Few would argue that the concept of an office has changed over the years. In some corporations, the differences between today’s workplace and those of previous ones are radical. Chairs, desks and the way companies arrange cubicles have undergone a major shakeup. The corporate office furniture industry, well aware of the latest trends, is addressing them.
Challenges in Designing Office Furniture
Workplaces are evolving. They are altering their designs, look and even furniture to meet the changing needs of the workers. They are now created to be stylish as well as functional, comfortable and ergonomically correct. Office furniture companies now produce products that reflect this change. They now look at diverse factors when designing and producing their products.
The challenges that now face furniture manufacturers in their need to design, produce and market corporate office furniture relate to the imperative of satisfying the individual worker and the corporate culture. The issues surrounding furniture selection including those of
* Group Think: Some corporations collaborate together within their office space. They need furniture that looks casual and can easily be moved around to create units for various usage. The solution, for many such offices is modular furniture
* Technology: Current technology such as iPads, smartphones and tablets require their own little nooks. Some office furniture accommodates these devices not only with hook-ups for recharging but places to tuck them away safely when not in use
* Accessibility: companies are hiring more people with physical disabilities. Office furniture needs to be able to accommodate their needs
* Techno Goes Everywhere: Even on breaks, people need to access their gadgets. Emails require answering. Clients expect instant responses. The furniture in office lounges and break rooms need arm rests. This need not detract from the need for comfort and style
* Creativity: In many industries, the focus is on creativity. In the intellectual property industries, the atmosphere reflects the need to balance functionality with comfort and individuality. In such offices, furniture suppliers know they must be able to provide items that are colorful, stylish and feature unique designs
* Expressions of Caring: Managers and CEOs want to show their employees they care about their employees and the environment as much as they do about the profit margin. Ergonomic chairs are very important. Using locally produced or designed furniture indicates concern about the environment and community. The same applies for using furniture that is “green.”
Furniture companies who wish to remain competitive need to work with corporations to ensure the product they offer meets the current and future needs of employer and employee alike.
Corporate Office Furniture: Functionality, Comfort and Style
If a manufacturer or supplier of office furniture is to succeed in today’s market, it must be able to respond to the latest challenges. It must be able to produce the desired products. The price tag for continued success is the production of quality functional, comfortable and stylish corporate office furniture.
