WORK

For the first time in many decades, we have had a shared experience that is transforming the way we work and live – in real time. This major driver to change has caused massive ripple effects that have touched every industry. The shifts around work alone are precipitating change in the housing market, commercial real estate, the furniture industry, the auto industry, the fashion industry – the list goes on.

These shifts in workplace habits are driving people’s lifestyle choices – especially housing. Digital nomads are on the rise as more countries open their borders to foreign remote workers with digital nomad visas. People have a new-found freedom. Home sharing and short-term leases are a response to this, and it’s time to acknowledge these renters as the working professionals they are, versus labeling them as loud in-and-out partiers.

Post-2020 workspace design is less homogenous. Spaces need to be flexible. Communal spaces for collaboration are key, but so are small private zones to take a call. The post-2020 office worker is constantly in flux from needing a quiet communal space to work, a quiet private space to take a digital meeting, a vibrant communal space to work near others, and a communal space to have in-person group meetings.

We set out this month to explore products and concepts that bridge the gap between pre-2020 and post-2020 and elevate workspace design for a new era.