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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
Modern breakout furniture and stylish reception chairs can enhance your office space, but buying the latest office furniture can be an expensive investment.
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?
The traditional office definition is “a room, set of rooms, or building used for commercial, professional, or administrative work”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.