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Differences Between Traditional & Modern Offices
Modern office designs tend to have open-plan layouts
Modern offices are very different from traditional office spaces. Modern office designs tend to have open-plan layouts and contemporary interiors, whereas traditional offices are usually closed-plan and feature old-fashioned decor.
What’s the difference between modern and traditional offices?
The difference between modern and traditional offices isn’t something that can be summed up in one sentence. We need to take into account the age and design of office buildings, whether rooms are divided or open plan and how they are furnished and decorated.
Let’s start by looking at the features that generally define traditional or modern workplaces:
What is a modern office?
As suppliers of modern office furniture and reception desks, another question we’re often asked is, ‘what is a modern office?’ Obviously it’s a purpose-designed work space with purpose-designed furniture – but modern offices are also about encouraging collaboration and creativity, with fewer divisions and physical barriers to communication.
According to Teknion: “The modern office represents office cultures that are fluid and flexible, with an emphasis on openness and communication.”
Advantages of a modern office
Modern office designs tend to have open-plan layouts
Modern offices are very different from traditional office spaces. Modern office designs tend to have open-plan layouts and contemporary interiors, whereas traditional offices are usually closed-plan with standardised furnishings.
- Many companies prefer to have a modern office design
In order to attract talent and spark innovation in today’s fast-paced business world, many companies prefer to invest in modern office design. - Advantages of modern office furniture
Modern offices tend to be equipped with high-end office furniture such as ergonomic desk chairs and glass boardroom tables. Premium office furniture will help to boost your brand image and enhance the reputation of your company. - Ergonomic office furniture is very important
High-quality ergonomic office furniture will support your employees while they work and minimise the risk of work-related injuries like neck and back pain. All-day comfort is very important to prevent tiredness leading to a lack of concentration.
Premium office furniture will boost your brand image
Modern offices tend to be equipped with high-end office furniture such as ergonomic desk chairs and glass boardroom tables. Premium office furniture will boost your brand image and enhance the reputation of your company.
All-day comfort is very important
High-quality ergonomic office furniture will support your employees while they work and minimise the risk of work-related injuries like neck and back pain. All-day comfort is very important to prevent tiredness leading to a lack of consentration.
52% of workers who used standing desks felt more engaged
Many modern offices have standing desks which have been proven to improve physical health and wellbeing. A recent study published in The Gazatte found that “52% of workers who used standing desks felt more engaged at work after a year due to a significant improvement in their mood and energy.”
Disadvantages of a modern office
Expensive investment
Modern breakout furniture and stylish reception chairs can enhance your office space, but buying the latest office furniture can be an expensive investment.
The furniture may go out of style quickly
High-trend office furniture may go out of style quickly and look outdated compared to more traditional and plain furniture. Consider having a mix of furniture in different rooms.
Styles are constantly changing
Keeping up with modern office furniture trends can be costly as styles are constantly changing.
What is a traditional office?
It’s a question that we’re frequently asked whenever we talk about traditional versus modern office furniture – what is a traditional office and office reception desks?
‘Traditional office’ definition.
The traditional office definition is “a room, set of rooms, or building used for commercial, professional, or administrative work”.
‘Traditional office’ meaning:
People often refer to the traditional office meaning the dated, heavily furnished rooms that tend to feature in films and TV shows where people sit and watch the clock all day and can’t wait to go home.
What do traditional offices look like today?
Traditional offices typically have a closed-plan layout with a visible divide between employees and departments. Most traditional office spaces lack innovative office furniture like ergonomic chairs and standing desks, and they may also feature outdated decor.
Advantages of traditional office design:
- Traditional office desks may be more cost-effective.
- The ‘one size fits all approach’ requires less effort when designing and planning a workplace that really meets the needs of all employees.
- Disadvantages of traditional office design:
- Employees prefer modern offices with high-end office furniture, so you may find it difficult to attract and retain talent if you have a traditional office design and layout.
- Traditional offices may seem more economical to fit out, but they tend to lack innovative office furniture designs and ergonomics.
- Creative industries and teams expect creatively designed spaces. Fail to create an inspiring work environment and output could suffer.
Important things to consider when planning a modern office.
Modern office furniture is an investment.
When we think of investing in furniture we may think of antiques, with modern designs perceived as the budget option. On the contrary, quality modern office furniture is an investment and should be sourced from an experienced commercial supplier.
- Some office furniture is more high-profile than others.
Modern breakout furniture and stylish reception chairs are designed to showcase your brand as well as enhance your office space. Cutting-edge designs and intelligent use of colour will add the ‘wow’ factor to public-facing spaces. - Mix modern and timeless traditional furniture for a unique look.
You may worry that high-trend office furniture may go out of style quickly and look outdated compared to more timeless traditional furniture. Take a tip from top interior designers and mix and patch modern and classic designs to create a unique office environment.
And remember – well-designed modern offices can boost worker productivity by 20%. Office furniture and layout also play a key role in workplace productivity and engagement.
Conclusion to modern and traditional offices
Modern and traditional office spaces have several advantages and disadvantages.
Modern offices encourage collaboration and creativity, but they can be expensive to design and maintain. Whereas, traditional offices are cheaper but they tend to lack innovative office furniture and often fail to create an inspiring work environment.
Modern office is the best option
In our option, a modern office is the best option if you want to remain current in the ever-changing business world and create a positive workplace culture.
