The History of the Workplace - Modern Workplace

Office space was designed to focus on enabling individual workers to work creatively and more autonomously. Users health and comfort were more prominent. Computers were introduced into the workplace.

Women began to gain more equality in the workforce through the Equal Pay Act, but women still did more menial office jobs and left the work once married to stay home full-time.

This decade saw the office layout moving towards productivity and profitability. Cubicles were cheap, effective and increased focus.

Corporate culture became a priority. Workers started to dress in power suits, and employees began talking about a work-life balance. The computer started to gain popularity in the workplace.

Office design became more utilitarian and functional - even dull, while computers transformed the way people worked.

Improvements in connectivity and the start of the world-wide-web meant that computers became essential for many employees. In 1998, Google was born.

The 2000s saw a time of evolution and revolution. Technology and high-speed connectivity became common. The smartphone was brought to mass market.

Open-floor office plans started to rise. In addition, co-working spaces became more popular, allowing employees to work in alternative places, such as in coffee shops or remotely from home.

Tech startups introduced casual clothes in the office, pressing the idea that people's work and feelings are more important.

As technology advanced, employees began to demand flexibility in how, when and where they worked.

A huge shift occurred in office design. Bright and vibrant offices evolved with mixed spaces to work. Technology became woven into the work, from video conferencing equipment to interactive screens to support the workplace experience.