If you noticed a drop in productivity last year, read through this Infographic from Entrepreneur about how to have a more productive office. Studies found that employees who work an average of 45 hours a week spend 17 of those hours being unproductive or distracted.

The Infographic shows statistics that music, breaks and better communication have the power to create a productive work environment.

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That prediction may be a bit far-fetched, but companies are already upgrading from stuffy, cubical-filled workspaces to modern designs that would make anyone want to go to work. Here are a few solid trends seen throughout the past year that show no sign of slowing down:

Greater Mobility
The cubicle has officially become an office item of the past. Instead, companies are shifting toward better mobility and flexibility in the workplace. Some modern offices even go so far as to remove traditional equipment altogether and replace it with sofas and tables to create a “lounge” office.

Instead of assigned work areas, employers are encouraging unassigned seating for better movement. Now employees can come to work and sit (or stand) wherever they like and plug in their laptop. Unsurprisingly, with the health-craze in full force, a standing workstation is becoming a staple of the modern office. They provide the flexibility employees need, to keep ideas moving and flowing throughout the day.

Open Office
Moving along with greater mobility, the office of the future promotes an open environment. Now office spaces are designed in an exposed plan that lets employees bump into each other to discuss ideas.

Some companies incorporate gathering places, for informal meetings or an escape from the daily grind. The idea behind an open design is to create more communication and engagement between employees, departments and upper management, for a more productive office overall.

New Equipment
We can’t help but reiterate the gaining popularity of standing desks. Adjustable desks go hand in hand with greater mobility and an open office. A standing conference table is just one option that fulfills all the qualities of open communication, with a relaxed, standup meeting.

Of course, there’s enticing technology that’s sure to become a necessity in every modern office. Since most companies have switched to a paperless system, why not eliminate whiteboards too? An electronic whiteboard is completely digital (and you’ll never experience dry erase marker on your hands again).

Going Green
The new workforce has placed importance on bettering the environment. Companies have responded by “going green,” with small steps like completely paperless systems or taking it all the way with a self-sustaining building. The office of the future promotes green practices and uses equipment and materials that reduce energy and impact on the environment.

There are sure to be even more modern office trends later in 2014, and we’re excited to see what happens next. Do you work in an office that follows any of these trends? If not, how do you want to see your office change in 2014?

The post The Modern Office of the Future appeared first on Xdesk Blog.

Check out the list of modern work accessories below:

1. Power Stations 
If you’re lucky, you may have a smart phone for the office, one for home, or a tablet for work meetings. With so many office gadgets, that means more things that need to charge. The year 2014 has you covered, with battery packs and power stations that cater to several gadgets at once. Most come with extensive battery power and are able to charge multiple work accessories, so you don’t have to worry if one phone runs out of juice.

Anker Astro E4

Mophie Power Station

2. Smart Light Bulbs
Old fluorescent light bulbs are a thing of the past, now you can plug in energy-saving LED lights into your lamp, or even use a smart bulb. A few companies have taken LED lights to the next level. Now you can control these office gadgets with a remote, or your smart phone. So you don’t have to hear anyone complain if you forget to turn off your desk lamp.

Phillips Hue Connected Bulb

Insteon LED Bulb

3. Smart Watches
You knew it would happen at some point – smart watches will come to life in 2014. Instead of watching James Bond or the Jetsons speak into their high-tech wristwatches, you may catch someone in your office having a conversation with their arm. Smart watches are an ideal office gadget to have, for taking calls, sending emails or using an app. Now you can get rid of the extra phone and be the envy of your coworkers.

Samsung Galaxy Smart Watch

4. Never Ending Keyboard
Wireless keyboards are great, until they break or run out of battery. One minute you’re finishing up your work, and the next you’re hitting a nonresponsive keyboard against your NextSpace Keyboard Platform (not recommended). To save the hassle, the new office gadget to have is a solar powered keyboard. They’re powered by any kind of light, including low, lamp and indoor lights. Xdesk encourages a clutter-free workspace, and a solar powered keyboard is an ideal work accessory to minimize wires.

Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard

Or try a wireless mouse with Bluetooth technology:

Microsoft Sculpt Touch Mouse

5. The Talking Pen
Forget about dragging a laptop to a work meeting (around an adjustable conference table), now all you need is an old-school notepad and pen – sort of. A smart pen allows you to record audio while you take notes and play them back later. Once the meeting is over, take the pen back to your computer and plug it in through a USB port to save it. This office gadget is a handy work accessory to have, especially for impromptu meetings or lunch meetings out of the office.

Livescribe Echo Smart Pen

6. An Adjustable Desk
Of course this list of office gadgets wouldn’t be complete without an adjustable height desk. These modern desks have taken the office furniture world by storm, especially with new research showing the harmful effects of sitting. We hope the year 2014 will bring even more news about the benefits of standing desks, and why they’re needed in offices throughout the country. Xdesk is the future of the desk, after all.

Xdesk Adjustable Height Desk

Are you looking forward to owning one of these office gadgets during 2014? Which one is your favorite?

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