When it comes to the workplace, arguably one of the most important aspects of it is the story that the space tells - not only to your external customers, but also to your internal associates. Believe it or not, your physical space says a lot about your organizational culture and who you are.

While change isn't always easy, it's sometimes necessary. This is exactly why The Motorists Insurance Group reached out to WSA Studio and to us.

To some, office furniture is just another business necessity; for others, it sets the tone and culture of the workplace environment. Whether it's a start-up or a Fortune 500 company, most organizations will need to spend dollars to support growing headcount and to change as the workplace requires. No matter the case, it can be a sizable investment for businesses.

It can be hard to determine how much space your organization actually uses. As a company, you may look for ways to save on facility costs or you may just be in search of other options to create a work environment that is conducive to meeting everyone's needs. 

We asked that same question after we visited our friends at National during NeoCon, the most important event of the year for the commercial design industry, earlier this week. While we were in their showroom, we saw Darma Sit Smart technology - the world's first smart cushion that monitors your posture, sitting habits, stress level, and coaches you to sit better, much like wearable technologies.

What makes the 21st century classroom so very different than the conventional style classroom we likely grew up with?

Let’s face it, interviewing for job opportunities goes both ways these days. Companies are seeking talent and the right cultural fit, and so are candidates. In fact the Gen X and Gen Y generations are so particular that 70% of them plan to change jobs in the near future (according to a recent study by University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School). That’s why it’s becoming increasingly important to understand newer generations in the workforce and the environments in which they want to work. The way we’ve been attracting and planning for this talented generation is no longer enough. But do we really know what they want?

Wellness, it's become a buzz word we are quite familiar with today. Especially as it relates to the workplace. Why do employers care so much about what seemingly used to be done in our "off-time" outside of the office? They care because, according to the US Department of Labor, an "epidemic of lifestyle diseases has developed in the US." Unhealthy lifestyles have driven up the prevalence of chronic disease. Things like diabetes, heart disease, and chronic pulmonary conditions have become a major concern leading to decreased quality of life, premature death, and disability, not to mention increased healthcare costs and decreased productivity in the office. 

We've all heard the phrase, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” In today’s market, leaders within the industry are taking heed of this old adage and creating office spaces that draw people in with a compelling selection of work settings.