That’s a wrap for 2024! Here are some workplace insights to start 2025

It’s been an exciting year at IE and we’re here to share some of our stand-out blogs from 2024. 

As the year turns, here's your chance to catch up with our ‘most read articles, focusing on the themes that are likely to keep resonating through 2025.

1. Back to the office! But which office?

In 2024 our blogs explored the various obstacles and opportunities that face employers as they decide whether to right-size, relocate or repurpose their workspaces for a new era of collaboration. In one popular article, we covered the continuing gap between supply and demand in high-quality office space, which is leading many businesses to redesign rather than move:

New Space for Old? How to Beat the Grade A Office Shortage.

As others struggled to quickly adapt new and existing spaces to support rapidly changing business needs, we published our ultimate guide to choosing the right office pods and booths. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to reconfigure their existing internal spaces in an era of uncertainty and change.

Data from the CBRE shows the cost of building an on-site meeting room in London, exceeds the cost of buying a moveable pod solution by 33.5%.

Source: CBRE

2. Sustainability should be driving furniture procurement strategies

Ethical and eco-friendly procurement continues to drive employee expectations, regulation and corporate responsibility policies.  

Young people, particularly, are making career decisions based on the ESG credentials of prospective employers.

This year, our blog "Sustainable Materials in Office Furniture Design" explored all the different renewable and recycled materials that could power a greener refurnishing strategy. Our guide showed how businesses can balance regulation, cost, aesthetics and performance as they look to become part of the circular economy.

A great post from Klavs Henriksen, IE’s Sustainability and Compliance Manager gave some fascinating insights about how the new EU deforestation regulation is likely to affect the cost and availability of different kinds of furniture. Klavs also explored how its requirements may be reflected in future UK regulation.

3. Supporting neurodiversity in the workplace

Inclusivity and diversity was high on our client’s agendas this year - as research continues to point to the growth benefits of a focus on DEI at every level of an organisation.

Just consider the following stats:

• Worldwide, 15% to 20% of the population is considered to be neurodiverse.

• Neurodiverse teams are 30% more productive than neurotypical teams

Source: MyDisabilityJobs

One thing that is becoming increasingly clear is how little employers know about the range of neurodiversity in their workforce and how to support these individuals.

As part of our work to boost understanding in this area in 2024, we hosted a hugely popular webinar for Siemens. IE designers and expert Neurodiversity consultant Rachel Morgan-Trimmer all shared their insight into designing for a ND friendly workplace.

We interviewed Rachel Morgan-Trimmer for our blog sharing her amazing introduction to the different types neurodiversity that employers may encounter in their teams:

“Neurodiversity covers a wide spectrum of differences in individual brain function and behavioural traits. But how much does your business know about the range of neurodiversity within your workforce? And how can you release its untapped potential?"

The article shares helpful insights into the extraordinary range of skills people who are neurodiverse can bring to business and how to help your organisation flex to their needs. It’s a fantastic and enlightening read:

Types of Neurodiversity: Meet the 'Power Animals' Hiding in Your Workplace

4. Employee wellbeing and happiness at work

Employee experience remains a cornerstone of workplace strategy, particularly in hybrid environments. But new research from Steelcase suggested a workforce that is often anxious, unhappy and unproductive as a result.

In our blog post “Is Your Team Happy at Work?” we examined the factors influencing workplace satisfaction and pointed out how employers can make their offices a more joyful and healthy place for the people who share it.

5. Are you ready to ‘dress to impress’?

As many employers try to tempt back workers to spend more time in the office it's more important than ever to build an environment where people want to be. 

A well-designed and finished office speaks volumes about company culture and purpose - and it actively makes occupant’s feel more valued and comfortable.

In this brilliant post about office decor written by IE’s Senior Interior Designer, Rachel Brown, she explored how décor and aesthetics can inspire connection, creativity, and innovation:

“As part of your workplace design process, everyone should consider how art and accessorising can add to your overall employee value proposition - and the experience of visitors to your offices.”

Conclusion

From sustainability and neurodiversity to space efficiency and employee happiness, these blogs captured the pulse of modern workplace priorities. As companies face increasing demands for flexibility, inclusivity, and performance, IE’s expertise in office design and furniture solutions continues to be indispensable.