HUMAN FACTORS & ERGONOMICS
THE MODERN OFFICE: A FINE BALANCE
In the rapidly changing work landscape businesses are wrestling with the challenge of creating modern workspaces that cater to the diverse needs of their employees. The very recent shift towards remote working during the Covid-19 pandemic brought into question the essence of traditional office spaces as we knew them.
Founded in 1975 in Sweden, AJ Products has been at the forefront of providing workplace furniture and equipment to businesses for nearly five decades. Today, with headquarters in Halmstad, Sweden and operating in 21 countries across Europe, including an increasing presence in the UK, AJ Products continues to advance and adapt to the changing needs of the modern office.
AJ Products might be renowned for its wide range of office and industrial furniture but their product portfolio extends into any type of workspace. With over 18,000 products on offer, AJ Products offerings also encompass reception areas, canteens, sports facilities, changing rooms and educational equipment. Highlighting the company’s comprehensive approach to all workplace solutions, Helen Beebe says: “Any type of workplace furniture or equipment you might need, the chances are we offer it.”
Creating a truly end-to-end offering, AJ Products also provides a personalised service that encompasses everything from space design and consultation to a seamless delivery and installation.
The impact of the pandemic disrupted conventional office dynamics, prompting a surge in demand for home office solutions. Initially, smaller desks for home working were the hot commodity; however, as restrictions eased the whole transformation of workspaces took on a new dimension. Helen says: “We’re starting to see that people are realising that remote working isn’t always the best option.” The impact on individual wellbeing, health and workplace culture has been profound. On a corporate level, businesses are grappling with the task of nurturing their employees, maintaining communication and culture, and creating effective team collaboration: all of which can be demanding in a remote working environment.
To address this challenge AJ Products emphasises the need to find the right balance between remote working and in-office communications. Employers are increasingly investing in collaborative spaces and amenities that align with the current needs of their workforce. Similarly, employees are expressing a desire
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Helen Beebe, Managing Director of AJ Products, a specialist in contemporary office design and workplace solutions, shares her experience of the essential elements of creating a flexible and appealing office environment that satisfies the modern workforce.
for more face-to-face interactions, recognising the limitations of virtual communications.
“People are craving more opportunities for communication and stronger interpersonal bonds that can’t be forged through a video call,” Helen notes, highlighting the enduring importance of human interaction in the workplace.
“UNDERSTANDING WHO YOUR EMPLOYEES ARE AND WHAT THEIR NEEDS ARE REQUIRES ENGAGEMENT AND OPEN DIALOGUE.”
In the modern office, fostering collaboration is key, alongside the essential need to stay current with advanced communication technologies. Considerations beyond high-speed internet and state-of-the-art video conferencing facilities are smart systems for easy control of the environment and, in the age of remote working, leading-edge data security. Therefore, designing collaborative spaces equipped with the latest technology together with a comfortable environment, can encourage teamwork and innovation.
As organisations downsize office space to reflect less in-office presence, they are seeking greater flexibility and use of their spaces. Concepts such as hot-desking and secure lockers have become more relevant, enabling employees to use shared spaces efficiently
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