Collaboration is the cornerstone of getting things done at the office. Meeting with people, exchanging ideas, brainstorming, and coordinating on an execution strategy are all critical steps in moving your company ahead. Meetings are no longer merely formal boardroom talks as firms move toward collaborative work arrangements. Collaboration can range from a quiet conversation with one other person to brainstorming ideas as a group or videoconferencing with colleagues all over the world.

Meeting rooms are in increased demand as the workplace becomes busier with more employees on-site. Employees require more than just a place to meet face to face. They must also be able to digitally connect with remote teams as well. We expect meeting space demand to increase more as the return-to-work progresses. To accommodate this need, businesses require spaces for all types of interactions, regardless of the number of people engaged or how brief or informal the encounter is.

Effective collaborative spaces are more than just a few chairs around a table surrounded by four walls. Workplaces should provide a choice of meeting rooms of various sizes and facilities for their people. Let’s take a look at five types of meeting spaces that should be incorporated into your office design.

Phone booths and pods

When employees need a private space for a client call or a virtual meeting, phone booths are ideal. Employees will have a comfy sofa to relax on in a booth, as well as a table hanging at an ideal height to store their computers, notebooks, or a cup of coffee. There are also Office pods having a larger space that can accommodate 3-4 individuals.

Open booths hold up to 4-6 people at a time and are excellent for brief brainstorming sessions or informal catch-ups with co-workers. The attractive colors and stylish patterns on the walls give off a relaxed, welcoming feeling. They may be utilized for both leisure and informal presentations as they include comfortable seats and tech tools.

Informal meeting rooms

A warm, cozy area with all the characteristics of a meeting room is required for casual gatherings, team talks, and brainstorming sessions. It might be closed or semi-closed to provide some privacy, but it shouldn’t seem fully isolated from the rest of the office. Glass barriers address the issue of seclusion while also blending in with the open office layout. The comfortable couches, armchairs, and cushioned stools allow visitors to settle in for longer conversations. Most places like this are tech-enabled to meet today’s office demands.

Formal Large conference rooms

We have conference rooms with a more traditional design for management meetings, client negotiations, and confidential sales and target discussions. Many times Employees from various departments and levels are required to attend some meetings. A large space is required for them. The interior is typically understated, with subdued hues and classic designs on furniture. It is designed to be the space where important business decisions are made.

Open collaborative spaces 

Teamwork sometimes take place in a welcoming environment where people can relax and enjoy a casual conversation. Comfortable spaces, such as employee lounges, may indicate a business culture of displaying how much you care. It can also be an open, unstructured seating area with a stair-like pattern where employees can make themselves at home. Bright accent pillows, coloured coffee tables, and potted plants may be used to create a trendy, welcoming ambience. These large facilities may also be utilised for team building exercises and town hall meetings.

Technology integral to Meeting Rooms and Collaborative Spaces

The Hybrid office is now agile. Tools and Tech are essential parts of collaboration. Low-tech tools like as markers and a whiteboard and high-tech ones, such as videoconferencing software or technology. In today’s world, the ability to videoconference into meetings is becoming increasingly vital. A whiteboard might be adequate for your team to write down thoughts and establish points during brainstorming sessions. A room isn’t always required, and a semi-private place will suffice. Ideation sessions or presentations can be held in small, intimate groups or in huge groups.

Reach out today for your Project Roadmap. Our Project Roadmap will give you a layout, 3D rendering, and a budget. We are the perfect solution for office furniture.

RoadMap

1. a method worked out in advance for achieving a smooth and seamless experience. Synonyms: arrangement, blueprint, design, game plan, ground plan, master plan, project, strategy, system

Our simple 3-step PROJECT ROADMAP gives you a good, better, and best option.

1- Space Plan, Specifications, and 3D renderings

2- We send it out to bid for you to make sure you get the best price.

3- We build affordable furnishings and acoustic & lighting products.

Our Services

We are manufacturers of commercial furnishings and architectural products. With the heart of a teacher, we help you build a roadmap for success. \
Once we have your Project Roadmap, we send it out to bid to 2-3 furniture dealers to make sure you get the best price.

Acoustics

We design environments acoustically to enhance life and to minimize the unwanted effects of noise and vibration.

Quiet Earth Moss

Quiet Earth Moss is an organically preserved natural moss product that brings Biophilic Design in the workspace.

Furniture

We work with some of the best designers in the industry. If you don’t already have one, come visit us at the Visionary Center.

Direct Factory Communication

We represent some of the best furniture manufacturers in the industry. Our partners push the envelope of design each day.

Mobile Showroom

Can’t make it to our showroom? Our Mobile Roadshow Showroom allows us to bring our showroom to you.

How can Interior Avenue help you?

Our Project Roadmap will give you ideas with acoustics and furniture to match your vision. We believe you deserve the information and products you need, when you need them. We understand the pressure on you to produce amazing results which is why we have helped our clients reach success in over 1,000+ projects. Here’s how we do it, first schedule a meeting. Second, let us help you with product ideas, renderings, budgets, and specifications. Third, together we will make you the HERO. So, reach out now! Stop working nights and weekends and instead know a Project Roadmap will give you confidence with your results.Areas Served: Arizona, Nevada, San Diego, and Imperial Counties

Visit our virtual showrooms or come see us in person at our showroom.

Can’t make it? We have a mobile showroom that will come to you.

Watch why your office is NOT JUST AN OFFICE below.

We can help you buy office furniture in Gilbert, AZ

We can help you buy office furniture in Chandler, AZ

We can help you buy office furniture in Mesa, AZ

We can help you buy office furniture in Tempe, AZ

We can help you buy office furniture in Queen Creek, AZ

https://interioravenue.net/office-furniture-near-me-choose-the-right-office-furniture-selecting-the-right-office-furniture-matters 

Office furniture plays a significant role in increasing productivity rate. In order to flourish in a business, you have to invest in great office furniture. Recently, most offices are opting for upgraded office furniture to create a conducive environment for workers. In addition, stylish and durable office furniture improves the indoor aesthetic value. Therefore, you should avoid old and boring office furniture because they are the leading cause of laziness in the workplace. Also, great office furniture creates a positive impression on your clients, thus increasing their odds of considering your firm.

Why Consider Interior Avenue for Your Office Furniture?

Planning

Planning your office, medical facility, classroom, office building, or your company’s furniture is our specialty.  We charge zero fees for our on-staff-friendly furniture architects.  They will spend as much time with you as needed to make certain the furniture you order will fit the space you have, and maximize your investment.

Affordability

Office furniture might seem expensive, but that isn’t the case, particularly in the long term. Our office furniture showroom is a great store that’ll satisfy your tastes and preferences. Different types of office furniture comprise varying price tags. Therefore, the right store will help you select high-quality office furniture that suits your set budget. Affordable office furniture will help you save more money, thus giving you a golden chance to venture into other fruitful or profitable projects. In addition, affordable office furniture that satisfies your needs will make you feel comfortable while working.

Convenience

Interior Avenue ensures that all orders are delivered within the set period. Adhering to set conditions is the main tip for creating a great customer base. Time management is a factor that will increase your odds of improving your productivity. Different clients have varying tastes; therefore, the right local office furniture store should analyze and evaluate the needs of clients. In addition, knowing exactly the delivery time of office furniture will give you peace of mind when tackling your day-to-day activities. In order to attain your client’s trust, we ensure all conditions are met as quoted.

Office furniture comes in different types, styles, and colors. The right local office furniture store will help you choose matching furniture that will increase the aesthetic value of your office. In addition, professionals will help you invest your money in a piece of office furniture that will ensure great spacing in your office.

Reputation

Reputation is a crucial element that determines the suitability of a local office furniture store. Our showroom has an excellent reputation in this niche. The main objective of the firm is to ensure that clients are fully satisfied. Ensuring that the needs of clients are met will play a major role in enhancing the reputation of the firm. Note that a reputable office furniture store will provide great customer service. In addition, the reputation of an office furniture warehouse reflects its experience in dealing with customers.

Quality Office Furniture

If you’re opting for high-quality furniture, consider choosing Interior Avenue’s local store. The quality of office furniture is the key determinant of its longevity. Durable office furniture reduces maintenance costs in the long term. Therefore, you’ll have a great chance to save money, especially in the long run. In addition, the longevity of office furniture will reduce unnecessary delays in the workplace. Investing your money in the right and quality office furniture will provide long-lasting peace of mind. The quality of office furniture will play an essential role in determining the productivity of your firm. The main aim of a firm is to make more money; therefore, increased productivity is key.

Wide Range of Furniture

A reliable store should have a wide range of office furniture. Our warehouse has all types of office furniture. Therefore, you’ll have the chance to select your favorite office furniture. Choosing a warehouse that provides all types of office furniture will help you save more money in terms of transportation. In addition, you won’t have to waste your valuable time moving from one warehouse to another. Considering a store that provides quality and a wide variety of office furniture will help you save time and money. You’ll, therefore, enjoy great customer service from a great office furniture store. You should analyze and evaluate your furnishing needs in order to select suitable office furniture. For instance, you should count your telephones, computers, meeting rooms, etc.

Warranty

The right office furniture store should give clients a relevant warranty to signify the quality of products. Our store will give you a suitable warranty duration because they provide prime services. A warranty determines the durability, life expectancy, and quality of office furniture. In addition, an office furniture store that gives a warranty showcases its caring ability to all clients. This plays a significant role in increasing traffic in the warehouse, thus increasing its likelihood to maximize profits.

Professionalism

Our company is an experienced firm that sticks to professionalism when dealing with clients. Working with professionals is a great idea because all things will be put into place. In addition, an expert team will ensure that all terms and conditions are satisfied. You won’t worry about elements, such as the delivery period. Professionalism is important because office furniture plays a critical role in an office.

Availability

The right office furniture warehouse should be more available to clients. We are available and provide flexibility for products, planning, design, and order. The availability of an office furniture store determines its professionalism. Clients will opt for an available warehouse because they can place their orders in their free time.

Flexible Office Furniture

The best office furniture store should provide functional and flexible products. The flexibility of office furniture plays a significant role in improving the comparability of employees. In addition, clients will choose office furniture that meets their specifications. In addition, you should ensure that you’re fully aware of your needs. For instance, choose an office furniture style that suits your business type. Professionals can give you more information about different types of office furniture that can match your business model.

6 Added Benefits of Great Office Furniture

1. Increased Productivity

Good office furniture ensures that a workplace has a conducive environment. Therefore, comfortable workers won’t need frequent breaks. A comfortable employee will have increased efficiency. Efficiency and effectiveness in the workplace are important because it determines the quality of results. Ergonomic office furniture eliminates awkward resting, unnecessary movement, and working positions. Therefore, research shows that the right office furniture increases productivity, job satisfaction, and comfort.

2. Better Health

The health of employees determines their efficiency and productivity. Upgrading office furniture improves the comfort and sitting posture of employees. This is important because it reduces work stress and unnecessary workloads. Negative health effects of old office furniture include body aches, bad postures, and improper digestion. These health issues increase the costs of the firm due to medications. In addition, your workers won’t concentrate on their work.

3. Boost Work Morale

A well-furnished office gives a great impression to workers and clients. Employees will enjoy working in a good environment which increases their odds of giving great results. Modern office furniture styles and designs inspire your employees to do their best. Improved morale increases efficiency, thus reducing the duration of work and workloads. In addition, motivated employees will design great strategies that’ll help you flourish in your business.

4. Aesthetic Value

Great office furniture reflects the trustworthy and professional nature of your firm. Choose office furniture that will portray positive information about your business. Efficient, stable, and reliable furniture will help in the growth of your firm. An office space should be appealing in order to convert potential or target customers.

5. Safety

As previously mentioned, good office furniture improves your employees’ well-being and health. Good working postures increase the concentration of your employees, which in turn improves the rate of productivity. Investing in quality office furniture reduces accidents as a result of prolonged sitting. In addition, the right office furniture will reduce insurance costs and increase the safety of your employees.

6. Cost-Saving

Investing in high-quality office furniture is a great way of saving money in the long term. Your firm will experience reduced accidents and short-term maintenance costs. In addition, the best office furniture decreases the margin of employee sick leaves or other related expenses. Your firm will experience increased production time, thus increasing sales and profits.

Interior Avenue Provides Top Quality Medical Furniture and School & Classroom Furniture as well.

If you’re in need of quality office furniture, Interior Avenue is the best solution. For fast and affordable office furniture in Mesa, AZ, turn to Interior Avenue. Purchase, rent to own, or subscription rental we can help your business with cash flow and making great workspace.

Open-plan offices that are free-flowing and have airy workspaces for employees to move through are becoming increasingly popular. Innovative office design and technology will improve workplace safety, productivity, and the general well-being of employees. Current trends in office design focus on safety and comfort but design elements like functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics will continue to dominate in 2022 and beyond.

What can we expect to see when it comes to office design trends in 2022? We invite you to explore the top office design trends for the coming year.

Outdoor spaces

Having a private terrace, courtyard, or rooftop garden is surely a luxury for many companies and office spaces. We will be seeing outdoor spaces go from a “nice to have” to a “must-have” in some cases. For organizations, having a well-designed outdoor space will be a differentiating factor for prospective employees.  The awareness of the health and wellness benefits from contact with nature, a concept known as biophilia, is going to be at the center of designing offices.

Collaboration for hybrid teams

Hybrid offices will be the epicenter of collaboration, culture, and innovative thinking. Future offices will have to be designed to support in-person and remote collaboration and inspire creativity. In many cases, employees will work from home and only come into the office when they need to collaborate with others. Offices need to have different kinds of spaces to support flexibility, functionality, and employee well-being.

The feeling of “home” at work

There is no place like home and more and more office managers and designers are recognizing that. ‘Resimercial design’ talks about the merge of homely comforts into the office design. Comfort can come from any number of things, from softer materials and furniture to rounder shapes. Residential elements such as comfortable sofas, plush carpets,  soft lighting features in common spaces, and artworks are displayed throughout the office. Natural lighting, soft colors, and cozy furniture are introduced in offices to help their employees feel warm, welcome, and safe.

Sustainable materials

The environmental impact of materials matters to Millennials and Gen Zers, and that would impact their preference for organizations they want to be associated with. A responsible company will have an upper hand in attracting new talent.  Hence, businesses will choose eco-conscious manufacturers that use products from sustainable materials and are carbon neutral. Businesses may also start to investigate methods of improving their energy efficiency.

Non-working spaces

There should be spaces dedicated to not working, such as relaxation and meditation rooms, gyms, and game rooms where people can socialize and work on their physical and mental wellness, and facilitate the ‘live and work’ mentality. More offices are looking for fitness and food concepts as a benefit to employees working there. If the office offers something more than just a place to work, it will encourage more people to come in.

Neutrals with a pop of color

Neutrals will never go out of style. In this age of minimalism, using lighter colors with a mixture of greys, beige and neutrals will continue to be the most popular color palette. Softer colors like khaki, light browns, and soft blues remind people of nature, boosting their moods and productivity levels. For a pop of color, take a look at your company’s brand colors to choose the perfect accent.

Multi-functional and flexible spaces

Employees want to feel empowered at their workspaces, so a good office space will have the flexibility for different types of working. The goal of a flexible workspace is options. Businesses will need to make spaces that give workers the freedom and flexibility to choose where and how they want to work based on the task they are trying to complete. Having multi-functional spaces with movable dividing spaces gives employees the ability to try their hand at a multitude of tasks at any given point in time Companies are now opting to have their workers congregate in one shared space to inspire creative thinking and collaboration like a coworking space.

Takeaway: 2022 Office Design Trends

In 2022 and beyond, the focus will be to create workplaces that are more inviting for workers returning to the office. To sum it up, office spaces will be more sustainable, incorporate design elements from homes, prioritize comfort, and work for both remote and in-person workers alike. We all need a healthy and happy place to work. The workplace is changing, and it’s definitely for the better!

Reach out today for your Project Roadmap.

Our Roadmap will give you a layout, 3D rendering, and a budget.

Businesses are breaking away from traditional breakrooms and replacing them with innovative, inviting destinations that foster collaboration and provide alternative spaces to work away from the desk. Coffeehouse-quality beverages and other fresh, wholesome refreshments that rival the local gourmet coffee shop are also giving today’s demanding millennials little reason to leave the premises.

Google took a bold step in reinventing the office environment as a place where employees are encouraged to take a ping pong break, and are lavished with free smoothies after working out at its onsite fitness center. What seemed like a vision isolated to attracting and keeping tech talent at the height of the “dot-com” boom is becoming more widespread throughout all industries and geographies. With this paradigm shift come boundless possibilities for workplace refreshment providers.

This concept of the “The Workplace Café of Today” was explored at the National Automatic Merchandising Association’s Coffee Tea and Water conference in Nashville, TN. Todd Heiser, a principal of A href=”https://www.gensler.com” target=”_blank”>Gensler, a global architecture and design firm headquartered in San Francisco, was one of the experts who shared his insights. Heiser, who is based in the firm’s Washington, DC, office, specializes in the design of next-generation corporate workplaces and co-working environments.

“Workplace happiness focuses around coffee, food and water, and this is changing the design of work environments across the globe,” Heiser said. He stressed that refreshment providers are in a prime position to work hand in hand with design firms to take food and beverage services in the workplace to a whole new level.

Alongside its architects, interior designers and engineers, Gensler has a team of workplace experts who benchmark trends around the world. It has more than 2,770 clients spanning every market sector across diverse geographies. Based on Gensler’s insight, Heiser identified hospitality, authenticity, variety and choice, health and wellness as the top trends driving workplace design and function.

Workplace Evolution

Heiser provided a summary of the ways in which the look and activity flow of the work environment has evolved over the past century-plus. The modern era’s concern with task-based workspace design began with the “Taylor Office,” the dominant model between 1880 and 1960, in which office work was treated as nearly as possible to an industrial assembly line. Workplace layouts were based on manufacturing models influenced by the U.S. time and motion studies of Frederick Winslow, an American mechanical engineer, who sought to improve manufacturing efficiency.

The “Dilbert World” design followed, involving cubicles that lined the office. The concept was introduced in Germany in 1950 and in the U.S. a decade later, at the Federal Reserve in New York.

The next design trend to transform the office was the “Universal Space,” which reigned from 1995 to 2003 with the explosion of the technology industries. The workplace evolved to accommodate the flexibility and information sharing that networks encouraged.

This morphed into the “Connected Office,” a change impelled by growing wireless connectivity in offices between 1998 and 2011. Two recessions brought about cost cutting, encouraging the portability of work inside and outside the office and inspiring substantial changes in work settings.

The new frontier in workplace design that has come to the forefront since then is the “Activity-Based Office.” Millennials’ lifestyle habits of sharing, preferring digital over material goods and favoring city-centered living, has altered the way they work, putting a premium on natural light, amenities and an active workplace.

“We see the desk shrinking, but the square footage is not going away. It’s replaced with amenities that employees expect the workplace to provide,” Heiser observed. “People want to experience at work what they have at home.”

That includes personal comforts, flexibility, a domestic and informal feel, and for the work environment to be adaptable and inspirational, according to the workplace design expert. Gensler has found that there’s a direct link between workplaces that focus on creating this type of environment and the innovation they strive to foster.

Unlocking Creativity

Heiser shared the key findings of Gensler’s 2016 Workplace Survey of more than 4,000 office operatives in 11 industries. The principal takeaway is that the most innovative companies provide their employees with a diversity of well-designed spaces inside and outside the office in which they can collaborate and concentrate. Such companies also empower employees with the ability to work wherever and whenever it best suits their work needs. That could mean the need for individual space to focus, a conference room to brainstorm or learn a new skill, or a social space to chat with coworkers during a coffee break.

Many companies are taking this a step further by diversifying to a group of buildings. They’re also facilitating flexibility that enables employees to work in nontraditional spaces with more access to Wi-Fi and electrical outlets, and comfortable lounge-style furniture.

“Innovative companies also report better relationships with management and greater meaning in employees’ day-to-day work,” Heiser said. “They’re improving the workspace by expanding choice and autonomy across the organization to drive innovation. This ties into food and beverages. They’re providing $5 bottles of Odwalla juice for free to employees. Think about how what you do can drive these things.”

Workspace And Work Habits

Gensler’s survey found that top innovators report spending only 74% of the workweek at the office, while employees short on innovation spend 86% of their time there. Likewise, as they diversify their surroundings beyond the desk, innovators are at least two times more likely to have access to, and use, onsite cafeterias, coffee shops, gyms and outdoor spaces.

Most importantly, of the onsite amenities upon which employees rely most involve food, including a restaurant or bar, café and specialty coffee. Following in rank are an on-premise grocery store, outdoor space, pharmacy, gym, medical facilities and childcare. Gensler found that people expect and value the same workplace amenities, whether they’re in rural, urban or suburban environments.

Heiser believes that there’s a big opportunity for workplace designers and refreshment providers to cooperate on tailored solutions for mutual clients, based on the location’s square footage, budget and desires.

Beyond the basic solution of free snacks and beverages, Gensler has clients that provide outside space for food trucks. Those with larger environments are taking it to another level by installing coffee bars, cafés, cafeterias and outdoor seating.

“Look for the notion of a barista becoming a receptionist who gets you coffee, juice or sparking water when you walk through the door and shuttles you to the conference room,” Heiser instanced. “It’s happening. How can you be a part of that? How can you work with firms like ours?”

Food For Thought

Motorola Mobility in Chicago is among the forward-thinking employers that is investing heavily in the workplace environment, where food and beverages are central. Motorola Mobility’s one million square-foot headquarters has nine “micro kitchens.” Each has a different aesthetic that carries over to the food and beverage selections available. One is themed to the marine life in Lake Michigan, another to space travel, while a third captures the feel of a popular Chicago park, with a ready supply of free ice pops available in the freezer.

Conde Nast at 1 World Trade Center in New York City features complimentary food and beverages just opposite the reception area. “The notion of hospitality is much more important for clients,” Heiser emphasized. “Fewer rooms are catered for meetings. Instead, when you walk in you’re offered something, but you’re not going to sit in a room with a few sodas and a pot of coffee.”

Gensler’s own office in Washington, DC, features a high-end Nespresso machine, accompanied with a selection of 20 pods that cost the company $1.15 apiece, along with a constant supply of fresh milk. There are also a few selections of bottled water, both still and sparkling, and cubed and chipped ice.

“It was a big discussion, with a cost analysis of having this versus having employees walking to Starbucks, and we decided it was worth it,” Heiser said. Café-styled break areas are central in Gensler’s Oakland, CA, and Philadelphia offices. At its Washington office, a café-style lounge is the midpoint of the reception area.

Heiser pointed out that there are many smaller locations, like law offices with fewer than 50 attorneys, that want to provide premium amenities to their clients and employees alike, suggesting that workplace refreshment providers may have more opportunity than they realize.

“They lose attorneys every day to companies like Google and Yahoo, and they’re looking at more of these amenities,” he said. “You can create smaller spaces like this at the low end; it’s about choice. The office manager is going to Costco to buy coffee and tea; it’s a job for someone. How can you offer a greater range of choices, with more upscale options than they have now, and let them know the office manager doesn’t have to do it?”

He emphasized that top-line companies with limited space may simply want to enhance the look of the areas they have, to give it a coffeehouse feel, and to raise the bar with the complimentary snacks and beverages for employees and clients. “An office with 10 people isn’t going to put in a $60,000 espresso machine or offer 20 kinds of tea, but maybe you can bring in espresso and fresh milk,” he advised. “Maybe employees can even put $1 in a cup to help offset the cost.”

Another noteworthy trend is that people typically no longer have classic nine-to-five work routines. They may be working from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., or 5 p.m. to midnight. This opens the door for workplace refreshment operators to provide more food items, especially healthier fare like fresh salads. “The opportunity for you is all in the offering, and there’s a big opportunity for micromarkets to meet the need for fresh foods,” Heiser said.

Getting In On The Action

The workplace design expert reported that Gensler works with Chicago’s Mark Vend Co. to meet clients’ workplace refreshment needs. Likewise, he encourages operators to establish similar relationships with design firms in their areas. Mark Vend is a second-generation vending company that’s been serving the Windy City for more than 50 years.

On its website, Mark Vend offers “expert space planning at no extra charge” and challenges clients and prospects to reimagine the ways in which they can cater to their employees’ needs. The company differentiates itself from its competitors right up front on its homepage with the following: “Will the espresso machine fit under your cabinets? We’ll never overlook details like this. Let us help you refresh and reimagine your vending area, office pantry or coffee service with expert assistance on sizes, specs, power and technology requirements.”

“There aren’t enough of you going to design firms and partnering with them, like Mark Vend does with us,” Heiser pointed out. “I’ve had to have architects design dividers for Sweet’N Low packets when that’s something you can do. Mark Vend is meeting with clients in Chicago as we design their spaces. I’m in Washington, and I wish we could bring in a coffee and foodservice consultant like all of you who can ask the client: Will you want granola bars, and how many types of coffee and tea, and espresso?”

Heiser pointed out that Gensler works with consultants for fixtures and carpets and LCD TVs, but there’s a void when it comes to refreshment providers. “You are the experts when it comes to planning things like where the drain should go for coffee machines,” he observed. “We have tech providers billing $300 an hour meeting with clients as we design. It makes sense to have someone other than an engineer or architect do the same with food — talking with employees about the range of products and equipment you’ll provide and how you’ll service the location and keep it stocked.”

He emphasized that the most well-designed contemporary workplace environments can only live up to their vision when serviced by a top-notch food and coffee provider to ensure the right assortment of products are available to satisfy the employee base from facilities that always are fully stocked in a visually appealing way. “When it’s empty, fatigue sets in and the next thing you know, you’re down to black coffee and tea,” he said.

The workplace design expert said car dealerships are an important segment of Gensler’s business, and they’re upping their game in the amenities they offer their customers. This is a market that office coffee service providers have long served, and there may be an opportunity for them to upsell, he said.

“Luxury and even ‘not-luxury’ dealers realize they have a captive audience,” Heiser pointed out. “Major stores are also turning the retail experience on its side, offering coffee and wine to shoppers. They know that the hospitality they can provide at low cost will spur shoppers to linger longer, and probably buy something. The Apple store in Union Square in San Francisco has turned into more of a ‘town center’ than a retail experience. I guarantee you will see more of this in the next five years.”

The Wellness Factor

Heiser underscored the role of health and wellness in today’s workplace and the opportunity it presents for food and beverage providers. “Sit-and-stand desks, for example, cost an extra $1,000 per person, and many companies are making that investment for the wellbeing of their people. Lounge furniture and fresh juice bars are setting new standards,” he instanced. “How does that translate for you? They want more fresh options than ever, and you can deliver them.

He added that some of Gensler’s clients are taking big steps to bring “healthier” foods to their employees. A San Francisco Bay area company, for example, hired two people to prepare fresh guacamole and chips, and to walk through the office daily from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. to serve them, and water, to employees.

Workplace pantries that were traditionally filled with complimentary chips and cookies have been replaced by refrigerators or coolers stocked with individually packaged hardboiled eggs, hummus and carrots, Heiser observed.

Another example of the healthier movement is Farmer’s Fridge, a new company. It operates vending machines used exclusively to sell fresh salads throughout Chicago. Heiser added that some companies only want natural, unrefined sugar and Stevia, and they are nixing artificial sweeteners in the office all together. And many of Gensler’s clients have pure water available on each floor, so employees can easily fill their bottles and cups.

Data Don’t Lie

Heiser emphasized that reliable, solid data are the best way to convey the value of the “workplace café of today” to companies considering giving employees more autonomy in more settings, along with more amenities like trendy, quality food and beverages onsite.

“People sitting in cafés might not look productive, but most knowledgeable CEOs understand when they see the data, which is shocking,” he said. “A knowledgeable worker doesn’t have to sit at a desk any more; when we go to a café and sit down, a lot of work gets done — conversations happen and “minute meetings” are held in sticky spaces. At a party, everyone wants to be in the kitchen; it’s no different in the workplace.”

Those short, informal meetings in nontraditional spaces save time and money, and employers can easily quantify that savings by having employees track such encounters via employees’ smartphones, Heiser noted.

“Some companies now get that they have to think and act differently; others don’t,” Heiser said. “The war on talent is huge, and those who keep doing things the same way eventually won’t be able to expand and compete.”

Need a little inspiration for your collaboration cafe design? Click here for some ideas.

For more information about the products featured or if you would like to partner with us, please contact us.

The Interior Avenue Visionary Center is located at 2800 S. Rural Rd, Suite 104, Tempe, AZ 85282. Schedule a time to come in and see what we can do for your space. Contact us at (602) 361-5186