Workflow in the new world of work

Central areas for personal storage space and technology. In the shared workplace organization, an area with lockers offers lockable storage for documents, laptops and personal items. A ToolBox, case or bag makes the job of transporting these materials to the workstation and back much easier.

In a separate room or separated area there is an integrated technology area that also offers storage space for office materials. Logistically, it is possible to build in central mail collection. The use of acoustic screens can minimize noise levels.

Arrive, get up to speed, make a call. Checking emails, quick calls, short-term laptop work – these functions are perfectly supported by a simple stand-at desk with a height adjustable chair. The PhoneBox provides a private space for telephoning.

Business calls sometimes require a private space away from background noise. In the open-plan office, a PhoneBox supplies the necessary acoustic shielding and creates an ambience for confidential conversations.

Working does not mean to be sitting all the time. In a large open-plan area, fixed workstations are usually placed in double or four-block arrangements for space optimization. From an ergonomic point of view, it is sensible to have infinite electric height adjustment that enables easy and constant switching from sitting to standing height tables. Monitor swivel arms facilitate individualized adaptation.

Screens serve as a visual and acoustic division for two-person workstations.

An island in an open-plan office. Freed from the normal work environment of an open-plan office – yet centrally placed: with a separate Work & CommunicationLounge you define an area that can be used for communication and conversation but also for project coordination and team meetings.

Also important is an effective acoustic barrier that is best achieved by furniture arrangements.

A sheltered environment for focused work. As an alternative to the open-plan space there must be a separate ThinkTank for all activities that require high levels of concentration. Acoustic elements protect from disturbing and distracting background noise.

A working space that is easily adaptable by the user with comfortable IT integration lends functional support to such work processes. ThinkTanks can also be equipped for focused work in the small project team.

Formal discussions and meetings. The spatial division of a workplace is good for concentration and emphasizes its formal nature. Discussions, meetings, and conferences take place in a separate space with the required interactive media support.

Discussion tables also provide participants with data and power connections for laptop work and the necessary presentation technology.

An InformalLounge can be an island for informal conversations – an opportunity to step out of the busy arena of an open-plan office for a short while. This is a natural place for interaction or a spontaneous meeting. You can meet at the SnackArea and CoffeeCorner for a short break or for a discussion in informal surroundings.

The possibilities for these communication areas are manifold, for short meetings even as well as for a temporary work alternative to the desk. Child-friendly furniture offers the right layout for integrated childcare.

Areas for teamwork and brainstorming. In a separate space the open-plan office, areas with appropriate media support, can become a space for working together, researching or discussing. A round or freeform table integrates the team, connections for laptops make working uncomplicated. Successful brainstorming requires a non-hierarchical space – a place where one can think without feeling threatened.

Furniture contributes significantly to making a space inviting and inspiring

and conducive to creativity.

Optimum support of customer relations. Availability and answers to all customer inquiries through personal contact – in the CustomerCenter, the idea is that employees in daily contact with customers should have optimum support.

Through furniture that is appropriate for specific working conditions and designed to be adapted to very different users quickly and easily – e.g. by comfortable electric table-height adjustment.

New kinds of work organization. When the nature of the work changes, the work environment changes too. Old office structures are no longer universally applicable; employees are not tied to their isolated workstation any more.

New types of communication and cooperation arise to be supported by the appropriate furniture. Open-plan work areas invite uncomplicated cooperation appropriate to the situation.

Functional and atmospheric qualities. The management work place should have the required functionality while meeting its more exclusive, representational needs and combining those features with design quality, because furniture contributes significantly to the general mood of a room.

A confidential discussion requires a positive ambience. The furniture engenders inclusivity - organic basic shapes help loosen the rigidity of the adviser / customer situation; technology is used to support the discussion e.g. via flexible multi-directional monitors.

Training, instruction, further education. Light furniture simplifies the flexible use of learning spaces. The tables can be moved around, depending on whether the students are working alone or in groups.

Light, slim chairs are easily grouped. However, easy handling must not be at the expense of ergonomic requirements, after all work goes on intensively and all day in a learning space.

Storage space for the team. This storage space forms a central repository for a team or section in an open-plan space. It is best to integrate this function when storage elements have a space-zoning function – combined with short distances – so are thus positioned centrally.

Front and rear panels can be used to mute disturbing background noise from the open-plan space and optimized acoustically by appropriate surfaces.