FAQs – Version 1

The Hybrid Work Model offers a flexible approach to work that combines the best of both in-person and remote working. With this model, employees have the freedom to choose between working in the office or remotely for a portion of their workweek.

According to the 2023 workplace study “Stand Up to Work: Assessing the Health Impacts of Adjustable Workstations,” research shows that height-adjustable desks help reduce sedentary behavior and support health even outside of work compared to standard non-height adjustable desks. Having a height-adjustable desk and standing up to work is linked to an increase in productivity, better concentration, and overall improved health.Some key benefits of having a height-adjustable desk include:

• Reduce sitting for long hours: People who have a height-adjustable desk report a 17% reduction in sitting.
• Better posture: significant reductions in upper back, shoulder, and neck discomfort.
• Increase in Productivity: Height-adjustable designs increase productivity and concentration. Additionally, they keep people more active, refreshed, awake, limber, and energetic.

A height-adjustable desk, also known as a sit-to-stand desk, allows the user to raise and lower the desk surface to various heights, providing the option to work while sitting or standing. A height-adjustable desk can easily be lowered or raised by activating a switch on the underside of the desk.

Choosing the right ergonomic office chair is essential for maintaining comfort, productivity, and overall well-being, especially for those who spend extended periods of time sitting at a desk. Some key factors to consider when selecting the right ergonomic office chair include:

• Height-Adjustability: When seated, you want your thighs to be horizontal to the floor at a 90-degree angle. Ergonomic office chairs offer a lever to move the seat up and down for you to adjust accordingly.
• Adjustable Backrest: Ensure that the backrest can be moved back and forth. If not, make sure there is a locking mechanism to hold it in place, so you can adjust the backrest to the right angle for your comfort.
• Lumbar Support: A contoured backrest provides your body with the comfort and support it needs. Proper lumbar support ensures that your lower back is slightly arched to reduce pressure on the lumbar discs in the spine and prevent backaches.
• Seat Size (Width and Depth): Make sure your office chair is sufficiently deep and wide enough for you to sit comfortably. If you are taller, look for a deeper seat. When sitting, your back should be against the backrest with approximately 2″ to 4″ between the back of your knees and the seat. You should also be able to adjust the tilt of the seat forward and backward.
• Material and Padding: The choice of fabric is a matter of personal preference, but opt for something breathable that doesn’t trap heat when sitting for extended periods. For padding, avoid extremes; a surface that is neither too soft nor too firm is ideal. A hard surface can be painful to sit on for hours, while a very soft one won’t provide proper support.
• Arm Rests: Good armrests can relieve strain on your neck and shoulders while typing. Look for adjustable armrests to get the right height and positioning, so you don’t end up slouching.
• Easy-to-Use Controls: Controls for tilting, height adjustment, and swiveling should be user-friendly to avoid causing strain on your muscles.
• Mobility: A chair that you can move around and swivel in is a great feature. Look for an office chair with casters that are suitable for your type of flooring, whether it’s carpet, a hard surface, or a combination of both.

Ergonomic office chairs are designed with a variety of features aimed at improving your posture and providing proper support. A good ergonomic office chair is typically adjustable, offering greater control and customization of settings to suit individual needs.

The Steelcase Gesture chair has been voted as the best ergonomic office chair and is widely praised for its ergonomic features, including its 360-degree arms, contoured back, and sophisticated adjustments. These features are designed to offer an ultra-customized and comfortable seating experience.

An ergonomic office chair is specifically designed to offer comfort, support, and promote proper posture while reducing the risk of discomfort, fatigue, and musculoskeletal issues associated with prolonged periods of sitting. These chairs are also designed to accommodate a wide range of body types and the various activities typically performed in an office setting.

Selecting an appropriate ergonomic office chair is crucial for those who spend extended hours at a desk, as it impacts comfort, productivity, and overall well-being. When seeking a height-adjustable chair, here are key aspects to focus on:

• Height-Adjustability: When seated you wanted your thighs to be horizontal to the floor at a 90-degree angle. Ergonomic office chairs offer a lever that will move the seat up and down for you to adjust accordingly
• Adjustable Backrest: You’ll want to make sure that the backrest can be moved back and forth, if not, be sure that there is a locking mechanism holding it in place so you can adjust the backrest at the right angle.
• Lumbar support: A contoured backrest will provide your body with the comfort and support it needs. Proper lumbar support will ensure that your lower back is always slightly arched to reduce pressure on the lumbar discs in the spine and prevent back aches.
• Seat size (Width and Depth): you will want to make sure that your office chair is sufficently deep and wide enough for you to sit comfortably. If you are on the taller side, look for a deeper seat. You will want to make sure that when sitting, your back is against the backrest and you have approximately 2″ to 4″ between the back of your knees and the seat. You should be able to also adjust the tilt of the seat forward and backward.
• Material and padding: this comes down to personal preference but when looking for a fabric type, choose something that is breathable and soaks up the heat when sitting for hours at a time. For padding, it is better to go with something that is nor too soft or firm. A hard surface will be painful to sit on for a hours at a time while a a soft one will not provide proper support
• Arm Rests: A good arm rest will take the strain off your neck and shoulders while typing. Look for armrests that are adjustable to get the right heigh and positioning so you don’t end up slouching
• Easy-to-use controls: It should be easy to tilt, go higher or lower, swivel from seated position to not cause any strain on muscles
• Mobility: :A chair that you are able to move around and swivel in is a great feature to have. Look for an office chair with casters that work with your floor weather it is carpet, hard surface or a combination

Office furniture is a category of furniture specifically designed and manufactured for use in office working environments. This category encompasses a wide range of products, equipment, and components intended to furnish work environments. Office furniture is designed to provide comfort, support, and functionality to employees to help them perform their tasks efficiently. Typical items found in office furniture include:

• Desks and Workstations
• Chairs
• Tables
• Storage Solutions
• Cubicles and work partitions
• Collaborative Furniture
• Reception and Lounge Furniture
• Accessories
• Lighting
• Ergonomic Accessories
• Custom Solutions tailored to a company’s specific needs, space constraints and design preferences

Implementing a successful hybrid work model requires careful planning, effective communication and attention to various factors to ensure that it works for the organization and it’s employees. Doing research and using best practices offer insights into how to implement a hybrid work model successfully. Here are some key steps to take when implementing a successful hybrid work model:

• Assess Your Workforce: Understand employee preferences and remote work capabilities.
• Set Clear Policies: Establish guidelines for remote and in-office work.
• Provide Technology: Ensure access to essential tools for both office and remote work.
• Flexible Scheduling: Allow employees to choose their work locations and hours.
• Communication Tools: Invest in effective collaboration tools.
• Regular Check-Ins: Schedule frequent meetings for communication.
• Performance Metrics: Focus on outcomes, not hours worked.
• Employee Training: Offer remote work and time management training.
• Workspace Design: Create collaborative office spaces.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Gather employee input for adjustments.
• Inclusivity: Address equity and access concerns.
• Work-Life Balance: Encourage boundaries for remote work.
• Mental Health Support: Provide resources for well-being.
• Legal Compliance: Ensure compliance with labor laws.
• Trial Period: Test the model and adapt as needed.
• Leadership Training: Train managers for hybrid leadership.
• Celebrate Successes: Recognize achievements to boost morale.

Remember that the successful implementation of a hybrid work model is an ongoing process that requires flexibility and adaptation as circumstances change. Regular evaluation and adjustment based on employee feedback and evolving needs are essential for long-term success.

To sustain company culture in a hybrid work model means to create the feeling of closeness, connection and engagement that is intertwined with each other’s success and the success of the organization.

• Shared Purpose: Communicate a clear sense of purpose to employees, helping them understand their role in the organization’s success. Make interdependencies explicit, especially as they may be less apparent in remote work settings.
• Accountability: Balance empathy with accountability. Employees need to know that their work is significant, and accountability reinforces this. It ensures that individual contributions matter to the team and the organization.
• Fairness: Ensure fairness in the hybrid model by communicating how work leads to equitable outcomes. Avoid favoritism based on office presence, and use inclusive language that recognizes all team members.
• Conflict Resolution: Acknowledge and manage conflicts constructively. In remote settings, conflict may become less productive due to distance and assumptions. Promote healthy disagreement, emphasize civility and respect, and set protocols for addressing conflicts.
• Visibility and Accessibility: Leaders must be present and accessible, combating the “out of sight, out of mind” challenge in virtual environments. Regular check-ins and collaborative projects help maintain close relationships among team members.
• Transparency: Foster open communication and transparency in a hybrid work model. Proactively share information consistently, even when it’s challenging, to build trust and maintain a constructive culture.
• Social Capital: Maintain social capital by connecting employees across departments, providing opportunities for cross-functional learning, and encouraging virtual networking to support relationships and decision-making.
• Place: While remote work offers flexibility, face-to-face interactions are valuable. Leaders can enhance culture by creating appealing office spaces that promote collaboration, focus, and well-being. Implement protocols that optimize in-person interactions to positively influence workplace culture.
• Implementing these principles can help sustain company culture in a hybrid work model, ensuring that employees remain engaged, connected, and committed to the organization’s success.

A hybrid work model, also known as a hybrid work arrangement, refers to a flexible work setup that offers employees the option to work remotely and/or in a physical office location. In this work model, employees divide their work time between working from home or another remote location and working in a physical office. It combines elements of remote work and in-office work, enabling employees to enjoy the benefits of each while accommodating various work styles and needs. Hybrid work models have gained popularity in response to changing workplace trends and the integration of technology that supports remote work.

The hybrid work model offers several advantages, making it a popular choice for both employees and organizations. Here are some key reasons why the hybrid work model is often favoured:

• Flexibility: Employees have the freedom to choose when and where they work, enhancing work-life balance and job satisfaction.
• Productivity: Many employees find they can be highly productive when working remotely, as they can create a work environment that suits their needs.
• Cost Savings: Organizations can reduce overhead costs associated with maintaining large office spaces while still having a physical presence for collaboration and essential functions.
• Talent Attraction and Retention: Offering a hybrid work model can make an organization more appealing to a diverse talent pool and help retain current employees seeking work flexibility.
• Resilience: A hybrid model can provide resilience in the face of unexpected events, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies, as employees are already accustomed to working remotely.
• Reduced Commuting Stress: Employees can save time and reduce stress associated with commuting, contributing to improved well-being.
• Environmental Impact: Fewer commuters can reduce traffic congestion and lower an organization’s carbon footprint, supporting sustainability efforts.
• Work-Life Balance: The hybrid model allows for better work-life integration, reducing burnout and enhancing overall job satisfaction.

While the upfront cost of an ergonomic office chair is much higher than a regular chair, the long term benefits outweigh the costs making it a worthwhile investment.

An ergonomic chair is designed in a way that helps support your body to reduce strain on the muscles and points. With it’s posture support, it helps to alleviate back, neck and shoulder pain all while improving blood flow and reducing the risk of varicose veins.

Steelcase’s Leap chair is adjustable at every angle, which is extremely important when it comes to tailoring a chair to your body to prevent poor posture that will leave stress on the spine, pelvis, back, shoulders, and neck. The Leap chair comes with adjustable arms to alleviate tension in the upper body, a recline adjustment, and back support to support your spine’s position. In addition, the seat is height-adjustable, allowing your feet to be firmly placed on the floor with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. As a bonus, it comes with a lifetime warranty*.

*Please note that not all parts of the Leap chair have a lifetime warranty. For more information about the warranty, please visit: [link to warranty information].

Office furniture plays a crucial role in influencing employee productivity. The design, comfort, and functionality of office furniture can directly impact the physical and psychological well-being of employees, subsequently affecting their overall productivity. Here are some key considerations when building an office to boost productivity:

• Ergonomics
• Comfort
• Layout and Arrangement
• Noise Reduction
• Personalization
• Aesthetics
• Storage solutions
• Technological Integration
• Breakout Areas
• Health and well-being

Depending on a company’s specific needs, nature of work and size of their office, the choice in must-have furniture varies. Here is a general list of essential office furniture items that are needed in office environments:

• Desks & Desk Systems
• Chairs
• Storage solutions
• Meeting and Conference Tables
• Chairs for meetings
• Reception furniture
• Workstations
• Breakroom Furniture
• Lounge Furniture systems
• Computer and IT Furniture
• White boards or bulletined board
• Office Accessories (Desk organizers, garbage binds, lamps, cable management solution)
• Reception Area Furniture
• Soundproofing and Acoustic Solutions
• Art and Deco
• Flexible and Collaborative furniture

Modular office furniture is furniture that can be used combined or separately in a variety of different formations in order to suit one’s needs.

Ergonomic office furniture refers office furniture such as chairs and desk and other key pieces of equipment that are design to keep comfort and postures of employees in mind. Some key benefits of having ergonomic furniture include but are not limited to: increased productivity, work morale and a happier work environment while also supporting both physical and mental well-being and posture of the employees.

Moving to a hybrid work model yields many benefits but like every work model, it too comes with it’s own set of challenges. To ensure a successful transition to a hybrid work model, companies must consider the following key factors:

• • Co-Creation with Employees: Collaborate to shape and define the hybrid work model by aligning it with your company’s culture and employee preferences.

<li”>Reimagining the Office: Transform the office into a hub for collaboration, making it a collaborative space for in-person work and across remote & in-person teams.

• Learning and Development: Encourage employees to take time for self-improvement, fostering continuous learning and skills development.
• Collaboration Strategies: Promote trust, and define clear collaboration guidelines for hybrid teamwork.
• Technology and Tools: Assess tech needs for seamless collaboration, creating a central hub for structured communication.
• Open Communication: Everyone needs to stay informed by fostering open dialogue to address concerns and changes.
• Performance Metrics: Set clear expectations for performance evaluation, ensuring accountability.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Be open to change because the hybrid model evolves over time.
• Well-being: Prioritize work-life balance and mental health support for all employees.
• Security and Data Protection: Safeguard data and maintain IT security for remote work environments.
• Inclusivity and Equality: Ensure equal opportunities and inclusivity for all employees, regardless of their work location.
• Feedback: Gather employee feedback, and make necessary changes to address the feedback.

 

Moving to a hybrid work model yields many benefits but like every work model, it too comes with it’s own set of challenges. To ensure a successful transition to a hybrid work model, companies must consider the following key factors:

• Flexibility: Employees have the power to decide when and where they work, allowing them to make the best choices based on their daily needs.
• In-Person and Remote Working: The model combines in-person office time for face-to-face interactions with remote work for tasks that can be done from anywhere.
• Technology Integration: By integrating the right technology into the office and providing it to employees, seamless collaboration and communication can be achieved between in-office and remote team members.
• Scheduled Office Days: Certain meetings and events may require employees to be present in the office on specific days, ensuring that important face-to-face interactions still take place.
• Results-Oriented: Instead of focusing on strict working hours, the focus shifts towards achieving desired outcomes and deliverables.
• Adaptability: The Hybrid Work Model can be tailored to suit the unique needs of each organization and the preferences of employees.