I believe that there will be a "blending" of the home and work office. There is an increased need for "home" offices to be set up in a similar fashion to the office for telecommuters and those who work at home. There are many who regularly correspond with people on other continents and they are going to require a setup to enhance this.
I see home offices that mimic the office to make it more comfortable and convenient to work from home. People will be more open to spending their own money on higher quality items such as ergo chairs (not the kind at the office superstore!), keyboards, mice, etc. for themselves so they can work with increased comfort and higher levels of productivity.
Today they spend money on expensive gadgets for their home and nice cars and soon they will realize that it just makes sense to spend money to work in comfort.
The "office" setup will be designed to be homier. There is a need for workers to feel good and be inspired in their surroundings. I see chairs that workers can rest in, read and have phone conversations in'in addition to their task chair.
Whether at home or office the design must offer the feeling of spaciousness, perhaps with a small fountain, music, spring water fountain, software that alerts the worker to take a break and rest and rest their body.
Many of the offices that I have consulted in have been downright depressing with plain white walls, old carpet, and hospital like hallways.
In order for people to be more productive (and that is what we are really talking about here- Increased Productivity for increased profits) they must be able to work in comfort and in surroundings that help spur their creativity and energy instead of take-away from it.
I see arm bikes at the end of every hall so that people can walk away from their computer after sitting for a specific length of time or to just let their mind work in the background on a challenge they have been having. The mind has a way of finding solutions when it is at rest.
The regular use arm bikes will offer the additional advantage of "inner office" (body) exercise increasing the oxygen and blood flow to all parts of the body affected by computer use.
Aching wrists, back and shoulders need regular rest from computer work and the increased oxygen and blood helps to heal the discomfort and increases the brain's capacity to problem solve.
I also see specially designed rooms for relaxation, meditation, yoga and massage. There are a few companies already doing some form of this. Workers and employers both benefit from the increased productivity and increased morale.
Workers are increasingly asking for these types of benefits when negotiating with potential employers for positions and employers are starting to put these ideas into their benefits packages.
Get ready for your Office of the Future because it is upon you!
Phones and Phone Systems
Does your phone often find a resting place between your head and your shoulders called the neck. If so, you may discover that using a headset is much more comfortable and productive.
You will not have that familiar neck ouch and will have both of your hands free while you are on hold, taking notes from your call or completing another task. This means that you will be more efficient.
There will be more wireless blue tooth headsets in use so employees can walk to various areas of the building and outside to hold conversations as if they were at their desk. This will enhance their productivity and increase their multi- tasking.
Good and not so good because multi-tasking is a breeding ground for stress which can lead to repetitive stress injuries. In addition it is possible that the employee will not be paying attention to where they are going.
Monitors
Everyone will have a flat panel monitor. They may even be standard when ordering new computer systems. They create openness on the desk that is more visually appealing and relaxing. There may actually be some extra room for family pictures!
I see larger screens directly in front of computer user so that they can have "face to face" phone meeting with those at other sites anywhere in the world. People must have the flexibility to "accept" the visual phone call so that their privacy is not invaded. Also, the monitor must be placed at a comfortable distance so as not to affect their eyes.
These large monitor screens will allow you to see who you are talking too but too large to work with comfortably. It is important for the head and neck to be in a natural posture when looking at the screen instead of moving back and forth, which can create pain.
Desk Furniture and Filing Systems
There will be an increase in electric sit stand desks so that people can sit and stand within seconds. Sitting in one position all day does not promote movement and the body was made to move.
Standing is especially good for those experiencing back pain because it helps to keep the "s" curve of the back intact. The way most people sit in their desk chairs (slouched and slumped) is enough to create additional back injuries.
The desk must come with enough open space underneath so that knees are not bumping into drawers and furniture partitions. The legs must be able to move from one area to the next with complete ease.
I see fewer filing cabinets, as more and more documents will be stored electronically further decreasing office clutter'at least I hope because this may even save some trees! There will be more use of software to "file" these items for easy retrieval.
In Part 3 we will discuss?.Architectural Innovations - Overhead Lighting, Partial Cubicles, Personal Storage and Homier Designs.
Wendy Young has sinced written about articles on various topics from Migraine Headaches, Recreation and Sports and Arthritis Signs. Wendy Gail Young, a Certified Ergonomic Expert and founder of has helped thousands of people reduc. Wendy Young's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.