NeoCon 2023 Trends: Lighting the Way to a Better Workspace

NeoCon Trends 2023 Stylex Seating Luna Lounge Seating

NeoCon has been setting the tone for commercial office furniture trends since 1990, and lighting the way for revolutionary designs of the commercial industry as a whole. Every year, NeoCon hosts more than 40,000 attendees and 400 companies to exhibit their latest furniture solutions, as well as keynotes, special events, and workshops for entrepreneurs and design professionals to connect and educate each other.  And this year is no exception.  With the best and brightest minds brought together, what are the NeoCon 2023 trends that we saw last month in June?

One thing’s for certain: the pandemic has heavily impacted the way we see the workplace, and the design industry has been significantly changed.

Trend 1: Sustainability

Sustainability is a rising concern in production. Consumers are increasingly aware of where their products come from, and it’s become one of the main factors they consider when buying furniture. This makes “green” furniture attractive to manufacturers from an ideological perspective. But not only that – sustainable furniture reduces carbon footprint, lengthens the lifespan of the product, and creates a circular economy that utilizes recycling and repurposing.

NeoCon Trends 2023 Via Seating Vooom Chair
Photo: Via Seating Vooom Chair

Via Seating’s Vooom chair won the Sustainability Award with their sustainable seating solution. Vooom has a distinctive wing arm design and is made up of 60% recycled PET bottles in its chair shell and is 100% recyclable.

Trend 2: Wellness

Wellness goes hand-in-hand with sustainability. The world today is fast-paced and full of uncertainties, leaving many stressed and stretched thin. As a result, designers are now leaning into the human aspect of care to facilitate relaxation and gain balance.  More and more, furniture these days are made with the environment and the people who use them in mind. No longer are workers expected to act like drones; designers are responding to changing needs in workspaces for people by using natural materials to enhance wellbeing. Materials like wood and soft, soothing colors create a sense of warmth and comfort and ties into other trends like sustainability and biophilia.

NeoCon Trends 2023 Darran Dove Lounge Seating
Photo: DARRAN Dove Guest, Lounge & Rocking Chairs

DARRAN’s Dove guest, lounge and rocking chair series is welcoming with its molded PET shell that is custom made to fit the perfect ergonomic shape for seating. It combines natural and recycled materials for extra stability and comfort.

Trend 3: Technology

Technology has come a long way from computers and copy machines when it comes to the office. The influence of technology on furniture design has become increasingly prevalent especially in the past few years, when we were forced to rely on it and find new ways to integrate it to our work culture during the pandemic. During NeoCon 2023, smart furniture is seeing a rise. Smart furniture has made its way into the workforce in the form of furniture being equipped with technology to adjust height, collect data on comfort preferences and more, to create an interactive space. Media tables are also frequently used as a flexible area, as an easy way to gather groups for quick online meetings and break apart for individual work. Technology has become a crucial solution to issues like ergonomic optimization, hybrid workspaces and productivity. It’s an irrefutable game-changer that is here to stay.

NeoCon Trends 2023 Via Seating 4-UP Chair
Photo: Via Seating Ergonomic 4-UP Chair

Via Seating’s 4-UP chair is an excellent example of technology at work with its focus on providing incredible ergonomics and comfort. The upholstered backs have adjustable lumbar standards and advanced control mechanisms that use single rotation adjustments for back and body options.

Trend 4: Flexibility

As the next generation heads into the workforce, productivity changes appearance. Nowadays, workplaces are willing to be more flexible, capable of working with their employees to find a space they can concentrate in. This was a trend this year in NeoCon 2023 because it allows for employees to have more adaptability and personalization in their workspaces, and are easily reconfigured to accommodate different needs. Flexible furniture consists of modular furniture, adjustable desks, collaborative seating and more. Optimization and fluidity is the objective of flexible furniture.

NeoCon Trends 2023 Senator CoLab Worspaces
Photo: Senator CoLab Modular Workspace Series

Senator’s modular furniture series, CoLab, is the personification of flexibility. It was created to accommodate changing approaches to work, so whether you need to sit, stand, or perch – feel free to pick the posture you need to inject fresh energy.

Neocon 2023 Trends Deliver For the Future

As always, NeoCon never disappoints. With the latest trends pointing towards a more health-oriented workplace, it is guaranteed that the future of the commercial industry is looking bright.

What are some trends you would like to see?

Interested in More NeoCon 2023 Trends?

Interested in learning more?  Stay tuned for our upcoming article on our NeoCon 2023 trends favorites, and winners of the coveted awards won each year.

With a combined 50 years of experience, 2010 Office Furniture is always at the forefront of the latest trends in office furniture and equipment.  If you need help and guidance on planning and furnishing your office space, we can help!  2010 Office Furniture has worked with clients who are among Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, nonprofits, and small businesses.  Contact us with your office furniture planning and design needs.

Read Also: NeoCon 2022 Trends: The Future of Office Furniture
Main Photo: Stylex Seating Luna Lounge Seating
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: DARRAN, Senator, Stylex Seating and Via Seating 

Editor’s Top Picks: NeoCon 2023 Winners

NeoCon 2023 Winners Senator Enwork Koncept

As NeoCon 2023 wraps up, we’re seeing the frontlines of the future emerge with cutting edge products from over 400 companies that attended the event. As the single most significant show in the commercial design industry, NeoCon attracted over 50,000 attendees over the course of three days, and named this year’s Best of NeoCon 2023 winners from more than 54 product categories.

NeoCon 2023 Winners

There are 6 available awards: the Gold Award, Silver Award, Innovation Award, Sustainability Award, Best of Competition Award and the new Business Impact Award. Each entry can be given one Gold Award and one Silver Award, defined by the top winner and second-highest performer of its category. The Innovation Award is given to products that offer a fresh solution through either the introduction of new goods or an improvement of an existing product while the Sustainability Award ensures the product has an environmentally-friendly manufacturing process. The Business Impact Award was just introduced this year to recognize impressive solutions that contribute to business productivity.

Every year NeoCon sets higher and higher standards. Every year there are an exceptional few who meet them.

So what are the latest outstanding designs in the world of furniture?  Here our our favorites!

Cayman by Enwork

GOLD WINNER / FURNITURE SYSTEMS – Enwork earns the Gold Award for the furniture systems category with their Cayman case-goods collection that redefines conference and private office landscapes. Cayman offers top-of-the-line aesthetics with a soft touch to revolutionizing the user experience in private offices and conference settings. Most notable, Enwork brings the comforts of home to the workplace, while elevating traditional design, with Cayman’s striking and iconic cantilevered work surface – along with a height-adjustable return, storage spaces and other customizable features.

NeoCon 2023 Winners Enwork Cayman Private Office and Conference Casegoods
Photo: Enwork Cayman Private Office and Conference Casegoods Collection

CoLab by Senator

SILVER WINNER / COLLABORATION – A leading company all on its own, Senator achieves greatness once again with their latest product: CoLab Modular Workspaces. CoLab is a result of 2 years of research into global pedagogy trends. With a focus on higher education models and changing approaches to work, Senator created CoLab to be an adaptable, durable, and recyclable working and learning environment that can support every mode of work. Learning plays a crucial role in shaping who we are and by recognizing that, Senator has been awarded the Silver Award in the collaboration category.

NeoCon 2023 Winners Senator CoLab Workspace
Photo: Senator CoLab Modular Workspaces

Dove by DARRAN

SILVER & INNOVATION AWARD WINNER / LOUNGE SEATING – DARRAN won the Silver and Innovation Award in the lounge category with their Dove Lounge Seating. Dove is designed to be soft and inviting, merging natural and recycled materials for sustainable means. Its hardwood frame and recycled PET ergonomic shell creates a chair that allows people to sit for hours without discomfort. Visually distinctive, Dove sparks a connection between natural and built environments.

NeoCon 2023 Winners DARRAN Dove Lounge Seating
Photo: DARRAN Dove Lounge Seating

Luna by Stylex

GOLD WINNER / MODULAR SEATING – Stylex stole the show with their Luna Banquette Lounge Seating collection. Luna is designed for collaborative use, equipped with rounded edges and ergonomic support. It’s innovative, modern design is available in high or low back models and with optional planters. Luna pairs well with Still screens, Stylex’s acoustical privacy walls, and allows further freedom to create separate workspaces within a larger space. With a clean, streamlined look and premium luxe materials that surpass others, it’s no wonder that Stylex won the Gold Award for the modular seating category.

NeoCon 2023 Winners Stylex Luna Lounge Seating
Photo: Stylex Luna Banquette Lounge Seating

Elara by OFS

GOLD WINNER / SOFA SEATING – OFS is a longtime contestant at NeoCon. With many awards under their belt, the Elara Lounge Seating is just the latest of their achievements. Derived from the Greek word for moon, Elara’s soft curves and wide frame is crafted as the perfect solution for the workplace and healthcare environments. The frame is made of durable powder-coated steel, while the seats and back are upholstered in customizable fabric and leathers. OFS designed this product to offer comfort, durability, and easy cleanability, winning the Gold Award for the sofa category.

NeoCon 2023 Winners OFS Elara Lounge Seating
Photo: OFS Elara Lounge Seating

4-UP by Via Seating

BUSINESS IMPACT AWARD WINNER / ERGONOMIC DESK & TASK – Via Seating has one goal: to make the world greener with the 4-UP Ergonomic Task Chair series. 4-UP is designed to add ambiance and sophistication to any environment it inhabits. With its range of backs and two seat options, 4-UP embodies great design, function and comfort. It’s also made of Via Seating’s signature comfort foam: a proprietary blend of high-density, injection-molded comfort foam so durable that Via Seating swears by a 12 year warranty. This attention to detail earned Via Seating the Business Impact Award for the ergonomic desk/task category.

NeoCon 2023 Winners Via Seating 4-UP Chair
Photo: Via Seating 4-UP Ergonomic Task Chair

Ooty by Allermuir

GOLD WINNER / STOOLS SEATING – Allermuir is a veteran at NeoCon, submitting many award-winning entries over the past few years. Their latest product, Ooty, won the Gold Award for the stool category. Allermuir’s objective was to create a stool with one component to eliminate waste and prove a sustainable solution. The result was Ooty: a multi-use product that could double as a stool or side table. This piece is lightweight and stackable, allowing for the ultimate ease of movement. Ooty is a functional, versatile and fun piece to add to commercial and residential settings.

NeoCon 2023 Winners Allermuir Ooty Stools
Photo: Allermuir Ooty Stools

Yurei by KONCEPT INC.

GOLD WINNER / TASK LIGHTING – Koncept has always focused on bringing the best creative lighting solutions to the industry. The Yurei Co-Working Light can fit in with any unique decor decisions you make with its sleek and modern design. The table lamp version is multifunctional, featuring a built-in USB-C charging port and warm white light with up to 3000K light color and 60,000 hour lifespan that allows users to stay connected. Koncept’s Gold Award for task lighting category is well-deserved.

NeoCon 2023 Winners Koncept Yurei Work Lamp
Photo: Koncept Yurei Work Lamps

Susu by DARRAN

SILVER WINNER / OCCASIONAL TABLES – DARRAN Furniture has many stand-out designs and the Susu Occasional Table series is one of them with its beautiful simplicity, embodying the idea of “Beauty in Small Things.” With sleek design lines, elegant architecture, sustainable materials and beautiful finishes, Susu is sure to fit right in with the future of furniture. This table is made with pressed PET shells to create a two-tone visual, and support the table surfaces with robust metal bases for commercial use. The Susu collection incorporates an unexpected softness and hybrid texture that differentiates this collection from the rest in the occasional category, winning DARRAN the Silver Award.

NeoCon 2023 Winners DARRAN Susu Tables
Photo: DARRAN Susu Occasional Tables

Tibo by Allermuir

GOLD WINNER / OUTDOOR SEATING: Allermuir’s Tibo Bench and Table System follows the latest trend in multi-use furniture. Capable of seating people indoors and outdoors with its combined bench and table system, Tibo’s objective was to allow natural interaction and spur collaboration between people. Tibo comes in 3 sizes and is engineered around an aluminum frame for strength and lightness. Encourage creative collaboration and interaction with one of Allermuir’s latest innovation, the Gold Award Winner of the outdoor seating category.

NeoCon 2023 Winners Allermuir Tibo Bench
Photo: Allermuir Tibo Indoor/Outdoor Bench and Table System

All NeoCon 2023 Winners

For a complete list of Best of NeoCon 2023 winners, please visit the official NeoCon website here.

Interested More in NeoCon 2023?

Looking for more info or inspiration?  Explore all the latest office furniture possibilities with the specialists at 2010 Office Furniture. Our team has nearly 50 years of combined experience working with Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, universities, and small business from Los Angeles and Orange Counties to the Inland Empire.

Contact us and let us know about your potential project needs.  We can help you create the modern office that fits perfectly for you and your employees.

Read Also: NeoCon 2023 Trends: Lighting the Way to a Better Workspace
Main Photo: NeoCon 2023 Winners – Senator CoLab Workspaces, Enwork Cayman Desk & Koncept Yurei Lamps
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Allermuir, DARRAN, Enwork, Koncept, OFS, Senator, Stylex Seating and Via Seating 

NeoCon 2023 Countdown Begins!

NeoCon 2023 OFS Zero Chairs

NeoCon 2023 is fast approaching, and with it the chance to see the latest innovation in furniture.

NeoCon is the most important event of the year for the commercial design industry since 1969. It takes place at the famous Merchandise Mart, also known as “The Mart,” in Chicago and is only open to trade professionals. They divide their entries into categories, ranging from Furniture, Fabrics, Flooring, Interior Building Products, Interior Finishes and Technology to markets such as Workplace, Healthcare, Hospitality, Retail, Education, Public Space and Government. NeoCon is an event of creativity and growth that allows professionals to see the latest the furniture world has to offer and attend educational programs to make connections, learn, and offer their insight and expertise on important topics in the industry today.

A Look Back at NeoCon 2022

Typically organized by Merchandise Mart Properties Inc., the most recent NeoCon was held in 2022. For three days, from June 13 – 15, the exhibit hall was the heart of NeoCon, where over 500 exhibitors showcased the latest products and trends in commercial design. The key themes that emerged from them were sustainable design, the increased use of technology to enhance the workplace, adaptable, flexible spaces in a post-pandemic world, and a focus on employee wellness.


Photo: OFS Heya Table

KONCEPT INC. won the Gold Award for the lighting section with their Focaccia Desk Lamp and Silver Award for the Combi Pendant Light while OFS  presented a new series of seating products that won the Sustainability award with their natural materials.


Photo: Koncept Focaccia Desk and Floor Lighting 

Scandinavian Spaces also won the Innovation award in the furniture category with their Yarn chair for its environmentally-friendly textiles and organic design.


Photo: Scandinavian Spaces Yarn Chairs

NeoCon 2022 offered a glimpse of the future where design can be used to create more productive, comfortable, and green workplaces.

Looking Forward to NeoCon 2023

This year, NeoCon is going to take place on June 12 – 14. It will feature 56 product categories that will be evaluated onsite by a diverse panel of juries that consist of renowned architects, designers, and others with a mastery in commercial, healthcare, education, and hospitality sectors. While there are typically 5 awards available, as of 2023, NeoCon is also announcing that the best entries will be granted a Business Impact Award as recognition of outstanding solutions through industry-oriented lens.

What Will NeoCon 2023 Trends Be?

What key trends can we expect to see at NeoCon 2023? Many of the post-pandemic trends are still prevalent today.


Photo: OFS Denro Table

Sustainable materials continue to be popular; consumers are now more aware than ever of their impact on the environment and are seeking green materials. Long-lasting, environmental-friendly furniture solutions is a trend that’s here to stay.


Photo: Allermuir Various Seating Collections 


Photo: OFS Roo Planters

Wellness is another trend expected to extend into 2023 and beyond because designers have finally found the balance between motivation and relaxation. The importance of wellness is also backed by studies that show how flexible office layouts lead to more productive and happy employees. Wellness-focused design include features like ergonomic furniture, natural light and fresh air, thermal comfort and biophilic design.

We can look forward to further technology integration; technology is growing increasingly advanced and is taking the workplace with them in the form of touch-screen displays, smart lighting, and integrated audio/visual systems.


Photo: Stylex Underline Seating

Bold and colorful interiors influenced by the 70s are also making a comeback—designers are all about channeling the exuberant energy and innovation from that decade to the present.

Curved furniture is another rising trend in 2023; adding a soft touch to the straight lines and clinical design of spaces. In tandem with sustainable design, color palettes with a focus on green, brown, and cream shades are popular throughout this year for its calming effect.

2010 Office Furniture Knows the Latest Trends

What are you looking forward to seeing from NeoCon 2023?  Stay tuned for upcoming updates covering the much anticipated event taking place next week.

With a combined 50 years of experience, the team at 2010 Office Furniture is committed to always being at the forefront of the latest and greatest in office furniture and equipment.  If you need help and guidance on planning and furnishing your office space, we can help!  2010 Office Furniture has worked with clients who are among Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, nonprofits, and small businesses.  Contact us with your office furniture planning and design needs.

Read Also: NeoCon 2022 Trends: The Future of Office Furniture
Main Photo: OFS Brands Zero Chairs
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Allermuir, Koncept Lighting, OFS Brands, Scandinavian Spaces and Stylex Seating

Designing a Collaborative Office Space to Ignite Creativity and Productivity at Work

Designing a Collaborative Office Space SitOnIt Seating Collaboration

The collaborative office space is a growing trend in today’s modern workspaces, with its importance and popularity gaining much momentum especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. These spaces are designed to foster teamwork, communication, and creativity among employees. 

What is a Collaborative Space?

What is the collaborative space definition? Collaborative office spaces are specially designed areas where individuals can come together, share ideas, and work towards a common goal. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of collaborative spaces, the type of office furniture needed, and why it’s important to have in the office, especially after Covid.Designing a Collaborative Office Space Arcadia TOOtheLOUNGE Seating
Photo: Arcadia TOOtheLOUNGE Seating

Both Arcadia TOOaPICNIC and TOOtheLOUNGE Seating can provide great setups for a collaborative area.  Their innovative booth-like designs and built-in worksurface tables offer a haven for small groups to share ideas and work, while minting some quiet and privacy.

Designing a Collaborative Office Space Arcadia TOOaPICNIC Lounge
Photo: Arcadia TOOaPICNIC Lounge Seating

Benefits of the Collaborative Office Space

Collaborative spaces provide numerous benefits to employees and the organization as a whole. These benefits include increased creativity, enhanced communication, heightened productivity and improved employee satisfaction.

Inspire Company Creativity

A great advantage of offering a collaborative office space to your employees is having a designated area for them to brainstorm, exchange information and share ideas.  This cultivates creativity and innovation, which then leads to developing new products and services.

Collaborative Office Interiors that Spark Communication

A collaborative workspace helps to break down communication barriers and encourage employees to share their thoughts and ideas openly. This leads to better communication among team members and helps to build strong relationships.

Designing a Collaborative Office Space OFS Lotive Tables
Photo: OFS Lotive Tables

The Lotive Table from OFS is efficient and streamlined, light enough to transport anywhere.  With many whimsical colors available, workers can easily have their own individual Lotive Table set up in front of them as they work together in groups.

Heighten Office Productivity

Setting up a collaborative area with the appropriate collaborative office furniture can provide a conducive environment for employees to work together towards a common goal. This leads to increased productivity and better performance.

Achieve Improved Employee Satisfaction

Smart space planning and the right furniture selection are important.   A comfortable, well-thought out collaborative office layout can help to create a sense of community among employees, leading to improved job satisfaction and engagement.

Designing a Collaborative Office Space Loftwall Rooms Wall System
Photo: Loftwall Rooms Wall System

Loftwall Rooms Wall System can help carve out spaces in your office, to designate areas for collaboration.  With three space models available and nine standard typicals to choose from, you can configure a set up that’s as private or open as you need it to be.

Collaborative Office Furniture

The type of collaborative office furniture needed in a collaborative office space depends on the type of activity that will be taking place in the space. When planning a collaborative office design, some common furniture items that must be considered include:

1. Office Seating: A collaborative office space design require comfortable seating that can accommodate different people and activities. Seating options may include lounge chairs, sofas, and benches.

2. Office Tables: These spaces require tables that can accommodate different types of collaborative work activities. Tables may include occasional or cafe tables, standing tables, and conference tables.

3. Office Storage: A collaborative office space design requires storage options for items such as books, files, and equipment. Storage options may include shelves, cabinets, and drawers.

4. Office Accessories and Technology: Collaborative spaces require accessories and technology that can support collaborative work activities. This may include large screens, video conferencing equipment, and whiteboards.

Designing a Collaborative Office Space Scale 1to1 MonoLink Space Divider
Photo: Scale 1:1 MonoLink Space Divider

Scale 1:1 Marc Marker Board and MonoLink Space Divider are great for brainstorming and sharing ideas, as well as providing separation and privacy.  While the Catalina Work Island from DeskMakers offer a collaborative worksurface with built in storage below.  Its also on wheels for quick impromptu meetings, and can be moved easily from room to room.

Designing a Collaborative Office Space DeskMakers Catalina Work Island
Photo: DeskMakers Catalina Work Island

Importance of Collaborative Spaces After Covid

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we work and interact with each other. As we continue to adjust to the new normal, appropriate covid office furniture in collaborative space design has become more important than ever. Some important reasons for collaborative covid office solutions are: to address ongoing office social distancing that still exist in some offices; improve office flexibility to support remote or work-from-home workers; promote mental health; and inspire company growth and innovation.  Enwork’s Skyline Screen allows social distancing at work while meeting with others by providing clear barricades to be set up on table tops.

1. Social Distancing: With the need for social distancing in some businesses still existing, a specially designed collaborative office space provides a safe environment where employees can work together while maintaining a safe distance.

2. Flexibility: Collaborative spaces provide flexibility in terms of work arrangements. With remote work becoming more common, these spaces provide a space where employees can come together and work on projects when needed.

3. Mental Health: Provide an environment where employees can interact with each other and build relationships. Collaborative spaces help to promote mental health and wellbeing, especially during times of stress and uncertainty, as well as ongoing remote work that typically isolate employees.

4. Innovation: Collaborative spaces provide an environment where employees can come together and share ideas. Oftentimes, it’s the act of interaction and collaboration among peers and colleagues that help spark new discoveries.  This leads to innovation and the development of new products and services.Designing a Collaborative Office Space Rouillard Coast Media Table
Photo: Rouillard Coast Media Table

The Rouillard Coast Media Table provides a flexible and informal collaborative office setup, perfect for video-conferencing and brainstorming with others.  Available in 3 sizes and multiple finishes, you can customize its fabric and colors to match any style. Enjoy its high-quality sound-absorbing properties for great acoustics, and wire management for instant connectivity.

Designing Your Collaborative Office Interiors

Collaborative spaces have become an essential part of modern offices, providing numerous benefits to employees and the organization as a whole.  Remember that the collaborative office layout you design, along with the collaborative space furniture you choose, are critical in creating an office space that doesn’t only look attractive and pleasing—but one that works! 

Need Collaborative Space Ideas?

As we continue to adjust to the new normal, the collaborative office space has become more important than ever, providing a safe environment, flexibility, mental health benefits, and opportunities for innovation.  If you need collaborative space ideas and guidance, the experts at 2010 Office Furniture can help—with more than a combined half-century of working with clients who are among Southern California’s largest corporations, nonprofit organizations, and robust small businesses.

Contact them with your space planning and furnishing needs, to make your office workspace not only more functional, but a desirable place to work.

Read Also: Design and Plan Your Office for Collaboration and Inspiration
Main Photo: SitOnIt Seating Collaboration Setup
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Arcadia, DeskMakers, OFS, Rouillard, Scale 1:1 & SitOnIt Seating

Editor’s Choice: NeoCon 2022 Winners

NeoCon 2022 Winners

What’s in store for the future of office furniture? NeoCon 2022 dazzled the world this month with game-changing innovations and revolutionary new products unveiled by more than 400 leading companies.  As the single most important event in the commercial design industry, this annual show drew nearly 40,000 attendants to Chicago to celebrate upcoming trends in furniture, textiles, building materials, lighting, wall coverings, accessories, outdoor products and more. Every year a selected panel of industry professionals announces the “Best of NeoCon” winners,  honoring outstanding new products in 54 product categories.  Below are some of ourfavorite NeoCon 2022 winners and standouts, capturing our imaginations with their thoughtful designs, unique features, and the promise of better, exciting times ahead.

Amobi by AMQ

INNOVATION WINNER / FURNITURE SYSTEMS – AMQ has long since been a reliable company that regularly produces modern products on quick timelines for a great budget. At NeoCon 2022, AMQ’s Amobi won the Innovation Award for the Furniture Systems category. Amobi gives us a glimpse of the future of work; it exemplifies a more collaborative and fluid style of working and recognizes the need for rapid configuration for a more flexible workflow. The Amobi Desk is a mobile workstation with easy transport and storage design, as well as additional privacy options. Amobi Team pairs well with the desk, featuring a family of mobile carts and walls that double as collaboration hubs or privacy walls.


Photo: AMQ Amobi Agile Workspaces

Focaccia by Koncept

GOLD WINNER / LIGHTING: TASK – The Focaccia Desk Lamp is another leading product that showcases the recent trends of the workplace: flexibility. With its sleek metal frame and slim base, Focaccia is an unobtrusive addition to your desk. Focaccia also offers an adjustable soft, diffused light from 2700k to 5000k, making it perfect for professionals that need minimal shadows and maximum luminescence.


Photo: Koncept Focaccia Desk Lamp

Fleet by OFS

SILVER WINNER / COLLECTIONS FOR COLLABORATION – OFS strikes again with the Silver Award winner Fleet Collection. Made to adapt to the everchanging flow of work and life, Fleet is made through “Soft Architecture,” architectural furniture designed to never make you feel like you’re boxed into a cubicle. Fleet’s tables are oval-shaped and come with optional casters for easy mobility. Their conference tables can be personalized with a canopy and media screen. Fleet seating complement their tables with their three different stool models to fit the user’s needs. Fleet planters add a pop of green in a variety of shapes to energize the office.


Photo: OFS Fleet Series

Kaleid by OFS

GOLD WINNER / WORKPLACE ACCESSORIES – In line with the philosophies of the Fleet Collection, Kaleid  was made to match increasingly dynamic offices. The Kaleid Collaborative Division Shelves are crafted with warm wood and come in multiple configurations and options for media units. Whether you want to use it as a board, self-watering planters, or shelving unit, Kaleid can adapt itself to fit your needs.


Photo: OFS Brands Kaleid Collection

Plot Twist by OM Seating

GOLD WINNER / SEATING: STOOLS – Whimsical, playful and lightweight, Plot Twist by OM Seating brings people together in a creative and collaborative way.  Featuring the fun, warm comfort of a pouf and robust optional adjustable height tablet surfaces, the collection reimagines casual brainstorming sessions, impromptu meanings and sharing of ideas – all the while being easily mobile.  They can also be configured with or without a backrest, and are available in multiple vibrant colors.

Photo: OM Seating Plot Twist

Adapt Wall by Senator

GOLD WINNER / COLLECTIONS FOR COLLABORATION – The Adapt Wall Partitions are Senator’s solution to the change of the individual’s daily work routine. Crowned the Gold Award for NeoCon’s collaboration collection category, Adapt serves as a mobile partition with additional functions such as a drawing board, shelf, coat hanger, and more. With four configurations in mind, Adapt enables a more agile, fluid, and flexible dynamic within the office.


Photo: Senator Adapt Wall Partitions

CellPod by Senator

2010 EDITOR’S HONORABLE MENTION – Innovation meets collaboration with Senator’s CellPod series. Senator gives a nod to the importance of collaboration with CellPod, a fully demountable room that still provides all the architectural qualities and services you would expect from a traditionally built environment. The CellPod has four configurations: Cabana, Focus, Meeting, and Round Personal. Cabana features a more open setting with its three-sided walls for larger meetings, while Focus and Round Personal were created to help the user immerse themselves in their work with no interruptions. The Meeting CellPod offers a more intimate meeting and collaboration space for smaller groups of people.


Photo: Senator CellPod

Reya by SitOnIt

SILVER WINNER / WORK FROM HOME SOLUTIONS – Reya is the desk for everyone, whether this means official or family business. Marketed as a work-from-home piece, Reya provides a dedicated place to escape the clutter with customizable options. This desk features rounded corners and a slim, modern design, capable of fitting into almost any room. Reya also boasts a patent-pending, lightning-fast assembly, meaning users don’t have to break a sweat putting this desk together.


Photo: SitOnIt Seating Reya Desk

Umo by Stylex

SILVER WINNER / TABLES: OCCASIONAL – Turn heads with the Stylex Umo Table. With its unique base and wood materials, Umo serves multiple functions, from adding visual warmth to any space to its efficient utility as an accent table. Featuring 4 wood finishes, the Umo Table is perfect for spaces that blur the lines between residential and commercial.


Photo: Stylex Umo Table

Jeté by Via Seating

SUSTAINABILITY WINNER / SEATING: CONFERENCE – The Via Seating Jete Chair is a conversation-starter with its distinctive European aesthetic and multitude of features. Jete is a combination of Via Seating’s signature comfort, unmatched design, and sustainable innovation. Available in high and mid back forms, as well as a variety of customizable upholstery and arms options, Jete creates an uncompromising standard for all executive-conference chairs.


Photo: Via Seating Jeté Chair

All NeoCon 2022 Winners

For a complete list of Best of NeoCon winners, please visit the official NeoCon website here.

Interested More in NeoCon 2022?

Looking for more info or inspiration?  Explore all the latest office furniture possibilities with the specialists at 2010 Office Furniture. Our team has nearly 50 years of combined experience working with Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, universities, and small business from Los Angeles and Orange Counties to the Inland Empire.

Contact us and let us know about your potential project needs.  We can help you create the modern office that fits perfectly for you and your employees.

Read Also: NeoCon 2022 Trends: The Future of Office Furniture
Main Photo: OM Seating Plot Twist, OFS Fleet and Senator CellPod
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: NeoCon, AMQ, Koncept, OFS Brands, OM Seating, Senator, SitOnIt Seating, Stylex, Trendway and Via Seating

NeoCon 2022 Trends: The Future of Office Furniture

NeoCon 2022 Trends

Every year, NeoCon takes our breath away with the unveiling of new and revolutionary designs in commercial office furniture. This year is no exception as the largest event of the industry introduced all the long awaited NeoCon 2022 trends earlier this month. Since 1990, NeoCon has been the leading hub of the commercial design community, giving designers, architects, end-users, manufacturers, dealers, service providers, associations, educators, students and media the chance to educate and, at equal turns, learn about game-changing products and services from more than 400 leading companies and emerging competitors. Countless products are entered for the chance of recognition at the world’s leading platform.

With 10 categories ranging from Best of Competition to Textiles, NeoCon is pivotal to setting trends. So what’s new in the world of commercial design?

Trend 1: Micro Spaces

Micro spaces—such as pods, dens or booths—are receiving an upgrade as one of the biggest NeoCon 2022 trends. It was the solution to the issues of the open office, a floor plan meant to foster collaboration, but instead can result in very distracting, noisy environments where employees find it challenging for concentrated work. Micro spaces on the other hand create a comfortable workspace that allow people to focus. They provide a quiet, less exposed environment for individual work, but glass doors and open doorways also ensure people aren’t completely cut off from the pulse of the company. Even better, in light of the pandemic, micro spaces can reduce the spread of diseases by preventing too many people from inhabiting a crowded area.

Groupe Lacasse PanGram Social Distancing Office Design and Nevins Phone Booth provide excellent micro spaces that tastefully transforms otherwise unused spaces to functional private work environments.


Photo: Groupe Lacasse PanGram and Nevins Phone Booth

Trend 2: Flexible Furniture

If there is anything office interior designers observed from the past three years, it’s that we no longer need X desks for Y people. We are no longer in the era of cubicle farms. How we work has changed and the office has changed with us. The office can now be rearranged to support different ways of working. Areas like open-plan benching, micro spaces, and breakrooms will give your team more chances to personalize their work experiences and boost productivity.

The OFS Fleet personifies adaptability. The Fleet table can be reconfigured for individual, group, and organizational needs.


Photo: OFS Fleet

Trend 3: Resimercial Inspiration

The resimercial aesthetic has been a popular trend in recent years and continues to be seen as one of the NeoCon 2022 trends. It’s a furnishing style meant to bring the relaxed feel of home into the formal office environment. Since quarantine, workers have been enjoying the ability to work from the comforts of home. To draw them back to the office, designers have taken inspiration from where they’ve been working in, bringing in furniture that emphasizes comfortable seating, ambient lighting, durable upholstery, and accessories like rugs and lamps.

Check out the National Collette Seating, a product that inspires employees to work in a space that exemplifies comfort and is reminiscent of home.


Photo: National Collette Seating

Trend 4: Bold Colors

Bold colors are making a comeback after years of using calm, neutral colors. Adding a beautiful pop of color can liven the office up. How organizations use colors often set the tone for the company’s culture, from calm to cheerful.

NeoCon 2022 showcases flexible ways to bring color into your space through accessories. For instance, this Stylex Trim Table setup features different brightly colored privacy walls and accessories that add an air of playfulness to the setting. ERG’s International Parma Table has accents of vivid colors that liven up offices.


Photo: Stylex Trim Table and ERG International Parma Table

Trend 5: Acoustic Materials

We’ve learned from past office trends that the cubicle farm made workers feel isolated and dehumanized. In an effort to find a more flexible solution for privacy and quiet, designers had to look away from hard surfaces because they cause sounds to echo and magnify. Soft surfaces like acoustic walls are the perfect sweet spot for the office because it not only reduces noise but have the mobility to be set up and rearranged at any time.  It’s no wonder that it’s one of this year’s top NeoCon 2022 trends.

Snowsound’s Botanica is a modern, lightweight acoustic screen made with high-quality sound absorbing elements that reduces ambient noise.


Photo: Snowsound Botanic Acoustic Panel

Trend 6: Touch Down Spaces

Throughout the years, we’ve been seeing more and more rigid work structures in our offices change and evolve with the people. No longer are meeting rooms only for large groups of people doing formal presentations. Employees are looking for more personal meeting spaces that are more informal and can easily be set up or reconfigured and separated in a flash.

This HON Preside Table and Flock Seating setup, as well as the OFS Obeya Architectural Structures, provide two perfect examples of touch down spaces. Whether you’re there for a group project or “me time,” these support your needs to get work done.


Photo: HON Preside Table and Flock Seating and OFS Obeya Architectural Structure

Trend 7: Retro Influence

We’re seeing a resurgence of old trends. The 70’s design style is usually touted as an ugly mistake with shag carpets and strange color combinations, but in a time when color can represent optimism and play, we’re glad to see it back as part of NeoCon 2022 trends.

National’s Hobsen Chair exhibits obvious 70s influence with its earthy, warm color scheme, psychedelic patterns, and wood accents.


Photo: National Hobsen Chair

NeoCon 2022 Trends Showcases Innovation at Every Turn

NeoCon has been a trendsetter for commercial design since 1990 and continues to be so to this day. From new trends such as touchdown spaces and callbacks to retro inspiration, NeoCon gives the stage to leading competitors to stun the world with new office products and solutions.

Interested More in NeoCon 2022 Trends?

Looking for more info or inspiration?  Explore all the latest office furniture possibilities with the specialists at 2010 Office Furniture. Our team has nearly 50 years of combined experience working with Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, universities, and small business from Los Angeles and Orange Counties to the Inland Empire.

Contact us and let us know about your potential project needs.  We can help you create the modern office that fits perfectly for you and your employees.

Read Also: Office Furniture Trends 2022: What’s New in Commercial Office Furniture
Main Photo: Senator Adapt Wall
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: ERG International, Groupe Lacasse, HON, National, Nevins, OFS Brands, Snowsound & Stylex

Office Furniture Trends 2022: What’s New in Commercial Office Furniture

Stylex Seating

Over the last decade we’ve seen tremendous changes in our offices and how we work — especially within the last couple of years. Office furniture trends of 2022 are no doubt a reflection of these important changes.  As we recover from a world pandemic, our schedules are less structured, our interactions more organic and our technology more advanced. Innovations in office furniture have allowed us to complete our tasks much faster and be more mobile at work.

From the way we complete our daily tasks to how we meet and share ideas – our offices are changing in remarkable and exciting ways.  As we review 2022’s office furniture trends, let’s ask ourselves, “How did we get to here today? And what do we have to look forward to?”

Workstations

Workstations Then
Photo: The Open Office Plan Setup

THEN: Open-plan benching systems have been the go-to workstations ever since their revival in the early 2010s. Designer Frederick Taylor pioneered the idea of the open office back in the early 1900s, claiming it was the secret to productivity. And over the last decade or so, they’ve regained much popularity especially among health-conscious millennials who found cubicles to be somewhat oppressive and confining.  Open-plan benching systems, on the other hand, promoted open communication and collaboration, and kept productivity in mind while fostering team camaraderie and employee wellbeing.  They also helped ease high costs of construction, utilities and office equipment, because they’re typically modular and can be set up and reconfigured much more easily in huge open spaces without having to partition areas by building walls.  The open-plan set-up is not without its drawbacks, however.  They can be noisy and have been criticized for imposing too much distraction to workers, making it difficult for focused individual work.

NOW: To remedy the shortcomings of open-plan benching systems, semi-private workstations are now taking center stage as the optimized solution for the open office.  Providing just enough barriers and partitions, they are not as severely closed-off as traditional cubicles.  They work better to offer needed quiet and privacy while still open enough to facilitate collaboration, interaction and exchange of ideas.  Moreover, to avoid costs of having to implement entirely new workstations, many offices are now retrofitting their existing open-plan benching systems to be more semi-private, by attaching raised panels or adding storage bins and cabinets, as well as glass or plexiglass dividers.  With improved separation between workers, this promoted better social distancing and sanitation practices in the workplace, especially during the post-COVID era.

Office Furniture Trends 2022: Workstation NowOffice Furniture Trends 2022 Photos: Groupe Lacasse Paradigm Workstations & Senator Workpod

Private Offices

Private Offices ThenPhoto: Traditional Private Office

THEN: Private offices have thrived since the Taylorist 1900s era, and continue to be popular even today. Executives and managers especially benefit from private offices, which provide the needed privacy for focused work over extended hours and allowed them to meet with clients privately.  Often furnished with a complete office furniture suite, the private office generally consists of a large personal desk, a return for additional work surface real-estate, chairs for guests, and credenza and hutch with shelves and cabinets for storage.  This private room setup offers maximum privacy for confidential meetings and concentrated work, and most of the time includes windows overlooking employees to supervise them as they work. It’s the ideal setup for 9-to-5/five days a week schedules for many professionals.

NOW: While private offices are here to stay, office furniture trends in 2022 are seeing a rise of touch-down spaces. Touch-down spaces are smaller, more casual private or semi-private spaces for on-the-go professionals and executives to work. Today’s much more dynamic lifestyles and technology have allowed and granted more flexibility in our work culture.  We can now complete most of our tasks anywhere on a laptop and be able to meet with clients in more comfortable informal settings.  These less structured setups best accommodate the hybrid work-from-home/work-at-the-office schedules that have emerged from the COVID era.  Professionals are able to come to work, interact with colleagues and coworkers, have a designated space for focused work, but are still mobile to be able to pick up their work and relocate.

Office Furniture Trends 2022: Private Offices NowOffice Furniture Trends 2022 Photos: Trendway Volo Walls create individual workspaces; Global Priva Acoustic Pods & Hat Collective M-Series Wall Mount Worksurfaces

Meeting Spaces

Meeting Spaces ThenPhoto: Traditional Conference Room

THEN: Meetings are as old as time, and they have always had one thing in common: one location. Starting from the 1900s, office furniture has stayed generally the same in terms of the meeting room. These spaces, most commonly referred to as conference rooms, are typically private and spacious areas with a large and stately table in the center to seat a group of people for power meetings, presentations and exchange of ideas. Traditional conference rooms are designed to impress and slightly intimidate; they’re the place where executives would meet, negotiate important decisions and strike million-dollar deals.

NOW: The past several years have seen a sort of democratization of the workplace. The open office has especially paved the way toward a more inclusive work culture where employees have free rein to roam about, and have access to all areas of the workplace.  There’s less need for huge, traditional meeting rooms that feel too formal. More professionals are gravitating to smaller meeting areas, sometimes referred to as huddle rooms, which are designed to be leaner, meaner, more efficient to use and accessible to everyone. The past couple of years of COVID especially have pushed for improved telecommunications and popular video-teleconference platforms such as Skype and Zoom. Meetings no longer need to take place in one location. Fully equipped with power and state-of-the-art A/V equipment, these new and improved spaces now allow for a quick gathering, brainstorming or impromptu collaboration without even having to be physically together. A more appropriate solution for the times, they help promote social distancing safety by keeping fewer groups of people together and allowing them the flexibility to meet virtually.

Office Furniture Trends 2022: Meeting Spaces NowOffice Furniture Trends 2022 Photos: OFS Heya Meeting Lounge, Scale 1:1 Telemeet Media Table & OFS Obeya Architectural Structures 

Training and Collaboration

Training Then
Photo: Traditional Training Room Setup

THEN: Training and collaboration spaces are crucial to every company. These spaces are generally made up of numerous rows of chairs and tables lined up auditorium-style, inside a room specifically designed for training employees, group orientation or team-building exercises. Typically designed to be very capacious, they’re able to seat a great number of people all at one time, and typically orient a group audience toward a speaker, not unlike a classroom or lecture hall.  Oftentimes these setups can feel severely rigid, formal and overly spacious, especially when only a handful of people need to use them.

NOW: Today, training and collaborative spaces are very much designed with the interaction of people in mind.  The philosophy behind the design focuses on harboring a sense of community while facilitating a more intuitive and organic flow of interaction and communication among people.  Now, we see breakrooms, lounges and other common areas that double as training spaces, in a less formal way. Comfortable modular furniture works best for this purpose, as they can nest together to accommodate group sessions, then be rearranged after to serve another purpose such as for lounge or individual work. Sometimes, it’s a mixture of sofas or individual seating with built in laptop and tablet tables.  Sometimes, stools, benches and ottomans are used with occasional, nesting or bar-height parsons tables, along with mobile white boards and TV displays.  Whatever the type of furniture, they’re meant to be dynamic, and are often on casters for ease of mobility and reconfiguration. These modern training and collaborative spaces are all about adaptability and flexibility, working to accommodate people’s natural way of interaction. The lines of formality are blurred, and optimized communication and comfort are prioritized.


Office Furniture Trends 2022 Photos: Senator Play Collection, Hat Collection M-Series Nesting Tables & OFS Coact Mobile Chairs and Heya Screen

Continued Evolution

With continued innovation in office furniture, there really isn’t one way to design an office anymore. Office layouts are fluid, and every generation focuses on different aspects of our professional lives and cultures to create what they believe is the perfect workplace for the times. Whereas the 1900s may have prioritized employees’ productivity and efficiency, many today weigh a significant value in employees’ happiness and wellbeing – because of the belief that worker satisfaction ultimately drives better productivity and efficiency. One thing will always remain however, and that is the constant improvement of the office to meet the ever-changing demands of businesses and the individuals who work for them. With a watchful eye on office furniture trends in 2022 and years beyond, we can look forward to new designs and solutions that will always reflect the culture of our times.

Following Office Furniture Trends of 2022

If you need help planning or designing your office space, please contact us and share your needs.  Our team at 2010 Office Furniture has about 50 years of combined experience working with Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, universities, and small business from Los Angeles and Orange Counties to the Inland Empire.

Read Also: Designing a Healthy Office
Main Photo: Stylex Seating
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Global, Groupe Lacasse, Hat Collection, OFS, Scale 1:1, Senator & Trendway

2010 Office Furniture Wins El Monte/South El Monte Business Of The Year Award

South El Monte Business of the Year Award

2010 Office Furniture is proud to receive the 2020 South El Monte Business of the Year Award and its recognition as Southern California’s leading retailer of new and used commercial office furniture.

San Gabriel Water Company has also received the 2020 El Monte Business of the Year Award for providing safe, reliable water service to El Monte and South El Monte for over 80 years.

10 Years and Going Strong

Established for over 10 years, 2010 Office Furniture is a small business with over 45 collective years of experience and is partnered with over 100 distinguished manufacturers dedicated to satisfying its customers with its broad selection of the highest quality office furniture and exceptional customer service.

2010 Office Furniture joined the El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce in 2009. They’ve maintained a close relationship with the Chamber by sponsoring fundraisers and joining in on the efforts to support the community.

Praise for 2010 Office Furniture

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community. Today we honor 2010 Office Furniture, a valuable part of this community,” EMSEM states.

“I hope that you have many more years of success and thank you very much for all that you have done. It’s not easy to run a company during times like these, but you guys continue to succeed,” Mayor Gloria Olmos said.

El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce

EMSEM— the El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce — is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to represent the unified voice that advocates for strength in education, membership and government legislation in economic development.

It’s a community made up of local businesses in El Monte and South El Monte that works with the Chamber to keep tax dollars local, support local businesses, and encourage local employment.

EMSEM memberships come with many benefits: they gain easier access to authorities such as City Council Members, community organizations, schools, and local law enforcement. They also offer networking opportunities like internet exposure and newspaper mentions in the form of flyer inserts and membership rosters. They give an edge to competitors as a consequence of exclusive training opportunities on relevant topics.

Read the Full Article

Visit the EMSEM Chamber website and learn more about the organization: El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce

Read Also: Sophia Alexander Receives Greater Irvine Chamber Lifetime Membership
Main Photo: (From left to right)  Gloria Olmos, Mayor of South El Monte; Kenneth Chang, 2010 Office Furniture President/CEO; Alex Pons, 2010 Office Furniture General Manager; Rachel Barbosa, City Manager of South El Monte
Resources & Special Thanks to: El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce

The Best Office Spaces are Responsive to Employee Needs

Best Office Spaces ERG International Connos, Newport and Tango Collection

Office spaces that are responsive to a changing marketplace and the circumstances impacting society have a competitive advantage. Employees should be able to focus even when change swirls around them, and they can use different spaces that give them the freedom to work as effectively as possible.

Keeping your team healthy and well is a high priority due to Covid-19 and ailments from colds and the seasonal flu. Sick employees, upticks in sales that create demand for more workers, or economic downturns affect how many permanent and temporary staff occupy the floor space.

Best Office Spaces Friant My-Hite
Photo: Friant My-Hite Tables

A strategic office design and space plan charts the regular workflow through the workspaces and environmentsneeded to meet your goals. Each space contributes to employee productivity and achieving the results you want for your organization.

Assigned Spaces

The responsibilities that you have as an employee often begin at your assigned workstation or desk. Whether you’re the CEO, Vice President, a mid-level manager, or just starting out with a new company this is where you’re expected to perform at a maximum level.

Strategic space planning will allow for an effective workflow between individuals and departments.

Workspaces that are responsive to the needs of employees are considered ergonomic and make use of flexible furnishings like the Friant My-Hite Height Adjustable Workstation or the Hon Accelerate Workstation. Multiple configurations are possible to safely accommodate individual workers side by side or in small groups.

Best Office Spaces HON Accelerate
Photo: HON Accelerate Collection

Remote Spaces

When stay-at-home orders were issued during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, remote spaces became a necessity and not just a cool option. Employees who were accustomed to the layout of a corporate office were suddenly asked to work from home, competing with personal needs like children taking online classes in the living room or their bedrooms.

In today’s world, if a team member has a bad cold, but is still well enough to work, then staying at a home office or other remote space is a smart option.

Best Office Spaces Friant Collection
Photo: Friant Work From Home Collection

Looking ahead, one-third of full-time employees in the U.S. are expected to work remotely in the coming decade as noted in TechRepublic.

What makes an effective remote space?

Uncluttered space is important, one where an employee can step out of their personal life and into their professional role. An adequate surface, an ergonomic chair, and an Internet service that has satisfactory transmission rates all help to make a productive work area.

And just like in a corporate office setting, have access to natural light and move often to change the body’s position and posture.

Collaborative Spaces

Getting together to lay out challenges and find solutions is an important part of any business. It’s possible in an open office environment to create collaborative spaces that don’t interfere with the work of individuals who need to focus.

Look at what you can use to define the space:

Best Office Spaces OFS Obeya Architectural Structure
Photo: Obeya Architectural Structures

These products create flexible, or responsive, environments. You can move different pieces to fit the needs of the moment, keep the furnishings and accessories in one place or rearrange them to create a new area.

Add personality with the OFS Obeya Architectural Structure. You can add audio-visual equipment, curtains, additional panels, planters, and other accessories.

A collaborative space can also double as personal areas for employees when a group isn’t meeting.

Restful Spaces

Don’t confuse restfulness with a lack of productivity.

Whether it’s legend, fact, or a combination of both, it’s widely reported that Albert Einstein slept for about 10 hours every night and, in addition, he’d take regular naps during the day. He’d let his sub-conscious tackle problems and then come up with solutions while he dozed.

The lesson for us today is that an office that’s all work and no personal reflection is draining. We can thrive on fast-paced excitement, but many times we also need to withdraw and quiet down.

We can’t live non-stop in a fight-or-flight response, as noted in Understanding the Stress Response on HarvardHealth.com. Chronic stress “contributes to high blood pressure, promotes the formation of artery-clogging deposits, and causes brain changes that may contribute to anxiety, depression, and addiction.”

What does a restful place look like?

Define the space by creating a boundary that’s similar to collaborative spaces. If possible, allow for a flow of natural lighting and use plenty of indoor plants to bring in nature. Plants help the air remain fresh, they boost moods, ease stress and deflect sound waves for a quieter area.


Photo: Nevins Climb Seating Series

A modular arrangement like the kind available with the Nevins Climb Multi-Level Seating solution allows the furniture to be used for individuals or group meetings.

You can make a rest area look more like a living room and less like an airport lounge for the most personal touch possible.

Patios are a bonus. Install sliding glass doors to connect an indoor space with the outdoors where team members can retreat to for quiet moments. You may choose to have one space like a lounge for phone calls, and another space for reading, writing and reflective thinking.


Photo: Nevins Synk2 and Climb Seating Series

Resource Spaces

No industry is immune from some sort of change today, whether that due’s to a worldwide phenomenon like the Covid-19 virus or technology changing how business is done.

Staying up to date is essential. Dedicate a small space as a learning center. You can have books and magazines on a shelf, a computer dedicated to research, and a bulletin board where you encourage employees to post an article they’ve read that lead to an aha! moment or breakthrough.


Photo: Global Linking Panels

Defining spaces shows that you expect more than people showing up, putting in their time, clocking out and then going home. You’re investing in them and you see them as the company’s most valuable assets.

Different spaces have specific purposes. Put them together and you’re working to create community and a shared experience. The team stays engaged with their work and with each other.

Get Professional Guidance on Creating the Best Office Spaces

An effective office layout takes deliberate planning around your corporate goals.

2010 Office Furniture can help to maximize productivity and create the best office spaces possible for your company. Share your space planning and office furniture needs to get the input you need.

The team at 2010 Office has nearly a half-century of combined experience advising and supplying the most distinguished companies in Southern California.

Read Also: Office of the Future: Plan an Office that Meets Your Company Goals and Personal Needs
Main Photo: ERG International
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: ERG International, Friant, HON, OFS, Nevins, and Global Furniture Group

 

Office of the Future: Plan an Office that Meets Your Company Goals and Personal Needs

Office of the Future Global River Lounge

Businesses around Los Angeles have seen how the Covid-19 stay-at-home orders had a sudden impact on their office workplace and operations. Many small businesses have had to fire more than half of their staff. A neighborhood clinic in Pasadena immediately switched to tele-medicine appointments because they had to cancel in-person visits.  Many are wondering: what does the office of the future look like and what does it mean for us?

Our communication tools make it easier than ever to have user-rich experiences when people are physically separated.

The complexities of Covid-19 created what consulting firm McKinsey referred to as a “large scale work at home experiment to reimagine how work is done.”

Office of the Future Friant Work From Home
Photo: Friant Work From Home

As technologies develop and people adapt to new circumstances, will workers want to return fully to the office, work remotely, or have flexibility in where they work?

That answer is key to understanding the office of the future.

A Brief History of Offices

The early to mid-20th century was the age of heavy industry in the United States. Steel was king in many cities. Automotive manufacturing turned Detroit into Motown and, locally, Southern California had its own automotive headquarters. Toyota once had its main U.S. offices in Torrance with over 5,000 employees.

In the industrial age, executives of all ranks, plus tradespeople like graphic artists, were expected to work completely in-house. Companies were run top-down and offices were rigid in their rules and expectations because steel, cars and other similar products were manufactured in a linear fashion.

The technology that was needed to run a company, like large mainframe computers, was housed solely on the company’s property.


Photo: DeskMakers ReFit Adaptable Headers

All work got done in the office. End of story.

Then along came:

  • the study of ergonomics
  • personal desktop computers
  • cell phones
  • laptops
  • cloud-based applications

You can see what happened.

And then Covid hit.

Little by little, technological changes and societal shifts have transformed how and where we do our work, giving us a peak at what the office of the future look like.

Offices that Support Employees

Studies reveal that about 62% of full-time employees in the U.S. worked at home at the peak of the Covid-19 virus. A majority of those workers, up to 80%, said they enjoyed working out of their houses.

Photo: Photo: Nevins Arlo Table

The distinction between the office and personal lives has blurred. It’s possible for many workers to perform their functions from anywhere that they have an Internet connection. Virtual meetings quickly became normal and apps can let someone perform a variety of functions remotely, like setting the temperature at home or tracking inventory shipments.

Employees, though, are drawn to an office that’s planned for maximum productivity—and one where they know they’re supported through quality furnishings and tools.

A company that offers a supportive environment can find it much easier to rally its team in one place and boost morale in ways that aren’t possible for a worker whose only at a remote location.

Office of the Future Allermuir and DeskMakers
Photo: Allermuir Famiglia and DeskMakers Adaptable Division

An office that supports people will have assigned workstations, collaborative spaces for small group meetings, teleconferencing, and areas for quiet and personal reflection.

The office of the future has flexible options that extend beyond the walls.

Flexible Office Expectations

Work must get done, but the way it’s approached is less structured now than in the industrial offices of the 20thcentury. Technology gives us mobility that was once impossible. The challenge for employees isn’t running off somewhere to hide, but it’s getting unplugged because the office can follow you wherever you go.

Here’s one way Covid-19 brought about changes. In the old days, if you had a bad cold then you’d tough it out and head into work. Today, you’re told to stay put and work from home. No more Mr. Tough Guy.

Inside the office, flexibility is also possible thanks to the many styles of modular furniture and safety devices available.

An example is a small company with 20 employees who are divided into four different departments. Business starts booming and suddenly new progammers or marketing team members are needed. Modular cubicles are easy to set up to accommodate a group of four or five people and either add additional workstations or reconfigure for smaller numbers as necessary.

Office of the Future Enwork Skyline
Photo: Enwork Skyline and Edge Desktop Screens

Now here’s something else to consider about today’s office setting. A growing company can rent space for added flexibility.

Let’s say the XYZ company in El Segundo is expanding and wants to hire a few new employees who live in the Inland Empire. The commute would be outrageous, and yet ABC wants to bring the small team together in one space.

Renting a shared workspace in a city like Ontario or Riverside could be the answer. The space can be set up for maximum productivity just like the main office.

There are truly many flexible options for staffing and supplying offices today and into the future.

Office Communication is Key

Clear communication is essential in an office that’s functioning well. Online meetings make it possible for workers to hear and see each other, but the non-verbal cues we pick up on in-person are missing. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will help.

Microsoft has created Together Mode, a new meeting experience that “digitally places [meeting] participants in a shared background … that makes meetings more engaging by helping you focus on people’s faces and body language.”

The goal is to reduce fatigue that comes through video conferencing and create realistic interactions.

Together Mode can also create the shared experiences that people value, even if they’re working remotely.

An Office Blends Core Strengths

Companies have a core strength and that’s the product line or service that they build their reputation on. Global brands like Coca-Cola have a different core than, say, a regional dental practice with several locations, a law firm, or university.

A successful company or non-profit organization knows its core well and then hires talent to achieve profitable results.

The employees themselves have their own individual core strengths, and that means they have to be supported in different ways. A graphic designer who lays out presentations and marketing collateral has different needs than a project manager or a vice president of sales.

The key is planning an office to maximize the strengths of each team member, or, the departments where they work.


Photo: Groupe Lacasse Stad Workstation and Allermuir Phoulds Chair

This is a timeless principle—one that will still hold true within the office of the future—valuing people as the company’s greatest asset and supporting them as effectively as possible.

How do you achieve this?

By arranging office spaces that take into account:

  • Inter-office workflow
  • Remote workers
  • Employees who choose either on-site or off-site
  • The different zones needed in an office for work, meetings, and quiet

Get Professional Guidance on Starting Your Office of the Future

Share your project here and get the office layout and furnishings you need to support your team.

The team at 2010 Office Furniture has nearly 50 years of combined experience advising and supplying Southern California’s most distinguished companies.

Read Also: Energize Your Office with Movement
Main Photo: Global River Lounge
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Global Furniture Group, Friant, Nevins, DeskMakers, Allermuir, Enwork & Groupe Lacasse