Just as the ways of working have changed, offices are also undergoing significant development. Companies are rethinking their workspaces, designing them with new values in mind – from flexibility and collaboration to sustainability and employee well-being.
The office area of Standard’s showroom is furnished with the company’s own products, in addition, there is a selection of contemporary art from Estonian authors on the walls, adding character, homeliness and intuitiveness to the work environment. Interior architecture: Hanna Karits; Photo: Karl Kasepõld
After several years of home office and hybrid work, companies around the world are focusing on bringing employees back into the office to improve teamwork, promote instant communication and productivity. There are different ways to do this, but the changed work culture and the resulting environment, which includes more elements from the home interior than before, should not be underestimated.
The CEO of Standard Jonatan Karjus said that while traditionally the main priority in designing workplaces was the productivity of employees, now various amenities have been brought into the offices, which support both work and general well-being. “A modern office is an all-inclusive environment that supports innovation and strengthens company culture, and where employees can move seamlessly throughout the day between collaboration, work that requires concentration, and relaxation activities,” he explained, adding that when planning spaces, this means creating private areas for moments of rest or quiet concentration, ergonomic furnishings, and access to natural light and greenery.
Among other things, Standard’s effective, multifunctional and flexible room divider Endless, which consists of closed cabinets, shelves and flower boxes, has been used in the furnishing of the TGS Baltic law office. In cooperation with its partners, Standard helped furnish the entire TGS Baltic office with both open and custom made furniture. Interior architecture: Superellips; Photo: Karl Kasepõld
This is how the triumph of the biophilic design trend continues this year, which includes the maximum use of natural light, greenery, organic patterns and natural materials. Plant-covered walls, rooftop gardens, patios, houseplants, and nature-inspired artwork are just a few of the biophilic elements being incorporated into workspaces. Research shows that biophilic design increases employee productivity, creativity and satisfaction because it taps into the inherent human connection with the natural environment. As a bonus, biophilic design allows for unique branding and aesthetics.
Gone are the days of fixed jobs. According to the CEO of Standard, modular office furniture systems allow to rearrange workplace layouts and create collaboration zones. “Movable walls, acoustic partitions and multifunctional furnishings offer the flexibility to adapt spaces quickly,” he explained, adding that areas can easily be transformed into large shared zones or separated into semi-private corners. Karjus noted that hot-desking and shared desks give employees the freedom to choose where they want to work each day, and it gives the opportunity to change the space according to the changing dynamics and needs of the team.
The interior design of Repligen Estonia’s open-plan office is an excellent example of the use of biophilic design, where plenty of greenery has been introduced with indoor plants. Repligen’s new office was furnished with office furniture by Standard. Interior architecture: Kätlin Ölluk and Marita Mätas (AERIS); Photo: Karl Kasepõld
A modern office seamlessly connects inspiration from its surroundings and its own inner identity, creating a complete environment that employees can be proud of. In this way, companies are increasingly bringing, for example, the works of local artists to their offices, which make the typical space more intuitive, homely and inspiring. “We have also followed this trend in Standard’s office showroom, where at the moment there is a fresh selection of art from various local authors on the walls,” said Karjus and emphasized that it is also the preference of more progressive companies to use domestic products when furnishing their offices, thus supporting local design and entrepreneurship, among other things. “A well-thought-out and inspiring environment increases the happiness of employees and reduces stress – this is a well-known trend that will never go out of fashion,” he said.
Article was published on 5th of March in Ärikinnisvara ja -haldus, a special publication of Eesti Ekspress
