# Workplace Customization Quirky office supplies reflect a consumer need for individual expression. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Feb 5, 2014, updated Apr 9, 2014 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/workplace-customization ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Workplace Customization trend? **Workplace Customization:** While people often try to keep their offices as professional as possible, employees are now looking to more personalized features to make work settings more inviting. Supplies that reflect personal interest in movies and media allow individuals to incorporate their personality into the decor, making them feel more connected to their environment and thus, work more effectively. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 2 to Oct 9, 2013 - Published: Feb 5, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Workplace Customization trend ### Personalization in Workplace Accessories As employees look for ways to express themselves at work, incorporating personalized and quirky office supplies, such as gun barrel pen holders and retro cassette tape dispensers, can create a stronger sense of connection with their workspaces and stimulate productivity. ### Integration of Technology and Stationery As tech-obsessed students and creatives seek ways to streamline productivity, combining mobile devices with notebooks or specially-made pencils, such as the Phone + Book by KBme2, can appeal to the on-the-go consumer. ### Nostalgia-Driven Stationery Design As consumers feel overwhelmed by modern technology, incorporating retro-themed designs, such as Lego-inspired blocks and cassette tape dispensers, can provide a refreshing and familiar feel for stationery accessories. ## What the Workplace Customization trend means for industry ### For Office Supplies and Accessories Companies in this industry can focus on providing unique and personalized office accessories as a way to stimulate productivity and increase employee satisfaction. ### For Technology Integration Businesses that combine technology with traditional stationery can target consumers who seek a more organized and efficient approach to productivity. ### For Nostalgia-Driven Design Industries that produce nostalgic-themed products, such as retro cassette tape dispensers, can appeal to consumers who desire a little bit of nostalgia in their work and personal lives. ## Trend signals for Workplace Customization Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 52%, activity 57%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 52% - Activity: 57% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Workplace Customization trend 4 featured examples from Oct 2 to Oct 9, 2013. - [Tech-Integrated Stationary](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phone-book-by-kbme2): The Phone + Book by KBme2 is Perfect for Tech-Obsessed Students (Category: Tech) Implication: The education industry can leverage smart stationary to improve student engagement and facilitate seamless integration of digital devices in the classroom. - [Lego-Themed Stationary](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/building-block-notebook): The Building Block Notebook Reminds One of their Childhood (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The stationary industry can explore opportunities in creating innovative products with designs inspired by toys, offering customers a unique and nostalgic experience. - [Gun Barrel Pen Holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gun-cylinder): The Gun Cylinder Pen Holder is the Most Dangerous Looking Office Supply (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Companies can explore innovative ways of designing and marketing office supplies that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. - [Retro Cassette Tape Dispensers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cassette-tape-dispenser): These Old School Office Supplies Spruce Up Your Desk (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Office supply companies can capitalize on retro and novelty design trends to create unique and desirable products for modern workspaces. ## 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)