5 Innovative Workspace Trends Transforming 2018

Office trends come and go, but unlike the ever-changing world of fashion, these trends stick around because they solve real problems. Office spaces need to be productive and practical. Working in unconventional spaces can actually boost creativity by providing a dynamic environment for innovative thinkers. Here are five non-traditional workplace trends gaining traction this year.

Many people find the traditional 9-to-5 office schedule emotionally exhausting. As a result, places called “coffices” (part coffee shop, part office) are becoming more popular. These are alternative workspaces where you can complete tasks over a coffee or a snack without the obligation to make a purchase. One office building in Toronto, for example, has a coffice on its first floor where people can eat, meet colleagues or clients, and work. There’s a café on this floor for buying drinks and snacks as well.

Similarly, Montréal has several coffices, like Café Coffice, which offers printer access and conference room rentals, and Anticafé, which charges an hourly fee for space use. This trend may have started as soon as free Wi-Fi became common, with many people working from places like Starbucks.

Freelancing has also driven the demand for co-working spaces. It’s expected that by 2020, half of the U.S. workforce will be freelancers, with Canada already seeing over 10% of its workforce freelancing as of 2015. Freelancers often need spaces outside their homes to focus better, leading to more co-working and coffice spaces popping up.

In 2018, we’ll see even more Artificial Intelligence (AI) in workplaces. From scheduling assistants to chatbots and HR software, AI is taking over tasks traditionally done by humans, allowing us to focus more on our main job duties. These technologies are also making it possible to work remotely more easily, so it might become normal for your “colleague” to actually be an AI assistant.

Employers are now designing offices to be places where people actually want to be. Office interiors are becoming more inviting and home-like, moving away from sterile, unwelcoming designs. For instance, one of Amazon’s conference rooms in Seattle feels more like a living room than a typical meeting space. Many modern offices now feature bars where employees can unwind, making the workplace a more comfortable and relaxing environment.

The trend of incorporating plants into office design is also growing. Plants help reduce stress and improve air quality, making the office feel more relaxed. Plant dividers are replacing traditional cubicles, providing privacy and visual appeal. Designers are also using biophilic design principles to create open spaces with maximum natural light through glass partitions and large windows.

While open-plan offices have faced criticism for being noisy and distracting, the trend is shifting towards hybrid offices. These spaces balance various needs by offering different areas like common spaces, conference rooms, and soundproof enclaves. Acoustic furniture, such as high-back chairs and mini-booths, helps create these quiet zones, allowing employees to work with fewer distractions.