COVID-19 has undoubtedly altered the workplace – at least for some time, and possibly forever. While many people continue working from home, others have returned to the office. Even if just for a few days a week many settings have changed dramatically. Current office design trends emphasize safety and comfort, along with other features such as colour, sustainability, and texture which will continue throughout 2022 and even beyond.
Companies are focusing on areas such as – design aesthetics, like greenery and acoustics for better focus, safety, and protected workstations. Both organizations and designers are always dedicated to finding and implementing ways to create a healthy and joyful work environment that improves the productivity rate. Therefore, for a better understanding of workplace lighting trends in 2022, let’s read this write-up further.
How to illuminate workplaces in 2022?
Add more natural lights
One of the best workplace trends in 2022 is to incorporate more natural daylight into the workstation. If you don’t have a lot of windows, architects suggest the following alternatives:
- Make use of diffused lighting.
- Use artificial lighting that is reminiscent of natural illumination.
- Grow ground-level plants and shrubs outside windows to provide shade from the sun glare.
Furthermore, matte, non-reflective flooring and wall finishes are widely used options. Designers should evaluate light-reflecting value while choosing design cues. This relates to how much light a paint colour reflects. The less light a colour reflects, the darker it is. In small offices that don’t receive much natural lighting, they can create a perfect environment by using biophilic lighting systems and high-quality LEDs.
Go for sustainability and green options
Living walls also referred to as green walls are real nurseries and plant displays that are mounted to inside walls in many modern office buildings. You don’t even have to go all the way to a whole green wall; many companies are incorporating more plants throughout the office. Because some locations lack windows or have poor lighting, adding greenery helps in providing a touch of nature and brings the exterior environment indoors.
Incorporating greenery can also complement the natural aesthetic qualities of wood floors. Furthermore, plants in professional environments not only contribute to the pleasant, homey trend, but they also give several health benefits.
Colours that attracts all
The way an area is painted and decorated can have an effect on the individuals who use it, either positively or negatively. Colours can have a psychological influence on employees, and the appropriate colours are more important than before.
People are becoming increasingly anxious as a result of the pandemic, and mental health issues are on the rise. Interior designers select interior design ideas that complement each other and have a relaxing impression on the individuals working there. Colour is one of the most essential parts of interior design since it can change the mood and character of space as well as the professionals working there. Pale woods and beige, white, grey, and blue tones are excellent options to start when attempting to create a relaxing atmosphere that soothes the boundaries of more severe workplace designs.
Final note
Many workplace trends in recent years have been impacted by COVID-19, however, this does not necessitate a compromise in aesthetics! We expect to see more employee-focused office design for the rest of the year and ahead. Where companies will explicitly ask what their workforce wants from their workplace environment. So, to create the best place to work for employees who are returning to the office after the pandemic, it is important to pay attention to everything, whether it comforts, designing or choosing the best lighting solutions.