EVOLVING TRENDS IN WORKPLACE FURNITURE

With work habits and lifestyles changing dramatically, workplace trends are catching up to reflect that. Companies, too, are becoming increasingly complex in terms of their functions and operations. Experts in teh industry explain what is the right course of action and the latest trends

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INDUSTRY EXPERTS

1 Kanhai Gandhi, co-founder and principal architect, KNS Architects

2-3 Hardesh Chawla & Monica Chawla, founders & interior designers, Essentia Environments

4 Aparna Kaushik, founder, Aparna Kaushik Design Group.

5 Burgis Daruwalla, Principal Designer, Seedle

6-7 Disha Bhavsar and Shivani Ajmera, Principal Designers and Co-Founders of Quirk Studio

8 Ajay Arya - Founder, A Square Designs

What are the various evolving trends in workplace furniture solutions?

Monica & Hardesh Chawla (M & HC): Workplace furniture has been constantly evolving over the past couple of decades, since employers realized that productivity was directly proportional to the comfort and convivial environment they created for their employees. From the staid office chairs to the high-tech ones offering total back support, height adjustment, etc, to the sofas, loungers and even bean bags that are used in some offices today to help employees stretch their legs and relax, there has been a major shift. Today people spend many more hours at work than they did before, so workplace furniture solutions must take this into account. Traditional desk system doesn’t appeal anymore.

Kanhai Gandhi (KG): We spend 90% of our times indoor. Either at work or now at home because of the pandemic. Most of us have desk jobs — sitting in one place and not moving for hours is the trend that reduces the physical exercise that the human body needs.

There is WELL standard program which is highly integrated in designs by the architects.