Bring Collaboration Into Your Office With Connected Furniture Settings

I was recently perusing the latest issue of the Leesman Index (pdf) – something I suggest all Workplace enthusiasts do – and I came across some stats that made me think about one area in which most workplaces are sorely lacking.

Collaboration Using Technology

Basically companies have become great at having a lot of technology: everything from laptops, projectors, televisions, phone systems, video conferencing. But hardly any of those systems are built around doing any sort of collaboration. Generally, someone is using the technology (like projecting a slideshow) while other people are listening.

And there is nothing wrong with that, but if you’re looking to collaborate, you should think about upgrading to systems built for it.

Steelcase Media:scape

Media:scape boosts collaboration across the table or across the globe – by transforming classrooms, libraries or social spaces, connecting students, and sharing information seamlessly in dynamic new ways.

Most collaborative spaces today support leader-led presentations where information is controlled and shared by one person at a time. media:scape removes these barriers and democratizes how people access and share information by allowing all participants to contribute their ideas – equally, quickly and seamlessly. “

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OFS Eleven + Trace

Eleven Media Table for presentations and video conferencing in open spaces; universal monitor housing organizes data and power connections and eliminates clutter.”

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Allsteel Gather

“We are social beings. We convene, congregate, confer, and collaborate. We come together to discuss, disagree, ideate, share, brainstorm, and solve problems. Sometimes, we want to be heard. Other times, we’re there to listen. Large groups and small. Planned and impromptu. We gather when we have a job to do and often, we do it better in the company of others. It’s the way work gets done. Because something special happens when we GATHER.”

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