"Facility executives have told us that they want simplicity," says Groulx. "That's one of the things we are working to deliver."
Systems that combine comfort and space-saving features are especially important as organizations squeeze employees into smaller spaces.
"Many firms have downsized their facilities as a result of the tough economy over the past few years," says Susan Niemiec, marketing manager, Aurora from Richards Wilcox. "Now we're seeing an upturn in hiring again. So the question for facilities is, 'Where do you fit all these people?'"
Newer furniture systems address this issue by combining storage and work surfaces in new ways. With features like overhead storage and file cabinets that stack or essentially tuck into the walls, new systems make the most of space that has gone largely unused.
"Today's panel systems offer features like personal storage for briefcases, umbrellas, purses and coats," says Dave Burdakin, President, The HON Company. "Those are space-saving features, but they also make for a less cluttered, more comfortable work area."
RECRUITING TOOL?
While workers may not select one employer over another on the basis of office furniture alone, the right system can be an important tool in creating a work environment that appeals to younger workers. That task, say experts, means combining an efficient, often compact floorplan with amenities that reduce a worker's sense of being trapped in an impersonal cubicle. Key to this task: achieving balance between privacy and collaboration.
"People used to think teaming meant that everybody wants to sit real close to each other, but what we're starting to see is that people want privacy," says Groulx. "They need to come together when they want to, but that's not all the time."
"We're talking about the anti-Dilbert effect," says McRobert. "We need to create a workspace that provides a sense of dignity, that allows an employee to remain an individual while being connected to others."
"You can give people options like the ability to open a panel between workstations when people are working together without deconstructing the entire workstation," says Tom Barchacky, KI's systems furniture product manager.
Today's more flexible furniture systems can also communicate support for younger workers' nontraditional work styles.
"People will be dictating the terms of their employment more, and we won't see as many 9-to-5 employees," says Jan Fasse, senior market research analyst with Allsteel. "An employee may come into the office partway through the day to participate in a collaborative meeting, then spend some time working independently before leaving again a few hours later. Workspaces need to be flexible enough to accommodate that workstyle."
To that end, many of today's furniture systems are designed not just to house traditional, 9-to-5 workers, but also to support a hoteling approach in which employees with different schedules share workstations. In this scenario, files and storage must be able to hold and organize multiple employees' materials and belongings. Computer stations must be designed to readily accommodate laptops, with accessible connections to printers, the company's network and so on.
"Some of the newer systems offer places to store the technology items that have never really had homes, like Palms and Blackberries," Fasse says.
Furniture systems can also support recruitment and retention goals - as well as customer relationships-by helping to convey an overall sense of an organization's culture.
"Furniture can say a lot about whether the organization is more progressive or more conservative, for example," says McRobert. "It can be an indicator of culture that is evident as soon as someone walks through the door."
That said, experts caution against expecting a new furniture system to bring about a cultural transformation.
"The great misconception is that if I change my environment my people will change," says Haworth's senior interiors developer, David Fik. "More likely, they'll be out there with pitchforks. Implementing a new system can signal a culture change, but it is not the way to bring it about."
KEEPING COSTS IN MIND
Today's systems offer more features for the cost-conscious. Many systems offer interConnectivity and universal components, features that are key in reducing the amount of warehouse space that must be devoted to inventory. In addition, simpler reconfigurability not only creates functional flexibility, but also eliminates the expense of restructuring a floorplan to accommodate churn.
"A key area where today's furniture can add value is in addressing the need of businesses to adapt rapidly to changing markets," says Matt Haworth. "Companies today are always growing and contracting. You want systems furniture to be like Legos, so you can make changes quickly and easily."
Manufacturers are increasingly concerned about their products' sustainability, both in terms of the manufacturing process and the environmental stewardship of the product itself.
"Look for high levels of durability, adaptability and reusability," says Fik "All of these factors contribute to a product's environmental impact, as well as its bottom-line value for a facility."
On top of all that, manufacturers have been hit hard by the economic downturn of the past few years - by some reports, business is off by as much as 40 percent. This has made for a competitive market in which companies are competing on price, on service and on the extent to which their systems truly address facility executives' concerns.
"Does this translate to price?" asks HON's Burdakin. "Definitely. No question."
"Now is a great time for facility executives to really challenge manufacturers to design to their needs," says Allsteel's Fasse.
SIDEBAR
Progressive furniture products are making it easier for organizations to adapt to new work trends
>The HON Company The Sleek panel system features 1-inch-thick panels for a thin, light profile; decorative top tiers; 90-degree, 120-degree and Sleek-to-Initiate panel connectors that enable users to integrate the company's other systems; and a range of fabrics and finishes. The panels come in 68-inch, 55-inch and 42-inch heights. FREE INFO: Circle 220
Trendway The Choices line of systems furniture includes panel-hung and free-standing products. The line features panel-hung work surfaces in a variety of shapes and sizes. Storage options include several tower products that unite into single-cabinet combinations. The line includes adjustable keyboard trays and bottom-open panels for enhanced ventilation. FREE INFO: circle 221
Steelcase The Duo portfolio of products is designed to address the work needs of one and two people within an individual work setting. The products create visual privacy while also supporting spontaneous communication and providing access to materials and power. Products are partially comprised of recycled materials and contain no CFCs, benzene, chrome, lead or mercury. FREE INFO: circle 222
Allsteel The Reach integrated storage system uses high-capacity storage to create walls. The product measures 8 feet by 8 feet, the same as regular cubicles, but provides 45 percent more storage and workspace per cubicle, according to the company. It is also available in 6-by-8 and 6-by-6 configurations. FREE INFO: Grde 223
For links to supplier Web sites, go to www.facilitiesnet.com/bom.
Teknion Elements of the company's ie furniture system can be connected at 15-degree intervals, rather than only 90- or 120-degree intervals, providing a variety of configurations. The system consists of a minimum number of non-handed, multi-use components that are used to construct a full line of desks and beam-mounted worksurfaces, tables, mobile and beam-mounted storage units, privacy screens and accessories. Instead of panels, the workstations are assembled around a central common post. FREE INFO: circle 224
KI The company's Wireworks panels can be configured in a 120-degree arrangement for maximum space usage. The 54-inch panels provide visual privacy. Taller panels are available to increase acoustical privacy. Wireworks panels are complemented by mobile tables for easier collaboration in team environments, and mobile storage units. FREE INFO: circle 225
Herman Miller The Abak Environments desking system can be configured in multiple ways for a variety of applications throughout a facility, including private offices, meeting areas and open-plan environments. The system features trim lines; translucent, reflective elements to make the space feel larger; efficient routing; and a strong foundation with twin beams that connect at 90 or 120 degrees. Surfaces are available in six laminates and eight veneers. FREE INFO: Circle 226
Haworth The Enclose system features tilt-up construction and modular floor-to-ceiling walls that can integrate with the company's Compose open-plan panels to create closed and open work environments. The segmented panel and wall partition is designed with fewer parts for easier installation and reconfiguration. The system is available in a variety of surface materials. FREE INFO: Circle 227
AUTHOR_AFFILIATION
Abigail Gray is a writer who specializes in facility issues. She is former editor of EducationFM magazine.
E-mail comments to edward.sullivan@tradepress.com.
