Latest From HON
STAY IN TOUCH
Sign up to receive inspirational updates related to product enhancements and the latest workplace trends.
The vaccinated era of work is coming into view.
Is your business ready for it?
Many employees have spent more than a year working at home, and along the way, they’ve been taking notes. First and foremost, they’ve been working in a space that they set up—and designed—to best fit the way they work. Additionally, they feel safe being at home, where they won’t be exposed to unnecessary health risks.
These considerations will influence the way offices look when employees return. And we’ve been taking notes, too.
Featured Products: Mav™ and Astir™
The Changing Nature of the Office Space and the Workforce
The office is no longer the end-all, be-all default for work.
You’ve heard a lot about “hybrid work,” in which employees split time between home and the office. And we gleaned a lot from Microsoft’s recent 2021 Work Trend Index, which surveyed more than 30,000 employees.
66% of business decision makers are considering redesigning physical spaces to better accommodate hybrid work environments. The data is clear: extreme flexibility and hybrid work will define the post-pandemic workplace.
–Microsoft’s 2021 Work Trend Index
Employees want to be heard. They’ve been quite comfortable at home, and while many would like to return to work (65% of those surveyed would like more face time with their coworkers), they’re not exactly eager to return to a place that hasn’t changed in a meaningful way.
Featured Products: Cliq® with Coze™ and Fuse™
Safety is still of utmost importance, but right behind safety is the work environment itself. A hybrid workforce, one that will be spending time at home and in the office, doesn’t want to work in the “same old office.”
The Work Trend Index offers compelling evidence for taking action to update (and upgrade) the workspace: “The way companies approach the next phase of work—embracing the positives and learning from the challenges of this last year—will impact who stays, who goes and who ultimately seeks to join your company,” the report says.
“Physical office space must be compelling enough to entice workers to commute in, and include a mix of collaboration and focus areas. Meeting rooms and team culture will need to evolve to ensure all voices are heard.”
In other words, the new office must be modern, and it must be a space that workers WANT to come to.
Featured Product: Astir™
Finding Office Furniture to Complement Your Employees and Your New Workspace
What are the checklist items for an improved, modern and exciting office?
Flexibility is at the top.
Then, a relaxed and welcoming aesthetic.
Finally, the office has to work for workers.
That’s why office furniture is such a critical part of the post-vaccine workspace. This is a tremendous opportunity to make meaningful changes.
Featured Product: Ignition® 2.0
HON’s No-Fail Office Furniture Favorites for Your Return to Work
You need furniture options that are fit for today’s workplace and down the road. It’s inevitable that, as work evolves, so too will the office.
One thing that isn’t likely to change: every great office setup starts with a great chair.
The truth is, most people aren’t working in a “good” chair. An instant upgrade comes in the form of the HON Ignition® 2.0 task chair. Not only is it stylish with its Designer White frame option and customizable colors, it has new features that add to its ergonomic capability.
Workstations should support all types of work—and for this, we recommend a height-adjustable desk that allows employees to stand or sit. This is a healthy habit to get into.
Next, Astir™ Collaborative Work provides supportive seating flexible enough to fit into your existing office space, and plenty of ways to collaborate with distancing in mind.
Storage is a great addition, as well. Contain storage from HON maximizes your office footprint, and is outfitted with bench cushions for mobile seating. Fuse storage is made for today’s aesthetic with a variety of size and color options.
Now, it’s up to you. Are you ready to create a space that’s tailored—and inspiring—for the next chapter of work?
Reach out to us at hon.com or contact your HON dealer to get started on a new, invigorating and rewarding space for you and your employees.