Pantone's 2024 Color of the Year is ‘Peach Fuzz’ / Fully remote work is on the decline in the U.S. / Haworth Announces 2024 DesignLab Focus on Sustainability & Circular Design / Metalworks Acquires Flairwood, Expands Manufacturing Capabilities, Industries, Customer Base / Steelcase Named Leader in LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Earns Perfect Score on Human Rights Campaign's 2023 Corporate Equality Index / Virco Reports Record 3rd Quarter and YTD Results / Virco Reports Record 3rd Quarter and YTD Results / How commercial furniture firm Forward Tilt grew to $50m in revenue after a decade in business / GM Makes Three Days in Office Mandatory, Ending ‘Work Appropriately’ Policy / Tech Industry Struggles With Hybrid Work Adoption / Pet insurance rises as a hot new workplace benefit / Half of workers take zero breaks during the day / and much much more…


The Working Space
Monday, December 11, 2023

Industry News

Pantone has announced 'Peach Fuzz' as the Color of the Year for 2024. This soft and warm shade represents peace, comfort, and tenderness. It reflects the need for nurturing empathy and compassion in a time of ongoing turmoil. The selection process involves observing peach tones in various industries and finding a common theme that reflects people's aspirations. While a single color cannot capture the entire zeitgeist, Pantone's choice serves as a reminder of the power of color to convey a message of peace. However, it should be noted that implementing Peach Fuzz in office furniture, other than upholstery, might pose some challenges.

Metalworks Acquires Flairwood, Expands Manufacturing Capabilities, Industries, Customer Base
Metalworks Inc. has acquired Flairwood, a manufacturer of laminate cabinets and carts, in a transaction that expands manufacturing capabilities, industries served, and customer base for both companies. Metalworks plans to maintain manufacturing at all three locations and will be able to reach a more diverse customer base and expand its line of metal filing, storage, and organizational products with the addition of Flairwood's laminate case goods. The acquisition also allows Flairwood to benefit from a greater partnership with Great Openings, the direct-to-dealer sales division of Metalworks. Both companies have a commitment to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement. Metalworks has two locations and approximately 200 employees, while Flairwood has a 60,000-square-foot facility with around 40 employees.

Virco Reports Record 3rd Quarter and YTD Results
Virco Mfg. Corporation (NASDAQ: VIRC) reported record financial results for the third quarter ended October 31, 2023, with sales increasing to $84,252,000 and net income improving to $10,160,000. The company also announced a quarterly dividend of $0.02 per share and a $5,000,000 share repurchase program. For the nine months ended October 31, 2023, sales increased to $226,516,000 and operating income more than doubled to $34,648,000. The effective tax rate increased due to the recording of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and state net operating loss carryforwards.

Haworth Announces 2024 DesignLab Focus on Sustainability & Circular Design
Haworth announced the continuation of the Haworth DesignLab, focusing on sustainability and circular design. The 2024 DesignLab participants will debut their concepts at NeoCon 2024, mentored by Studio Urquiola and Haworth design staff. The initiative brings together talented designers and artists to challenge expectations and set a new standard for work. Haworth is a leading global furniture maker with a design-forward approach and operates in over 150 countries.

BRC, Tayco and Woodlore Continue to Make Strides, Adding New Leadership, Gary Hierlihy, to the Helm

The BRC Group of Companies owned by Bill Melnik - BRC, Tayco and Woodlore - welcomes Gary Hierlihy to the corporate Team. Hierlihy, with the title of Senior Vice President of Sales, along with the senior leadership team, will propel growth for all three companies, developing fresh initiatives to increase brand recognition and to further support Dealer partnerships across North America.

Hierlihy, will strategically oversee all Customer-facing departments including the Sales, Marketing, Customer Experience, Commercial Space Design and New Product Development for all three companies. Each of these companies operate separately, while leveraging the best practices from each other. Each one strategically fills different gaps in the market:

BRC: Premium casegoods manufacturer with a Customer focus on aligned Dealer partners. BRC is best known for their ability to create custom solutions and rapid product development. Tayco: Well-rounded manufacturer with broad market appeal. Tayco offers extensive space planning solutions for open and private spaces. This includes robust panel systems, casegoods solutions, seating, receptions and conferencing options. Tayco is a one stop shop manufacturer for the mid-market. Woodlore: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) manufacturer providing quick, flexible laminate and casegoods products. Woodlore has over $160 million of advanced manufacturing capacity based around state-of-the-art equipment and decades of trusted product development.

“We are thrilled to welcome Gary onboard to our strong, collaborative group,” says CEO, Bill Melnik. “I am certain his reputation for success, his innovative processes and market connectivity, will guide our entire group of companies into a strong future.”

Hierlihy brings a wealth of knowledge, having been an active part of the contract office furniture industry for over 20 years. Throughout his career, he has worked with many leading brands, instrumental in their sales strategies, branding programs and award-winning successful product launches. Hierlihy’s expertise will encourage collaboration amongst the existing Teams to elevate them to the next level.

“I am very excited to be joining BRC, Tayco and Woodlore at this critical milestone of their growth,” says Senior Vice President of Sales, Gary Hierlihy. “BRC, Tayco and Woodlore are well-established and respected brands in the contract furniture industry. While they all focus on different areas, the combined engineering, product manufacturing expertise and capacity, offer a significant value to the market. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with talented and proven Teams at all three companies and to join Bill Melnik’s journey to create a prominent market leader in excellent products, service and delivery.”

The BRC, Tayco and Woodlore Teams will continue to be structured the same, with external Dealer Partners continuing to work with their committed Regional Sales Directors for day-to-day business.

Steelcase Named Leader in LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Earns Perfect Score on Human Rights Campaign's 2023 Corporate Equality Index
Steelcase has achieved a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index, making it a "Leader in LGBTQ+ Inclusion" in the United States and Mexico. The company has received recognition from the Corporate Equality Index nine times in the U.S. and has been Equidad certified in Mexico for the past four years. This acknowledgment reflects Steelcase's ongoing commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The company has implemented inclusive practices in hiring, provided inclusive partner benefits, and established a Global Human & Labor Rights Policy to foster an inclusive company culture.

MillerKnoll Earns Top Score in Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index

MillerKnoll, a collective of design brands, has received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index. This index measures corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. MillerKnoll is among the 545 U.S. businesses earning top marks this year. The company's efforts in satisfying all the index's criteria earned them the designation as a leader in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.

HRC's full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.

Good news. According to a survey by MRI Software and CoreNet Global, there has been a reversal in office space demand, with 42% of respondents planning to lease more space in the coming months. This contrasts with less than 10% in December 2022. The survey also revealed a priority to improve common spaces and amenities to attract employees back to the office. Nashville is one market experiencing increased demand for office space, particularly from small and medium-sized firms. However, it is still early to determine if tenants will actually sign larger leases and expansions will depend on industry sectors and markets.
Houston's office market is experiencing a rise in tenant concessions as construction costs increase and new buildings are delivered. Tenant concessions include lengthy free rent and generous construction allowances. The high vacancy rate and flight-to-quality trend have led to lower net effective rents. Landlords are offering build-outs for small office spaces and proving their ability to fund improvements. The market is expected to remain tenant-friendly until it resets.
The office market has been facing challenges since 2020, with declining values and uncertain deals. High interest rates have halted investment sales and created a pricing divide between sellers and buyers. Occupancy rates have been depressed due to the adoption of hybrid and remote work formats, although some locations are rebounding. Landlords are offering attractive deals to tenants, but the market still favors tenants. While there are some glimmers of hope, the office sector continues to face obstacles, emphasizing the need for experienced counsel.
According to polling data from Morning Consult, the percentage of U.S. adults primarily working from home has slightly decreased, while those working from the office have slightly increased. The data suggests a decline in fully remote work and a rise in hybrid work arrangements.
The history of zombie malls, where shopping malls faced closures and decline due to online shopping and anchor tenant closures, can provide insights into the future of offices and commercial real estate. While some malls have thrived, the experience highlights the need to adapt to changing trends and customer preferences. Liza Crawford, a CRE veteran, discusses the implications for the commercial real estate market in an interview.

Features

The article discusses the current state of office design and the debate surrounding the return to office (RTO) in 2024. It explores different perspectives on what the office means to workers and how companies can create a better office environment to attract and retain employees. The article features insights from design experts, real estate professionals, and company executives to understand what workers want from their offices and how to design spaces that exceed their expectations. The focus is on addressing the shortcomings of traditional offices and designing workplaces that meet the needs and preferences of employees.

One approach to designing a better office is adapting existing buildings from the 1940s, incorporating natural daylight and offering amenities such as apartments, workspaces, and communal areas. Another approach is creating flexible office spaces that prioritize individual agency, sustainability, and choice. These offices feature shared tables, booths, and greenery to cater to different working styles and provide a sense of connection and well-being. Additionally, the article highlights the importance of understanding the specific needs of Gen Z workers and designing offices that offer flexibility, choice, and sustainable design elements.

In summary, the article explores the evolving nature of office design and suggests that building a better office goes beyond providing amenities. It requires understanding workers' needs, addressing the shortcomings of traditional offices, and designing spaces that promote collaboration, flexibility, and well-being.

In the 2024 workplace, the use of generative AI applications like ChatGPT will increase, boosting productivity and uncovering new insights. Organizations that embrace the technology with smart guardrails and training will be in the best position. Real-world use cases include time-saving data analysis and collaboration. However, it is important to set specific instructions and parameters for accurate results, and human review is still necessary. With proper research and training, generative AI can enhance productivity and become a ubiquitous work tool.
Michelle Heeb and her team at Forward Tilt, a HNI and Allsteel commercial furniture dealer based in Scottsdale, AZ, have achieved significant growth since starting the company in 2014. With over 10,000 completed projects and annual revenue exceeding $50 million in 2022, Forward Tilt focuses on transforming workplace experiences by partnering with clients to tell their unique stories. The company's success is attributed to its fresh perspective on the commercial furniture industry, emphasis on creating engaging and unique spaces, and commitment to putting clients first.

Workspace News

Corporate well-being initiatives may not always have the desired impact on employees' well-being. Taking proactive steps to improve one's own well-being can be powerful. Well-being is multidimensional and includes emotional, cognitive, physical, financial, and social aspects. Being proactive, designing the workday with well-being in mind, and taking advantage of available resources can contribute to improved well-being. Ultimately, individuals have the responsibility for their own well-being.
Spending more than two hours a day in meetings can hurt productivity, according to a survey of over 10,000 desk workers. Those who spent too much time in meetings were more likely to feel they didn't have enough time to focus on important work. Executives and rank-and-file workers alike reported having too many meetings. The negative effects of excessive meetings were found to be the same whether they were virtual or in person. Companies like Slack and Shopify have implemented strategies to limit meetings and encourage workers to decline unnecessary ones.
General Motors (GM) is ending its "Work Appropriately" policy and requiring employees to come into the office three days a week starting January 8, 2024. The new policy applies to employees living within 50 miles of a GM office and aims to meet critical business needs and retain company culture. Other companies have also tightened their hybrid-work plans, while rival Ford Motor Co. maintains a flexible policy that only requires employees to come to the office for group meetings.
According to a survey from Slack, nearly half of workers never take dedicated breaks during their workdays, which negatively impacts their productivity. Those who do take breaks are 13% more productive and have a 62% higher work-life balance. Finding time to focus and take breaks is becoming more challenging in hybrid work environments. The survey suggests time management strategies and recommends taking breaks every three hours. Workers should aim for two breaks a day, with a longer break around lunchtime and a shorter break in the afternoon. Physical separation from workstations and the use of AI tools are also beneficial for productivity. Managers have an opportunity to help employees with time management issues.
The CEO of Ellevest, Sallie Krawcheck, who has been a vocal advocate for remote work, acknowledges that while remote teams are more productive and successful at hitting deadlines, they may be less creative due to the lack of spontaneous interactions. Other major CEOs, such as Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan and David Solomon of Goldman Sachs, have also cited losses in creativity and innovation as reasons for mandating a return to the office. However, experts suggest that a hybrid work model, with a combination of remote and in-person work, may be optimal for productivity, innovation, and employee satisfaction.
The tech industry is facing challenges in adopting hybrid work schedules. While some companies are mandating a return to the office for a minimum of three days a week, many tech employees are reluctant to leave their custom home offices. The desire for social interaction and community is a leading driver for tech workers to come back to the office. However, tech employees often have project-based work and sporadic office needs, making the comfort and convenience of the home office appealing. Tech employers are recognizing the need for social interaction and are offering special events at the workplace. As competition for talent continues, providing opportunities for social interaction will be crucial in attracting and retaining tech employees.
Pet insurance is becoming a popular workplace benefit, with 51% of employees considering it as a top benefit. The rise in remote work and the increasing bond between pets and owners contribute to this trend. Employers recognize the importance of pets in their employees' lives and the need for peace of mind regarding their care. Offering pet insurance can increase employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and even contribute to managing healthcare costs.
Workplace management has become a top priority for organizations, especially with the acceleration of digital transformation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies without extensive facility management teams face challenges in resource allocation, operational flexibility, and employee satisfaction trade-offs. Customizing workplace management strategies based on the size of the organization is crucial. Small startups can focus on flexibility and collaboration, midsize companies can prioritize adaptability and employee satisfaction, and large corporations can tailor space allocation to suit the needs of different teams. Tailored workplace management strategies bring advantages such as enhanced innovation, improved concentration, efficient resource allocation, cost savings, higher job satisfaction and retention, and opportunities for sustainability.
This article provides eight clever tips for working from home successfully. The tips include creating a new commute routine, leveraging asynchronous communication, infusing movement into your workday, setting the tone of your workspace, curating your calendar for collaboration and concentration, clarifying communication expectations, recreating the watercooler experience, and building your work around your life. These tips aim to improve productivity, work-life balance, and overall success in remote work.
Many companies are moving away from traditional office holiday parties and opting for alternative celebrations that are more inclusive and focused on team-building. This shift is driven by a desire to create memorable experiences, be more inclusive, and move away from alcohol-centered activities. Examples include pickleball lessons, virtual murder mysteries, and guacamole-making competitions. The emphasis is on rewarding staff and celebrating company achievements while considering safety, inclusivity, and the diverse preferences of employees.
An evidence review led by the University of Warwick has found that the increase of zero hours contracts over the last 20 years has created significant risk for workers, resulting in unreliable work, loss of hours and earnings, and difficulties in accessing legal advice. The research suggests that a multifaceted approach is needed to address the issue, including new legislation to increase worker job security, reduce employer non-compliance, and strengthen UK labor enforcement practices. Other recommendations include improving management practices, encouraging good practice among employers, and addressing the ambiguity between 'employee' and 'worker' status.

Trends

Higher education institutions are rethinking the role of the physical campus by right-sizing their infrastructure, focusing on data-driven decision making, and addressing the value proposition of a traditional degree. Workforce development is changing the role of higher education, with a focus on alternative learning pathways and training programs. The academic workplace is shifting towards flexible work arrangements, and hybrid learning is becoming more prevalent with different flavors of hybrid models. Student housing is expanding to provide affordable housing and support services, emphasizing a sense of belonging. Holistic planning is integral to the future of higher education, addressing sustainability, wellness, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Design

Globe has recreated the iconic Charles and Ray Eames Lounge Chairs and Ottoman as limited-edition wooden skateboards. The skateboards, made from walnut, black oak, ash, and maple wood, pay homage to the Eames' furniture legacy and design. The collaboration between Globe and the Eames Office aims to fuse furniture design with skateboarding, capturing the visual elements of the iconic Lounge Chairs and Ottoman. The skateboards feature custom-embedded metal badges, laser-etched finishes, and the Eames Office logo. In addition to the individual skateboards, Globe also offers a limited-edition boxed set featuring the abstract image of La Chaise. The skateboards come with a heavyweight canvas board bag and are available for purchase.
Prebuilt office spaces have become an attractive solution for building owners and corporate tenants, offering move-in ready show spaces and customization options. Developing a strategy and establishing an aesthetic direction are crucial for successful prebuilt office programs. These spaces serve as versatile solutions for short and long-term tenants, and turnkey projects provide a more customized and long-term solution. Prebuilts offer benefits such as temporary relocations and early occupancy, while meeting the specific needs of new tenants. Looking ahead, prebuilt offices continue to evolve as a leasing approach, requiring a whole-building strategy to attract corporate tenants and meet future demands.
French designer Christian Louboutin discusses creativity, staying true to oneself, and the importance of aesthetics in an exclusive interview. He shares insights from his career, including the opening of his boutique hotel in Portugal, and emphasizes the value of pursuing projects that bring pleasure, even if they may seem useless. Louboutin also touches on the changing landscape of the fashion industry, the concept of sustainability, and his commitment to preserving craftsmanship and indigenous artisanship.
Office of Tangible Space, a design studio based in New York City and San Francisco, specializes in interdisciplinary design across various scales and project types. Their approach focuses on creating designs that evoke feelings, curiosity, and engage the senses. They collaborate with local artists and craftspeople, and their projects range from office spaces to art galleries and holiday homes. Their design philosophy emphasizes sustainability and creating spaces and objects that will be appreciated for a long time.

Sustainability / Green

Allsteel Aspect Receives Declare Label Certification
Allsteel's Aspect wall solution system has received the Declare Label certification, offering product transparency and listing its innovative design features, including a 30-year lifespan and recyclability. This certification reflects Allsteel's commitment to sustainability and creating a better experience.
This article discusses the concept of a circular economy in the context of office furniture. It highlights the challenges and benefits of adopting a circular economy approach, such as reducing furniture waste and incorporating sustainability goals. The article also provides insights from industry experts on strategies to implement circular economy practices, including establishing playbooks, seeking partnerships, and utilizing asset management software. Additionally, it mentions emerging trends like Furniture as a Service (FaaS) and highlights the efforts of furniture manufacturers in reducing product-level emissions. The article concludes by mentioning the potential future legislation impacting the circular economy and the furniture industry.

Coworking

WeWork has received approval to reject dozens of leases in the United States and Canada, but the coworking firm is seeking to reject six additional leases. The additional leases, like the original list, are no longer operational. WeWork's restructuring plan outlines a scenario where it would walk away from a total of 163 locations, leaving it with 172 North American leases and 174 leases in the rest of the world. The firm has been negotiating with landlords to amend its leases and minimize member impact.

Other News

President Biden's new lectern is seen as a metaphor for his presidency, symbolizing strength, endurance, and transparency. The design incorporates a curved triangle base for stability, painted blue steel for a nod to American manufacturing, and a muted blue polygon top to appeal to a younger and environmentally conscious audience. The timing of the lectern's introduction, less than a year before the next presidential election, suggests its significance in the current political theater.
Several high-profile tech start-ups, including WeWork, Olive AI, Convoy, and Veev, have recently filed for bankruptcy or shut down. This collapse of tech start-ups is causing a significant blow to the contract furniture industry, as these start-ups were known for being great customers. After years of cutting costs, many tech companies are now running out of time and money. Investors are no longer interested in promises and are selectively deciding which companies are worth saving. The failure of these start-ups has led to a significant loss of funding, with approximately 3,200 venture-backed companies going out of business in the U.S. this year alone. The impact is even greater considering the massive amount of cash that was invested in start-ups over the last decade. As a result, venture capital firms are urging struggling founders to consider shutting down rather than wasting more time and resources. While it is sad to see so many start-ups shutting down, there is a silver lining for companies in the business of failure, such as SimpleClosure, which helps start-ups wind down their operations. These companies are experiencing high demand as they assist founders in finding closure during this challenging time. It is important to note that the downfall of these tech start-ups is not only affecting the companies themselves but also having a significant impact on industries that relied on them, such as the contract furniture industry.

Latest Product News

New from Flos - Skynest Motion & Skynest Ceiling
Flos introduces two new configurations to their Skynest collection: Skynest Motion and Skynest Ceiling. Skynest is a captivating light with a woven pattern, and when turned on, it creates an ethereal glow. Skynest Motion appears to levitate with a thin stem, while Skynest Ceiling is a cordless, ceiling-mounted version ideal for rooms with low ceilings. Both designs prioritize sustainability and are available in four colors.
Lifecare Furniture offers a line of furniture called SYSTM that is designed to be quickly disassembled for thorough cleaning. The pieces can also be easily re-upholstered, making them ideal for healthcare facilities and high-traffic commercial settings. The company offers a variety of designs for chairs and sofas.

Allsteel Introduces Wilsonart® Solid Surface Products
Allsteel introduces new Wilsonart Solid Surfaces to its portfolio, offering customers contemporary styles and designs for workplace furnishings. The Monte Amiata surface is inspired by Calacatta marble, while the Masoned Concrete displays linear movement in warm gray shades. These durable surfaces are sustainable and can be applied to various Allsteel products.
Chemetal has launched a curated collection of brass metals, offering real brass as well as brass visuals for interior applications. The collection includes aged, solid, anodized, and laminated brass options, providing designers and architects with a wide range of choices. Chemetal aims to provide more options at agreeable price points. www.chemetal.com/brass-designs/

Trends in Commercial Projects from Around the Globe

Standard Architecture transformed Nadel's 1979 Culver City headquarters into a modern, light-filled office space. The renovation included creating outdoor spaces with concrete patios and Mediterranean-inspired gardens, as well as redesigning the interior with new skylights and double-height spaces. The reception area features an oak stairway and plywood-clad walls, while the employee lounge showcases an elliptical form with engineered wood slats. The mezzanine houses corporate departments, and the ground-floor hybrid setting combines an open workplace with enclosed offices. The project successfully achieved Nadel's goal of creating healthy offices and enticing staff to return full time.
The Prestige Group's Mumbai office, designed by lyth Design, showcases a contemporary take on office design. With distinct spaces for meetings and private offices, floor-to-ceiling glass facades, and a fusion of timeless and trendy elements, the office reflects elegance and intimacy. The design incorporates elements of nature, branding elements, and unique features like open workstations with cabins lining the external brick facade. The office design promotes health and wellness, enhances branding, and improves workplace satisfaction.

Upcoming Industry Events

Clerkenwell Design Week 2024
May 21-23, 2024 | London

Clerkenwell is home to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else on the planet, making it truly one of the most important design hubs in the world. To celebrate this rich and diverse community, Clerkenwell Design Week has created a showcase of leading UK and international brands and companies presented in a series of showroom events, exhibitions and special installations that take place across the area.

NeoCon 2024
June 10-12, 2024 | Chicago, IL
 
NeoCon has served as the world’s leading platform and most important event of the year for the commercial design industry since 1969. A launch pad for innovation—NeoCon offers ideas and introductions that shape the built environment today and into the future.  

Orgatec 2024
October 22-26, 2024 | Cologne, Germany

Orgatec is the International trade fair for office and property equipment. Held in Cologne, Germany.

Industry Briefing

Insidesource welcomes Amanda Salt as EMEA managing director
Insidesource announces the appointment of Amanda Salt as the new EMEA managing director. With her experience and strategic leadership, Salt is expected to drive the company's growth and innovation globally. Insidesource looks forward to her positive impact and a future marked by success and innovation under her leadership. Insidesource is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and employs more than 325 people across ten national and international sites. CEO Dave Denny co-founded Insidesource in 1991.

Arcadia and Encore Partner with BeyonDesign to Expand Reach in Upper Midwest
Arcadia and Encore have partnered with BeyonDesign to expand their reach in the Upper Midwest. BeyonDesign, led by principal Tiffany Theis and associate Shawn Pade, will represent Arcadia and Encore in Minnesota, Northwest Wisconsin, and North/South Dakota territories. The partnership aims to provide substantial value and unparalleled service to the commercial interiors community.

DMD for Steelcase Dealers Begins January 16
Solomon Coyle is offering a Dealer Management Development (DMD) program for Steelcase-only dealers starting in January. This 3-month virtual learning experience is designed for management-level individuals to deepen their understanding of the business. The program includes assessments, online classes, and a cost of $7,500. https://solomoncoyle.com/dealer-management-development-for-manufacturer-dealers/steelcase-dmd-registration/

Do It Different: A Conversation on Challenging Industry Norms and Redefining Customer Experience, Presented by Allsteel
Join Allsteel's Learning Lab event, "Do It Different," featuring Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment and owner of the Savannah Bananas. Gain insights on challenging industry norms, embracing an experience-first culture, and reconstructing customer experience. Register for the event on Zoom - https://hnicorp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kgsr3UKwSj2DkVVzxCRlXg

Think Lightweight
Think Lightweight is the first North American company to embrace the 100 mm Edge Banding Machine by Homag, positioning them as the only manufacturer in North America with the capability to edge panels up to 3 3/4 inches in thickness. The machine eliminates labor-intensive tasks, improves efficiency, and delivers wood products of unparalleled quality. It is up to 10 times faster than traditional hand laminating methods and allows for faster, more precise, and high-quality manufacturing. Think Lightweight invites potential partners to outsource their projects with confidence, offering expertise in crafting lightweight wood products for various industries. https://thinklightweight.com/contact-us/

Be Original Americas Announces Establishment of Committees
Be Original Americas, a non-profit organization promoting authenticity in design, announces the establishment of three committees: Advocacy & Education, Membership & Fundraising, and Community & Promotion. These committees will focus on various strategic areas such as education, membership expansion, fundraising, events, and public relations. The organization aims to increase awareness and support for authentic design.

Humanscale’s Active Pony and Nova Task Light are Winners in Architectural Record’s 2023 Record Products Awards
Humanscale's Active Pony and Nova Task Light have been recognized as winners in Architectural Record's Record Products of the Year Awards. The Active Pony is praised for its ergonomic design, promoting movement and providing stability, while the Nova task light combines modern aesthetics with advanced technology and energy-saving features. These products showcase Humanscale's commitment to innovative design and user well-being, setting a new standard in ergonomic design.

Humanscale's Upcoming Webinar on Ergonomics in the Hybrid Work Era
Join Humanscale's enlightening webinar on ergonomics in the hybrid work era, led by Dr. Alan Hedge. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Gain valuable insights and practical solutions for creating optimal work environments in diverse locations. Register at https://www.humanscale.com/.

Mantra Inspired Furniture Adds Two New Sales Reps
Mantra Inspired Furniture (Mantra IF) has added two new sales representatives to their team. Design Source 360, led by Susan Trau, will represent Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Emily Shafer will represent Alabama.

Senior Vice President of Sales, Gary Hierlihy has joined the BRC Group of Companies, Tayco BRC and Woodlore
Gary Hierlihy has joined the BRC Group of Companies, Tayco BRC, and Woodlore as the Senior Vice President of Sales. Hierlihy will work with the senior leadership team to drive growth, increase brand recognition, and support dealer partnerships. Each company operates separately, with BRC focusing on custom solutions, Tayco offering space planning solutions, and Woodlore providing quick, flexible laminate and casegoods products. Hierlihy's extensive experience in the contract office furniture industry will help elevate the sales, marketing, customer experience, space planning, and new product development departments.

Thinkspace Celebrates Double Recognition in Interior Design Best of Year Awards
Thinkspace announced that two of its products, the BuildUp Huddle Collection and the Neuron Activation Pod, have been named finalists in the Interior Design Best of Year awards. The BuildUp Huddle Collection is recognized for its exceptional design and acoustic features, while the Neuron Activation Pod is praised for its innovative approach to promoting wellness. 
Find the best Contract Furniture Industry jobs and hire the best talent.
I am the VP of Sales at a contract manufacturer. One of our best sales managers is in the southwest and has a long history with our company. In the past couple of years, our clients have become younger, the demographics of the territory have changed, and although our manager is well-liked by our dealers and customers, I do not feel he is relating to the demographic we now sell to.

As a Designer you will spend your time space planning of client offices in a variety of environments.

Indoff is expanding and in need of experienced outside sales professionals in your area.
Work with our Representatives in the New York City, Philadelphia and Washington DC markets to help grow sales.
Business Development Professional will seek new business, development relationships, analyze incoming projects, strategize with their team, and follow through with client even after day two.
Conset America a leading height adjustable base and desk manufacturer is looking for representation in the following states - Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Michigan, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida.
We are currently looking for a Regional Architectural and Design Director to join our sales team. This position can be hired in Chicago, IL or Dallas, TX.
MOD, a leader in power and lighting components for furniture in the workplace, hospitality, education furniture industry is seeking an energetic and motivated individual to join our team as a Territory Sales Representative.
You will promote our solutions and services to prospective leads and convert them into new clients. You will act as the primary point of contact, identifying and nurturing potential clients and aligning our solutions with their business drivers.
As the Service Technician you will perform service and product demonstrations and/or warranty repairs as directed by client facilities personnel, or by the Service Supervisor, as required. May be assigned to report directly to client site for periods as required/requested by client. 
Pivot creates workplace environments to enable people to do their best work and as a Sales Executive, you are responsible for improving Pivot’s market position and achieving financial growth. You will promote our solutions and services to prospective leads and convert them into new clients.
Innovations is looking for a Digital Marketing Coordinator to join our Marketing Department to assist in the development and execution of marketing plans for our website, social media, and email campaigns.
As the Healthcare Account Manager, you will be responsible for the planning and management of all aspects of Healthcare Accounts, from the selling process, through design, project management, and the completion of the project, exercising discretion and independent judgment to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction.
As the Healthcare Account Manager, you will be responsible for the planning and management of all aspects of Healthcare Accounts, from the selling process, through design, project management, and the completion of the project, exercising discretion and independent judgment to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction.
As a Senior Designer, you will be responsible for applying Pivot’s creative expertise and design services to support new and existing clients.
As a Senior Designer, you will be responsible for applying Pivot’s creative expertise and design services to support new and existing clients.
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