As global work trends continue to evolve, changes in office design and the office furniture market are becoming essential. This transformation goes beyond aesthetics or ergonomics – it’s a true revolution in how we think about workspaces, focused on supporting creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity.

The importance of neurodiversity in office space design

During my recent lecture for Balma, I addressed the evolution of the office furniture market in the context of neurodiversity. Modern offices are increasingly taking into account the needs of employees whose brains function differently from the average. This includes people with ADHD, autism, dyslexia or sensory sensitivities. It's equally important to recognize the needs of those who are highly sensitive to light, noise and intense colors or who find it challenging to work in large groups.

As an expert in this field, I use a tool that enables the diagnosis of the real needs of workspace users. The most frequently reported needs can often be addressed through furniture solutions. We can expect the development of furniture and systems that help reduce excessive noise stimuli. Acoustic booths and noise-reducing panels, as well as sound-absorbing construction materials, will become standard. Equally important will be the personalization of the workspace – adjustable workstations, including height-adjustable desks, and lighting tailored to individual sensory preferences. Regeneration zones – spaces for rest and relaxation – will be enriched with natural elements such as plants and daylight, supporting employees’ mental wellbeing. Inclusive offices will become environments that support every employee, regardless of their abilities or individual needs. 

Bbox acoustic booths, design: Piotr Kuchciński 

Sit&stand desks with electric height adjustment, design: Piotr Kuchciński 

Stepps shelf, design: Piotr Kuchciński

AI and the transformation of work

The rapid advancement of AI is radically reshaping how we work. Automation of routine tasks will create space for developing soft skills such as creativity, collaboration and knowledge sharing. Visionaries such as Dr. John Sullivan emphasize that AI will support not only office management but also creative processes.

So what is the future of the office? It will be a place that fosters collaboration and innovation, while helping people build meaningful relationships.

Traditional, closed offices and classic open spaces are no longer sufficient. The balance will shift toward mobile spaces and collaborative zones. We’ll see more project-dedicated areas with whiteboards, screens and modular furniture that can be adapted to team needs. Offices will also feature tools that support knowledge sharing, such as interactive walls or conference tables equipped with data-sharing technology. Spaces will be designed to inspire out-of-the-box thinking – with unconventional arrangements, unusual furniture and tools for visualization or prototyping.

Pung mobile stool, design: Piotr Kuchciński; B2 foldable tables with castors, design: Balma Team

In addition to shared spaces, offices will also offer quiet areas for individual work, helping employees manage their energy and concentration. AI will be used to integrate building management systems, optimizing lighting, temperature and space reservations in real time.

A better understanding of AI tools will also encourage the use of VR and AR to enhance training or project visualization.

During the lecture, I also proposed new product ideas for the future, such as modified acoustic panels that improve the quality of AI conversations or video calls by enhancing sound and eliminating distractions.

Well-known trendsetters and architects such as Patricia Urquiola highlight the importance of creating more empathetic office spaces that address the diverse needs of their users. Meanwhile, designer Yves Béhar emphasizes the role of technology in integrating functional and aesthetic solutions in the offices of tomorrow.

Flexibility, inclusivity and technology

The office furniture market and workspace design are clearly moving toward more flexible, inclusive, and technologically advanced solutions. In a world where artificial intelligence plays an ever-increasing role, it will be essential to nurture human skills such as creativity, collaboration, and knowledge management. Offices of the future will not just be places to work – they will be hubs for innovation, knowledge sharing, and relationship building. Furthermore, upcoming trends point toward greater emphasis on personalized spaces, natural materials, space optimization, and increased furniture mobility.

Mobile Stepps shelving unit, design: Piotr Kuchciński

Author: Katarzyna Zakrzewska – interior designer and Design Thinking process moderator at ZAKK Studio. During her presentation, and in the dedicated showroom she curated, she emphasized the importance of addressing four key areas of workplace wellbeing. These included: acoustics, the advantages of mobile spaces and movement (including rocking), as well as the impact of touch and colors on our nervous system and overall wellbeing.