There were times when office blueprints were rigid and cramped; employees were compelled to fit into cubicles and managers into cabins. The style of functioning was pretty hierarchical and the knitting of members were in a closed formal structure.

Today, there is a revolution in office trends, with the breaking down of hierarchies and faster communication between the lines. The concept of open office spaces is gaining impetus. There is a belief that informal office spaces would pave an environment for a more collaborative work design as people are intertwined and sitting together closely. Even companies seem to love the open office layout as they cost lesser than the traditional cubicle/cabinet setting, and foster quicker work, with open and instant flexible interactions among teams.

With wireless technology, laptops and tablets, people can work any nook and corner of the office. Confinement in chairs and cubicles all day may not be apt, limiting creativity and freedom to think and function.

 A warmer functional office setting that allows employees to relax on the couch and work collaboratively can surely trigger the best in them, make them feel more in touch with co-workers and what’s going on. This would also hasten spontaneous communications and engagement in companies.

Sitting all day parked to a chair and table inside 4 white walls, under a ceiling with artificial lighting, devoid of natural lights and fresh air, make the workspaces more suffocating and uncomfortable. After all, work has be something ones enjoys, that’s when connect and passion arises. Employees do go through a period of stress and work chaos and need some office zones to relax and contemplate. Recreational zones when properly laid make employees feel fresh and motivated & will definitely boost employee satisfaction and increase work productivity. 

Office spaces need to be greener bringing employees closer to natural elements like the natural air and sunlight etc. Office can encourage a cultivated natural vegetable garden in office premises. The trend is catching on and many offices have organic gardens to provide healthy fresh produce, for employees to enjoy nutritious meals. 

Some more recreation would be a motivational library, a gym, gaming/sports zones, a small temple for prayer or meditation or quiet I/Me time introspection for the day. The right type of overhaul of the workspace setting can definitely increase employee peace of mind and boost efficiency.

In the corporate world, a number of renowned companies such as Google, Microsoft, Pixar and Cisco, and so on have traded the archetypal rigid work environment for a more casual and collaborative atmosphere in the optimisms of increasing inspiration and output.

Employees who were once constrained by decidedly inelastic protocols of conduct and attire have found an entirely new type of workplace appearing on the horizon. Casual and freewheeling, this new style of creative and unconventional work atmosphere is accustomed to getting ideas flowing, stimulating ideas to increase inspiration, spark enthusiasm, and ultimately efficiency in the modern contented worker. 

The tricky aspect is finding the right balance between ditching formality and embracing leisure. Each business is different, so it's the job of the management to decide on what re-configurations need to be scheduled at the workspace to keep up with trend yet still meet the requirements of work functionailty. Typical barebones offices with mere desks, computers and chairs may not allow us to get the most out of our employees. A variety of office spaces and design would de-stress and pep up the employees mood and momentum for maximum output.