Three trends we're seeing in the office fit-out and furniture sector

At GFH, we spend our life in offices working with clients on workplace change projects. We’re either sustainably removing unwanted furniture or, on the other side of our business, delivering this pre-loved furniture to organisations undertaking fit-out programs.

Recently, we’ve noticed three emerging trends that reflect the change in how some clients think about office design and functionality. The observations are: 1) sourcing furniture with green credentials, 2) the potential for furniture ‘as a service’, and 3) more collaboration zones.

As many businesses prioritise their efforts in reducing carbon footprints, we're seeing leading furniture brands respond with wide-ranging ESG frameworks. Just some Initiatives we see by these brands include:

• lifecycle-based product designs
• the use of responsibly sourced timber and recycled plastics in the product’s construction 
• manufacturing processes that minimise waste
• sustainable packaging of the product
• extended warranties that allow for repair as the product ages, and
• end-of-life recycling or take-back strategies.

These initiatives are excellent steps toward reducing the carbon footprint of furniture procurement programs.

Another trend on the green front we’re seeing is the rise in furniture rental and leasing inquiries. While our model is focused on ‘rehoming’ corporate office furniture at discount purchase prices (typically more cost-effective than rental programs), the inquiries nonetheless point to a shift in consideration by companies. This investigation appears to be on the radar for businesses with delivery projects (such as site offices) or those exploring different office configurations and unsure whether the model will be long-term. The ‘furniture as a service’ model features in industry innovation discussions and could emerge as large furniture manufacturers shift their business models towards the circular economy.

The other trend we’re seeing is open offices or agile workplace design, which is gaining popularity among corporates and government departments. This type of design is about breaking down barriers, reducing the number of fixed work points, and promoting collaboration and communication – more so now as staff prioritise transactional work for the home environment and use the office for meetings and collaboration.  Architects are designing offices with more break-out areas, collaboration zones, and informal workspaces and sourcing furniture that assists in bringing these areas to life.

As the transition to a circular economy continues, and the role of the office evolves, we expect to see further trends emerge in the office furniture and fit-out sector. And at GFH, we remain committed to helping clients bridge this change with logistics programs, furniture offers at discount prices, and working relationships with furniture brands committed to sustainable practices.