Attracting and retaining the crème de la crème of your industry used to mean providing great benefits and large salaries. But these days, financial compensation plays a small part in the satisfaction puzzle of employees.

With millennials currently making up about 38% of the workforce and is estimated to make up 75% by 2025, the hiring and recruitment paradigm is shifting. Modern and hybrid workspaces that focus on well-being, collaboration, innovation, inspiration, and physical and mental wellness are taking center stage.

According to a report, 78% of the modern workforce perceive the quality of workplaces as important when selecting an employer, and 69% are willing to trade other benefits for a better workspace.

Take a look at the top office design concepts that will get your ideal candidates, and help create a lasting loyalty once they are hired.

• Activity-Based Work Environment

Spending all day in the same spot can be draining and may result to a drop in productivity. An activity-based work environment features different working zones such as open office areas, privacy booths, shared desks, and collaboration rooms that offer a much-needed change of scenery.

Employees can select which zone they prefer to perform certain tasks. If a high level of concentration is essential, they can work in an isolated area to avoid distractions. Conversely, if a space for coordination and communication is needed, employees can move to a collaborative desk, or a conference room.

• Flexible Workspaces

Modular furniture such as tables, desks, and chairs that are easily movable and resizable are highlighted in this new design trend. Flexibility is ideal in meeting changing requirements in the office like varying size groups, and reconfiguration.

In some workplaces such as Google Garage, unassigned seating arrangements is introduced, and full connectivity is achieved from just about anywhere with fitted power and ethernet cables extending from ceiling to floor. Boosted by the modern paperless workplace where almost all information is digitized, there are no specific seat plan. You can choose any space each day. This is seen to foster collaboration, sense of fun, and enhance job performance.

• Resimercial Design

Comfortable, inspiring spaces that are stress-free and relaxing are very appealing to the modern workforce—influencing the rise of resimercial (residential + commercial) design. This means bringing the comforts of home into the modern workspace.

Creating areas where employees can relax their mind and bodies for a short time allows them to recharge, and remain full of bubbling creativity. Comfortable sofas, lounge areas, coffee tables, break areas with recreational games, outdoor terraces, and cafes with free coffee and snacks are some home-like amenities that can achieve that goal.

But cozy spaces aren’t only for taking breaks. They can help boost productivity, too! Meetings can be held at lounge areas or cafes to encourage a lighter atmosphere where everyone can freely engage.

• Biophilic Design

Green workspaces hold so much power in uplifting moods, performance, and wellness. Fueled by scientific studies which indicate that people have a need to connect with nature, Biophilic Design is an approach that fuses nature with architecture.

This includes letting natural light stream into your office space through glass windows, walls and doors for a rejuvenating effect, and adding plants for improved air quality and aesthetic pleasure. Flowing water such as fountains and mini-waterfalls to provide tranquility, and the usage of natural materials like stone and wood to invoke natural textures and contrast.

Elements of the natural world have been proven to help improve creativity, cognitive ability, lessen stress, and reduce heart rates and blood pressure levels.

• Ergonomic Workstations

With more and more employers realizing the unhealthy effect of having sedentary lifestyles, ergonomic furniture is now being tagged vital in modern workstations.

Ergonomic chairs that feature adjustable support for the back, neck, arms, shoulders and head are one of the most sought-after remedies to avoid the negative effects of sitting down for long periods. Height-adjustable desks to cater people of different body sizes, and sit/stand desk risers that can allow employees to alternate between sitting and standing are some office furniture that also provide more comfort while working.

Your company’s best asset are your employees. It is so important to consider how workplace designs can impact their health, motivation and productivity. Investing in them always pays the best interest.

Three Rivers Business Interiors can help make your dream workspace a reality! From space planning, creating strategic design solutions, provision of furniture to match your desired workplace design, project management, and installation, you can be assured that we will deliver what works best for your people. Don’t hesitate to reach out today!