Atmosphere Commercial Interiors, LLC Announces Industry Veteran Carlene Wilson as New Executive Vice President of National Sales and Marketing

Company Release – 09/06/2016 13:15

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — (MARKET WIRE) – 09/06/16 – Atmosphere Commercial Interiors, LLC (Formerly Target Commercial Interiors), a commercial furnishings and service provider, today announced that Carlene Wilson has joined the company as EVP, National Sales and Marketing.

Successful as a leader in both the manufacturing and dealership aspects of the commercial furnishings industry, Carlene was most recently co-owner and VP of Sales and Marketing at bkm – Total Office of Texas, where she oversaw a team of 40 professionals engaged in sales, design, marketing and administrative support at the high performing Steelcase dealer.  Carlene also serves as Chair of the Steelcase Dealership Council, a role she will continue to perform upon joining Atmosphere.

Mike Litwin, Chief Executive Officer of Atmosphere Commercial Interiors said “Having Carlene join our team, with her vast experience and knowledge of sales strategy and client experience will make Atmosphere an even better place to work and do business with.  We are excited to have her join the talented team at Atmosphere and sharpen our sales and marketing focus so we can deliver a premium experience for our clients.”

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The University conducted a study to understand why campus libraries were as busy as ever, while book circulation had fallen. Using a variety of measures, the University saw a clear trend in how students increasingly used libraries for private study and collaborative work.

The University’s report mirrored the larger trend in the changing nature of libraries. The following quote is from the 2015 State of America’s Libraries Report:

Academic, public and school libraries are experiencing a shift in how they are perceived by their communities and society. No longer just places for books, libraries of all types are viewed as anchors, centers for academic life and research and cherished spaces. (ALA.com)

The challenge for the University was how to best meet the current needs of the students when the facilities were designed for antiquated practices.

These places are best suited for short-term visits, not long-term study. As a result, students vie for too-few individual study spaces and even fewer power outlets for their digital devices. (Steelcase.com)

The University engaged Atmosphere to try out the Brody WorkLounge by Steelcase. Shelley Schwartz, longtime senior account manager for the University, worked with Steelcase on a pilot space with three Brody WorkLounges. “In a 24 hour period, all three Brody chairs that were piloted were occupied for 23 of those hours,” said Shelley. They were so well-received, the Libraries started ordering more upon first order entry. “We are slowly incorporating them in many spaces around each of the libraries on campus.”

Read more about the impact of Brody WorkLounge at the University of Arizona:

https://www.steelcase.com/insights/case-studies/university-of-arizona/

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Hello! My name is Asia Cruz, and I’m working as a Marketing Intern at Atmosphere Commercial Interiors during the summer of 2016. I work at the Young Quinlan Building on the corner of 9th and Nicollet in Minneapolis. I was asked to share my impressions of working at a company that specializes in working well. So, in addition to learning the ropes of marketing the brand, I am immersed in a work culture that feels both interconnected and innovative.

RFP. A&D. RFI.

When I began interning at Atmosphere, these acronyms seemed like a foreign language, with all sorts of jargon flying at me when I least expected it. Meetings and projects all seemed to draw from industry facts and terms I didn’t yet understand, and I was sure the day would never come when I could decipher the complex demands of the commercial furnishings industry.

Diving In

So when I got the chance to work on real projects, I was a bit nervous to say the least. However, a big part of interning is the exposure to new opportunities, so I did the best I could to learn as much as possible before tackling the cryptic but exciting customer-facing projects on behalf of Atmosphere. Thanks to the incredible team here, I got the help and support to conquer any task that came my way.

First up for the summer came a project that would test my understanding of the relationship between branding and design. Though still new to the office, I got the chance to work cross-functionally to help the sales team form lasting relationships – how cool is that? We worked through multiple iterations of a branded flip-book until finding the best combination of personalization, service offerings, and product marketing to draw in potential clients.

Beyond this, I learned a lot about how different people function to achieve their goals. For example, Atmosphere Commercial Interiors took part in MinneCon, a tradeshow that showcases new product introductions, hosts educational programs, and offers networking opportunities for designers and manufacturing representatives. This event needed the coordination of the team behind it, as well as the brand materials that could pull it all together. I was so excited to be a part of the event, and went to work dreaming up the possibilities for the graphics.

Our space came a long way from the empty booth it once was, and I am so pleased to have seen and helped the vision come to life. Below is a photo from the event, showcasing Steelcase Brody and Thread for the modern workplace, as well as an interactive showroom for healthcare providers.

While it would be unreasonable to claim that I now know it all, I am learning so much every day, and feel more confident with industry terminology. Atmosphere has taught me so much in regards to teamwork and determination, and I can’t wait to see what task I’ll get to do next with the amazing people who work here. And as for the acronyms? Request for Proposal – Got it. Architecture & Design – check. Request for Information – of course. Now, on to the next project!

The post 9th and Nicollet – Decoding Commercial Furnishings Terminology appeared first on Atmosphere Commercial Interiors.

Over her nearly 40-year career, Vickie has seen business and commercial interiors trends rise and fall. She’s witnessed the rise of cubicles, computers and the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, as well as the fall of fax machines … and cubicles.

How does she keep pace?  A good book. Lots of good books. Vickie is as dedicated a reader as she is a teacher.  She always has new books at arm’s length and has an uncanny ability to recommend the perfect title for you.  And the curriculum she designs for our team members is always bursting with current and relevant business concepts.

We asked her to share some of her recently-read or re-read favorites, and why they were meaningful to her.

	Seeing the Big Picture Kevin Cope http://seeingthebigpicture.com/book/ “This easy-read nets out how important it is for everyone to understand how financial systems work inside a business;  I provided copies of the book for many of our managers.  Reading it led to the genesis of an idea for how to teach ‘Cash Flow’ in Finance 101.”
	The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success Wayne Breitbarth http://www.powerformula.net/ “The book unlocked a key concept for me:  the value of transitioning my deeply honed in-person networking skills over to technological networking.  Plus, it has helped me develop and teach LinkedIn 101 and 102.”
	First Break All the Rules Buckingham and Coffman http://www.gallup.com/press/176069/first-break-rules-world-greatest-managers-differently.aspx “This is base level, clear and to the point Management 101.  It articulates the value of understanding each team members’ unique talents and how to help them find the right ‘fit’ at work.  It also provides a framework to Atmosphere’s management methodology, and leads to the structure of our Team Member Survey questions.  I have post it notes coming out of this book in all directions!  All our managers have read this book.”
	The Tipping Point Malcolm Gladwell http://gladwell.com/the-tipping-point/ “The Madison business community had regularly referred to me as a ‘Connector’,  framed by the context of this book. So I bought it, and there I was!  The first two-thirds of this book is a quick read, including stories on Paul Revere and Hush Puppy shoes.  It helped me articulate the benefits of ‘the three agents of change’ in Business Development.”
	A Whole New Mind A Free Agent Nation Drive Daniel Pink http://www.danpink.com/books/ “Daniel Pink is my favorite business writer of all time.  I am re-reading A Whole New Mind. I haven’t read To Sell is Human yet … can’t wait.”
	Made to Stick The Heath Brothers http://heathbrothers.com/books/made-to-stick/ “Made To Stick is another pull-you-in read and is a fantastic overview of why we need to tell stories if we want people to retain what we are saying or writing. Steelcase recommended the book in 2012, and it is still relevant today. I’ve reread it three times. I can hardly close the book because of all the jammed slips of notes stuck inside.”

VICKIE WENZEL
Director, Learning and Development
Atmosphere Commercial Interiors

I have been characterized as the ‘Connector’ in The Tipping Point​ by Malcom Gladwell, a talent that has defined my career. Fortunately, I chose an industry that embraces creativity, change and connections.

I believe I make a contribution when a connection is made. For instance, I love to help clients discover how their facility really does relate to their business objectives. It is almost magical when they “get it” and see new ways to leverage their business as well as their workplace.

I work for a progressive place that allows me to embrace my love of change, and morph into new roles. Today, that means I facilitate the connection of best practices and really great colleagues. Considering that I took post-college GREs and taught evening design courses at UW long ago, you could say that my life goals connected.

Connect with me if I can help you with business development, sales, marketing, facility planning, office furniture, corporate education and training, or Predictive Index.

You may also be interested in:

Change Management Seminar (Transcript)

Atmosphere hosted a Change Management Seminar with guest speaker Rick Mohr, Advanced Solutions Team, Steelcase North America. Rick is responsible for engaging strategically with large organizations in North America around issues specific to people, space, technology, and brand. Vickie facilitated a panel discussion with local facilities experts.

The post What We’re Reading: Books for Business appeared first on Atmosphere Commercial Interiors.

1. We want to be a top employer, and to get there, we need to understand how our culture and brand are perceived by prospective employees.
2. We want to build better relationships with local universities.
3. We need to hire interns simply for the exposure to fresh, new insights from a younger generation.
4. We want to develop relationships with students that will last past graduation, and act as a resource as they enter into a career (or gig), so their orientation into their larger business community starts before graduation.
5. We want to make a difference in the life of a student—one at a time.

With these five points in mind, our Management team unanimously agreed to move ahead. Good thing we had hired a fantastic Human Resources Manager, Myra Basar, who came on-board following the Target sale and built an HR Department from the ground up.  We had decades of exceptional HR practices to work with, thanks in large part to being a member of the Target Corporate family, so the combination of a good foundation and a skilled manager helped us prepare a program in time for the 2016 school year schedule.

Across our three regions, we decided to aim for four interns. Two Design Interns, one in Arizona and one in Wisconsin, and Sales and Marketing Interns in Minnesota. After the basic steps of creating job scopes and role roadmaps, we took great pleasure in reaching out to local universities in a way we hadn’t done before. Learning about the campus internship programs and experiencing the tidal wave of interest affirmed our decision to take this journey.

The interviewing and hiring process was a good test of our shiny new HR engine. Each region handled their hires independently and in partnership with our HR Manager; and in some cases, interviews were conducted on Skype at all hours of the day with candidates who were studying abroad.

Welcoming our summer team members was another good test of our new HR policies and on-boarding program. Our Marketing Intern, Asia Cruz, was assigned a mentor from the Marketing Team. The framework we created includes a weekly status with a form that captures completed projects, Asia’s feedback for us, and suggested next steps. This helps us make sure that we’re providing a variety of work that matches Asia’s experience and personal goals, shows consistent progress over time, and gives us the chance to course-correct as we go. Things are going well according to her mentor, Natasha Fonville, Specialist, Marketing and Brand. “Asia’s innate ability to understand our business and marketing needs, and drive her own design and writing projects far exceeded our hopes. That, coupled with her amazing attitude, make for the stuff Mentors dream of.”

Our interns are not given projects that keep them out of sight; rather, they are offered real work, and a chance to see the impact they have on our client’s satisfaction, and on project success. We hope their impact and fresh perspectives last well past summer, and we hope our relationships with them last far longer than that.  “We have enjoyed Jordi so much; she is a part of our Atmosphere family for life,” offered Brieanna Bonnstetter, Design Team Lead, Phoenix. And in a stroke of luck, our Sales Intern, Brittany, will be immersed in the Minneapolis Sales Department beyond the summer, gaining deeper insight on client relationships and project management.  Dana Lair, Sales Manager, Minneapolis, has noticed tangible value right away, and looks forward to watching her career path develop. “Having Brittany onboard this summer has been awesome!  My team has noticed that we have been able to escalate ideas quicker as we have had more help with internal projects.  Brittany is also learning quite a bit about our business and is planning to stay on through the school year.  We are taking this opportunity to onboard a future salesperson through an intern path!” notes Dana.

Now, at the halfway point through the summer, we asked our interns for feedback on how things were going:

Over the past three months with Atmosphere, I have been shown the ins and outs of the design business. The passion beaming from each employee inspires me daily and shows me that design is a powerful aid that helps people feel and function better in their everyday lives. This exemplary company has taught me more in the past three months than I ever thought possible and I’m grateful for all I’ve gained through this experience. I would also like to say that I am incredibly blessed to have been given this opportunity and I look forward to maintaining connections with all the wonderful people I had the privilege of working with. This has been the best experience of my life in design! Thank you, Atmosphere! ~ Jordan, Interior Design Intern, AZ

I have loved learning and growing here at Atmosphere Commercial Interiors. Every day has been a different adventure, and I have been exercising my design skills every step of the way!
~ Dylan, Interior Design Intern, WI

At the end of our first Intern program, in early fall, we plan to debrief and incorporate key learnings from the program for next summer. While some of our goals may not be achievable after just one summer, I think we will measure our success the first time around based on exactly that – one summer.   If we have made a positive impact on the student’s outlook on their personal goals and the business community, then we will have met the most important goal, which is to have made a difference in the life of a student and empower them to succeed.  And along the way, hopefully we will have learned a little something more about ourselves and how we can better serve the younger generation soon to be entering the workforce.

I spent the first 15 years of my career working with college students and I was always amazed by the enormous talents, drive and enthusiasm they brought to their positions. They kept me and all of the other full-time staff on our toes because we wanted to be the best we could for them as they began to navigate their fledgling careers. Atmosphere’s group of interns was no different. They came to us full of ideas and excitement for all they could learn and do. I think that they helped some of us find our spark again on days it was missing. Across the board, our team members have been thoroughly impressed with the knowledge, energy and dedication that Asia, Jordan, Brittany and Dylan have brought to the business as a whole. I think they also got as much from their interactions as our interns did. I would call that an all-around success!
~ Myra, HR Manager

Our business focuses on helping other businesses create and manage facilities programs, and connect their values and brand to employees through work environments. We can’t do this without gaining deep insight into how people work, and college students are one way to connect the dots and discern future trends.

We ask our team members, our clients, our partners, and our peers for feedback, and now we have the chance to ask the next wave, our students, what motivates and inspires them. Our interns are true partners in how we’re building a better business for the future.

The post Internship Pilot Program appeared first on Atmosphere Commercial Interiors.

Hello! My name is Asia Cruz, and I’m working as a Marketing Intern at Atmosphere Commercial Interiors during the summer of 2016.  I work at the Young Quinlan Building on the corner of 9th and Nicollet in Minneapolis. I was asked to share my impressions of working at a company that specializes in working well.  So, in addition to learning the ropes of marketing the brand, I am immersed in a work culture that feels both interconnected and innovative.

Before coming to intern with Atmosphere Commercial Interiors this summer, I was always curious about the importance of ergonomic design in office productivity. Cubicles offer a unique combination of personal space and accessibility, and there is something magical about the workflow ensuing when an employee is in his or her own bubble. I must have been in elementary school when I first learned of the possibilities of an adaptable work space, and since that day it has been my small goal to someday experience it for myself.

Fast-forward to the start of my internship. My first few days were right on the heels of Neocon, one of the most important conferences for commercial designers. This was a big week for everyone in the industry, but to me it meant a highly energized introduction full of new product releases, trend reports, and more. At Atmosphere, I took in the new knowledge and reveled in the shared learning spaces specifically geared toward collaboration, the Steelcase V.I.A walls that bring people together while offering privacy, and the natural light that reached even the furthest corners of the office. I especially felt at home with the first cubicle I could call my home for the summer, and I settled into the space with enthusiasm that would set the tone for the following three months.

There was so much to learn and do, but first I had to understand the functionality of Atmosphere’s business model on a personal level. The more I explored my space, the more I learned the importance little comforts could hold in maintaining a productive office environment. Just as my understanding of the workplace has grown continually more nuanced, my surroundings have helped change the way I think to adapt to my needs. Space creates utility, and an adaptable workspace allows me to adjust my environment to match my needs on a deeper level.

It was no surprise to learn that the amount of control employees feel in the workplace is closely correlated to engagement. A recent Steelcase survey reported that nearly all engaged employees believe their company takes an interest in their personal wellbeing. From what I have seen and learned, the key to productivity lies in a happy, healthy office culture. Little changes can have a large impact on the workplace, and ergonomic design is a key factor to forming a long-term bond in the company.

When I look around, I don’t just see workstations and desks, I see powerful tools that can maximize productivity. The Brody chair offers much-needed respite from the communication-centric work zone, while shared desk spaces allow employees to meet and gather in technology-friendly communities. I have even noticed the benefits of my height-adjustable desk, as I am able to comfortably prioritize tasks while balancing the effortlessness of sitting with the productivity and health benefits of improved circulation.

The people-focused tools at Atmosphere have shown me firsthand how ergonomic design can boost productivity to create a more effective work environment. Each piece of furniture offers unique insight to the commercial furnishings industry on a personal level, and I can’t wait to learn all I possibly can about it in the next few months.

Keep an eye out for my next article on the types of projects I’ve been working on at Atmosphere. I’ll have so much to share and explore over these next few months, and I look forward to helping our clients understand how much Atmosphere has to offer as well.

The post 9th and Nicollet – A Viewpoint from our Marketing Intern appeared first on Atmosphere Commercial Interiors.

Minnesota – IIDA Northland

Board Members

• Heather Olson, IIDA, CID, LEED AP – Steelcase, President
• Ingrid Youmans, Industry IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP – Coalesse, Vice President Communications
• Carissa McNulty, Workplace Consultant, Forums Director

Members

• Stephanie Borens, Senior Client Coordinator, Sports & Hospitality

WISCONSIN – IIDA WI

Board Members

• Stacy Wieme, Senior Interior Designer, Madison, President Elect
• Amy Nagy, Senior Interior Designer, Madison, Co-Director – Madison City Center
• Zach Denton, Associate Designer, Madison, Director of Associate Members

Arizona – IIDA SW

Board Members

• Corinne Wetten, Senior Interior Designer, Phoenix, is the VP of Membership
• Allison Ferraro, A&D Consultant, Phoenix, current member and past board member

Committee Members

• Brieanna Bonnstetter, Design Team Lead, Phoenix
• Jules Hakalmazian, Steelcase, Phoenix

Members

• Tracy Corona, Senior Interior Designer, Phoenix
• Melissa Machain, Interior Designer, Phoenix
• Larissa Ross, Interior Designer, Tucson

As the Forums Director, my role is to develop a diverse array of tours, lectures and presentations for the Interior Design community.  I (along with my co-chair) lead a committee of 5 volunteers to develop 7-9 events throughout the year.  I am responsible for managing the Forums budget for the year and allocating the funds appropriately for each event.  Typical tasks that our committee takes on include: collaborating with our industry to find out about potential events, coordinating with the A&D community and venue, catering, coordinating event sponsors, marketing the events, and various day of responsibilities to ensure we have a successful event. Volunteers on our committee typically spend 4-6 hours per month and my co-chair and I typically spend 10-14 hours per month on Forums related responsibilities.  The Director and Director Elect attend monthly board meetings, in which we update the board on committee progress, succession plan and vote on any new programs or events that were not previously budgeted for.  We also spend time on leadership development activities.

I wanted to be on the IIDA board to increase my leadership skills and network with other individuals in our industry. I have been involved with IIDA since college and have enjoyed meeting new people and organizing events and programs to enrich our members experience. It has allowed me to get to know all of the board members on a deeper level than I would have by only attending events.  My role in IIDA has been beneficial to my position at Atmosphere by helping me develop relationships in the A&D community and learn about new and upcoming projects happening in our area.

The post Congratulations to our 2016/2017 IIDA Members appeared first on Atmosphere Commercial Interiors.

In the words of the Gilbert Chamber President & CEO, Kathy Tilque:

Jim…provide[d] thoughtful counsel with an eye on the positive opportunities…through the years of rapid growth, the heart-breaking recession, and times of change. His generosity has supplied the Chamber with two separate upgrades in furniture and furnishings and he is constantly sharing best practices to help our Chamber grow.

I wish him the very best as he transitions into retirement (that is if his company really lets him go…) and I know he will continue to serve our community with veteran’s issues, umpire expertise, and Chamber connections.

Jim is also a past winner of a Gilbert Community Excellence Award.

The post 22 Years on the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce appeared first on Atmosphere Commercial Interiors.

Katie Larson joined the Minneapolis New Business Development team as a Workplace Consultant.  Katie most recently was a Strategic Account Manager for Westin-Nielsen furniture. Prior to Westin-Nielsen, Katie was the National Account Manager for Tarkett flooring. In addition to Katie’s extensive sales background, she also is working on her Mini Masters in Project Management from St Thomas.

Cindy Bach joined the Minneapolis New Business Development team as a Workplace Consultant for Healthcare.  Cindy comes to us from PlanForce where she was the Healthcare Design Lead and Business Developer. She is a LEED AP professional , Certified Interior Designer, and an EDAC certified Interior Designer, to name a few of her accreditations.

Sololia (Soli) Etafa joined the Accounting Team as an Accounts Payable/Receivable Coordinator.  Soli comes to us from Venture Solutions as an AR Specialist. She is currently working on her MBA at Hamline University with a concentration in Finance.

Kayla Nielsen has joined the Minneapolis office as a Client Coordinator.  Kayla comes to us from The Art Institutes International Minnesota where she was an Admissions Assistant. Kayla graduated from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where she majored in Hospitality, Restaurant & Tourism Management.

Lindsey Bakkum joined the Minneapolis office as a Client Coordinator on the New Business Development Team.  Lindsey was previously employed at Target Corporation as a Merchandise Presentation Specialist. She was responsible for launching and executing several special projects and innovative presentations in major retail stores.  Lindsey holds a B.S. degree in Retail Merchandising from North Dakota State University.

Tina Utecht joined the Minneapolis team as a Senior Client Coordinator.  Tina comes to us from Innovative Office Solutions where she served as a Project Manager and Account Coordinator supporting multiple sales reps and a variety of accounts. Prior to her career at Innovative Tina also worked at Twin Cities Business Interiors and Haworth, Inc.

Sarah Wiese joined the Minneapolis office as a Client Coordinator.  Sarah comes to us from Target Corporation where she was a Project Coordinator. She was responsible for managing work orders for commercial refrigeration and HVAC assets across 1,800 Target stores. Prior to her time at Target, Sarah worked for Wells Fargo as a Loan Specialist and Rels Valuation as an Appraisal Analyst. She holds a B.A. degree in Public Relations from the University of Minnesota.

The post Meet the Newest Atmosphere Team Members appeared first on Atmosphere Commercial Interiors.

Following suit of the Pantone colors of the year, Rose Quartz and Serenity, light pastel accents in hues from pink to periwinkle to purples were spotted everywhere! One of the sweetest trends of 2016, we couldn’t help but notice the delicious color schemes on everything from privacy panels to pillows. The handfuls of cotton candy we received from Allermuir even brilliantly matched the color scheme. We look forward to seeing this delicate trend around, as these soft hues work no matter the occasion.

Mixing materials was another daring move that paid off. This year, wood shared the spotlight with fabrics, metals, and even marble. A special shout-out goes to the Bassline tables by Steelcase, which took home the much-deserved Innovation Award for the stunning marble and wood surface top. The rebirth of mix-and match is upon us, and we love it.

In a strong visible nod to the growing trend of the residential aesthetic carrying over into the workspace, the Steelcase family of applications was full of bright colors, surely emphasizing the workplace is no longer all about basic hues.
~ Jamie Lowe, Executive Vice President, Minnesota

Lest one get bored while sitting, BuzziBalance from BuzziSpace offers an ergonomic restoration of mind and body. The accessory won Gold in NeoCon’s accessory category for its innovative ability to bring people together, as the non-traditional environment stimulates conversation and delight. Sign us up!

For a complete list of 2016 Best Of NeoCon winners, visit ContractDesign.com.

Additional thoughts from our attending team members:

The 7th floor was the most fun, that’s where all the cool lighting, signage and architectural accessories were.
~ Julie, Marketing Specialist, Arizona

It was great to see the contract division embracing the softer, more residential feel that is so prominent in the hospitality division.
~ Erin, Project Manager, Minnesota

I noticed a lot of benching and height adjustable options. Most showrooms had lounge areas incorporated into them, and used a lot of wood to appeal to the fans of West Elm. Steelcase did a great job showing a variety of settings! I also thought that they did an excellent job keeping both the end-users and designers in mind this year to allow for individuality and self-expression in space.  Another trend was the use of a felt-type material, and the fresh and creative mixing of finishes.
~ Amy, Design Lead, Wisconsin

What impacted me was the variety of products to support collaboration, the mix of fabrics and vinyls, and myriad of lounge pieces. Steelcase showed a wide variety of work settings, and Steelcase Healthcare placed an emphasis on support of  the doctor / clients / caregiver relationship. The story that hit home with my client was, ‘space matters in attracting the next generation and retaining good workers.’
~ Lana, Workplace Consultant, Illinois

There is an obvious shift towards the human aspect of place through mobility, wellness and choice.  Workplace meets coffee shop, health meets hospitality and education meets technology.  This brings the power back to the people and makes for a much more human-centric experience.
~ Sara, Interior Designer, Minnesota

1) Resimercial (residential + commercial):  The merging of home and office. Think West Elm.  2) Felt was omnipresent.  3) Technology is still leading us, but analog tools are still relevant and important.  4) Seating is still a focus despite trends in adjustable and standing-height products.
~ Deb, Senior Account Manager Architecture and Design, Wisconsin

My NeoCon observations summed up:

• Customization and personal expression, whether it be adding more colors, new graphics, or customizable options.
• Emphasis on millennials by having casual work style and making a mark in your workplace, again customization and individuality.
• Have fun at work, ie buzzi.space buzzi jungle.
• Colors are more muted, deep and rich compared to the bright that we saw before. White and black might be the new neutral.
• Geometrics are still in but more organic and 3D when possible.
• Materials: Woods are still present but being phased out with stone if possible.
• Fabric: Felt, solids and textures, traditional patterns.
• Technology is still a must, plus improvements like apps and presence technology.
• Traditional designs reimagined to look different and more modern.

On Steelcase specifically:

• New app for checking availability and usage.
• B-Free collection, Turnstone-esque.
• Coalesse Bee line table – completely customizable.
• New sofa styles.

~ Zach, Associate Interior Designer, Wisconsin

The post Neocon 2016 Highlights appeared first on Atmosphere Commercial Interiors.

These situations are examples of presence disparity, defined by Steelcase as “the struggle to effectively collaborate with long-distance colleagues”.  As more and more companies hire remote workers, the ability to partner with co-workers around the world is a serious concern, affecting not only employee satisfaction, but also productivity, attraction and retention.

Companies are increasingly hiring remote workers as a means of increasing their talent pool, but all too often they fail to give distributed teams the tools they need to leverage and foster that talent to meet business objectives.  ~ May Chang

According to the authors of two recent articles about working with distributed teams, there are tools available to ease the pain of presence disparity.  In a WorkSpace Today article, May Chang advocates for the use of video collaboration technology, allowing all employees access to video conference meetings via their device of choice.

Donna Flynn, Director, Steelcase Workspace Future, and author of the article Managing a Team Across 5 Time Zones, goes even further with five global practices that her team uses to minimize presence disparity:

1. 24/7 Meetings: Vary the timing of meetings so that no one team member is dealing with constant evening or early morning meetings; everyone has to adjust their schedule on a regular rotation.
2. Meet Regularly: Consistent meetings keep the team connected.
3. Utilize Collaboration Technology: Video conferencing is great, but use as many tools as you need to keep your team on the same page.
4. Don’t Forget Your Teammates: It can be easy to talk mainly to the people in the room with you; remember to keep remote team members in the conversation.
5. Meet Face-to-Face: Getting your entire team together once or twice a year can be vital to keeping a team truly integrated.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to minimizing presence disparity and maximizing the value of your team.  Hiring remote workers can bring new perspectives and ideas to your company; make sure to leverage those team members and keep them engaged by finding the best tools to suit your unique needs.

Sources:

May Chang | How Presence Disparity Prevents Collaboration and What You Can Do About It | March 4, 2016

Donna Flynn | Managing a Team Across 5 Time Zones | June 17, 2014

The post Presence Disparity:  Keeping Your Team Connected appeared first on Atmosphere Commercial Interiors.

Sometime during the age of mass production, America’s labor force splintered into the Standers and the Sitters, and the Desk Job was born. Welcome to Middle Management. Then, sometime after the age of electronic automation, the Sitters stopped standing altogether.

Sitting became desirable, a reflection of status. A 9-to-5, artificially quiet, seated Utopia. And then things snowballed into sitting more at home in front of the TV, and commuting further to work in cars.

And then America got a little overweight. Ok, a lot overweight. And Healthcare costs shot up. A lot.

Let’s recap with an arbitrary +/- review:

1. We farmed +10
2. We mass produced +50
3. We built computers +100
4. We started sitting -10
5. Healthcare costs increased -50
6. Cities put in bike paths +50
7. Healthcare costs increased -50
8. Employers added gyms and daycare centers +50
9. Healthcare costs increased -50
10. Somebody noticed sitting was killing us -100
11. Healthcare costs increased -50
12. WebMD +50
13. Netflix started streaming -500

I’ll do the math. We’re at -500.

There are multiple components in the complex and challenging state of health and healthcare today, and occupational health is a clear and growing factor.

At $250B, the cost of occupational injury and illness has exceeded the cost of cancer (Source):

…recent annual budgets for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the National Cancer Institute were $0.3 billion and more than $5.0 billion, respectively. This suggests a huge underinvestment in research to prevent occupational injury and disease. (January 2013, Source)

So let’s focus on Sitting; which is the New Smoking. No, really.

Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns, including obesity and metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions that includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. Too much sitting also seems to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. (Source)

To help combat the perils of the Information-Age-of-Sitters, Steelcase unveiled the Jackalope of office furniture, the WalkStation. This desk + treadmill concept was developed through a collaboration with Dr. James Levine of the Mayo Clinic in 2008, and has been garnering attention ever since.

If you’re not quite ready to walk, or dance, and type simultaneously, we suggest a Height Adjustable Desk.

Thank you, Taylor, for illustrating.

via GIPHY

The point is not to get everyone standing. It’s to raise awareness about the health risks of staying in a single position too long. It’s just not good for you. White-collar workers don’t move enough. Standing while typing can offer more benefits than sitting and typing. And if you can manage it, take a walking meeting once in a while.

Try it. Stand up. Your posture will improve, which means your mood will improve, and whether you like it or not, you will become a nicer person.

Yes, your lower back might ache a little, so will your feet. Start with one hour per day and work your way up. Your body will adjust over time. And remember, you’re now a much nicer person. Nice people don’t complain that their employer was nice enough to buy them a height adjustable desk. Or even a WalkStation!  And please remember your sneakers for the Walkstation. Wearing non-supportive shoes could cause more harm than good.

Here are additional insights on standing-while-working:

I use the Walkstation for an hour to an hour and a half every day.  Being able to get away from my desk and walk while I work gives me a change of scenery and an energy boost when those mid-day doldrums hit, which in turn increases my creativity and productivity!   ~ Sara, Madison WI

When I use my height adjustable desk, I automatically feel that my posture is better, and I feel more engaged in the environment.  ~ Jeana, AZ

I have been a Height Adjustable desk user for about 8 years.  My original request was due to neck pain and shoulder pain because I was always “too short” for my fixed desk configuration.  Once starting at Atmosphere, I began using my height adjustable desk to its full advantage, and now stand for a portion of my day.  It is a great advantage to have this ability and I haven’t experienced neck and shoulder pain since.  Now my biggest issue is remembering to wear standing-appropriate shoes!  ~ Dana, MN

As a current user, I can vouch that a height adjustable desk brings one unexpected benefit. When I’m seated, I can adjust the desk to the perfect height for my build and posture, something that isn’t possible with a static worksurface. But don’t most office chairs have a height-adjustable feature, you say?  Yes, the task chairs we sell for work and conference spaces almost always have a height adjustable feature. But the range of a chair cannot match the full range of a height adjustable desk, and the combination of an adjustable chair plus an adjustable desk delivers the most tailored fit.

I’ve also invested in a commercial-grade standing mat, which is glorious. The Wirecutter has a great review of anti-fatigue mats.

I wrote this while standing up.

Feeling super coordinated and trendy?  Gather a few co-workers and choreograph your own dance video.

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