February 20, 2018

The world is in a constant flow of change - just look at how much technology, politics and the economy have adjusted in the past few years. Work environments are no exception to this shift, and there has been a noticeable change in management, productivity and even the setup of workplaces. Check out how recent favorite office trends came to be what they are today:

No more cubicles

The years of sitting in a cubicle by yourself are nearly gone. Nowadays, you see shared spaces, or even couches, sofas and bean bags in offices just in case employees need a quick break. Team members also have more face-to-face time with each other, and the corner office hierarchy is becoming increasingly rare.

Work spaces

Work spaces have changed immensely, too. These spaces have evolved from employees solemnly working at an office, to co-working spaces or working at coffee shops. Employees now have more freedom to choose their work spaces.

Just check the boom on co-working spaces in the area. Renting a table is easier and more productive than sitting in a cubicle the whole day. According to OfficeVibe, 70% of the workforce feel healthier and more productive working in different spaces than traditional office settings, 90% feel more confident while working and 68% of those surveyed assure that their productivity improved.

Flexible hours

The typical 9 to 5 is no longer the rule of thumb. Companies can’t afford to lose employees due to un-flexible hours. According to CNN, 44 million Americans have a side hustle, and many other people in the workforce have a second job or a long commute. This makes flexible hours a must. Being able to make up for lost time, or the option to make their own schedule, is something employees value.

Physical and mental health

Many offices now feature standing desks, treadmill desks and couches. There are studies that prove how productivity and overall health of employees have improved with these changes.  According to the Huffington Post, good posture assists in reducing the risk of cancer and obesity, and helps with better breathing and functionality of the organs.

Some offices have playrooms and TVs in case employees need a quick pick-me-up or break from work. This has shown to help with productivity, physical and mental health.

Office Clothing Policy

The years of wearing suits and ties or skirts and heels are over. Companies are more lenient with employee dress codes, and only big corporations or firms demand the professional clothing that many once dreaded to wear. Many businesses relaxed their dress codes as a creative way to attract new employees, especially since 60% of the workforce are millennials! Of course, geography plays a big part in this, as “casual attire” means something different in Los Angeles than it does in New York City.

These popular office trends are the result of the constant development in company culture that has advanced over the past decades, and we foresee more changes as the years progress!

Orly Margulis, Communications, Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship