The view from the office: Dataflex

The world of work has changed much over the past few decades. When I first joined the office world, the extent of ergonomic support on offer was a ream of printer paper placed under a monitor, expertly hidden in case anyone wanted to actually print anything. Nowadays, of course, so much more emphasis is placed on both physical and mental wellbeing in the workplace – and rightly so, my neck still hurts. All types of companies, from the largest and oldest multinationals to the youngest, trendiest startups, understand that a contented, comfortable workforce is a productive one.

One company to ride this wave of ergonomic revolution, is the Dutch workplace accessory manufacturer, Dataflex. Since 1982, the company has strived to create products that aid health and performance in the workplace, by improving employee comfort. ‘At Dataflex we want to help you get the most out of yourself. This is why we want the place where you work to be a place where you feel at home. We call it “Feeling at Work”’ explains Dataflex CEO, Roderik Mos.

‘At Dataflex, we practice what we preach’, preaches Mos, ‘and try to create an inspiring workplace for everyone here. We challenge ourselves and each other in all we aspire to.’ Dataflex’s latest addition to inspiring workplaces is the Viewprime collection of monitor arms and mounts that combine everything we know about desk-based working posture, with precision engineering and post-contemporary function and aesthetics. Built for modern technologies, and adaptable to future trends too.

But let’s start in the present.

Typically, adjusting a monitor arm can feel like arm-wrestling a robot in a bad sci-fi film. During all the jostling you inevitably manage to knock over your tea, and then, by the time you return with paper towels, the monitor has already crept back into its original place. With a high-quality gas pressure spring and precision-made joints, however, Viewprime arms remain perfectly balanced, gliding into position with a feather touch. But Dataflex’s most advanced monitor arms stay resolute and stable once there too, for more easily adaptable and individual workplace environments.

Along with increased sensitivity towards employee wellbeing, changing post-pandemic working practices mean upon our long-awaited office return, the oft-avoided hot-desk may become unavoidable. With desk spaces regularly changing ownership between colleagues of varying height profiles, quick and effortless adjustability of what Dataflex refer to as the ‘Golden Triangle’ – standing desks, ergonomic chairs and adjustable monitor arms – will become an ever more essential factor in 21st-century workplace design.

With so much time spent over the last few years sharing office/dining space, often perhaps with remnants of last night’s dinner, what employees really want from their workspaces has been brought sharply into focus. A clean and orderly desk, along with comfortable body positioning, is sure to be at the top of any ‘Things I miss about the office’ list. Secured with the help of a small, rear-mounted base, Viewprime arms cut a lithe figure with their slim form and flexible joints. The stylish monochrome white or black arms can be pushed back as far as required, yet still have room to hide an unsightly mess of cables and connections, creating calmer environments.

While it meets the modern office demands for minimal space, minimalist looks and maximum function, Viewprime also looks further ahead. Designed to be completely future-ready, the arms’ innovative sliders ensure dual monitors of any size can be positioned independently, simply and effectively, in perfect alignment. Meanwhile, with efficient and effortless movement, a Viewprime-held monitor can alternate between a traditional setup and touchscreen functionality, with the strength and stability to stand up to the most enthusiastic of office southpaws.

With contemporary looks and a slim, functional profile, Dataflex’s Viewprime collection will create a modern office aesthetic to draw employees back to the office, but it’s the comfortable workplace it creates, that will persuade them to stay.

© Architonic