by Deborah Laviero
Whether the workspace is new or existing, the goal of modern design is to create an environment that captures the personality of a business, nourishes and supports employees, and engages visitors. New technologies, along with economic and social forces, have changed the ways people work together, and the landscape of workplaces continues to evolve. The ability to evolve with industry trends allows designers to create the collaborative and adaptable spaces that meet all clients’ needs. A successful design approach requires you to put people first and create a streamlined and synergistic process that allows design partners to deliver exceptional workspaces.
Innovative workplace solutions create spaces for collaboration. This sit-to-stand desk allows multiple people to collaborate around the monitors.
How do you effectively meet the changing needs of the workplace?
At OFI, we employ Herman Miller’s Living Office, a research-based framework that helps organizations and their design partners create workplaces with a variety of purposeful settings that support people’s activities and fulfill their needs. We work with companies to make sense of the complexities and unique needs of their business to develop a workspace solution that is best suited for them.
What can the new workspace achieve?
Each space is designed to reflect the unique personality of a business. The moment guests enter, they understand the company and the brand message they are trying to convey. They are warmly greeted by a bright and inviting space, with furnishings that echo the company’s ethos, history, civic involvement, and industry recognitions. Employees are embraced by the company culture as they work and interact with each other and their guests.
The modern workspace empowers people to be their most creative selves and to meaningfully connect with others. It frees employees to customize their methods, tools, and workspaces. Its adaptable furniture settings foster well-being, innovation, connectivity, and streamlined collaboration to maximize productivity and retention.
Wellness is a theme throughout the space. Movement within the office is encouraged through the centralized placement of printers, recycling, supplies, and meeting spaces. Low panel heights create an open, collaborative atmosphere. Cut-in windows and shades diffuse sun glare to allow natural lighting and temperature control that supports live greenery while creating a natural, residential feel.
Multifunctional spaces
Adaptable workspaces and functional furniture empower employees to feel and work their best.
Ergonomic seating, height-adjustable desks, and personalized spaces promote physical and mental health while maximizing employee performance. Open meeting spaces in common areas offer casual, versatile, and multifunctional solutions for formal or impromptu meetings. Glass-enclosed spaces offer a quiet haven for focused work or relaxation. A kitchen, indoor and outdoor café, and a Ping-Pong table encourage employees to connect or simply take a break. Casual settings create purposeful variety and are perfect for teambuilding or after-hour gatherings.
Adjustable soft lounge seating, table seating infused with technology, high-top tables, and mobile whiteboards allow meetings of all sizes and formality. Semicircular freestanding furniture turns common areas into versatile, multifunctional spaces for brainstorming and visual thinking.
How technology is changing the way employees work
New technologies are creating endless opportunities to refine the workspace. For example, Herman Miller has launched a new way to collect data in the workplace. Live OS is a system of cloud-connected furnishings, an app and dashboard that allow employees to create a personalized workspace environment with a sit-to-stand desk. It collects data for each employee, which allows an organization to respond to people’s changing needs, empowers them to work better, and activates workplace strategy. Live OS can be installed in chairs and height-adjustable work surfaces to automatically adapt to its user and also provides status reports to the organization on how employees are utilizing the technology. Technologies like these will continue to create even more personal and effective workspaces.
Deborah Laviero is an executive VP of OFI and an active member of The Construction Institute.
