# Communal Work Aiming to increase productivity, open space offices help foster team mentality. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 4, 2014, updated Apr 1, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/communal-work ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.0/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Communal Work trend? **Communal Work:** With technological distractions resulting in motivational challenges for workers, efforts are shifting toward more community-based approaches to help ignite personal growth. Offices that feature open concepts and loft designs help to provide a more communal and engaging workplace environment, combining contemporary aesthetics with the power of social connection and ultimately, social approval. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 29, 2015 to May 11, 2016 - Published: Mar 4, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Communal Work trend ### Open Concept Offices The trend of open concept offices is rising, using loft-style offices and providing a communal and engaging workplace environment that encourages collaboration and team work. ### Wall-Free Offices The concept of wall-free offices eliminates physical and mental constraints, thereby encouraging creativity, productivity, and fostering collaborative team environments. ### Playful Office Design Office environments that incorporate playful designs and elements, including swings, playful colors, green spaces, and distinctive conversation areas inspire creativity and exchange of ideas among employees. ## What the Communal Work trend means for industry ### For Interior Design Interior design professionals can create innovative, open concept spaces that encourage collaboration and productivity, while also keeping employees stimulated. ### For Co-Working Spaces Co-working space providers can incorporate playful and interactive design elements, such as swings, grass mazes, and other distinctive conversation areas to create engaging and creative work spaces. ### For Technology Companies Technology companies can benefit from open concept and wall-free offices that provide a more communal and engaging work environment, thereby promoting collaboration among team members and enhancing productivity. ## Trend signals for Communal Work Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 64%, activity 78%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 64% - Activity: 78% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Communal Work trend 6 featured examples from Sep 29, 2015 to May 11, 2016. - [Playground-Inspired Green Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/budapest-office): Skyscanner's Budapest Offices Boasts Grassy Areas and Swings (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Architects and designers can leverage this trend towards green, playful and collaborative office spaces to develop sustainable workspaces that prioritize employee well-being and e… - [Playful Networking Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/linkedin-office-space-photography): Omaha's LinkedIn Headquarters Supports Creativity and Exchange of Ideas (Category: Art & Design) Implication: There is an opportunity for professionals in the office design and architecture industry to create innovative office spaces that inspire creativity and collaboration. - [Wall-Free Office Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/homepolish): The Newest 'Homeploish' Offices Resemble a Labratory of Interior Design (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Interior design companies can explore new ways to create innovative and functional office spaces. - [Rustic Open Concept Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brick-and-wood): This Brick and Wood Office is a Collaborative Work Environment (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Companies in this industry can explore creating unique and community-focused office designs using bold materials, integrating rustic details, and incorporating various types of wo… - [Communal Co-Working Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zamness): 'Zamness' is a Co-Working Space Built to Be Open and Collaborative (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunities to develop and market co-working spaces that prioritize collaboration and openness in their design and amenities. - [Open-Sharing Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/openconcept-layout): LinkedIn Australia Open-Concept Layout Benefits Information Sharing (Category: Art & Design) Implication: There is an opportunity for office furniture manufacturers to design and produce innovative and collaborative workspace furniture that supports modern work styles. ## Recent trend clusters - 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