# Workplace Flexibility Helping to diversify routine, adaptable work furnishings add efficiency. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published May 6, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/workplace-flexibility ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.8/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Workplace Flexibility trend? **Workplace Flexibility:** As work becomes a top priority for Gen Y consumers looking to battle stereotypes, spare time is often restricted to the confines of office environments and cubicles. Looking to add more versatility to their day-to-day routines, consumers are opting for multifunctional workplace furnishings to add adaptable features to sources of efficiency. Multifunctional office desks combine efficient methods of productivity with a desire for more expansive, and personally fulfilling habitual tasks. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 15, 2013 to Feb 12, 2014 - Published: May 6, 2014 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Workplace Flexibility trend ### Multifunctional Workplace Furnishings As consumers look for more versatility in their day-to-day routine, multifunctional workplace furnishings such as adaptable timber tables and sleek storage-equipped desks present opportunities for both design and practicality. ### Smart Furniture Design The development of furniture designs that monitor and respond to people's working habits, such as the Stir Kinetic Desk, offer opportunities for both health and productivity concerns. ### Modular Furniture The 7Wonders modular table and the Duo Office Workstation present innovative ways to create adaptable office spaces that can be tailored to fit individual or group work needs. ## What the Workplace Flexibility trend means for industry ### For Furniture Design Companies designing and manufacturing multifunctional and modular furniture have disruptive innovation opportunities in the workplace and home settings. ### For Health and Fitness Incorporating health monitoring into furniture design like the Stir Kinetic Desk presents opportunities for health and wellness companies to expand their product offerings. ### For Office Space Design Adopting adaptable and modular furniture design into office spaces that encourage collaboration and productivity presents challenges and opportunities for architecture and interior design firms. ## Trend signals for Workplace Flexibility Trend score 5.8 out of 10, from popularity 72%, activity 95%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 72% - Activity: 95% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Workplace Flexibility trend 5 featured examples from Feb 15, 2013 to Feb 12, 2014. - [Adaptable Desk Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/duo-office-workstation): The Duo Office Workstation Flexibly Facilitates Individual and Group Work (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Manufacturing and designing furniture for modern offices with a focus on collaboration and functionality. - [Adaptable Timber Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/etc-tables): ETC Tables Let You Figure Out Their Optimal Functions (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new materials, designs, and technologies to create versatile furniture pieces that cater to evolving consumer lifestyles. - [Strategically-Adjusting Standing Desks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stir-kinetic-desk): The Stir Kinetic Desk Monitors People's Working Habits (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The furniture industry has the opportunity to embrace disruptive innovation by incorporating smart features and health-tracking capabilities into their products, appealing to heal… - [Puzzle Piece Desks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/7wonders): The 7Wonders Modular Table Design can be Reconfigured in Countless Ways (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The disruptive innovation opportunity lies in developing more modular and adaptable furniture solutions that can cater to individual customization and space optimization needs. - [Sleek Storage-Equipped Desks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/covet-desk): The Covet Desk is a Great Way to Keep All Your Necessities Handy (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new materials and designs that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of home office furniture. ## Recent trend clusters - [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) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)