5 Workspace Design Insights for 2024

Looking forward to 2024, our Work Projects Consultant Arifa Hynard shares some design insights that are likely to become more prominent when designing office and work environments this year – from the rise of the hybrid office to sustainable builds. 

Designing for a neurodiverse workplace 

More than ever workplaces are designing and furnishing offices to take neurodivergent employees into consideration. It’s estimated that between 15 to 20 percent of the population are neurodivergent, so the idea that one static work environment fits every employee is long gone. 

“There’s an increasing focus and strategy around setting up spaces that take everyone’s different needs into account,” says Arifa. “So that might mean, for example, creating quiet spaces or different furniture configurations to ensure there are work stations and areas suitable to how each individual interacts differently with the world.” This approach addresses not only flexible and hybrid workspace but also takes into account furniture finishes, colours and materiality in the workplace as well.

Rethinking the purpose of the workplace in a hybrid world

Four years since Covid-19 started reshaping our lives, we’ve finally settled into an understanding of what hybrid work really means for the office. “The three/two model is here to stay,” says Arifa. Not only do employees now expect to be able to split their time between home and office, but 84% of AU/NZ CEOs think the hybrid work experience needs to be prioritised for employee retention and business success.

What does this mean for workplace design going forward? “People don’t want to come into the office just to do what they could at home,” says Arifa. “So, to assist with positive retention employers are creating spaces that people want to be in. We’re seeing less standard cubicles and more collaborative spaces, breakout areas, booths and – importantly – multiple video-conferencing meeting rooms that make sure people working remotely feel equally present in the room.”   

New office spaces and fitouts are being designed with comfort, tech and a sense of community front of mind. In 2024, hybrid doesn’t just refer to the splitting of time, but to the workplace itself. Work needs to feel a little like home, but also be an aspirational space that provides something above and beyond what the home office does. 

Koskela’s unique Resimercial design fits perfectly into this new framework (as our recent fitout of the Suncorp’s Brisbane HQ can attest). Our Work collections are designed with mobility, modularity, multi-functionality and visual compatibility front of mind. From our sophisticated leather beanbag which elevates home-style comfort, to the PBS ping pong table, we are focussed on helping reshape the modern office space.

Employees are prioritising sustainable workplaces 

By 2030 Gen Z will make up approximately 30 percent of the workforce, and this generational shift is already impacting the workplace as we know it. Gen Z are more socially conscious than any cohort that came before, with nearly two-thirds saying they prioritise working for a business that shares their values. 

This move towards a value-based and purpose-driven workforce is being increasingly reflected in office design. “Companies are taking their environmental impact and sustainability efforts seriously,” says  Ari. “And equally, they are trying to create workplaces that are flexible, incorporate biophilic principles and generally set up to take into account the wellbeing of employees – how they feel, and how their environment makes them feel.” 

With our commitment to being fully circular by 2027 Koskela is best placed to help businesses of all sizes reach their ESG goals. As the first Australian furniture company to receive B Corp accreditation, all of our locally made, sustainable office furniture is designed and produced with circularity front of mind – from replaceable and removable components to our Repair & Renew program, we not only provide product, but our expert consultants can guide businesses on their sustainability journey.

Green accreditation is becoming the norm

Green certification programs for building and design have been around for a long time now, but there is a rise in businesses of all sizes seeking meaningful accreditation. “All Koskela products are GECA certified, meaning that they satisfy the requirements for Green Star rated fitouts,” says Arifa. “And more and more we are seeing people approach us to help them meet sustainability requirements.” 

There are new standards emerging as well, such as the Living Building Challenge, which originated in the United States. “This is an approach where the building is actually carbon positive – that is, it’s working for the environment rather than against the environment,” says Arifa. “All of these are becoming much more prominent than even two years ago. We’re seeing it on all scales, from something like the new  Atlassian headquarters to much smaller, localised builds.”

“And this trickles down to fit outs – because to be WELL certified – you need to meet certain furniture requirements, whether it be ergonomic workstations or the amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in furniture.” 

Re-using products and reducing waste in the office

Australia has one of the worst fast furniture problems in the OECD – with the amount of furniture thrown out annually by Aussie households equal to the weight of four Sydney Harbour Bridges. Thankfully, more businesses are becoming aware of their role in this, so re-using and refurbishing products is becoming more and more popular. “Since things have become increasingly expensive post-Covid, people have started looking to re-use their products – workstations, desks etc, seating – but then they are also looking at it from a sustainability point of view now” says Arifa.

Koskela’s product lends itself really well to this purpose. As we work towards being fully circular by 2027, everything we make will be repairable, reusable or – as a last resort – recyclable. How do we achieve this? We have recently redesigned all our sofas so they have removable covers, making them easy to clean so they last longer. Or, when a clean won’t do, allowing you to simply change the covers instead of buying a new sofa. We also have a Repair & Renew program.

And this year we will roll out a subscription model, which offers workplaces greater flexibility and the chance to reduce their carbon footprint as they will be able to subscribe to a furniture fitout service instead of buying it. 

This means businesses can allow their fit outs to evolve, have their furniture regularly serviced to maintain its quality and durability, and return pieces when they’re no longer needed without having to care about the furniture’s end of life. Through this circular system, Koskela will then refurbish each returned product and make it available for the next customer, extending the item’s useful life and keeping it out of landfill.  And importantly, as the originator of the products, Koskela retains ownership and ultimate responsibility of the furniture, therefore will keep the embodied carbon footprint under our own reporting, helping companies reach their ESG by reducing their own carbon footprint.

The benefit here is not only to the environment but potentially to a businesses’ bottom dollar. Rather than having to outlay a CapEx investment upfront for a new office fitout (which only lasts on average from 5-7 years), they can consider this more cost-friendly, adaptable option. 

If you want to know more about our new subscription-model and get a quote for your fit out, contact us!