Five ways Poland’s offices will change by 2030

Many of Poland’s modern office buildings are already experimenting with new ways to use space and keep employees engaged – and the changes they’re adopting today could become commonplace across the sector in the next decade. – Many of these firms have young workforces who expect areas where they can collaborate. There’s definitely a focus on basing office layout and design on the task or activity, rather than the sector – adds Jakub Zieliński.

With a young, skilled workforce, flexible spaces, high-quality amenities including fitness centres, restaurants and kindergartens, tech-enabled workplaces are set to gain traction as evolving design in Poland sets the direction of office development for other countries across Central and Eastern Europe. However, change will depend on a range of factors from company size to budget and of course the age of the building itself. – What Poland has on its side is that many of its buildings went up at the start of the century, making it a relatively young office market. This is more about fine-tuning existing workplaces which are relatively modern, rather than major reconfigura tion – says Jakub Zieliński, Team Leader, Workplace Advisory, JLL. Change is being driven by the country’s labour market which attracts many multinationals in the business services sector, as well as financial and tech industry. Across Poland, the business services centres already accounts for three million square metres of office space, and JLL expects further increases in the near future. Here are five ways that offices in Poland are changing: 1. MORE WELLBEING MEASURES As competition to attract and retain Poland’s skilled office workers increases, offices are looking at how design can create a positive environment that keeps people healthy, engaged and energised. – This goes beyond simply placing a few plants around the office. Polish office employees are increasingly conscious about their wellbeing and expect that their company will support them in taking care of their health – says Jakub Zieliński. 2. MORE DESK SHARING At present, only 15% of Polish office workers share desk space which is due in part to a cultural preference for placemaking among staff. – It’s not unusual to see family photos, plants and postcards at the worksta tions of staff. But that is changing as firms become less rigid and struc tured in their office configuration – adds Jakub Zieliński.

Author: 3. MORE COLLABORATION SPACES There might be less allocated desk space for each employee as floorplans are redesigned to accommodate informal areas such as breakout zones and kitchens. – Areas for discussion are rising as people collaborate and interact more. Such an example is the office of Coca Cola’s HBC arm in the Business Garden scheme – says Jakub Zieliński. 4. SPACES ARE BEING REDESIGNED MORE FREQUENTLY Offices are now redesigned around every 5-10 years rather than every 15 years a decade ago. – Companies are changing their layout more quickly than ever before. Today’s office projects are opting for flexible uses of space that can be easily and quickly adapted to more fluid business operating models – says Jakub Zieliński. In turn, furniture and fittings need to easily movable such as freestanding pods used as space dividers rather than built in meeting rooms. 5. SMARTER, MORE TECH-ENABLED OFFICES Features such as meeting room booking, air quality apps and sensor-controlled lighting are becoming more common. – Employees expect that many of the office amenities will be available on their phones. Poland is becoming more tech savvy and people are embracing that – comments Jakub Zieliński. FUTURE DIRECTION? Like in other European countries, the key challenge for companies going forwards is creating a workplace that meets the changing needs and expectations of a modern workforce. – The workplace is becoming all about experience. Polish office employees are actively seeking out firms that encourage collaboration and interaction and actively reflect this in their office design – says Jakub Zieliński.