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As we’ve been working on this blog, we keep seeing the same few search terms come up: workplace trends, workplace 2010, innovations in workplace, etc.  To help answer some of these questions, we thought we would reach out to some of our colleagues, clients and friends and ask them about some of their workplace experiences.  Today is the first post in that series, and features HOK Washington, DC’s own Amy Fabry. 

What is your current role?  I am a Senior Interior Designer in the Washington, DC studio.

What would you say are current “trends” when it comes to the workplace?  Cram as many people in as possible. 

Seriously, many of our corporate clients recognize that there is a large portion of their employees that do not need a dedicated desk or private office, so they are moving towards a shared open office environment where workstations are not assigned to any person in particular.  While this “trend” has been around for a while, we are seeing our clients getting more daring with their sharing ratios and providing more “private” areas in return.  These private areas are generally small, unreserved rooms for one to two people to have a private conversation, take a phone call or conduct a conference call without disrupting others seating in open office areas. 

Another trend I see is the return of the lunchroom.  This isn’t your elementary school lunchroom, it’s a destination space with finishes and details that rival some of your favorite restaurants.  The key is to create a space that everyone from the CEO to the intern will feel comfortable spending time in whether they are eating lunch or involved in an impromptu meeting. 

The last trend we are seeing is related to research on the generations in the workplace.  Clients are becoming more savvy and will sometimes ask if the space will attract the “millennials” which really shows that they too are doing their research.

What advice would you give others trying to make changes in the workplace?  Please make sure all employees are briefed on why the changes are occurring and provide them with tools to make the transition easier.  We all want a sense of security while in the office and losing your desk is potentially a scary thought for many. The more involved upper management is in promoting the changes, and actually “walking the talk,” the more comfortable everyone will be in their new workplace. 

Additionally, employees need direction on acceptable behavior when moving into open and/or shared workstations to avoid conflict with others who don’t enjoy sitting down to a desk with sticky soda residue or listening to every detail of their neighbors’ conversation with their podiatrist.

What is your favorite source for new workplace trends or information?  Actually, I find that many of the system furniture manufacturers have great websites with tons of white papers and research available online.  Also, I know that if I have a specific idea in mind, I can always ask our friendly Advance Strategies people for advice on how to get started or if they’ve come across anything new interesting! (Editor’s note: If you’ve read my bio, you’ll see that Amy is clearly kissing up)

What’s the funniest “collection” you’ve seen (photo evidence, please!)?  Oh no!  I don’t have photo evidence but I saw a My Little Pony collection that would make a six year old salivate.  And while this is not a collection, one of our clients keeps an artificial tree outside their workstation year-round that is appropriately decorated for whatever national holiday is next on the list.  For example, I have seen Halloween, Easter and 4th of July.