When it comes to office designs, the latest creation from software brand Slack is making waves for its Melbourne location that's outfitted with a number of tranquil features. Rather than having ping pong tables or nap areas, the office space is designed for productivity to encourage team members to come, do their work and lead a regular life on off hours. This is a shift away from office designs from the likes of Google who pride themselves on encouraging team members to spend hours on end in the brand's spaces.
The Melbourne Slack office features sound-proof meeting rooms and a ban on phones; workers can retire to one of the sound-proof pods in the space to take a call to not disturb others.
What's Driving This Trend
- Productivity-focused Office Design
- The trend of creating office spaces designed for productivity and work-life balance, using features such as sound-proof rooms and an emphasis on phone-free policies, promotes the idea of a better work environment
- Tranquil Workspaces
- Workspaces that feature calming elements such as the Melbourne Slack workplace's forest-inspired designs create a more peaceful environment conducive to focus and concentration
- Remote Work Support
- Industries that offer supportive infrastructure and technology for remote workers align with the concepts of work-life balance and productivity-focused office design, creating an opportunity for innovation in the remote work industry
Who This Affects Most
- Architecture and Design
- Designers, architects, and builders who can create innovative workspaces by incorporating green spaces or specialized productivity features may find increased demand or attention in the current workforce landscape
- Technology and Communication
- As workplaces shift towards phone-free policies and remote work, there will likely be increased demand for innovative and reliable technology communication software and hardware that allow for efficient collaboration
- Human Resources and Recruiting
- The trend of productivity-focused workplace design and remote work options may result in increased competition amongst employers for diverse talent pools, highlighting an opportunity for HR departments to develop new recruitment strategies and benefits
