Camper and Dens

Trends in Commercial Furniture and Space Design  

The commercial office landscape is ever evolving. Keeping up to date on the best solutions for the workplace can feel overwhelming. That is why we have put together a list of the top six trends in commercial furniture and space design that are shaping modern interiors.     

1. Flexible and Adaptable Space  

First and foremost, commercial office spaces are moving toward easily adaptable spaces that can support various functions and sizes of teams. With an increased flexibility in how and where people work, these environments better support teams when they are in the office. A great way to create these environments is with modular furniture that can be easily rearranged to suit different needs and posture preferences. Additionally, using furniture that can serve multiple purposes is ideal. For example, incorporate storage that can double as seating.  

small ocular table

2. Technology Integration  

Companies are moving toward automated systems to manage their building’s lighting, temperature, and access. These tools allow them more control over the efficiency of their space saving money and making things more secure. Workplace Analytics systems can help leaders understand which spaces are being used more frequently so they can optimize their real estate.   

Additionally, companies are incorporating technologies that support team collaboration and communication. These look like camera bars, intuitive meeting systems and interfaces, better acoustics, and screens. Additionally, furniture that incorporates technology, such as charging stations, or built-in screens is a must. To support all these systems, companies are investing in structured cabling and cable management systems to organize and conceal cables.  

3. Sustainable Design  

Another trend we see companies follow is a race to make their products greener. This looks like using materials and systems that reduce energy consumption. Some organizations make furniture from recycled materials or designing them to use less materials overall. Others endeavor to improve occupant health by using finishes with low VOCs that emit fewer harmful chemicals.  

work cafe garden

4. Wellness-Focused Design  

Similarly, as more people receive poor health diagnoses, making a healthier workplace is a great trend to follow. Companies now must prioritize building offices and incorporating furnishings and materials free of harmful chemicals and toxins. Our environment directly affects health so making sure we are not adding toxins into our environment is critical for good health.  

Other ways companies support wellness is by providing ergonomic workstations that promote comfort and prevent injuries. Desks, chairs, and monitors can be adjusted to fit individual needs and promote good posture and movement throughout the day.  

Finally, biophilic design has a hugely positive effect on people’s health. By incorporating natural materials, prints, plants, and plenty of natural light, companies can create a more calming and productive environment for their employees.  

Red belle collaboration

5. Homey Aesthetics  

On the design side, offices are taking on more of a residential look and feel. Furniture and decor are being used to create a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Teams have access to collaboration and lounge areas that they are allowed to customize. Plush, richly colored furnishings mimic the feel of snuggling up at home. Bold colors and patterns are replacing neutral tones, and uniquely shaped furnishings are making a statement. In general, offices are taking on a homier atmosphere. 

outdoor couch

6. Outdoor Spaces  

The final trend we have seen is creating outdoor work areas. Since biophilic design improves productivity, it makes sense to create natural environments where employees can get to work. Companies are providing rooftop gardens, patios, balconies, and more to give their workforce a chance to breathe in fresh air and get a change of scenery. Furniture in these areas must be durable and have weather-resistant materials. Meanwhile, they should also be comfortable and stylish so employees will be enticed to use these spaces. (See our thought starters for outdoor spaces.)

By incorporating these trends, businesses can create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also functional, sustainable, and conducive to productivity and employee well-being.     

Receive our Newsletter  

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form: 

multigenerational work cafe

How to Create A Workplace for All Ages  

5 Tips to create a welcoming environment for all ages.  

It is no secret that the workplace represents a more diverse workforce than ever before. In this case, we are referring to the generational diversity. From the Boomer generation to Gen Alpha, we are seeing a demographic mix like never before. For many companies, balancing the needs of these vastly different generations is a challenge. To help, we have some tips to create a workforce that is welcoming to all ages.  

1. Create Flexible, Adaptable, Inclusive, and Customizable Workspaces.  

Creating a workplace for multiple ages starts with catering to various workstyles and needs. That looks like incorporating furniture solutions that support comfort and productivity for all users. Height-adjustable desks, ergonomic task chairs, ample lighting, appropriate sound masking and acoustics, and areas for seclusion or collaboration are just a few ways to create a more inclusive and flexible environment.  

all ages work cafe

2. Incorporate intuitive, user-friendly technology.  

An individual’s understanding of and need for technology varies drastically across generations. That is why a successful workplace must have comprehensive technology training. Demonstrations and one-on-one training are excellent ways to get everyone up to speed. Additionally, technology interfaces must be user-friendly and intuitive. One-touch solutions are a great way to make it easy for employees to conduct meetings successfully. Installing camera bars that fully capture everything in a meeting is another way to make employees feel included and valued.  

3. Talk About Preferred Workstyles.  

Company leadership must understand that everyone has different communication preferences. That can look like face-to-face meetings, emails, instant messaging, and video conferencing to accommodate different communication preferences. Helping teams understand each other better through avenues like DISC tests and open conversations about work-styles will help improve communication. Additionally, each generation has a unique perspective so leverage those by having a trusted member of each group help make important decisions. This also extends to mentorship programs. Rather than lose industry knowledge when a seasoned employee retires, have them share that knowledge with new employees so they can find success.   

men talking together

4. Provide amenities that appeal to all ages.  

Different age groups have different interests. While a fitness center may appeal to a Millennial, a quiet cafe setting may be what a Boomer is looking for. Incorporating spaces that cater to different activities is a great way to attract and retain talent of all ages. Look for ways to incorporate wellness into your workplace that align with your company values, culture, and unique location.  

elder man in lounge

5. Make Inclusive Spaces For All Ages And Abilities.  

Finally, your physical office space should be accessible to all ages. This looks like thoughtfully designing spaces, furniture, stairways, and more to make it easy for handicapped individuals to enjoy just as much as everyone else. Create spaces that are inviting to those who might struggle with their vision, hearing, or mobility by providing adequate wayfinding solutions, textures, colors, and graphics.  

Conclusion  

While there is no guaranteed solution to fix all the problems facing your diverse workforce, you can always take steps to make your workplace more accommodating. Start by creating flexible spaces that cater to various needs. Integrate intuitive technology. Have open communication about preferred work styles. Incorporate amenities for various wellness activities, and make inclusive workspaces for all ages and abilities.  

Receive our Newsletter  

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form: 

people in outdoor setting

Retaining Talent Through Company Culture 

Today’s companies are constantly working on attracting and retaining talent. They offer signing bonuses, promotions, flexible work schedules, on-site fitness centers, and more. While these are all things that employees want, they may not be what keeps employees at a company long term. So, what is the secret to creating loyal employees? Culture. 

What is Company Culture? 

In essence, a company’s culture is its personality so to speak. Culture encompasses a shared set of beliefs, values, and behaviors that shape the organization’s business. For example, at Create Spaces we value Trust, Respect, the Pursuit of Excellence, and strive to Make A Difference for clients and coworkers. Values like this shape how you do business, structure your benefits and even design your workplace.  (For more on culture, read: Space & Culture with Steelcase’s Dr. Tracy Brower)

Here are some key elements that contribute to a company’s culture: 

  • Values: These are the core principles that guide the company’s actions and decision-making.    
  • Beliefs: These are the shared assumptions and understandings held by employees like honesty and hard work. 
  • Behaviors: These are the ways employees typically act and interact with each other. This could look like friendly competition where employees push each other to be their best. 
  • Norms: These are the unwritten rules that govern behavior within the organization. This could look like showing up on time or prioritizing kindness.  
  • Symbols: These are the objects, images, or rituals that represent the company’s culture. At Create Spaces we love the outdoors so you will see imagery of the local wildernesses around our offices. Using symbols is a great way to lean into what makes you unique. 

While these are all factors that embody a company’s culture, we are going to focus on the values and behaviors. 

How Behaviors Reflect What You Company Values 

Some companies may value making money above all else. Employees are simply cogs in a machine running to pump cash into investor’s pockets. These kinds of workplaces typically have a high turnover because employees don’t feel valued or supported. 

Other companies value creating an excellent product, but not at the expense of their employees. Rather, their focus is on succeeding as a whole organization, investors, and employees alike. In this company, leadership wants to help employees improve their lives professionally and personally. 

While a company must make money to stay in business, the behaviors they encourage in the workplace will reflect what they value most. 

people talking in private office

How Cultivate A Positive Company Culture Leads To Retaining Talent

We touched on it earlier, but when an employee does not feel valued or supported, they are far less likely to stay with a company. That means that while pay may entice someone to remain with a job, the people, and ultimately the culture will determine if they stay long term.  

A lot of this comes down to hiring decisions. Hiring that follows a company’s values will often lead to creating teams that are cohesive and enjoy working together. That may mean having similar interests, drives, and even behaviors. Being selective in the attitude of the person you hire can have huge benefits on your culture. Culture is embodied in its people, so hire people who contribute to your ideal culture. 

Often employees will stay at a company because they have built relationships that they don’t want to leave behind. Loyalty to a company arises when leadership makes employees feel valued, understood, and supported. This can look like: 

  • Prioritizing regular, weekly check-ins between employees and their managers.  
  • An open-door policy where employees can physically see leaders working alongside them and feel comfortable having casual conversations.  
  • Leaders can take an eager interest in what employees are interested in outside of work and support those interests. 
  • Hosting customer appreciation events and inviting employee’s families to join. 
  • Communicating kindly but honestly when discussing hard topics. 
  • Offering flexibility for employees who need it or generally working with employees to help them work at their best. 
  • Offering opportunities for employees to improve their skills and earn promotions. 
  • Compensating employees well so they don’t look elsewhere. 
steelcase employees at outdoor table

The more companies can bring the human element into the workplace with a listening ear and empathy, the better they will be at retaining talent. Organizations are constantly working to build trust with their clients, but it has to start with employees. Create a culture where employees are valued, and watch earnings go up because when everyone is working in the same direction, you can’t help but succeed. 

For similar content, read Work-Life Balance: A Myth or Reality? 

Receive our Newsletter  

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form: 

work life balance

Work-Life Balance: A Myth or Reality?  

For years, American workers have heard the term “work-life balance”. The concept paints the ideal of each worker’s ability to find a state of equilibrium where they equally prioritize the demands of their career and personal life. Like anything in life, finding balance is hard, especially regarding work.  

Everyone knows a workaholic, someone who spends more time working than their personal life can support. These people, typically comprised of Generation X and Boomers, find fulfillment from work but often sacrifice personal relationships to achieve their success. The concept of “work-life balance” or even “mental health” does not mean the same to them the way it does to Millennials and Gen Zers who work from home, in coffee shops, or on vacation. In their defense, the world was different when they entered the workforce. There were different expectations and fewer conveniences like hybrid technology. Additionally, social norms around work were different and there were fewer work styles to model. Given different circumstances, older generations may have subscribed to today’s hybrid work environment and thrived there.   

The problem in today’s workforce, however, is one of mental health, which is inextricably linked to the concept of work-life balance. So, if the success of a company lies on its employee’s mental health at work and by extension, their work-life balance, it is important to ask, is work-life balance achievable?  

Is Work-Life Balance Achievable?  

While the term “perfect work-life balance” is most likely unattainable, many people find ways to effectively manage their time and energy to create a healthy balance. An important thing to note is that balance does not necessarily mean equal division of time between work and personal life. Rather, balance is unique to the daily rhythm that fits each person.   

Balance, however, does not come easily. Jobs inherently require experiencing long hours, heavy workloads, and high-stress situations at some point in time. It is not financially responsible for people to quit their jobs whenever they experience something stressful. It certainly does not make them into more mature, well-functioning adults to do so. Therefore, how do you find balance when work is out of balance?  

Above all, you have to safeguard your mental health, meaning, you have to develop mental fortitude.  

Vegas Showroom collaboration
Hybrid Technology is helping people create a healthy work-life balance like never before

Ways to Improve Work-Life Balance Through Taking Action 

  1. Recognize that things change. While you may be in a tough season of work or life, it will not be like that forever.   
  1. Be Assertive. If you dislike something about your work situation, schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss the problem. Provide solutions for how you could improve the situation and ask for help.  
  1. Understand that sometimes succeeding in work means slacking in other areas of your life. Plan ahead when you know life is going to be busy and put in the time at home or with friends when you can and communicate clearly when you can’t.  
  1. Set timelines and boundaries. You can do anything for two weeks. Beyond that, make a plan for how to remedy your situation.  
  1. Change your mindset and get creative. Sometimes situations take longer to change than you might prefer. You can choose to be bitter about it, or you can focus on things you can do and get creative with ways to still have fun.  
  1. Remember, there is always another way. Every problem has a solution; it just may look different than you anticipated. Your solutions could look like developing a hybrid work plan with your employer, changing your hours to accommodate raising a family or changing your job description. It could even look like changing jobs if that is best. Never be afraid to advocate for yourself or look at the situation from a different angle.  

Work-life balance is a personal journey. It is not achievable unless you are not willing to do the work to create the balance you desire. But once you put the work in to create your best work-life situation, you and your mental health will be better for it.  

For more like this, read our blog: 5 Ways AV Supports Employee Wellbeing  

Receive our Newsletter  

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form: 

vegas showroom lounge seating

The Dynamic Conference Room 

Say goodbye to the traditional, oversized conference room! Discover how to a dynamic conference room that works for every meeting and every personality. 
 
Is your large conference room just not cutting it anymore? We get it. A massive table with chairs might not be the right fit for every meeting. Whether it’s a two-person discussion or a client interview, a big, empty room can feel cold and intimidating. 
 
But imagine a space that’s flexible, accommodating both large groups and smaller, more intimate gatherings. Here’s how you can transform your conference room into something more dynamic in nature. 


Designated Spaces 

Create different areas within the same room to cater to various needs. Some participants like to stand during meetings while others do their best thinking in a laid-back lounge chair. Providing different postures creates a more dynamic space. 

vegas showroom tiered seating

Different Elevations 

Incorporate plush chairs with side tables, soft couches with coffee tables, high-top tables with bar stools, and landing tables at the back. The goal is to design for different postures while also giving everyone an easy line of sight to the room’s technology.  


Versatile Setup 

This arrangement ensures everyone’s comfort, from the person who needs to pace to those who prefer a cozy corner. Using furniture that is easily moved to accommodate for different group activities is a must. 

vegas showroom huddle space straight on

Hybrid Technology 

Finally, no space is complete without technology that is made for the hybrid environment. Camera bars have greatly improved to include features like stitching. Stitching is where the camera zooms in on each participant, no matter where they are in the room, and creates an equal sized box for them on the screen of the remote participant. This way, someone sitting at the back of the room, looks the same to the remote participant as someone sitting in the front. This encourages conversation and keeps everyone involved. 

Making sure your screen or screens are large enough for the space is also important. With participants all over the room, you need to make sure they can easily see and share content. This could mean installing screens at the front and sides of the room depending on how large of a space you have. 
 
Creating a dynamic conference room means that you can have a big meeting and still accommodate everyone’s needs and personality types. By combining a good variety of furniture and using hybrid technology your space will be a sought-after amenity that will help your team be successful for years to come. 

Receive our Newsletter  

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form: 

orange outdoor table

Outdoor Spaces That Attract Talent

In today’s installment of our thought starter series, we will examine outdoor spaces that attract talent. Making the right hiring decisions and finding enticing top talent to stay at an organization is vital to its future success. We will review a series of renderings to help you brainstorm outdoor spaces of your own. Then we will explore real life spaces and determine what works best for you and your company’s culture and location.

Outdoor Spaces That Make A Positive Impact

steelcase employees at outdoor table

A renewed focus on physical and mental well-being has led to an increased emphasis on outdoor workspaces and biophilic design in office environments. Access to nature, such as gardens, terraces, and outdoor offices, is essential for employee creativity and mental health. Organizations are incorporating outdoor amenities and natural elements to enhance productivity and creativity.

Renderings

A study of 2,000 office workers found that spending just 29 minutes outdoors resulted in a 45% boost in productivity. Meanwhile, 63% of participants reported feeling much better after spending time in
the fresh air.

steelcase rendering outdoor space
steelcase rendering outdoor space

These outdoor lounges offer a range of seating options, from lounge to standing height, giving users choice and control in an outdoor setting. Umbrellas provide shade and screen glare reduction for better visibility on personal devices.

steelcase rendering outdoor space

An outdoor oasis that supports users looking for a change of scenery and connection with nature. It provides a place for respite, socialization and connection with peers. Work tools like carts with markerboards can be used outside temporarily to support casual collaboration. Mobile work tools allow users to bring collaboration outside and back in when they’re finished.

steelcase rendering outdoor space

A relaxed outdoor social seating that is ideal for building connections with colleagues and catching up on emails in a more laid-back setting. The overall environment provides adequate physical distancing and circulation. Varied postures give users choice of how they prefer to connect with others. Casual lounge settings can create a feeling of inclusion and trust amongst colleagues. A canopy created with an umbrella can define space and provide a larger shaded zone.

Real Spaces

Connection to nature can boost creativity and focus for employees while simultaneously increasing their well-being and engagement with their work. To help employees, the industry trends is to allocate 20% of office space to be usable outdoors.

outdoor couch

Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can transform the workday experience, fostering collaboration and connection with nature.

extremis outdoor table

When the weather allows, the hosting characteristics of your outdoor space can serve as an excellent tool to entertain you clients or appreciate employees.

people in outdoor setting

Hosting is ultimately about making employees feel connected to the organization, their work and each other.

blue dot outdoor space

Outdoor working is in high demand as companies seek to coax employees back to the office.

blue outdoor seating

Effective outdoor workspaces must be designed to mitigate glare and weather, include shaded areas, and cater to various climates.

outdoor seaside setting

Outdoor spaces like terraces, balconies, and loggias are becoming essential workplace amenities, offering areas for work, relaxation, and events.

outdoor seating

Ensure your outdoor spaces are equipped with weatherproof furniture and equipment. Additionally, plan for noise control to minimize disturbances from traffic or nearby businesses.

Circular outdoor table/bench

The future of work involves integrating nature and sustainable design to create healthy, productive environments.

outdoor deck setting

Maximize your office real estate by creating outdoor spaces that take advantage of what makes your location unique.

Receive our Newsletter  

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form: 

green and beige reception

Receptions That Make A Good First Impression

In the latest installment of our thought starter series we will go through the impact your reception space can have on your organization. From colors and textures to sizes and configurations, we will help you learn all about receptions that make a good first impression on guests.

What Makes A Good Reception?

Your organization’s reception space is the first place to make a good impression with visitors and tell a story with your brand. Colors, textures, and postures can make a big different in making guests feel welcome and relaxed. By integrating technology in these spaces, organization can provide additional messaging to their waiting guests.

blue and red reception

A welcoming and comfortable reception area can positively impact employee morale and job satisfaction.

Renderings

steelcase rendering reception blue

Today’s reception areas need to feel more like a clubhouse or coffee shop than a traditional waiting area. Create a welcoming, stylish first impression that aligns with modern expectations and enhances employee experience.

Steelcase rendering big reception

This welcoming, comfortable, and flexible environment supports a variety of users, postures, and activities.

steelcase rendering reception green

Biophilic design principles, incorporating natural elements, are also enhancing these spaces, improving employee health and productivity.

steelcase rendering reception basil
steelcase rendering modular reception

Modular furniture makes it easy to reconfigure a space so that the layout can remain flexible.

Real Spaces

wellness center reception

This waiting room setting provides a palette of postures through a variety of flexible furniture arrangements that support diverse user activities.

pink reception
black and wood reception

Adding color, artwork, and different textures as pictured in these reception spaces are great examples of how to create interesting and soothing environments that give insight into the company’s culture.

yellow reception
dark blue reception

A well-organized reception area can streamline administrative tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.

green reception
basil reception

Soothing colors, cleanable finishes and views to the outdoors help provide a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere.

blue basil reception

Seating solutions like the one pictured allows companies to create unique and inviting receptions that make a good first impression. This space is one that many individuals can share simultaneously.

Receive our Newsletter  

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form: 

corporate training room

Training and Classrooms for Active Learning

Our next installment of thought starters will cover training and classrooms for active learning. We will showcase spaces that support flexibility, collaboration, focus work, and more.

green training room

What Are Active Learning Environments?

Training and classrooms for active learning provide students and employees options and tools to actively engage in the learning process. New design principles for these spaces include: Me + We: Spaces that equally support large groups, small groups and individuals Fixed to Fluid: Multimodal spaces support multiple purposes and pedagogies Open + Enclosed: More shielded “me” and activate more open “we” spaces Braiding Digital + Physical: Increase video use in “me” and “we” spaces.

Renderings

steelcase rendering training room

Ideal for higher education or large-group training, this traditional setup centers on a speaker at the front of the room, providing an optimal learning environment with clear focus and engagement.

steelcase rendering training room with computers

This environment is a good example of the Me + We design principle in use. The seats in front of computers are “me” spaces for individual use or support a group lesson. Additionally, a collaboration space supports group work.

steelcase rendering classroom
steelcase rendering classroom

These two grade school classrooms create an interactive learning environment with their bright colors,
collaborative spaces, and seating arrangements. Teachers can easily transition their students from one
activity to the next thanks to furniture that supports multiple learning postures.

steelcase rendering classroom

Fixed to Fluid is on display in this space. While the layout pictured supports a typical lecture format, the whiteboards and casters on these tables allow for fully functioning group work activities.

Real Spaces

Multiple studies have shown that students in active learning environments consistently outperform those in traditional lecture-based classrooms. Active learning has been linked to lower failure rates, particularly in STEM subjects.

brick training room
gray training room

Movable boundaries provide shielding in open classrooms giving students and educators more control over privacy.

green training room

In this hyflex classroom, students can choose to join the class remotely or in-person. Thoughtfully integrated technology improves both the in-person and virtual experience.

blue training room
corporate high school

Active learning is still possible even when teams are separated by distance. This flexible blended learning space includes mobile furniture, markerboards, acoustic boundaries, carts and a digital display on wheels to get people up, moving and engaged. This is an excellent example of braiding the digital and the physical.

grade school classroom

Group activities inherent in active learning enhance collaboration and communication abilities.

blue node chair classroom

This node chair with an attached worksurface is the perfect “me” space. With the ability to move and work anywhere it can function well in an open or enclosed space.

yellow and gray training room
high school classroom

Highly-mobile and versatile furniture in these classrooms supports fluid transitions between different learning modes for all the ways students learn.

Receive our Newsletter  

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form: 

work cafe with 4 people

Culture Boosting Work Cafés

Today our series continues with Work Cafés. We will peruse work cafe renderings of and see how they support different activities. Then we will explore real culture boosting work cafés that serve as break rooms, game areas, and more.

work cafe beige stools

What is a Work Cafe?

A Work Café is a dynamic space that connects people with colleagues, their work, and their organization. It transforms traditional corporate cafeteria real estate into destinations for connection, collaboration, focus and innovation. For companies seeking to create a destination for hybrid workers, work cafés are an excellent amenity to attract employees to the office and foster community.

Renderings

steelcase rendering work cafe pink

This work café can pull double duty functioning providing a coffee shop vibe for hybrid workers or serving as a collaboration space for large groups.

steelcase rendering work cafe cafe tables

Transform your cafeteria into a welcoming environment designed to foster conversation, brainstorming, hosting, and socializing.

steelcase rendering work cafe long table with bench
steelcase rendering work cafe green
steelcase rendering work cafe mixed furniture

Real Spaces

Culture boosting work cafés should be welcoming and vibrant. Leverage design attributes that set a welcoming atmosphere and vibrant ambiance, reflecting the desired brand and culture.

work cafe green belle

A work café functioning as a meeting commons offers a system of spaces that promotes collaboration, both planned and spontaneous.

work cafe la office

Biophilia can have a significant positive impact on employees in a workplace setting as well. Incorporating elements of nature into the design of a workplace can lead to reduced stress, improved cognitive function, increased creativity, better mood and well-being, improved physical health, increased employee satisfaction, and reduced absenteeism.

work cafe marble

Integrating technology in your work café allows any worker, as an individual or as a group, to work and meet at any place. Access to power, presentation devices, and Wi-Fi is key for success.

work cafe steelcase hq

A welcoming work café is an excellent resource for hybrid workers. It can support a community of mobile workers who learn and share knowledge with each other.

work cafe green brightons

Spaces like these are important because employees who feel connected to their organization and valued are significantly more likely to stay with an organization.

work cafe tenor chairs

A work café can function as a specialty zone supporting workers with dining amenities and various food options.

work cafe sterling chairs

Creating a social zone in your organization using nourishment as an attraction increases opportunities for chance encounters and cross-pollination.

work cafe standing table with people

The hosting characteristics of your work café can serve as an excellent tool to retain talent.

work cafe games

Hosting is ultimately about making employees feel connected to the organization, their work and each other.

Receive our Newsletter  

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form: 

round base collaborative table with people

Hybrid Collaboration Among Teams

This week we are focusing on how to create collaboration spaces that fit what teams need to achieve success. We walk thought renderings of different layouts and discuss what kind of groups they support. Then we will wrap up with real life examples of spaces that support hybrid collaboration among teams.

Supporting Hybrid Teams

Red belle collaboration

Create better collaboration spaces for hybrid teams. Explore a range of spaces and technology experiences designed to support in-office and remote teams of all sizes – whether you need to collaborate one-to-one or many-to-many.

Renderings

Steelcase rendering collaboration

A space designed for teams to use throughout their project fosters hybrid collaboration. Tall seating accommodates various postures, while movable furniture lets teams quickly adapt the space for hybrid meetings or in-person sessions.

Steelcase rendering collaboration

Maximize natural light in your collaboration spaces while reducing screen glare. Use commercial window coverings to minimize glare and create a bright, comfortable environment for productivity.

Steelcase rendering collaboration

This space supports multiple postures. From stools in the stadium seating to table height on the bench it is easy to switch up positions and take different postures.

Steelcase rendering collaboration

This space makes collaborative meetings more approachable by removing the traditional conference table and replacing it with moveable tables. This room is perfect for informal discussions.

Steelcase rendering collaboration

With movable chairs and tables, this space can fit a large group of people or be moved to accommodate smaller groups.

Real Spaces

ocular table long

This hybrid space reimagines the traditional conference room by shifting the configuration to landscape. The Ocular table faces the long wall, optimizing the Microsoft Teams Front Row experience for seamless eye-to-eye interaction between in-person and remote participants. The Tap Touch Controller enables easy meeting access, while the Rally Bar Mini below the ultra -wide display enhances visual engagement.

small ocular table

Spaces like these are important because employees who feel heard and valued are significantly more likely to stay with an organization.

purple chair collaboration

This hybrid meeting space is designed for seamless hybrid collaboration among teams and connection with remote colleagues. Soft surfaces and acoustic tiles reduce sound distractions, while a cool-toned backdrop creates an appealing on-camera environment. The off-camera entry ensures minimal interruptions, making it ideal for focused, professional interactions.

Everwall collaboration

The Everwall system of modular privacy walls offers a flexible and aesthetically pleasing way to design adaptable spaces. This reconfigurable solution allows for easy adjustments over time and eliminates the need for permits, making it a convenient choice for dynamic environments.

Green huddle space with man

Effortlessly shift from focus work to a video call in private, tech-enabled enclaves that makes it easy to connect with remote colleagues.

yellow chair open collab table

This open collaboration space, featuring a Microsoft Surface Hub, ensures engaging brainstorming
sessions for both in-person and remote participants. The Roam cart adds flexibility, allowing remote
teammates to be positioned where the action is—whether viewing markerboards or presenters.

green couch collaboration

This conference room is uniquely designed to accommodate a variety of postures. Whether perching on a stool, standing, or sitting on a plush couch, this environment encourages open conversations.

red silq chair collaboration

Besides being more attractive, spaces with biophilia reduce stress by 15%, increase productivity by 6%, and help employees be 15% more creative.

phone booths and pods

These informal hybrid collaboration settings encourage open dialogue and comfortable, private conversations with both virtual and in-person participants.

Receive our Newsletter  

To receive our newsletter, including new editions of spaces and other digital content, fill out the form: