You're probably familiar with Dutch offices by now. These modern buildings are often designed to provide inspiring workspaces, complete with flexible workspaces, quiet areas, meeting rooms with comfortable chairs, whiteboards, digital gadgets, glass walls, and ergonomic chairs with standing desks. The most creative companies even boast a cozy bar, dartboard, and ping-pong table. It almost doesn't feel like work anymore. But what about other countries? Can we learn anything from them when it comes to workplace comfort? Or do they no longer need to explain anything to us? And what does the interior of offices abroad look like? Let's take a few countries as examples and compare their offices with Dutch office interiors.

A clear example can be found in Japan, where open-plan offices with few to no partitions are the norm. These open layouts promote communication and collaboration among colleagues, as well as social control. You can more quickly see how your colleague is doing because you're literally in each other's line of sight. On the other hand, the noise level in these places is extremely high, which is detrimental to health.

In the United States, people also work in open spaces, but low partitions are also frequently used. Cubicles are preferred there to maintain some privacy. Even though these cubicles are so low, they improve the room's acoustics and maintain social contact between employees. The downside of cubicles is that from a distance, they can appear somewhat cramped, static, and crowded.

In contrast, the interiors of Scandinavian offices evoke tranquility and a connection with nature. This is due to the minimalist design that is prominently featured. No nonsense, just a sleek and serene look. Biophilic design is widely used here. There is so much beautiful nature to be found in these countries that it almost seems illogical not to bring it indoors.

Agreements

Despite these differences, there are also similarities between Dutch office interiors and those in other countries. One shared trend, for example, is the rise of flexible workspaces and communal spaces that encourage collaboration and idea sharing. This is also evident in Australia, where more and more companies are transitioning to dynamic workspaces with shared lounges and meeting rooms.

In Germany, too, glass partitions are increasingly being used to create a sense of spaciousness and transparency while still maintaining privacy. In France and Italy, you see more decorative partitions such as wooden or felt panels that add an aesthetic element to the space while also providing sound insulation. This is also becoming increasingly common in the Netherlands.

It's clear that office interiors are evolving worldwide, and there are different approaches to creating a productive and pleasant work environment. Whether it's open spaces that promote communication, or more private designs that facilitate peace and concentration, there's always something to learn from how other cultures design their work environments.

System Flex

An inspiring space works wonders, no matter what. Whether you're in the Netherlands or Japan, whether you need to concentrate or inspire each other. It's important that the space we work in feels good. That's why System Flex has been producing flexible wall systems for 30 years to create the ideal space. With System Flex's stylish (glass) system walls, you can quickly and easily create beautiful and functional spaces in any environment. Curious about the possibilities? Feel free to contact us.