Remote workers are becoming more and more acceptable within companies. Not just full-time remote workers but really a transient workforce who has the option to work from the office or from home on any given day. This trend is enabled by the technology changes, specifically video conferencing and online collaboration tools. The idea that an employee may or may not need a physical office every day makes us re-think how much space we dedicate to people. Drop-in spaces and and smaller dedicated desks will be the norm.

Office space is one of the biggest expenses for a company, so it is important to get as much value out of it as possible. As we change our offices to accommodate new technology, a more transient work force, and focus on the bottom line, we will want our space to be extremely adaptable. We might have a regular work day, then host an event in the evening, then hold a customer training session the next day. With such a flexible environment it is essential that people feel welcomed and informed as our space changes use.

There are a few technologies that are shaping the way we use office spaces: WiFi, screen sharing, and video conferencing. In our always-connected world, WiFi has untethered workers from their physical space. Screen sharing has also cut the cord on connecting to monitors in conference rooms.

However, one of the biggest drivers has been in video conferencing. We can now hold very effective meetings with people in office and and out of the office using this technology. Video conferencing changes the way we design our spaces. We are designing offices with more huddle rooms for video conferencing and less big conference rooms. This not only accommodates remote work but also allows us to collaborate with our customers and partners with less travel.