Friday, December 31, 2021
Happy last day of 2021!
We often celebrate the beginning of a new year, but this year perhaps the celebration should be reserved for the last day of the year. Looking forward there is still plenty of uncertainty concerning the workplace and its role in the corporation going forward.
In 2022 (yeah tomorrow), we'll be expanding our coverage of the working space, delivering more related stories that will keep you apprised of the latest trends in working space design, technology, and furnishings. We aim to deliver a complete snapshot of what's working and what isn't. With any luck, 2022 will turn out to be a great year for working spaces everywhere.
Thank you all for your incredible support of our efforts. Have a great New Year's Day. See you next week.
News
Researchers with CBRE are touting the nation’s steady pace of office market recovery as a win given economic uncertainty around the ongoing pandemic — though the emergence of the omicron variant could temporarily muddle the picture in the new year.
The firm’s November Pulse of U.S. Office Demand report found minimal change in activity levels month-over-month, with two of three indicators used to gauge recovery falling only slightly and the third seeing no change.
Boston continues to lead the nation in terms of recovery. The amount of space sought by office tenants in Boston climbed 23% over pre-pandemic levels in November, and leasing activity improved by 38 points, according to the report. Dallas-Fort Worth and Los Angeles also saw improvement month-over-month, with both markets experiencing an uptick in leasing activity.
For the first time since the start of the pandemic, six of the 12 major U.S. markets analyzed in the report saw the amount of space sought by companies approach or exceed pre-pandemic levels. This implies that company leaders are not yet ready to trade their physical footprint for fully remote work.
For the first time since the start of the pandemic, six of the 12 major U.S. markets analyzed in the report saw the amount of space sought by companies approach or exceed pre-pandemic levels. This implies that company leaders are not yet ready to trade their physical footprint for fully remote work.
Despite intensifying uncertainty around the Omicron variant, demand for US office markets were stable in November, with metrics showing minimal changes from the prior months’ recovery.
“It’s rare that a draw can be considered a win, but that is the case with November office-leasing activity in these top 12 markets,” said Nicole LaRusso, CBRE Director of Research & Analysis and lead author of the firm’s monthly Pulse of US Office Demand report. “Uncertainty typically hampers leasing activity. But, with two of our indices showing only tiny losses and the third holding steady, it appears that companies remain focused on their long-term needs for office space.” CBRE’s monthly report tracks three leading indicators of office market activity in the top 12 US office markets: tenants-in-the-market (TIM); leasing activity (as expressed through finalized lease agreements); and the availability of sublease space.
“It’s rare that a draw can be considered a win, but that is the case with November office-leasing activity in these top 12 markets,” said Nicole LaRusso, CBRE Director of Research & Analysis and lead author of the firm’s monthly Pulse of US Office Demand report. “Uncertainty typically hampers leasing activity. But, with two of our indices showing only tiny losses and the third holding steady, it appears that companies remain focused on their long-term needs for office space.” CBRE’s monthly report tracks three leading indicators of office market activity in the top 12 US office markets: tenants-in-the-market (TIM); leasing activity (as expressed through finalized lease agreements); and the availability of sublease space.
Despite continued uncertainty, U.S. construction—buoyed by pent up demand, government spending, and several other factors— is spiking at an almost unprecedented rate. Critic Ian Volner examines what’s happening, and why we need to pay closer attention.
The share of U.S. workers who say they are satisfied with their work has remained steady over the past two decades and only fallen slightly during the pandemic.
Cases have shot up in New York City, pushing many companies to bring back remote work policies.
The fallout and setback from omicron may ultimately helps offices and property owners figure out what back-to-work really looks like.
Contrary to popular belief, unemployment assistance is not the main cause.
The late architect, who shot to fame with his design of the Pompidou Centre, left us with a host of utterly original, technologically innovative buildings.
In January, Gensler will release Design Forecast 2022, an annual publication that dives deep into the latest trends driving industry and business. Grounded in their research and client work, this report offers guidance for businesses in the year ahead.
Below is a preview of a few design trends they anticipate rising to the fore in 2022.
Climate action initiatives will become the new standard, boosting real estate values.
With growing pressure from investors, insurers, tenants, policymakers, and other stakeholders, sustainability and resilience features will become a hallmark of real estate portfolios. Just last month at COP26 in Glasgow, Gensler announced its global green materials initiative. With more attention now than ever before on the built environment’s role in decarbonization, this effort will assist our clients in understanding how low-carbon building materials and design choices can guide their business decisions and yield long-term results.
Flexible design and healthy density are key for easing return-to-work hesitation, as well as attracting and retaining talent.
There is a battle for talent taking place right now, as many employers are contending with the so-called “Great Resignation.” Other organizations are balancing the launch of their return-to-office plans with valid employee concerns over the lingering pandemic. To address both, many companies are reimagining office density and embracing smart and flexible workplace design, changing and improving the ways we engage with our workforce to drive creativity and innovation.
The most successful cities will become mixed-use ecosystems of interconnected neighborhoods.
With rapid technological advancements and new ways of daily connection driving how we live, work, and play, cities have become truly borderless. With new awareness of how our metro regions, urban cores, and neighborhoods work together to advance local economies, planners’ views have changed on the connections between climate, mobility, and work, along with access to housing, education, and retail. The result is a shift in how people relate to cities and their components.
With growing pressure from investors, insurers, tenants, policymakers, and other stakeholders, sustainability and resilience features will become a hallmark of real estate portfolios. Just last month at COP26 in Glasgow, Gensler announced its global green materials initiative. With more attention now than ever before on the built environment’s role in decarbonization, this effort will assist our clients in understanding how low-carbon building materials and design choices can guide their business decisions and yield long-term results.
Flexible design and healthy density are key for easing return-to-work hesitation, as well as attracting and retaining talent.
There is a battle for talent taking place right now, as many employers are contending with the so-called “Great Resignation.” Other organizations are balancing the launch of their return-to-office plans with valid employee concerns over the lingering pandemic. To address both, many companies are reimagining office density and embracing smart and flexible workplace design, changing and improving the ways we engage with our workforce to drive creativity and innovation.
The most successful cities will become mixed-use ecosystems of interconnected neighborhoods.
With rapid technological advancements and new ways of daily connection driving how we live, work, and play, cities have become truly borderless. With new awareness of how our metro regions, urban cores, and neighborhoods work together to advance local economies, planners’ views have changed on the connections between climate, mobility, and work, along with access to housing, education, and retail. The result is a shift in how people relate to cities and their components.
While the news surprised many, the change was apparently a long time coming.
BIFMA and ISO Furniture Standards Releases
BIFMA has completed its review and recommendations for the following furniture safety and performance standards in accordance with the established American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 5-year review process.
ANSI has approved the reaffirmation and revisions based on BIFMA subcommittee recommendations. ANSI/BIFMA X5.6-2016(R2021)
Panel Systems
The Panel Systems Subcommittee recommended a reaffirmation of the 2016 edition of ANSI/BIFMA X5.6. The ANSI Consensus Body agreed with the BIFMA Panel Systems Subcommittee and ANSI approved the reaffirmation of X5.6 on August 27th. ANSI/BIFMA X5.41-2021
Large Occupant Public and Lounge Seating
A correction was made for clause 14 Seating Durability. The weight bag drop height was corrected to 91 mm (3.6 in.) / 30 mm (1.2 in.). ANSI approved the correction on August 5th. ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2011(R2021)
Standard Test Method for Determining VOC Emissions from Office Furniture Systems, Components, and Seating
The Emissions Standard Subcommittee recommended a reaffirmation of the 2016 edition of ANSI/BIFMA M7.1. The ANSI Consensus Body agreed with the Subcommittee and ANSI approved the reaffirmation of M7.1 on November 12th. ANSI/BIFMA X7.1-2011(R2021)
Standard for Formaldehyde & TVOC Emissions of Low-emitting Office Furniture and Seating
The Emissions Standard Subcommittee recommended a reaffirmation of the 2016 edition of ANSI/BIFMA X7.1. The ANSI Consensus Body agreed with the Subcommittee and ANSI approved the reaffirmation of X7.1 on November 12th. ISO 7170:2021
Furniture – Storage Units
Test methods for the determination of strength, durability and stability was approved in September. Copies of the new ANSI/BIFMA standards are available from BIFMA immediately. These and other standards may be ordered online.
In the 1980s, she used her position as editor in chief of the trade magazine Interiors to advocate for women in media, design and architecture.
The Workplace
The latest panic about remote work isn’t about lack of productivity but the loss of the ever-elusive workplace culture.
We know by now that people were wildly productive during Covid lockdowns. A Goldman Sachs Group Inc. survey from July found that worker output per hour rose 3.1% in 2020, more than double the growth rate of the previous business cycle. Yet bosses have been pushing hard for in-person work ever since, well, it didn’t seem in poor taste to. Multiple heads of the biggest U.S. banks, have, in so many words, called working-from-home the dumbest idea they’ve ever heard. Sure new Covid-19 variants have upended their short-term plans, but eventually they want butts in seats, at least some of the time. In a June survey of 1,000 human resource professionals, fewer than 10% said their employers plan to operate fully remote long term.
As the world starts to return to some form of normality, individual businesses are taking tentative steps when it comes to the modern workplace. Some businesses are working from home full time, others are back in the office, while some have adopted a hybrid approach. There are no set rules and, so far at least, no real pattern to these different approaches.
One thing is certain though: At a time when the job market is highly competitive, with 1.1 million vacancies in the U.K. alone, businesses must listen to the wants and needs of their employees or face losing out on top talent. Dubbed the "Great Resignation," there is a global trend with large numbers of employees resigning to find working environments that more closely match their preferred working styles and achieve the right work-life balance.
Work is no longer a place people go to but instead is something that people do, and increasingly do from anywhere. Businesses need to reimagine their offices as a place with a purpose where employees attend for a reason rather than out of habit, whether that be a team meeting, to collaborate and innovate or share ideas. The flexibility to enable these in-person interactions is important since they foster the sort of genuine idea-generation environments that aren’t always possible on video calls due to limitations such as hard stops from one meeting to the next.
One thing is certain though: At a time when the job market is highly competitive, with 1.1 million vacancies in the U.K. alone, businesses must listen to the wants and needs of their employees or face losing out on top talent. Dubbed the "Great Resignation," there is a global trend with large numbers of employees resigning to find working environments that more closely match their preferred working styles and achieve the right work-life balance.
Work is no longer a place people go to but instead is something that people do, and increasingly do from anywhere. Businesses need to reimagine their offices as a place with a purpose where employees attend for a reason rather than out of habit, whether that be a team meeting, to collaborate and innovate or share ideas. The flexibility to enable these in-person interactions is important since they foster the sort of genuine idea-generation environments that aren’t always possible on video calls due to limitations such as hard stops from one meeting to the next.
Chairman & Founder, Moira Moser received AmCham’s Women of Influence award for ‘Entrepreneur of the year’ in 2004. As a past WOI winner, she was invited to join an AmCham virtual ‘fireside chat’ with CEO of Habitat for Humanity HK, Jo Hayes, taking people on a journey of workplace architecture with multiple perspectives.
The conversation started with Moira’s childhood aspiration to be an architect and how she pushed past the barriers that came her way – eventually becoming a project architect, arriving in Hong Kong and starting M Moser Associates. Moira shared about the many women leaders at M Moser who have also taken initiative and expanded our reach, growing and leading global teams.
The conversation started with Moira’s childhood aspiration to be an architect and how she pushed past the barriers that came her way – eventually becoming a project architect, arriving in Hong Kong and starting M Moser Associates. Moira shared about the many women leaders at M Moser who have also taken initiative and expanded our reach, growing and leading global teams.
During the Q&A session, Moira brought her perspective on the ever-changing nature of work. Workplace design and strategy moving forward will prioritise adaptability. Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, it’s about finding what works best for each client and creating an environment for their people to work to their maximum potential.
Oh, the dreaded open office layout. Most people that actually work in an open office have a complaint at the tip of their tongue because open offices are noisy and stress-inducing, so much so that they’re becoming obsolete. Even where building operations are concerned, the supposed cost-savings that the open office should yield (since the layout allows companies to offer less square footage per employee) are often outweighed by lost productivity. “A company would have to eliminate more than a month’s worth of building operating costs to pay for just two days of lost worker productivity,” said one study on the subject. In essence, open offices aren’t effective places to work because they, ironically enough, hinder collaboration. People can’t work together if their environment doesn’t allow them to feel comfortable working together. But since desks and such can be easily maneuvered in an open office, an out-of-the-box way to foster collaboration would be to periodically turn the office into a theater. By that, we’re talking about employee improv lessons.
The public sector is stepping in time with hybrid working and digital transformation initiatives.
The State of Utah, for example, had been exploring remote work in a master plan for its administrative offices when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. With most state employees working from home, it became clear telework would play a bigger role than initially thought.
The government modeled scenarios based on up to 60 percent of employees working both remotely and in the office. Utah now has a roadmap toward saving as much as US$13.6 million annually as it shifts to its new hybrid workplace model.
The government modeled scenarios based on up to 60 percent of employees working both remotely and in the office. Utah now has a roadmap toward saving as much as US$13.6 million annually as it shifts to its new hybrid workplace model.
Work is not a dedicated place anymore. It’s wherever people perform at their best. And as the pandemic has proven, that can be anywhere: at home, in the office, on the road, and countless places in between.
Research shows that nearly 70% of employees believe they are more focused and productive working from home. And more than 90% want to continue to do it going forward, at least part of the time.
Rather than mandating time in the office versus working remotely, give employees freedom and trust them to choose where and how they work based on the outcomes they need to achieve.
Tear down the walls
One of the most positive results of the pandemic’s forced remote work experiment is that it has leveled the playing field. In virtual meetings, everyone gets their own box on the screen and has an equal voice, which creates more inclusivity than in days past when the majority of employees were huddled around a conference table having sidebar conversations, eating lunch together, leaving remote workers feeling left out. Employees also have the same access to information and opportunities to contribute through their digital workspaces.
But as offices reopen, there is the potential to create a culture of haves and have nots and erode these gains. A recent survey showed that 38% of knowledge workers believe remote employees will be at a disadvantage for not working out of a central office location. To prevent this, focus on creating work-from-anywhere experiences that give employees the space and tools they need to succeed, wherever they happen to be.
Research shows that nearly 70% of employees believe they are more focused and productive working from home. And more than 90% want to continue to do it going forward, at least part of the time.
Rather than mandating time in the office versus working remotely, give employees freedom and trust them to choose where and how they work based on the outcomes they need to achieve.
Tear down the walls
One of the most positive results of the pandemic’s forced remote work experiment is that it has leveled the playing field. In virtual meetings, everyone gets their own box on the screen and has an equal voice, which creates more inclusivity than in days past when the majority of employees were huddled around a conference table having sidebar conversations, eating lunch together, leaving remote workers feeling left out. Employees also have the same access to information and opportunities to contribute through their digital workspaces.
But as offices reopen, there is the potential to create a culture of haves and have nots and erode these gains. A recent survey showed that 38% of knowledge workers believe remote employees will be at a disadvantage for not working out of a central office location. To prevent this, focus on creating work-from-anywhere experiences that give employees the space and tools they need to succeed, wherever they happen to be.
As we approach 2022, the future of work will revolve around fleshing out new work arrangements, defining what flexibility means, and outlining hybrid work options.
In just the past year, employees have become increasingly clear about what they want: full flexibility.
Flexibility has played a supportive role in the workplace since the onset of the pandemic, but moving forward, this factor will become necessary for employee retention and overall operations.
Full flexibility expands beyond shorter work days or rearranged hours throughout the week. It means providing workers with total control over where they work and when they work.
In just the past year, employees have become increasingly clear about what they want: full flexibility.
Flexibility has played a supportive role in the workplace since the onset of the pandemic, but moving forward, this factor will become necessary for employee retention and overall operations.
Full flexibility expands beyond shorter work days or rearranged hours throughout the week. It means providing workers with total control over where they work and when they work.
The new year is anticipated to be as uncertain and unpredictable as the previous two, and companies will rely on flexibility to get them through this workplace limbo.
What does the office look like in a post-pandemic world? It's a question that corporate leadership teams have grappled with over the past year, and even the most aggressive companies are still in a cautious, but optimistic, phase of gradual reentry. The methods of reentry vary, but often involve conducting surveys of employees, studying how existing facilities are utilized or modified, and observing other companies to see what they're doing next. Many of these efforts involve bringing in consultants for a fresh evaluation of all of the variables involved including culture, brand and design.
Different companies and industries have vastly different needs, but what we do know is that leadership teams are hesitant to invest a lot of capital on major renovations. A safer bet? Converting existing spaces into flexible or multi-purpose spaces that accommodate frequent or unexpected changes in behavior or policy. These spaces are adaptable with flexible furniture options and soft architecture that can be transformed in a matter of minutes.
Different companies and industries have vastly different needs, but what we do know is that leadership teams are hesitant to invest a lot of capital on major renovations. A safer bet? Converting existing spaces into flexible or multi-purpose spaces that accommodate frequent or unexpected changes in behavior or policy. These spaces are adaptable with flexible furniture options and soft architecture that can be transformed in a matter of minutes.
Trends
WGSN’s Head of Interiors, Gemma Riberti, on the importance of candles and scents in the home office, workplace and beyond.
Candles and scents are becoming increasingly creative, tapping into consumers’ wanderlust and desire for novelty. Beyond scent, candles have also become decorative accessories in their own right, providing an aesthetic element for tablescapes and office desks alike.
With the ever-changing nature of workspaces, both at home and those returning to the office, candles and scents play a central role in creating comforting environments which are conducive for productivity. Within this, there are a number of key trends which WGSN are seeing emerge.
Joyful expression
Candles continue to offer consumers an affordable and easy way to add a bold dash of uplifting colour and positivity to any space. This is key in creating workplaces in which we feel comfortable following the pandemic.
With the ever-changing nature of workspaces, both at home and those returning to the office, candles and scents play a central role in creating comforting environments which are conducive for productivity. Within this, there are a number of key trends which WGSN are seeing emerge.
Joyful expression
Candles continue to offer consumers an affordable and easy way to add a bold dash of uplifting colour and positivity to any space. This is key in creating workplaces in which we feel comfortable following the pandemic.
Startup founders, Big Tech execs, VCs, and tech scholars offer their predictions on how Web3, the metaverse, and other emerging ideas will shape the next year.
WFH - Work From Home
During the pandemic, having a home office became a necessity. Most adults had to work remotely as businesses closed down to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
And although there are now very effective vaccines against COVID-19, many employers and employees plan to work from home permanently.
The New Normal is Working from Home
In a study conducted by Mercer in May 2021, up to 70 percent of employers plan to switch to a hybrid model, which includes office and homework, after the pandemic. Meanwhile, a Microsoft study found that 66 percent of employees also want the hybrid arrangement.
The pandemic proved that most work does not have to be done at the office. With a laptop and a secure internet connection, everyone can fulfill their professional roles without a problem.
In fact, for many working adults, being called back to the office full-time is a deal-breaker. Another survey conducted by FlexJobs around March and April 2021 revealed that respondents would “absolutely” leave their jobs if they could not work from home. A more recent survey revealed that the sentiments have not changed. Many people are planning to quit or have already quit because they must return to the office.
Moreover, workers are more likely to stick around and be loyal to their employers if they are given a chance to work from home part-time or full-time.
The home office is unlikely to go away anytime soon.
And although there are now very effective vaccines against COVID-19, many employers and employees plan to work from home permanently.
The New Normal is Working from Home
In a study conducted by Mercer in May 2021, up to 70 percent of employers plan to switch to a hybrid model, which includes office and homework, after the pandemic. Meanwhile, a Microsoft study found that 66 percent of employees also want the hybrid arrangement.
The pandemic proved that most work does not have to be done at the office. With a laptop and a secure internet connection, everyone can fulfill their professional roles without a problem.
In fact, for many working adults, being called back to the office full-time is a deal-breaker. Another survey conducted by FlexJobs around March and April 2021 revealed that respondents would “absolutely” leave their jobs if they could not work from home. A more recent survey revealed that the sentiments have not changed. Many people are planning to quit or have already quit because they must return to the office.
Moreover, workers are more likely to stick around and be loyal to their employers if they are given a chance to work from home part-time or full-time.
The home office is unlikely to go away anytime soon.
‘People tend to just make fun of me for it rather than listen to it,’ Cara Dimitropolis says about her sign.
When Cara Dimitropolis started working from home nearly two years ago, she was constantly distracted by her chatty husband and the dog. These days, working from home is a welcome respite from the place she seems to have a hard time getting anything done: the office.
“Most people now want to sit and just chitchat with me for an hour,” said Ms. Dimitropolis, 30, who works in marketing for a real-estate company in East Longmeadow, Mass. “I’ll try and come in early and I won’t ever actually be alone. Somebody will come in and think I’m in here early just to talk and shoot the breeze for an extra hour.”
When Cara Dimitropolis started working from home nearly two years ago, she was constantly distracted by her chatty husband and the dog. These days, working from home is a welcome respite from the place she seems to have a hard time getting anything done: the office.
“Most people now want to sit and just chitchat with me for an hour,” said Ms. Dimitropolis, 30, who works in marketing for a real-estate company in East Longmeadow, Mass. “I’ll try and come in early and I won’t ever actually be alone. Somebody will come in and think I’m in here early just to talk and shoot the breeze for an extra hour.”
Remote Work
When people talk about the hybrid work environment, they’re talking about working in the office part-time and working remotely part-time. During the COVID-19 lockdown, most of us experienced a work-from-home arrangement on a very intense level, with obvious pros and cons. During my own time from home, I thought deeply about the long-term business implications of a workforce that is entirely or partially remote.
The fact is, when it comes to running a successful business, there are significant hindrances if you don’t work together in person. The current conversation among leaders is missing acknowledgment of those essential in-person elements, as well as discussion about the long-term, strategic implications of going remote.
The fact is, when it comes to running a successful business, there are significant hindrances if you don’t work together in person. The current conversation among leaders is missing acknowledgment of those essential in-person elements, as well as discussion about the long-term, strategic implications of going remote.
Flex Office
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, most people were dissatisfied with their office space. Now, offices may not be as essential as we once thought.
So if hybrid is the future of work, what will the hybrid office look like?
Hybrid working is an amorphous term. Depending on the organization, it may mean workers coming in most days, a couple of days per week or only meeting once a quarter. In some companies it will be a combination of all of those, tailored to individuals.
Hybrid working started long before the pandemic, with flexible working and teleworking gaining popularity first with the emergence of personal computers in the 1970s and then with the internet in the 1990s. However, at the beginning of 2020, still only 5% of work hours in America were spent at home. By spring 2020 this had risen to 60%. As of October 2021, that figure was still at 40%.
Similar trends have played out across the world. Millions of people who had never had the opportunity or inclination to work remotely were experiencing a different model, and many found they could work as effectively from home.
Offices seemed not as essential as we thought, and as companies like Twitter started to make announcements that staff could work from home forever, the reason for having them at all started to be called into question.
Hybrid working is an amorphous term. Depending on the organization, it may mean workers coming in most days, a couple of days per week or only meeting once a quarter. In some companies it will be a combination of all of those, tailored to individuals.
Hybrid working started long before the pandemic, with flexible working and teleworking gaining popularity first with the emergence of personal computers in the 1970s and then with the internet in the 1990s. However, at the beginning of 2020, still only 5% of work hours in America were spent at home. By spring 2020 this had risen to 60%. As of October 2021, that figure was still at 40%.
Similar trends have played out across the world. Millions of people who had never had the opportunity or inclination to work remotely were experiencing a different model, and many found they could work as effectively from home.
Offices seemed not as essential as we thought, and as companies like Twitter started to make announcements that staff could work from home forever, the reason for having them at all started to be called into question.
The revival of the flexible office sector and its new role in serving the post-pandemic workforce.
After a period of unprecedented disruption in demand for office space, many tenants are emerging from the pandemic with the realization that in times of uncertainty, flexibility is the greatest amenity. Demand for flexibility in lease terms is rising. Tenants are increasingly requesting expansion, contraction and termination options in leases and are favoring short-duration commitments as they await greater clarity in business conditions and workplace strategies.
As the pandemic forces employers to make difficult decisions on the future of remote work, hybrid schedules and “work-near-home” programs, flexibility promises to be a critical element of long-term corporate real estate strategies.
As the pandemic forces employers to make difficult decisions on the future of remote work, hybrid schedules and “work-near-home” programs, flexibility promises to be a critical element of long-term corporate real estate strategies.
New data from The Instant Group shows that 584,097 new companies have been registered in the UK since the beginning of 2021,
Design
In new offices popping up across the U.S., companies are calling on their architects to break free from the sealed, air-conditioned boxes of the recent past and re-embrace the simple luxury of being able to open a window.
Conversations about equity, diversity, and inclusivity have been ongoing ever since a series of movements and events shed light on the societal gap. The built environment presents an opportunity to spur change and progress –which turns our eyes toward intentional design.
A lot has been written about our return to the office. One commonly accepted theme is that the new office needs to provide spaces that respond to the human condition. Spaces that look, feel, and act more like the personal home offices we will likely move away from at some point.
One of the great takeaways from our work-from-home experiences is our ability to take off the corporate mask and work in an environment more in tune with our unique personalities and personal choices.
One of the great takeaways from our work-from-home experiences is our ability to take off the corporate mask and work in an environment more in tune with our unique personalities and personal choices.
Florence Nightingale popularized how to design hospitals suited for pandemics. Her insights are just as relevant today.
Check out Humanscale's ergonomic gift guide to help get the best office holiday gift or treat yourself to a new and improved home office.
Makers
Haworth announced a new partnership with Mikomax. With the intended investment into the company based in Lodz, Poland, Haworth adds another strong partner to Haworth Collection that will offer high-quality acoustic pod solutions to customers and dealers. Mikomax continues to serve existing non-Haworth distribution as an open line brand.
Mikomax, a family-owned manufacturer of acoustic pod solutions, has become a significant player in the acoustics market. Their signature brand, “Hushoffice,” consists of 10 product lines and is currently present in 50 countries worldwide.
“We are excited to partner with a company that shares the same values as Haworth and complements the Haworth collection portfolio in North America,” said Matthew Haworth, Chairman of Haworth.
The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022, subject to the satisfaction of regulatory authorities.
Mikomax, a family-owned manufacturer of acoustic pod solutions, has become a significant player in the acoustics market. Their signature brand, “Hushoffice,” consists of 10 product lines and is currently present in 50 countries worldwide.
“We are excited to partner with a company that shares the same values as Haworth and complements the Haworth collection portfolio in North America,” said Matthew Haworth, Chairman of Haworth.
The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022, subject to the satisfaction of regulatory authorities.
As the COVID-19 pandemic left many businesses pondering the safest, most effective way for employees to work, office furniture and design firms became central in those discussions. MiBiz spoke with Franco Bianchi — CEO of Holland-based, family-owned and billion dollar furniture manufacturer Haworth Inc. — on how his business is navigating what many consider to be a defining period for the industry.
Danish furniture brand Fritz Hansen has purchased fellow Danish furniture company Skagerak and will now add outdoor furniture to its range of products.
Ed Metzger is turning over his big chair at BioFit to Jim Connell.
After 42 years at the chair and table manufacturer — the last 14 as president — Metzger is retiring. Connell, who has been controller and chief financial officer at BioFit, is taking the reins.
The move for Connell to be president has been planned for about three years.
“We really started hitting it hard, probably in March we really started coming up with a plan,” Connell said.
After 42 years at the chair and table manufacturer — the last 14 as president — Metzger is retiring. Connell, who has been controller and chief financial officer at BioFit, is taking the reins.
The move for Connell to be president has been planned for about three years.
“We really started hitting it hard, probably in March we really started coming up with a plan,” Connell said.
Dealers
Eakes Office Solutions, a Steelcase dealer, has announced OfficeNet, Inc. of Fremont, Columbus and Grand Island, Nebraska will be joining the Eakes team. OfficeNet has been locally owned and operated for over 67 years, serving the office products, copier, furniture and cleaning supplies needs of businesses in eastern Nebraska.
“I want to thank our customer across the state for their incredible support over the years. I’m confident in Eakes’ ability to take care of all of our loyal customers moving forward.” Russ Hoetfelker, owner of OfficeNet, Inc, said in a press release.
Although Hoetfelker will be retiring at the end of December, customers will continue to see some familiar faces from OfficeNet joining the Eakes team.
“Russ and his team at OfficeNet have provided a high level of customer service to many Nebraska communities for a long time. We take customer care seriously, and we look forward to continuing that tradition while expanding products and services in the area.” said Mark Miller, president and CEO of Eakes.
“I want to thank our customer across the state for their incredible support over the years. I’m confident in Eakes’ ability to take care of all of our loyal customers moving forward.” Russ Hoetfelker, owner of OfficeNet, Inc, said in a press release.
Although Hoetfelker will be retiring at the end of December, customers will continue to see some familiar faces from OfficeNet joining the Eakes team.
“Russ and his team at OfficeNet have provided a high level of customer service to many Nebraska communities for a long time. We take customer care seriously, and we look forward to continuing that tradition while expanding products and services in the area.” said Mark Miller, president and CEO of Eakes.
Ginny Rothschild, CEO of Workscape, said it made sense to have just one dealer in Pittsburgh.
Continental is based in Columbus, Ohio. Workscape is buying the lease to its Lawrenceville studio, and all 16 local employees are being offered jobs.
Two years into the Covid-19 pandemic, many companies are rethinking their office spaces and considering work-from-home options, but business is still strong for Workscape.
Workscape is starting fresh in a new building with a new showroom for Herman Miller/Knoll/DIRTT, the brands it represents.
Workscape was founded in 1996 by Dave and Dawn Sauter, and sold to Workscape Holdings LLC in 2019.
Rothschild is the CEO of Workscape, a company based in Pittsburgh. She has also been involved with Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods and Gap Inc.
Continental is based in Columbus, Ohio. Workscape is buying the lease to its Lawrenceville studio, and all 16 local employees are being offered jobs.
Two years into the Covid-19 pandemic, many companies are rethinking their office spaces and considering work-from-home options, but business is still strong for Workscape.
Workscape is starting fresh in a new building with a new showroom for Herman Miller/Knoll/DIRTT, the brands it represents.
Workscape was founded in 1996 by Dave and Dawn Sauter, and sold to Workscape Holdings LLC in 2019.
Rothschild is the CEO of Workscape, a company based in Pittsburgh. She has also been involved with Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods and Gap Inc.
Products
The new collection Case was created as a response to the noises and distractions that we often encounter in large workspace settings.
German designer Sebastian Herkner describes his new range for Danish furniture company Wendelbo as a “collection of elegant high-back sofas that breathe a sense of calmness, concentration and comfort into everyday life in workplaces and hospitality contexts.”
Adding an elegant detail to the exterior back of Case, which folds under the sofa, Herkner cleverly designed the piece to give it a sculptural dimension.
Adding an elegant detail to the exterior back of Case, which folds under the sofa, Herkner cleverly designed the piece to give it a sculptural dimension.
Japanese timber furniture manufacturer Karimoku translates Zaha Hadid’s design language into the “Seyun” collection, which is about to be launched.
Maharam introduces Spindle and Washi, the latest woven textiles designed by Hella Jongerius in collaboration with the Maharam Design Studio. A continuation of Jongerius’s ongoing inquiry into the relationship between craft and industrial techniques, both textiles are based on tangible, handmade objects and enlist exacting constructions to achieve methodical repetitions of texture, pattern, and color.
Projects
Madison International Realty tapped TPG Architecture to help them create a new office with a contemporary feel and progressive elements.
The trend for remote working shaped this workspace for property group The Crown Estate, designed by Fathom Architects “for all the stuff that happens away from your computer screen”.
Events
Organisers of the Maison&Objet design fair in Paris have announced that its January event will be postponed until March due to a surge in coronavirus cases across Europe.
Organisers of the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair have announced the event will be pushed back from its scheduled date in February for a second consecutive year.
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