Revolutionary Upgrades to the Contemporary Office from the Last 20 Years

Have you ever considered the drastic changes in modern life over the last twenty years? From technological advancements to transformations in societal attitudes, the world today looks very different since the millennium. A top contender for change has been the contemporary office, which has evolved in ways many have never thought imaginable.

The evolution of the office environment is anything but subtle. With profound shifts in the needs of modern businesses, an entirely different working landscape developed as a result. Look around your workplace and see if you can spot any of these upgrades to the office space from the last twenty years.

Audio Visual Equipment in Conference Rooms

The introduction of audio-visual equipment (AV equipment) in the workplace began in the 1980s/1990s with the adoption of the personal computer and the development of multimedia technology. However, it wasn’t until the turn of the millennia that AV equipment became more widely available to businesses with advancements in the technology itself.

Modern businesses benefit from ready access to AV equipment, often found in conference rooms, for streamlined communication and collaboration. The rise of remote work and global teams has only increased this need, making AV equipment, such as high-definition displays, video conferencing solutions, interactive whiteboards, and sophisticated audio systems, more common in workplaces.

State-of-the-art Coffee Machines in the Contemporary Office

Technological advancements cannot answer for every new item found in the contemporary office. A great example of societal shifts in the workplace is state-of-the-art coffee machines in most break rooms. In the 1970s, the drip coffee maker was popular in the office despite the fact that espresso machines were available on the market.

Espresso and single-serve coffee machines (like Nespresso and Keurigs) did not become popular in the office until breakout areas and coffee bars arose in the 2000s. Today, most business centres offer state-of-the-art coffee machines for their members, and most employees would agree it is one of their favourite amenities.

Collaboration Spaces and Recreational Areas

Contemporary office design emphasises creating working environments that support employee well-being, collaboration, and flexibility. Breakout spaces align with these principles, offering employees options for varied work styles and interactions. While the concept of collaboration spaces was born in the late 20th century, it gained significant traction in the 2010s with the rise of remote work.

Community hubs are an integral part of the modern business centre and offer members a unique space to network, unwind, and co-work without leaving the office. Breakout spaces have evolved to blend work and play, making them ideal for employee satisfaction and business networking. Twenty years of development means the inclusion of recreational activities, such as free beer on tap, pool tables, SONOS music systems, and foosball, among other things.

Electric Vehicle Chargers and Renewable Energy Sources

Electric vehicle chargers (EV chargers) in modern business centres’ car parks are a staple of the 2020s and go hand-in-hand with the rapid rise in the popularity of electric vehicles. EV chargers reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility and accommodating the changing needs of the workplace.

Solar energy infrastructure is a newly established feature in modern business centres that gained traction in the twenty-first century. The rise in energy-efficient designs has resulted from technological advancements, economic incentives, and environmental awareness. A commitment to cleaner energy sources is also a strategic investment in long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

The evolution of contemporary office spaces over the last couple of decades is remarkable. The introduction of new and evolving technology like AV equipment, solar infrastructure, state-of-the-art coffee machines, and EV charging points are additions to the modern workplace that have not gone unnoticed. Beyond this, collaboration spaces and recreational areas were once a conceptual idea and are now integral to modern office design.

The ever-changing landscape of the modern workplace shows that these transformative trends are not merely surface-level changes but reflections of dynamic and innovative changes in business. The twenty-first-century workplace is a testament to the interconnectedness of technological advancements, societal shifts, and the relentless pursuit of efficiency, sustainability, and employee well-being.

Contact one of our community managers to learn more about our flexible model at Venaspace Offices.

Katrin Dakeva (Bournemouth)

📧 katrin@venaspace.com

📱07507 125442

Kerry Dunn (Plymouth)

📧 kerry@venaspace.com

📱07951 580511

Laura Hasrun (Exeter)

📧 laura@venaspace.com

📱07957 629631