By mid-January, the new year doesn’t always feel so new. But change is happening every day regardless of the date on the calendar. Recognizing change before it’s entirely obvious is your advantage.

Here’s a crib sheet for what’s happening in the world of workplace.
Things we know:

Impact of digital documents on the physical workplace cannot be overstated. Less paper means less storage, less support space, smaller desk area, and real freedom to work productively from a laptop. Dematerialization of “stuff” continues.
File management is destiny
- shared drive is where collaboration really happens – consistent and searchable file naming conventions take discipline to use all the time, but the rewards will amaze you and inspire gratitude among your colleagues. More on this
- piles of paper = not a team player
Conference, hospitality and café areas are growing, in physical dimension and as a percentage of total area. Multipurpose space is central.
Natural light is actual energy, not a perk of seniority or status. Wide distribution is the sensible expectation.
Personal control (formerly known as “privacy”) remains hot. Freedom to choose where to work supersedes the ever-diminishing private office. Choice is the new privacy.
Variety of work areas is critical
- distraction-free zones
- huddle rooms, phone booths, small video conference
- headphones are not just for Millenials
Remote work is lonely; social life at the office might be a feature, not a bug
Activity improves brain function
- active workplace gets people moving all day long
- workplace wellness initiatives are real; illness is a downer for everyone
- bonus tip: fitness is stress-management; leaders embrace it

If you work in an office or know someone who does, consider using what we know to your advantage. Focus on file management, invest in some decent headphones, move around, purge those piles of paper, reduce stress through fitness, enjoy your colleagues.

Happy new year.