Office Lounge = Cool Factor
Suddenly, lounging around the office is cool. Not to be confused with slacking off, today’s workforce is actually being encouraged to get up from their desks and hang out in the office lounge. These spaces give off a distinctly different vibe; in fact, they often showcase a business’ cool factor. Recent statistics also show that ancillary products, like lounge furniture, have become a significant portion of most corporate projects – often accounting for 40 – 60% of the overall project.
Fireside chat. This lounge area at Workspace Group (WSG) client, Mandrake, makes the most of its cozy setting. Designer: westpark + associates. Featured: Naughtone Always Chair.
What is driving the need for office lounge areas?
Why is every office now including a lounge area? In one word: mobility. “People are now used to taking their work with them,” says Mitchell Cohen, Dealer Principal, Workspace Group (WSG). “We rarely leave our desk without our phones, tablet or laptop. Sometimes you just need a different environment to encourage creative thinking or informal collaboration.” These zones also allow designers to break out of the mold of a designing a standardized workplace. Walk into any new office lounge and you’ll likely see a mix of communal tables and chairs, cozy small breakout areas and/or individual seating.
Getting away from it all in a well-lit lounge corner at our client, Mandrake. Design firm: westpark + associates. Featured: Naughtone Hush High Back Chairs.
Powered Sofas
Comfort, great ergonomics and power are the hallmarks of today’s lounge furniture. Manufacturers like Herman Miller have developed new furniture, like the Plex Lounge line, featuring club chairs and sofas sized to support people of all shapes and statures. The chair’s sculptured back allows people to vary their postures to suit the task at hand—from having conversations to catching up on emails. Plus, let’s not forget the one component that everyone needs, a place to plug in. Power ports, available in standard outlets or in combination with USB, provide easy access for charging technology tools.
Powered lounge furniture is now a must for the mobile workforce. Featured: Herman Miller Plex Lounge Furniture.
Spontaneous Collaboration
The lounge furniture set-up will dictate how staff will use the space, from sitting alone and working, eating lunch or joining colleagues. “Lounge areas serve as places for spontaneous conversation or informal meetings,” says Mitchell Cohen. “Often these impromptu meetings can generate great ideas – something our clients want to organically initiate. Creative spaces generate creative ideas.”
Multi-functional lounge area at WSG client, Yardstick Testing and Training.
If you want to get serious about lounging around, make an appointment to visit the Workspace Group (WSG) centrally-located showroom. One of our Account Managers will be happy to showcase our furniture solutions.
