Making the workplace relaxing is a priority for modern work styles
Implications - The workplace is often associated with stress and negativity, but this stands to change with innovations that help alleviate the pressure of hectic workplace environments. These innovations range from privacy pods that allow workers to achieve peace and quiet and connect freely friends and loved ones, to desks with built-in sleeping areas so sleep-deprived consumers can squeeze in a quick nap. While stress can be a motivational factor in productivity, it's usually the calm and peaceful mind that will deliver the best work.
Trend Themes
1. Flexible Workspaces - The trend towards creating workspaces that are adaptable to different tasks and needs, such as desk-beds and office pods, presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in furniture and office design.
2. Nature-inspired Design - The use of natural materials and shapes that mimic the outdoors, seen in outdoor desks and bird's nest meeting rooms, presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in architecture and interior design.
3. Fun and Unconventional Seating - The popularity of unconventional seating, such as rocking stools, suspended swing tables, hammocks, and yoga-inspired chairs, presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in furniture design.
Industry Implications
1. Office Furniture - The trend towards flexible and unconventional seating, as well as private office pods, presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in office furniture design.
2. Architecture and Interior Design - The use of nature-inspired designs, such as bird's nest meeting rooms and outdoor desks, presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in architecture and interior design.
3. Workspace Design and Technology - The trend towards flexible workspaces, such as desk-beds and small workstations for commuters, presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in workspace design and technology.
