Navigating the Future of Workspaces with NORNORM's 2023 Trends and 2024 Predictions
Client showcase
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Flexibility
As we reflect on the year, let's delve into the significant trends observed by Philip, whose experiences provide a unique window into how workspaces have adapted to meet the continuously changing needs and emerging challenges of companies across Europe.
Navigating the Future of Workspaces with NORNORM's 2023 Trends and 2024 Predictions
SCALE UP YOUR BUSINESS, DOWNSIZE, PIVOT
Regardless of why you're moving, a new office offers the opportunity to create a work environment that fosters creativity, well-being, and productivity. One that better reflects your company’s core values and strengthens your brand. But to set your business up for success—both today and in five years—you need to make the right choices.
The moving process itself requires careful planning and can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry. Like any process, it can be broken down into a series of simple steps. We’ve put together a 10-step checklist to help make your move both easier and more enjoyable.
See the move as an opportunity – not just a necessity!
Technology advancements, market changes, and future business plans—since you’re considering a move, you already know that your company’s needs are evolving. It’s important to think about what functions your new office should accommodate: open workspaces, quiet rooms, meeting rooms, kitchens, and social areas. But also, think long-term.
Can the space be easily reconfigured?
Will a meeting room today need to become an open workspace in a few years?
Location is another crucial factor—along with budget. The office’s area can impact both your brand image and attractiveness as an employer. A well-connected location with good transport links is always a plus.
2. FIND THE RIGHT OFFICE SPACE: USE BOT LOGIC AND EMOTION
Your new office should satisfy both the head and the heart. Practical factors like size, budget, and lease terms are essential—but it should also feel like a place where your team can thrive.
To navigate the market, you can work with a real estate agent who represents property owners. However, searching on your own often gives you better control over available options. Use websites like objektvision.se and lokalguiden.se, or visit property companies’ websites directly. There are also platforms that specialize in flexible office and co-working solutions.
3. REVIEW YOUR CURRENT CONTRACTS
Before booking viewings, review your existing agreements.
How long are you committed to your current lease?
What services (e.g. alars, internet, printers, coffee machines) are tied to the office?
It’s also important to set a realistic timeline for your move—establishing clear deadlines for when you need to be in the new space.
4. MASTER THE OFFICE VIEWINGS
Ask lots of questions! When evaluating an office, it’s not just about square meters, but also how efficiently the space can be used.
Are there wasted areas, like long hallways? Is the layout flexible for future needs?
Take as much documentation as possible. In addition to floor plans, photos and videos can help when discussing options with colleagues.
5. SECURE THE INFRASTRUCTURE
At this stage, you should have signed a contract and can start detailed planning.
Check what’s included in the rent. Discuss with the landlord how electrical outlets, networks, and security systems should be positioned.
6. SIMPLIFY THE FURNISHING DECISIONS
Now it’s time to think about furniture—this should be a fun part of the process! Instead of buying expensive furniture that may not suit future needs, consider a subscription model.
With NORNORM’s furniture subscription, for about the price of a cup of coffee per day per employee, you get fully furnished, flexible workspaces.
Need to convert a meeting room into workstations? No problem. No need for certain furniture anymore? They get restored and reused elsewhere.
NORNORM furnishes your dream office in just six weeks—from design to installation.
✔️ Send a floor plan → Receive a 3D design proposal within 48 hours. ✔️ No large investments. No hassle. No dealing with multiple suppliers.
7. CUSTOMIZE YOUR OFFICE TO REFLECT YOUR BRAND
Your office is a showcase for your brand. To create an environment that truly represents your company, think beyond expensive furniture.
✔️ Wall colors, lighting, signage, textiles, and decorations can make a huge difference. ✔️ Plants not only enhance aesthetics but also reduce stress and boost productivity.
As they say: "The devil is in the details."
8. BOOK MOVERS, ENAGE EMPLOYEES AND INFORM STAKEHOLDERS
Next, hire a moving company. Check references and compare quotes. Decide if you’ll pack yourselves or let the movers handle it. Also, consider:
Do you need moving boxes? Should employees work from home during the transition?
Communicate with your team! A move affects everyone. Make sure they understand why you’re moving and get them excited about the new space.
✔️ Organize office tours before moving to help employees feel involved. ✔️ Inform customers and service providers about your new address.
9. MOVE IN!
Congratulations! You’ve reached the finish line. Take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.
(And remember—it’s always more fun to unpack than to pack!)
If you've chosen a flexible office furniture solution, you can be even more relaxed, knowing your setup can evolve as your needs change.
10. CELEBRATE! (AND ADJUST IF NEEDED)
Now for the best part—celebrate! Host a proper office-warming party and showcase your new space to employees, clients, and partners.
(And if you’ve subscribed to NORNORM, you’ll never be stuck with a fixed office design—you can continuously adapt your workspace at no extra cost.)
Navigating the Future of Workspaces with NORNORM's 2023 Trends and 2024 Predictions
In a world where change is the only constant, NORNORM has led the revolution in creating adaptable workspaces through continuous optimisation of office furniture layouts. 2023 has been another pivotal year in which we’ve seen demands for adapting workspaces skyrocket, with our expert Customer Success team at the forefront of this transformation.
With more than 400 office furniture changes successfully completed this year, Philip van Engeldorp Gastelaars and Nikolas Hartlieb share the invaluable insights from our Customer Success team in understanding and shaping the trends in workspace design and utilisation. These changes have not only enhanced workspace functionality but also significantly improved employee productivity and satisfaction.
2023 TRENDS IN THE WORLD OF WORK
As we reflect on the year, let's delve into the significant trends observed by Philip, whose experiences provide a unique window into how workspaces have adapted to meet the continuously changing needs and emerging challenges of companies across Europe.
DIVERSE REASONS FOR CHANGES
- NORNORM's adaptable model has catered to a plethora of reasons for changing office furniture this year, enabling customers to continually update workspaces to suit their ever-changing needs.
- Adaptability is key to workspace success, fitting diverse requirements ranging from company expansions to office function refreshes.
FLUCTUATING DEMAND FOR PRIVACY AND ROOM SEPARATION
- Rise in popularity of phone pods, divider screens, etc., mirroring the dynamic nature of modern work – sometimes collaborative, other times requiring privacy and focus.
- The actual use of spaces can be very different in practice compared to initial designs. Divider screens have become one of the most requested products during flex changes, particularly requested in departments like development, finance, and HR.
- Significant increase in phone booths in offices, especially in smaller spaces where they are effective in creating privacy when separate meeting rooms aren’t feasible. They are also beneficial for older buildings that cannot undergo structural changes.
YOUNG WORKFORCES AND OFFICE USAGE
- In major European cities, younger teams have shown a tendency to use office spaces more for focused work too. This trend reflects not just a generational shift but also the realities of urban living and working spaces.
- Younger employees, often living in smaller houses, find the office a more suitable space for work, and come to the office to gain experience.
- This insight has led to a rethinking of office design strategies, focusing on creating multifunctional spaces that cater to diverse needs.
2024 Predictions for Workspace Usage PREDICTIONS FOR WORKSPACE USAGE
As we look towards the future, Niko shares his team's predictions on the evolution of workspaces. These insights highlight a shift towards more adaptable, technologically-equipped, and purposefully-designed office spaces, reflecting both ongoing trends and new directions in office utilisation and ways of working.
Adapting to Economic Realities and Cost-Efficiency
- Across industries, there’s an urge to be mindful of costs, leading companies to optimise their office space to reduce risks associated with unused areas.
- Shift towards cost-efficient, sustainable growth driving the focus on flexible, modular office spaces. Companies should adapt and reconfigure their physical environments efficiently, responding swiftly to changing needs and growth dynamics.
Creative, Agile, and Technologically Advanced Workspaces
- While we are seeing workstations remain a constant in the office, there will be a rise in need for environments fostering open collaboration, innovation, and agility.
- Incorporation of advanced technology, such as audio-video equipment in meeting rooms has become essential to facilitate hybrid meetings and will continue to be a requirement for effective global collaboration.
Balanced Office Attendance and Zone Distinction
- Movement towards a balanced 3-day office presence, with spaces designed to maximise the value of in-person interactions.
- Creation of distinct zones for different activities, ensuring effective use of space for both concentrated and collaborative work.
- Phone booths as a necessity for short meetings and private communication in modern, technically advanced work environments.
2023 has been a year of learning, adaptation, and growth in workspace design. As we look towards the future, NORNORM remains committed to staying ahead of these evolving trends, ensuring our workspaces continue to meet the changing needs of our customers and their employees.
Remember, don’t office like it’s 1973. Let NORNORM guide you into the future of workspace design.
Nanna Gelebo (BCG) on Bridging Linear and Circular Business Models
Nanna Gelebo has been a Partner at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in Stockholm for 12 years, with a strong track record of driving transformative change in the retail sector on everything from strategy to implementation.
Key Insights
Nanna discusses the concept of 'cross-fertilisation' between linear and circular business models. She highlights the importance of transforming transactional customer relationships into relational ones through circular efforts, emphasising that rental and second-hand products can serve as gateways for consumers into more sustainable consumption patterns. This approach not only benefits the environment but also opens new avenues for business growth.
Takeaway
Linear business models do not have to stay linear. You can start to become more circular by gradually integrating a circular business model into your current linear one, through e.g. rental and second-hand products, building a circular set-up that suits your business specifically.
Marcus Linder (RISE) on Evaluating and Ensuring Circular Claims
Marcus Linder is the Director of Business Design at the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE). He holds a PhD in Technology Management and Economics from Chalmers University of Technology, specified in environmental research, with his research having been applied industrially in procurements by industry giants such as Volvo.
Key Insights
Marcus brings attention to the critical aspect of a product's end-of-life plan. He emphasises that being 'potentially circular' is insufficient without a concrete and, preferably legally binding, plan for product lifecycle management. This perspective is crucial for customers evaluating circular claims, pushing companies to not just promise sustainability but to embed it into their actual business practices.
Takeaway
To remain credible towards industry peers and customers, the best practice is to have a clear, communicable, and incentivised plan for your circular business model that customers can trust and rely on. It is important that customers should be able to evaluate and ensure your claim of circularity and end-of-life product plans.
Vojtech Vosecky on Being Authentic when Marketing your Circular Efforts
Vojtech Vosecky is one of the leading circular economy advocates, with experiences ranging from being the co-founder of the successful think-tank Institute of Circular Economy, working for the European Parliament, and the world-leading organisation Circle Economy. In 2022, he was also selected as one of the Top Green Voices to follow in Europe by LinkedIn.
Key Insights
Vojtech stresses the importance of being hyper-authentic in the communication of your circular business principles. For him, it’s about being bold in stating what you stand for, challenging misconceptions, and creating moments of realisation for your audience (think true “aha-moments”). His approach - educate, inspire, and agitate - is a formula that companies can use to effectively market their circular efforts. Vojtech highlights that no matter the format of your marketing, and to avoid the trap of greenwashing, be authentic and stand your ground, whilst always backing up with research. That always wins.
Takeaway
When marketing your circular or sustainable business efforts, especially on LinkedIn, use the three principles of educating, inspiring, and agitating - ideally in one go. Be authentic, use visuals, and create truly educating moments. Use facts whenever you can. However, be careful not to over-do them - and always, always, double check them.
“In the end, what is it about? It's about creating a relationship between the user and this object. I think we all have a strong link to things that are meaningful, that have been charged by accompanying our life.”
Some subtitle
In the end, what is it about? It's about creating a relationship between the user and this object. I think we all have a strong link to things that are meaningful, that have been charged by accompanying our life.
Navigating the Future of Workspaces with NORNORM's 2023 Trends and 2024 Predictions
In a world where change is the only constant, NORNORM has led the revolution in creating adaptable workspaces through continuous optimisation of office furniture layouts. 2023 has been another pivotal year in which we’ve seen demands for adapting workspaces skyrocket, with our expert Customer Success team at the forefront of this transformation.
With more than 400 office furniture changes successfully completed this year, Philip van Engeldorp Gastelaars and Nikolas Hartlieb share the invaluable insights from our Customer Success team in understanding and shaping the trends in workspace design and utilisation. These changes have not only enhanced workspace functionality but also significantly improved employee productivity and satisfaction.
2023 TRENDS IN THE WORLD OF WORK
As we reflect on the year, let's delve into the significant trends observed by Philip, whose experiences provide a unique window into how workspaces have adapted to meet the continuously changing needs and emerging challenges of companies across Europe.
DIVERSE REASONS FOR CHANGES
- NORNORM's adaptable model has catered to a plethora of reasons for changing office furniture this year, enabling customers to continually update workspaces to suit their ever-changing needs.
- Adaptability is key to workspace success, fitting diverse requirements ranging from company expansions to office function refreshes.
FLUCTUATING DEMAND FOR PRIVACY AND ROOM SEPARATION
- Rise in popularity of phone pods, divider screens, etc., mirroring the dynamic nature of modern work – sometimes collaborative, other times requiring privacy and focus.
- The actual use of spaces can be very different in practice compared to initial designs. Divider screens have become one of the most requested products during flex changes, particularly requested in departments like development, finance, and HR.
- Significant increase in phone booths in offices, especially in smaller spaces where they are effective in creating privacy when separate meeting rooms aren’t feasible. They are also beneficial for older buildings that cannot undergo structural changes.
YOUNG WORKFORCES AND OFFICE USAGE
- In major European cities, younger teams have shown a tendency to use office spaces more for focused work too. This trend reflects not just a generational shift but also the realities of urban living and working spaces.
- Younger employees, often living in smaller houses, find the office a more suitable space for work, and come to the office to gain experience.
- This insight has led to a rethinking of office design strategies, focusing on creating multifunctional spaces that cater to diverse needs.
2024 Predictions for Workspace Usage PREDICTIONS FOR WORKSPACE USAGE
As we look towards the future, Niko shares his team's predictions on the evolution of workspaces. These insights highlight a shift towards more adaptable, technologically-equipped, and purposefully-designed office spaces, reflecting both ongoing trends and new directions in office utilisation and ways of working.
Adapting to Economic Realities and Cost-Efficiency
- Across industries, there’s an urge to be mindful of costs, leading companies to optimise their office space to reduce risks associated with unused areas.
- Shift towards cost-efficient, sustainable growth driving the focus on flexible, modular office spaces. Companies should adapt and reconfigure their physical environments efficiently, responding swiftly to changing needs and growth dynamics.
Creative, Agile, and Technologically Advanced Workspaces
- While we are seeing workstations remain a constant in the office, there will be a rise in need for environments fostering open collaboration, innovation, and agility.
- Incorporation of advanced technology, such as audio-video equipment in meeting rooms has become essential to facilitate hybrid meetings and will continue to be a requirement for effective global collaboration.
Balanced Office Attendance and Zone Distinction
- Movement towards a balanced 3-day office presence, with spaces designed to maximise the value of in-person interactions.
- Creation of distinct zones for different activities, ensuring effective use of space for both concentrated and collaborative work.
- Phone booths as a necessity for short meetings and private communication in modern, technically advanced work environments.
2023 has been a year of learning, adaptation, and growth in workspace design. As we look towards the future, NORNORM remains committed to staying ahead of these evolving trends, ensuring our workspaces continue to meet the changing needs of our customers and their employees.
Remember, don’t office like it’s 1973. Let NORNORM guide you into the future of workspace design.
Navigating the Future of Workspaces with NORNORM's 2023 Trends and 2024 Predictions
In a world where change is the only constant, NORNORM has led the revolution in creating adaptable workspaces through continuous optimisation of office furniture layouts. 2023 has been another pivotal year in which we’ve seen demands for adapting workspaces skyrocket, with our expert Customer Success team at the forefront of this transformation.
With more than 400 office furniture changes successfully completed this year, Philip van Engeldorp Gastelaars and Nikolas Hartlieb share the invaluable insights from our Customer Success team in understanding and shaping the trends in workspace design and utilisation. These changes have not only enhanced workspace functionality but also significantly improved employee productivity and satisfaction.
2023 TRENDS IN THE WORLD OF WORK
As we reflect on the year, let's delve into the significant trends observed by Philip, whose experiences provide a unique window into how workspaces have adapted to meet the continuously changing needs and emerging challenges of companies across Europe.
DIVERSE REASONS FOR CHANGES
- NORNORM's adaptable model has catered to a plethora of reasons for changing office furniture this year, enabling customers to continually update workspaces to suit their ever-changing needs.
- Adaptability is key to workspace success, fitting diverse requirements ranging from company expansions to office function refreshes.
FLUCTUATING DEMAND FOR PRIVACY AND ROOM SEPARATION
- Rise in popularity of phone pods, divider screens, etc., mirroring the dynamic nature of modern work – sometimes collaborative, other times requiring privacy and focus.
- The actual use of spaces can be very different in practice compared to initial designs. Divider screens have become one of the most requested products during flex changes, particularly requested in departments like development, finance, and HR.
- Significant increase in phone booths in offices, especially in smaller spaces where they are effective in creating privacy when separate meeting rooms aren’t feasible. They are also beneficial for older buildings that cannot undergo structural changes.
YOUNG WORKFORCES AND OFFICE USAGE
- In major European cities, younger teams have shown a tendency to use office spaces more for focused work too. This trend reflects not just a generational shift but also the realities of urban living and working spaces.
- Younger employees, often living in smaller houses, find the office a more suitable space for work, and come to the office to gain experience.
- This insight has led to a rethinking of office design strategies, focusing on creating multifunctional spaces that cater to diverse needs.
2024 Predictions for Workspace Usage PREDICTIONS FOR WORKSPACE USAGE
As we look towards the future, Niko shares his team's predictions on the evolution of workspaces. These insights highlight a shift towards more adaptable, technologically-equipped, and purposefully-designed office spaces, reflecting both ongoing trends and new directions in office utilisation and ways of working.
Adapting to Economic Realities and Cost-Efficiency
- Across industries, there’s an urge to be mindful of costs, leading companies to optimise their office space to reduce risks associated with unused areas.
- Shift towards cost-efficient, sustainable growth driving the focus on flexible, modular office spaces. Companies should adapt and reconfigure their physical environments efficiently, responding swiftly to changing needs and growth dynamics.
Creative, Agile, and Technologically Advanced Workspaces
- While we are seeing workstations remain a constant in the office, there will be a rise in need for environments fostering open collaboration, innovation, and agility.
- Incorporation of advanced technology, such as audio-video equipment in meeting rooms has become essential to facilitate hybrid meetings and will continue to be a requirement for effective global collaboration.
Balanced Office Attendance and Zone Distinction
- Movement towards a balanced 3-day office presence, with spaces designed to maximise the value of in-person interactions.
- Creation of distinct zones for different activities, ensuring effective use of space for both concentrated and collaborative work.
- Phone booths as a necessity for short meetings and private communication in modern, technically advanced work environments.
2023 has been a year of learning, adaptation, and growth in workspace design. As we look towards the future, NORNORM remains committed to staying ahead of these evolving trends, ensuring our workspaces continue to meet the changing needs of our customers and their employees.
Remember, don’t office like it’s 1973. Let NORNORM guide you into the future of workspace design.
Navigating the Future of Workspaces with NORNORM's 2023 Trends and 2024 Predictions
In a world where change is the only constant, NORNORM has led the revolution in creating adaptable workspaces through continuous optimisation of office furniture layouts. 2023 has been another pivotal year in which we’ve seen demands for adapting workspaces skyrocket, with our expert Customer Success team at the forefront of this transformation.
With more than 400 office furniture changes successfully completed this year, Philip van Engeldorp Gastelaars and Nikolas Hartlieb share the invaluable insights from our Customer Success team in understanding and shaping the trends in workspace design and utilisation. These changes have not only enhanced workspace functionality but also significantly improved employee productivity and satisfaction.
2023 TRENDS IN THE WORLD OF WORK
As we reflect on the year, let's delve into the significant trends observed by Philip, whose experiences provide a unique window into how workspaces have adapted to meet the continuously changing needs and emerging challenges of companies across Europe.
DIVERSE REASONS FOR CHANGES
- NORNORM's adaptable model has catered to a plethora of reasons for changing office furniture this year, enabling customers to continually update workspaces to suit their ever-changing needs.
- Adaptability is key to workspace success, fitting diverse requirements ranging from company expansions to office function refreshes.
FLUCTUATING DEMAND FOR PRIVACY AND ROOM SEPARATION
- Rise in popularity of phone pods, divider screens, etc., mirroring the dynamic nature of modern work – sometimes collaborative, other times requiring privacy and focus.
- The actual use of spaces can be very different in practice compared to initial designs. Divider screens have become one of the most requested products during flex changes, particularly requested in departments like development, finance, and HR.
- Significant increase in phone booths in offices, especially in smaller spaces where they are effective in creating privacy when separate meeting rooms aren’t feasible. They are also beneficial for older buildings that cannot undergo structural changes.
YOUNG WORKFORCES AND OFFICE USAGE
- In major European cities, younger teams have shown a tendency to use office spaces more for focused work too. This trend reflects not just a generational shift but also the realities of urban living and working spaces.
- Younger employees, often living in smaller houses, find the office a more suitable space for work, and come to the office to gain experience.
- This insight has led to a rethinking of office design strategies, focusing on creating multifunctional spaces that cater to diverse needs.
2024 Predictions for Workspace Usage PREDICTIONS FOR WORKSPACE USAGE
As we look towards the future, Niko shares his team's predictions on the evolution of workspaces. These insights highlight a shift towards more adaptable, technologically-equipped, and purposefully-designed office spaces, reflecting both ongoing trends and new directions in office utilisation and ways of working.
Adapting to Economic Realities and Cost-Efficiency
- Across industries, there’s an urge to be mindful of costs, leading companies to optimise their office space to reduce risks associated with unused areas.
- Shift towards cost-efficient, sustainable growth driving the focus on flexible, modular office spaces. Companies should adapt and reconfigure their physical environments efficiently, responding swiftly to changing needs and growth dynamics.
Creative, Agile, and Technologically Advanced Workspaces
- While we are seeing workstations remain a constant in the office, there will be a rise in need for environments fostering open collaboration, innovation, and agility.
- Incorporation of advanced technology, such as audio-video equipment in meeting rooms has become essential to facilitate hybrid meetings and will continue to be a requirement for effective global collaboration.
Balanced Office Attendance and Zone Distinction
- Movement towards a balanced 3-day office presence, with spaces designed to maximise the value of in-person interactions.
- Creation of distinct zones for different activities, ensuring effective use of space for both concentrated and collaborative work.
- Phone booths as a necessity for short meetings and private communication in modern, technically advanced work environments.
2023 has been a year of learning, adaptation, and growth in workspace design. As we look towards the future, NORNORM remains committed to staying ahead of these evolving trends, ensuring our workspaces continue to meet the changing needs of our customers and their employees.
Remember, don’t office like it’s 1973. Let NORNORM guide you into the future of workspace design.
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