December 12, 2024

Checking in on our 2024 Workplace Trends

Earlier this year, we identified five key trends for the workplace.

We’ve looked through reports, research, and the latest news as we approach the year’s end to ask – did our predictions hold true?

In this article, we revert to our 2024 forecasts and look at the current state of play.

A slow return to the office: YES

Andrew Fullerton-Smith, General Manager of Sales for Crown Workspace New Zealand, previously noted that the return to the office “is driven mainly by employees looking for social interaction and collaboration that is more effective in person.” With the likes of Amazon recently mandating a full return, this return is well underway.

Is this rise driven by a genuine desire from staff to return, or new mandated policies? CBRE says that three-quarters of companies have some form of attendance policy in place, with an average of three days in the office being the new norm.

The ADP People at Work report suggests remote workers are 1.3x more likely to feel insecure about their jobs and, therefore, pressured to be physically present in the workplace. It’s worth noting that there’s no real “best practice” for hybrid working to emerge from the pandemic, so expect office staff to continue working in various ways for the foreseeable future.

Regardless of the reason, one thing is certain – employees are coming back to the workplace, meaning businesses need to adjust their office space accordingly. Check out our guide on the best ways to optimize your office space.

A rise in employee-centric workplaces: MAYBE

Another prediction we had was a shift towards office designs with employees in mind, with a growing focus on employee well-being. As Gallup notes, mental health globally worsens year-on-year, meaning the workplace must do what it can to address this crisis.

Gallup reports that less than 20% of employees are highly satisfied with their organization, and one in five experience frequent loneliness. These numbers fluctuated depending on the region and job market – North America reported higher engagement (33%), while European counterparts reported a rather concerning 13%.

With staff needs becoming an increasing cause of concern, the workplace has begun to accommodate – developing flexible workspaces, introducing ergonomic furniture, and retaining hybrid working arrangements, all of which can help contribute to a 70% increase in employee wellbeing.

However, the numbers above show there is still some progress to be made. We have some advice on how to make your office fit your workforce, so be sure to read.

An increase in biophilic office designs: YES

We suggested that many companies will increasingly opt to integrate nature and green spaces into their office, which can improve air quality and increase productivity levels.

While specific numbers are unavailable, it’s worth noting that some big names have invested in green spaces and outdoor features – Google, for example, purchased a

And it’s no wonder – a Human Spaces study outlined that productivity levels rose by 6% in offices with green spaces, and happiness levels by 15%. Exposure to natural elements can also enhance creativity, reduce stress, and improve air quality.

Biophilic design includes plants, indoor water features, natural light, and nature-inspired artwork. For a more positive working environment, get in touch to see how we can help incorporate natural features into your workspace.

An increased use of AI in the workplace: YES

No one seems able to escape the rise of artificial intelligence, with Forbes predicting that the AI market size is expected to reach $407 billion by 2027. And, with its rapid developments, we predicted it would be a matter of time before it found its way into the workplace.

According to Microsoft, 75% of workers now use AI, with nearly half (46%) adopting it in the last six months. Within the next five years, 41% of business leaders expect to redesign business processes from the ground up with AI.

While AI is helping employees to automate routine tasks and speed up workflow, it is also assisting with the physical office. By analysing real-time occupancy data, AI is helping to optimize space and ensure that energy resources (lighting, heating) are not being wasted.

Want to see how AI can transform your office operations? Contact us today.

Businesses incorporating circular economy principles in the workplace: MAYBE

With sustainability at the forefront of everybody’s mind, we predicted that an increasing number of companies would deploy circular economy principles into their workplaces – using less, sharing more, and ensuring that what is used can be reused, repurposed, or recycled.

The Circularity Gap Report 2024, produced by the Circle Economy Foundation, states that the number of discussions, debates, and articles on the concept of the circular economy has nearly tripled over the last five years. However, despite this increased awareness, active circularity has fallen from 9.1% in 2018 to 7.1% in 2023. More action is needed.