The interior trend for some industries has taken a more lifestyle approach over the years with the banking sector as one of the most radically changed. Although financial firms such as the private banking companies still adhere to the strictly professional and upmarket demeanour to their office design, some others are actively pursuing a lifestyle slant. This is in part due to the changes that are taking place, which are reshaping the industry to a great extent. For example, the advent of digital and mobile technology has altered the way consumers use the services at the bank – self-service kiosks and mobile applications have taken away the need to visit the bank to carry out certain transactions. New purposes and hence environments need to be created to encourage customers to step in again.
At the same time, other changes are taking place; this includes increasing awareness of environmental concerns that are impacting on not just the company’s bottomline but also the employees’ morale and motivation, thereby affecting office interior decisions when it comes to green material and vendor selection among others. And just like other industry sectors, the need for a space to be multi-functional in part from rising real estate cost and dynamic market changes implies for it to be designed as modularly as possible. In addition, on top of a company’s branding, employee’s focus because of the need to keep employees motivated and hence productive is also driving the interior trend in the financial sector. An employee focused office might mean building amenities and a more lifestyle and uplifting environment, one that is designed with recreational spots for unwinding and relaxation apart from work.
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