Circular Economy Sustainability/WELL
Shoppers are buying with their hearts and minds, seeking out products from brands that reflect their values—particularly in terms of sustainability. We’re seeing a trend toward purchasing more environmentally friendly goods and highly-durable products that are made to last—one more reason for businesses to embrace a circular economy and reduce their impact on the environment.
Source: PSFK
Experience-Driven Spaces Real Estate/Facility Strategy
People-first movements—fed by organizational culture— are adding spaces and features to the employee experience, boosting morale, happiness, community, and overall well-being. We’re seeing everything from massage, meditation, and yoga spaces, to rock climbing walls, jogging/walking paths, sports courts, and gyms, to game rooms, espresso and cocktail bars, and even theater and music stages.
Source: Ambius
Privacy Pods Space Utilization
While beneficial to collaboration, open spaces are not conducive to conducting confidential phone conversations. Going forward, privacy in the open workplace will be achieved through the use of smaller and unique spaces, acoustics, and new product designs.
Learn More: Haworth White Paper,
Haworth HR Case Study
The Evolving Open Office Flexibility/Adaptability
The open office is not only very much alive, it’s flourishing by adding a mix of collaboration, focus, and refresh spaces. Open desking keeps communication flowing, while alternative private spaces with good acoustics are available for focus work. And, social spaces give small groups spots to casually connect.
Source: Work Design Magazine
Learn More: Haworth white paper
Transforming Storage Space Utilization
Digital files and cloud storage have greatly reduced the need for paper storage. This frees up space and offers a host of options for incorporating modern storage—from pantries that can double as standing workstations, to cabinets that keep devices safe and charged, to personal storage lockers for agile workers.
Source: Ted Moudis Associates 2018 Workplace Report
Digital Detox Technology
Mobile devices keep us connected 24/7, which can lead to stress, inability to focus, disengagement at work, and productivity loss. Encouraging employees to take breaks from tech can give them the digital timeout 69% of adults want. Allow them to switch off at home and enjoy other activities. During work hours, offer tech- free zones or times when devices or technology are not allowed.
Sources: Ford, tollfreeforwarding.com
Digital Attraction Attraction/Retention
Talented, potential employees are attracted to innovative companies that embrace new and emerging technology. They want to work with leaders who are constantly learning new skills and keeping their workforce skilled to meet future demands.
Source: Randstad Report
S-Commerce Brand/Customer Experience
Social media platforms are turning to their own form of e-commerce. Dubbed s-commerce, this monetized engagement allows users to shop from their favorite social sites and apps, with novel features being added all the time. Today, there are story-shopping, snap-to- shop, AR, and virtual try-on experiences—all created in conjunction with advertising merchants.
Source: J. Walter Thompson
Virtual Influencers Brand/Customer Experience
Mitigating the unpredictability of working with human spokespeople, comes a new generation of brand endorsers— virtual influencers. These computer-generated avatars have engineered personas and can seem very human, like “Lil Miquela,” a virtual influencer with over 1.4 million Instagram followers.
Source: Forbes
Work-Life Integration Worker Mobility
Less about balance and tradeoffs, and more about convenience, this trend allows employees to work when it’s best for them. They do the personal things they want or need to do and get their work done—sometimes doing a little of both at the same time. The result? A more engaged, healthier, and happier workforce.
Sources: BirdDogHR, Limeade
Work Friendships Well-Being
Environments that foster employee socialization offer benefits inengagement and performance. People with friends at work aremore likely to perform well and be committed to their work. Thiscorrelates to improvements in customer engagement, safety,and profits. Social connections also increase happiness and boosthealth, lowering the heart rate and blood pressure.
Sources: fitbit Health Solutions, Gallup
Deep Sense of Purpose Employee Engagement
As people have a natural desire to help one another, corporate social responsibility programs can contribute to holistic well-being, keep employees engaged, and bring out their best performance. When employees are able to give back to the community with the support and encouragement of their employers, it gives them a greater sense of purpose.
Source: Gallup
Creative Collaboration Collaboration
Varied forms of personal interaction are important for collaboration and innovation. Recognizing this, companies are creating environments that encourage both serendipitous and planned face-to-face communication. Through design, spaces match the intended behaviors of people within them, increasing productivity and creative problem solving.
Source: Fast Company
Learn More: Haworth research brief, Haworth SPARK (Articles: 1, 2)
A Return to the Office Workstyles
Remote workers often work longer and harder to make up for a lost feeling of connection. This can take a toll on well- being, engagement, and long-term productivity. Companies are now encouraging employees to work in the office at least one day a week. They tend to be more engaged, have closer team connections, and feel their job supplies more growth opportunities.
Sources: Harvard Business Review, Forbes
Future Work Workstyles
To be successful, organizations need to begin now preparing leaders and staff for roles that don’t yet exist. Experiential learning programs can help ensure employees are constantly learning and adapting their skills to meet new requirements. Leaders should also anticipate the redeployment of employees to new positions, as they build new skills and existing tasks become obsolete.
Sources: Black Isle Group, World Economic Forum
