Humanscale's Path Chair Garners Triple Honors in Fast Company’s 2023 Innovation by Design Awards / Banks Get Tough on Return-to-Office Laggards After Summer Break / Canadian Financial Giant CIBC Pulling Back From U.S. Office Real Estate / How to spot fake Eames Furniture? Experts respond in new Collector's Guide / Open AI Shopping for Larger Space as Workforce Doubles / Remote Work Will Persist, Goldman Forecasts, Bringing More Pain For Office Landlords Through 2030 / U-Turn Permitted: Companies Rethinking Office Abandonment After RTO Mandates / 'All The Energy And Action Is On Display Here': Office Workers Have Returned To Century City / Despite changes office furniture still in demand / Bargain leases in Chicago's Loop draw a new group of tenants / Survey: Remote Work Isn’t Going Away — and Executives Know It / and much more…


The Working Space
Monday, September 4. 2023

Industry News

Humanscale's Path Chair Garners Triple Honors in Fast Company’s 2023 Innovation by Design Awards
Humanscale's Path Chair has won three categories in Fast Company’s 2023 Innovation by Design Awards: Honorable Mention for Best Material Innovations, Honorable Mention for Best Sustainable Designs, and Finalist for Circular Design. The chair is made from upcycled materials from discarded fishing nets and plastic containers from the ocean, boasting 52% recycled content in its structure. The FormSense Eco Knit™ textile uses approximately 68 recycled plastic bottles, and the chair is certified climate positive. Humanscale has produced 26 climate positive products, setting new standards for eco-friendly design. The Path Chair is also engineered for durability, with a lifespan of up to a decade, reducing frequent turnover in furniture and showcasing a visionary approach to sustainability.
The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity has released a collector's guide to buying vintage Eames furniture and artifacts. The guide offers advice on how to distinguish fakes, preserve pieces, avoid replicas or mix-matched ‘FrankenEames’ models, and more. The guide also includes a four-part evaluation system for collectors to appraise the potential value of a piece and key points to consider when collecting Eames furniture, such as focusing on the object's history over its style and avoiding modifications.
A Conversation with Juan C. Vidal, managing partner of Offix Systems in Allentown, PA: Despite changes in the industry, office furniture is still in demand as companies try to get employees back in the office. The open concept office space trend is still popular, but transforming with the use of privacy booths. New products like the POD concept and TekBooth & TekRoom are changing the way we work and communicate. The architectural wall is a favorite product for its aesthetics, transparency, and flexibility.
New York's commercial real estate industry is struggling as companies try to fill their offices back up. Building owners are waiting for movement, and few know what to do in the meantime. The value of New York’s office buildings could fall nearly $50 billion in the coming years, according to researchers at Columbia and New York University. The future of commercial real estate looks different, and some building owners are considering converting office buildings into housing, hotels, retail spaces, and laboratories.
Companies downsizing their spaces in the wake of the pandemic are leaving behind spaces in Chicago's Loop that are available for lease at bargain rates, making it possible for smaller firms and nonprofits to move into nicer spaces than they would otherwise be able to afford. The abundance of available space is making it easier for some firms to upgrade to offices with more amenities and natural light. Nonprofits, which typically don’t have excess cash for workplace frills, are among those that have been able to upgrade their spaces. Such opportunities are likely to become more common as employees work from home and companies keep shedding space, pushing the market’s sky-high vacancy rate even higher.
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) is reducing its exposure to US office real estate following a weak earnings report, with the bank's US Group Head Shawn Beber stating that commercial real estate (CRE) is being de-emphasized. The bank's net income for US commercial banking and wealth management was down 62% YoY, largely due to higher credit provisions, particularly in its office portfolio. CIBC's exposure to the US office sector is relatively small, totaling less than 1% of its loan portfolio, but the bank reported sustained headwinds in the sector and significant losses in its retail portfolio.
Financial firms such as Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and BlackRock are tightening their in-office requirements and reminding employees of their expectations for in-office work. Even technology giants like Amazon are becoming stricter with their policies. However, less than half of all office workers are back at their desks, and two-thirds of financial services workers who still work remotely at least part-time said they would quit if required to return to the office five days a week. Employers are navigating a delicate balance between pushing for a return to the office and retaining their employees.
Attention California dealers - OpenAI plans to expand its workforce from 500 to 2,000 employees and expects its office footprint to grow to 500,000 square feet. The company is in talks for space at Uber's corporate headquarters campus in Mission Bay and has been evaluating multiple locations in San Francisco. Landlords are hoping to attract generative artificial intelligence startups to the Mission District and Potrero Hill areas, and JLL has mapped over 80 AI companies operating in San Francisco.
Goldman Sachs predicts that remote work and hybrid schedules will increase U.S. office vacancies by 0.8% next year, 2.3% by the end of the decade, and another 1.8% after 2030. This will lead to an increase in vacant office space, with 46M SF by the end of 2024, an additional 125M SF between 2025 and 2029, and another 96M SF in 2030 and beyond. Despite some progress in getting people back to the office, the impact of hybrid schedules will persist, with office worker schedules solidifying around hybrid patterns.
As more businesses require employees to return to the office, some large companies are reversing course on abandoning office space. This does not necessarily mean a full return to the office, but rather a small number of companies are rethinking how much space they need. Examples include AT&T, which returned to the same Atlanta business park it had previously vacated, and Snapchat, which is reportedly seeking office space in downtown San Francisco. Some companies are consolidating their office space and offering more square footage per employee. The main argument for returning to the office is the value in having employees together, being able to foster the culture they want, and being able to mentor and develop young talent. Despite these changes, the office market still has plenty of recalibration to do as vacancy rates continue to rise and leasing velocity slows down.
Century City in Los Angeles is a neighborhood that has seen a return of office workers to pre-pandemic levels, thanks to its plentiful amenities, including a high-end mall, high walkability, and parking. Investments in the area, such as the new office tower at 1950 Avenue of the Stars, have also helped. Year-to-date leasing activity in Century City has totaled 591K SF, more than any other Westside submarket, and Class-A space is renting for an average of $6.44 per SF (per month). The area is also set to gain a new subway stop in 2025, but parking remains a valuable asset for now.

Features

J.M. Smucker has implemented a return-to-office strategy that is atypical among U.S. companies, requiring its roughly 1,300 Orrville-based corporate workers to be on site as little as six days a month. Employees are expected to hit that threshold by coming in during 22 “core” weeks a year. Smucker’s headquarters is now about 70% to 80% full during most core weeks, and the company is benefiting from workers logging additional hours. The policy enables the company to recruit employees who may be uninterested in a role in northeastern Ohio.

Smucker arrived at its strategy after months of internal debate, and executives initially expected to require employees back in the office half the time. The company owns its headquarters and leaders didn’t want to give up in-person work, believing such connections help the company function. Core weeks began in January 2022, some employees ignored it initially, but after reminders from leaders, offices began filling by May and June of last year. Smucker is watching for signs of strain and could reassess its approach if necessary.

Many companies are issuing stern memos to workers or handing down new in-person edicts to repopulate spaces this fall. Remote-work champion Zoom recently began requiring people who live near its offices to work on-site two days a week. Facebook parent Meta Platforms said workers assigned to an office will need to come in three days a week starting in September, as part of a more structured hybrid schedule.

Workspace News

As the pandemic subsides, many American companies are demanding that their employees return to the office, but the specifics of how and when to do so are still being debated. Employers cite research showing that in-person work leads to more feedback and opportunities for advancement, but many employees who enjoyed greater autonomy while working from home are not eager to give it up. In-office requirements are getting stricter, with some companies requiring employees to come in at least four days a week, and even Zoom is telling some of its own employees to show up in person.
Remote work is expected to continue increasing due to technology improvements, startups born since the pandemic, the U.S.'s position for remote work, and employee preference. While some executives push for a return to the office, they privately predict remote work will keep increasing. Hybrid work may be the best solution, as it can be profitable for companies, popular with employees, and better for the planet due to less energy consumption.
Work-centric shows have become increasingly popular, whether centered around the kitchen or finance world. These shows provide a glimpse into the complexities of work life, often featuring relatable characters and storylines that resonate with viewers. The workplace has become a central setting for drama and conflict, offering a source of entertainment that is both relevant and relatable. The rise of these shows can be attributed to a growing interest in escapism and a desire to see the world from a different perspective. Additionally, social media has played a significant role in the visibility of work-related content, allowing people to share their experiences and connect with others. With the economy in flux and many people transitioning to freelance work, workplace-centered entertainment is likely to remain popular for the foreseeable future.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has warned employees who haven't returned to the office for the required three days per week that it's "probably not going to work out for you at Amazon". The company has been tracking workers' locations and has told employees working remotely or in cities with smaller offices that they might have to relocate to come into offices in Amazon's largest corporate employment centers. Amazon is among many companies seeing resistance from employees to return-to-office mandates.
WorkLife's guide to the new working normal highlights the changes in the workplace, including the back-and-forth of returning to the office, layoffs, and the need to reskill and adapt with the integration of artificial intelligence into our working lives.
According to a survey by HomeWork Workspace, remote working has put pressure on around half of personal relationships. While 11% of respondents said their relationship with their partner improved, 54% said it worsened due to working from home. Almost a quarter of respondents said they had fewer conversations with their partner, while 13% said they argue more than they used to. 6% of respondents said remote working played a significant role in breaking up with their partner.

Other News

Jan Antonín Bata, head of the Bata Corporation, commissioned the design of the company's headquarters in Czechoslovakia in the 1930s, which included an 18-story building with a corner office that was actually a large elevator. The elevator was equipped with electric sockets, two telephones, and a sink with hot and cold water, as shown in a video tour by YouTuber Tom Scott.
Industrial designer Manuel Golub repurposed discarded joint compound buckets into rolling stools by designing two-piece legs that sandwich the bucket and are joined with two M6 Allen screws. The resulting Tachoseat allows users to move effortlessly in all directions through space and could be customized by changing the colors of the standard bucket or 3D printed legs.

Trends

As companies plan their return-to-office strategies, they need to consider the needs of Gen Z employees who may be coming to the office for the first time. A recent survey found that Gen Z values social interaction and collaboration in the office, and companies are designing spaces that cater to these needs. Inclusivity and technology are also important considerations, with investments in updated infrastructure and digital tools necessary for a seamless experience. Giving employees the autonomy to choose their workspaces and providing a diverse range of spaces is also key to satisfying the needs of everyone in the workplace.

Design

As more Gen Z cohorts enter the workforce, companies need to pay attention to their unique perspectives, such as their tech-savvy nature, ethical consciousness, and value of work/life balance. Offices need to reflect changing needs, including transparency, breaking down hierarchies, and flexible arrangements. Social connections, inclusivity, and technology are also important considerations. Providing a range of spaces that cater to unique workstyles goes a long way to satisfy the needs of everyone in the workplace.

Latest Products

EF Contract introduces Sound & Surface, a new collection that expands design options for the Kinetex line. The collection features two sophisticated patterns that combine the performance of hard surface with the softness and warmth of carpet. With its High-Def Color TechnologyTM and sustainability attributes, Kinetex is ideal for corporate, education, and retail interiors.
Clear Design has launched a new COVE Office Pod product line with three styles of privacy pods: the Phone Booth, the 2-Person Pod, and the Room Pod. Constructed of electro-galvanized steel and acoustic panels, each pod provides a comfortable, enclosed, ventilated, and powered workspace for private phone calls, one-on-one meetings, or collaborative brainstorms. Other features include plug-and-play power, dimmable lighting, and integrated airflow ventilation. Info https://mycleardesign.com/.
Fräsch introduces FELTLAP, a new product combining the look of shiplap with the acoustic capabilities of PET felt. FELTLAP has an NRC rating of .75 and can be installed on walls or ceilings. It comes in natural wood tones or custom-printed designs to match any interior theme or branding. Info: https://frasch.com/walls/feltlap. 
BuzziSurf is an acoustic pendant light that infuses softness and tranquility into any space. It offers height adjustability and a variety of sizing and lighting options, catering to different spatial requirements. Its upholstered body excels in acoustic management, absorbing mid, low, and high frequencies to combat ambient noise. BuzziSurf is both a decorative piece and an effective solution for sound harmony in any space.
Hi5 Furniture's NIM Collection offers budget-friendly tables with over 80 nature-inspired finishes, designed to bring the outdoors in. The collection includes sleek designs, features, and modesty panels, with leg space that competes with top-selling tables. Available in various sizes, tabletop options, and power variations, the NIM Collection is perfect for classrooms, training settings, conference centers, hospitality venues, collaboration spaces, commercial office spaces, and more. Backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, NIM Tables are engineered with inspiration to influence an emotional response from everyone who walks into the room. info: https://hi5furniture.com/product/nim/.
The Pro Leveler is a small invention designed to fix wobbly outdoor tables. Made of TPE, these interlocking shims are affordable and effective, making them a great solution for sidewalk cafes and residential patios.

Trends in Commercial Projects from Around the Globe

BuzziSpace's Acoustic Solutions Transform Karl Kübel Schule's Learning Environments
BuzziSpace, a Belgian design brand specializing in acoustics, transformed Karl Kübel Schule's learning spaces with their acoustic products and furniture. The solutions not only addressed acoustic challenges but also created collaborative environments for students. The project included BuzziHub, BuzziPicNic, BuzziCube, BuzziMilk Table, and BuzziShield Hook, all designed to create quiet zones for study and group activities while ensuring sound quality remains pristine. The project highlights the importance of adaptable learning environments that harmonize design and acoustics.

Oracle Chooses MillerKnoll for New Milanese Office Space
MillerKnoll has completed Oracle Italia's new office space in Milan, Italy, using products from its collective of brands including Herman Miller, NaughtOne, HAY, and Muuto. The project represents one of the largest multi-brand MillerKnoll-designed spaces in Europe, with over 20,000 square feet of office space and four brands featured. The space was designed to foster connection and wellbeing for employees, and Oracle was able to leverage MillerKnoll’s RePurpose program to support their corporate sustainability initiatives.
Mohr Capital's new Dallas headquarters, designed by Perkins&Will, features a balance of traditional and modern aesthetics with locally sourced materials and a focus on well-being. The small office is full of personality with bold branding moments, an art gallery, and a sense of expansiveness created by floor-to-ceiling glass. The design team went the extra mile during the pandemic to replicate custom detailing and maintain a high level of design while meeting the client's budget and schedule.

Upcoming Industry Events

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.  

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.

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

Thinkspace Expands Market Presence Across North Central United States with Addition of Two Dynamic Sales Groups
Thinkspace has expanded its market presence across North Central United States by partnering with the Lyons Group and JSA Design Resource. The two groups will help extend the reach of Thinkspace's European work solutions to workspaces across six states. JSA Design Resource will serve Illinois and Wisconsin while Lyons Company will cover Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska. Thinkspace is a woman-owned company that provides innovative and service-oriented acoustic pod solutions for workspaces.

Configura Set to Host Premier Corporate Event of the Year: CET Experience
Configura is hosting its annual CET Experience event from October 9-11 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event will feature new unveilings and initiatives that will shape the future of the commercial interior industry. Attendees can purchase regular access tickets on the website, and early bird pricing ends on September 8. The event will include learning sessions, networking opportunities, keynote presentations, and workshops led by Configurans and other CET and SPEC users. This year's keynote speaker is Ben Namtin, a bestselling author. The event also has an award category that honors talented individuals who have created outstanding and innovative spaces using CET. More information and tickets are available here: https://www.cetexperience.com/home

Interface Publishes 2022 Impact Report on Environmental, Social, and Governance Initiatives
Interface, a global flooring solutions company, has released its 2022 Impact Report highlighting its annual environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, progress, and achievements. The report showcases the company's efforts to operate sustainably and ethically, benefitting all stakeholders including employees, customers, shareholders, and the environment. Notable achievements include transitioning 100% of its carpet tile production in EMEA to its carbon-negative CQuest™ backing and adopting the Commitment to Human Rights. The report also provides transparency into the company's environmental footprint and aligns with the Global Reporting Initiative and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board framework.

Solomon Coyle Releases 2023 Compensation Report and New Interactive Compensation Analysis Tool

Solomon Coyle has released its 2023 Compensation Report and a new Compensation Analysis Tool, which provides easy access to compensation data for over 60 positions and multiple competencies. The report highlights include a decrease in involuntary turnover, an increase in staff development programs, and a rise in DEI initiatives. Wage inflation is still up for key non-sales positions, while benefits have continued to increase in cost.

*Those participants who have completed the survey can access the full version of the report and analysis tool by visiting https://bi.solomoncoyle.com/.

Non-participants may purchase the full report at a cost of $4,000.00 USD, by contacting support@solomoncoyle.com.

Find the best Contract Furniture Industry jobs and hire the best talent.
Dear Stephen, I'm a sales executive at a contract furniture manufacturer. My company has spent a lot of money designing a great showroom so that clients get an excellent customer experience when they come in. We have a product that is well respected by the A&D community and end-users, and we have...
TREMAIN is rapidly growing in the US market and in need of experienced sales reps for several different markets across the country.
We are currently looking for a Business Development Executive to join our sales team. This position will have new business development responsibilities for San Antonio, TX.
The Senator Group has an immediate career opportunity for a Territory Sales Rep in the Baltimore/Washington DC area.
Our product offering is ideally suited to Rep Groups who have strong A&D relationships with a focus on project sales cycles.

Indoff is expanding and in need of experienced outside sales professionals in your area. If you’re tired of missing out on money due to low commission rates or you’re sick of quotas, then Indoff is the perfect solution for you.

The Regional Sales Manager will be responsible for the sales and sales growth of The Senator Groups products in the region of the country outlined.
Baresque, a leading supplier of architectural acoustical solutions for the hospitality, contract furniture, public space-site furniture, commercial, education and healthcare markets, is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our team in Farmers Branch, Texas.
Join our sales team! If you have a passion for office furniture, design and coaching this opportunity is for you. As our Corporate Trainer, you'll collaborate with our sales team to develop the skills of our distributors through tailored training programs.
Midcity is seeking a lead installer to start from beginning to end.
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