With their presence at Orgatec 2024 from 22 to 25 October in Cologne, Kinnarps Group demonstrated innovative approaches to workplace design that focused on wellbeing. The trade fair stand, inspired by Swedish nature, had the motto "Everything's connected" and emphasised that ergonomics in the office is shaped by the entire physical and social environment, rather than being defined solely by individual pieces of furniture.
Holistic ergonomics
Most people associate good ergonomics with a swivel chair that has many adjustment features or a height-adjustable desk. However, many more factors influence the quality of the work environment. Poor air quality, inadequate or incorrect lighting, and disturbing acoustics are just some of the factors that Kinnarps considers when designing working environments for customers. Added to this is the choice of colours and materials, which influence the overall experience of the workplace. While experts are already addressing these physical aspects, social aspects such as corporate culture and management quality are often not considered when it comes to designing an ergonomic environment. Kinnarps therefore advocates a holistic approach to workplace design that encompasses everything.
Three key measures
At Kinnarps' fair stand, visitors were able to experience an office environment designed with all these factors in mind. At 14 stations, they discovered how both organisations and the environment benefit from workspaces created with a holistic approach to ergonomics.
According to Kinnarps, three key measures are decisive when doing this. One of them is how negative distractions should be minimised in order to achieve optimum concentration at the workplace. The second measure is to encourage movement in the workplace, as sedentary work can have a negative impact on wellbeing and health. The third measure is to create a positive working atmosphere, because a healthy and clear work culture improves employees' sense of security and self-esteem, trust and commitment. Engaged and motivated employees in turn improve the employer brand of organisations, making it is easier to find new talent.
A Swedish microcosm
The Kinnarps' exhibition stand is designed as a microcosm of Swedish nature. Inspired by natural environments such as forests and the sea, it explores how workplaces can be optimised to improve wellbeing and efficiency. A tour of the Kinnarps stand is designed to reflect the tranquillity of a walk in nature and evoke a feeling closely linked to their Swedish identity. To integrate as much as possible of the experience of nature into an office environment, biophilic elements such as organic shapes, colours, lighting inspired by a forest clearing, textures and materials have been incorporated into the stand.
As part of the IBA Work Culture Festival "Wherever Whenever", Kinnarps furnished part of the food court located near the stand and present a talk on biophilic design at the stand.
About Kinnarps
Kinnarps is Europe's leading total supplier of interior design solutions and workplace design for offices, education and care. The furniture is characterised by high quality, innovative design, low environmental impact and long lifecycles. The company has been family-owned since its inception in 1942, with manufacturing in Sweden and operations in over 40 countries.
More information:
Kinnarps
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www.kinnarps.com