Optimised offices with Haworth's CoDesigner planning tool

The evolution in technology and the mobility which now exists thanks to cable-free working devices have had a ground-breaking impact on office design. A more human-centred focus, combined with modern digital capabilities, offer today’s office workers a wealth of choice and flexibility.

Having started as a manufacturer of office partition walls back in the 1950s, Haworth has accumulated decades of experience and know-how in the workspace arena. One of their most recent developments derives from one simple but very cogent question: ‘How do we work better? Wherever we are?’ With the global pandemic – still very much with us almost two years later – not only did the 'work from anywhere' concept gain wide acceptance amongst employers, it also jump-started fresh consideration and broader understanding of what a workspace can be like and what is needed in order to create a healthy and sustainable working environment. People work better, meaning more creatively and efficiently, in a space that offers them comfort and encouragement.

A freshly published study carried out by Leesman, specialists in analysing the employee workplace experience, points to the fact that workers will demand even more from their employers and working conditions when returning back after the pandemic. Whilst a majority missed the human interaction with colleagues, they also cherished not having to commute every day.

Leesman's findings show that ‘It is now more important than ever to define the workplace "why."’ Why do people value being in the workplace? To collaborate, create, and innovate. To connect socially. To leverage the teams, networks, and processes that help them perform at their best. To be inspired. Its purpose has shifted from where we had to work to a place that’s more dynamic and experiential than ever.

Haworth acknowledges that 'flexibility' is the keyword for the post-pandemic world of work which is why they’ve just launched a new office planning tool, CoDesigner. With the help of Artificial Intelligence, CoDesigner comprises different data parameters such as personal preferences and available space, and based on that, generates the best possible office concept. Whenever a parameter changes, CoDesigner redesigns a new concept – in real time.

If anything with regard to work has been grasped from the pandemic, it is the importance of agility and being able to quickly adapt to new realities, and more importantly, putting human well-being front and centre.

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