# Flex Office Office workstations and spaces are made to be transforming and flexible. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Sep 17, 2019 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/flex-office ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.9/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Flex Office trend? **Flex Office:** With both traditional and more modern "open" office plans no longer being well-suited for contemporary work habits, employers are creating or offering more flexible office designs that are able to adapt based on employees' needs of the moment. With transforming furniture and workstations, brands are aiming to find solutions to the new ways that professionals are working in-office. ## The consumer insight behind the Flex Office trend The busy routines of urban professionals has led to their desire for a healthier work-life balance, which can be enabled with processes like creative or remote work. This increased focus on work-from-home or creative professional opportunities has required that consumers have flexible working environments that allow them spaces for both independent and collaborative mindsets–a shift that was first seen in the growth of the "open office" plan that grew so popular in the last decade. The current adoption of more dynamic workstations is a natural progression from the open office plan, with professionals now looking to better balance both productivity and creativity. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 18, 2017 to Sep 17, 2019 - Published: Sep 17, 2019 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Themes within the Flex Office trend ### Flexible Office Designs Employers are creating or offering more flexible office designs that are able to adapt based on employees' needs of the moment. ### Modular Furniture Solutions Flexible office furniture designs are in high demand for being cost-effective and adaptable, with modular solutions leading the way. ### Non-Traditional Workstations Flexible furniture designs that allow for customization and adjustments to be made to suit the ever-changing needs of the modern workplace are gaining prominence. ## What the Flex Office trend means for industry ### For Furniture Industry The furniture industry has a major opportunity for disruptive innovation in the form of modular, customizable, and flexible office furniture designs. ### For Real Estate Industry The real estate industry can benefit from the trend of flexible office designs, creating co-working spaces and customizable workplaces to cater to the changing needs of professionals. ### For Technology Industry The technology industry can contribute to the trend of flexible workstations with the development of smart furniture and office tools that enhance productivity and adaptability. ## Workshop question How could your brand create a more flexible workplace design for its employees? ## Trend signals for Flex Office Trend score 5.9 out of 10, from popularity 77%, activity 92%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 77% - Activity: 92% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Flex Office trend 4 featured examples from Nov 18, 2017 to Sep 17, 2019. - [Flexible Non-Traditional Workstations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ncw-workstation): Reddie's NCW Workstation is Simple & Customizable (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce innovative manufacturing processes to create flexible and customizable workstations with different material options. - [Flexible Office Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steelcase-flexible-office-furniture): Steelcase's Flex Collection Supports Spontaneity and Creativity at Work (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate smart features and technologies into office furniture to enhance flexibility, mobility, and productivity. - [DIY-Style Flexible Office Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-office-system): SDI Debuted Its WRKkit Concept at Toronto's Interior Design Show (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Rethink traditional office furniture design and manufacturing processes to support the development of flexible and customizable workplace system… - [Professional Transformation Co-Working Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-assemblage-nomad): The Assemblage Nomad Has Opened in New York (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunities for wellness and mindfulness industries to collaborate with co-working spaces, offering services and products that enhance the well-being of professionals. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)