by Brianna Crandall — July 8, 2016 — Workplace furniture manufacturer Allsteel introduced several new and enhanced products at NeoCon 2016 in June, and succeeded in gaining a Silver award in the Best of NeoCon Competition [see FMLink article] in the Case Goods category for its Approach portfolio, described below.
In conjunction with NeoCon, Allsteel also released the results of research into the much-sought-after “holy grail of workplace productivity:” a proven method for measuring the performance of knowledge work. A global research review has reportedly uncovered six key factors that have the highest statistical association with the performance of teams.
The Six Factors of Knowledge Worker Productivity are listed as Social Cohesion, Perceived Supervisory Support, Information Sharing, Vision and Goal Clarity, External Outreach, and Trust. The research results are available on the company’s Web site.
Approach
Allsteel’s Silver-winning Approach casegoods collection was created to bring increased flexibility to the private office. Developed in partnership with Mitch Bakker, owner of Michigan-based studio IDa Design, Approach is designed to address current needs, accommodate future changes, and serve more than one purpose.
The Silver-winning Approach casegoods collection was created to bring increased flexibility to the private office.
Built from a simple kit of parts, Approach includes credenzas, preconfigured desking, bookcases, lateral files, cubby storage, wall access panels and tackable/writable surfaces. The kit of parts is available in two planning dimensions — 18 inches or 24 inches — which makes for easier planning for different-sized spaces.
Along with accommodating the trend to smaller private offices, Approach’s kit of parts makes for straightforward initial installation and also allows the same set of elements to be reconfigured, expanded, compressed or rotated at any later date.
Moreover, Approach has sit-to-stand height adjustability fully integrated into worksurfaces and storage, a significant advantage in functionality and flexibility for a dual-purpose office. Storage options are diverse and include such space-saving solutions as a slim pedestal and two-sided wardrobe.
Approach supports conferencing needs and is distinguished by a well-designed wire-management solution with a trough system that keeps cables neatly stored and readily accessible. Approach wall panels also allow for easy access to electrical and data, both at install and later when technology changes.
Approach complements Allsteel’s open-plan solutions to create a cohesive aesthetic, with eight laminate options. The collection is available with a standard base or a footed design that lifts the casegoods off the floor for a lighter-scale look that is often appropriate in smaller private office spaces.
Additional product introductions
Among the other product introductions at NeoCon 2016, the following innovations caught the attention of FMLink Publisher Peter Kimmel, AIA, IFMA Fellow:
- Align: Allsteel has expanded its Align storage collection of credenzas, pedestals and personal towers with new lockers and cubbies to meet a growing demand for secure, accessible storage for both remote workers and increasingly mobile permanent workers.
- Further Adaptive: Further, Allsteel’s agile office system that includes surfaces, supports, screens and storage has become even more agile with the addition of retrofittable Further Adaptive integrated height-adjustable workstations, supporting today’s health-and-wellness-conscious workplace.
- Stride Sit-to-Stand (STS) Benching: Allsteel added the option of integrated height adjustability to its comprehensive benching solution. The new function, which can also be readily retrofitted on existing Stride product, provides independent height adjustability for individual workstations, making it possible to mix height-adjustable and fixed seated-height sections anywhere in the benching system at anytime. Height adjustment is by an electric control or a programmable digital control.
Visit Allsteel’s NeoCon 2016 page for further information.
