entice employees back to the workplace in the post-pandemic era. Gone are the days of crowded open-plan offices that can be distracting during Zoom calls and lack privacy. Instead, a new trend is emerging, offering the comforts of home and a room of one’s own within the office environment.
The shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for more flexible and adaptable office spaces. Employees who returned to the office found that they needed spaces that offered both collaboration and privacy. London architecture firm MCM CEO Jon Race, facing this challenge, sought a solution that would provide modular and self-contained office interiors. In August 2021, Race turned to Spacestor’s Verandas, an engineered architectural room system that allows for the rapid reconfiguration of office spaces. These modular pavilions contain small meeting rooms, libraries with writable walls, cork pin-up walls, and transparent glass doors, catering to a variety of work needs.
Verandas is just one example of the growing trend of room-within-room systems designed to create serene and private spaces within open-plan offices, according to a report in Bloomberg. At the NeoCon commercial interior design show in Chicago, numerous manufacturers showcased their solutions, including self-contained pods and flexible space-frame systems for collaboration. These modular furnishings offer companies the ability to define spaces more definitively, with architectural style and high-quality finishes that surpass traditional cubicle walls.
Office landlords are eager to embrace this trend, given the challenges they face in the current real estate market. Office occupancy rates in the United States remain at around 50 percent, leading to a decline in real estate values in major cities. McKinsey predicts a significant decrease in the value of office spaces over the next decade. Firms are increasingly looking for flexible lease options that allow them to adapt to changing circumstances and reduce infrastructure investments.
This shift in office design isn’t just about meeting employees’ needs; it’s also about creating a high-end and visually appealing workspace, the report adds. Employers recognize the importance of a well-designed office environment in signaling success. Manufacturers like Spacestor are pushing the boundaries of design with solutions like the Aeonica system, which combines classical architectural motifs with modern aesthetics. The use of soft colors, natural materials, and cozy elements creates an inviting atmosphere in these new office spaces.
The evolving office design trend isn’t solely about aesthetics; it’s also about productivity and well-being. While the productivity benefits of returning to the office remain unclear, there’s a growing understanding that the right office environment can boost efficiency. By creating engaging and reflective spaces, employees can feel more inspired and focused, ultimately increasing their productivity, the report finds.
However, there’s a darker dimension to this trend, as some argue that the coziness of these room-in-room systems blurs the line between work and home life. It can make it easier for employees to drift between the two, raising questions about work-life boundaries.
As office design continues to evolve, it’s clear that companies are prioritizing flexibility, employee comfort, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Modular office solutions offer a way to create high-quality office spaces without the long-term commitment of traditional construction, aligning with the shifting landscape of work in the post-pandemic world.
