Offices everywhere are undergoing significant transformations driven by societal changes and technological advancements. For organizations to thrive, it’s essential for leaders and employees alike to understand what changes are occurring, as well as the implications for the ways people work.

Here, we will explore 5 trends that are reshaping the modern workplace. Every trend presents new opportunities for companies. They range from sustainability to generational shifts and rapidly advancing technology. Learning more about these trends isn’t about staying up to date on what’s popular—it's about helping organizations adapt and innovate to the best of their ability.

1. Sustainable Materials Invoke Emotional Response

The materials used to make products today are a hot topic in sustainability. We understand that shifting to more sustainable materials is essential for meeting organizational goals. However, the trend we are seeing in materiality is not only around environmental impact, but how sustainable materials invoke emotional connections.

A good material isn’t just good for the planet, but also aesthetically pleasing. Reclaimed timber and bamboo are trending because they connect us to nature, and people understand them to be sustainable. Hemp and straw are natural materials that tend to be locally abundant, easy to use, and can be turned into something beautiful.

Metals are also trending in this direction. Grungy and unfinished metallic looks are in. Aluminum is the main material considered here, for its cost and reusability. Metallic finishes, in general, are popular because they offer the opportunity to create an ethereal or iridescent vibe, triggering the kind of emotional connection that companies are looking for.