Steelcase showcased a variety of products and solutions for the hybrid workforce at NeoCon last week.

The Grand Rapids-based furniture maker unveiled new and emerging products and solutions to support its new approach to office design — hybrid neighborhoods — at NeoCon 2022, which ran from June 13-15.

As organizations worldwide have adopted hybrid work policies, their offices also have needed to change to support the new realities of hybrid work, Steelcase said. Its concept of hybrid neighborhoods is focused less on standardization and more on the uniqueness of individuals and teams, with a focus on collaboration, whether workers are in-office or remote; finding places to focus; better controlling their environment; and creating a sense of belonging and inclusiveness.

Steelcase recently surveyed nearly 5,000 office workers in 11 countries and found 87% of respondents expect to spend some time in the office moving forward, but 56% of meetings will be hybrid. Since people will be spending more time on video calls, they will need to be more intentional about why they are going to the office, and they will expect elevated experiences when they get there, Steelcase concluded.

“New ways of working require new spaces. The new era of hybrid work means people will have choices about where to work and, in many ways, the office has to work even harder to attract people and keep them coming back,” said Allan Smith, senior vice president and chief revenue officer at Steelcase. “Offices will need to earn people’s commute by meeting a new set of needs, including the ability to collaborate and get moments of privacy.

“Our new products and partnerships add to the industry’s most extensive portfolio that allows us to create neighborhoods unique to each customer and team. We’re working with industry leaders in design and technology to create spaces that help people work better.”

New collaborations — Steelcase featured products from its growing network of global partners:

Steelcase and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s creative collaboration, on which the Business Journal previously reported, will propel Wright’s legacy into the future by revisiting, reinterpreting and reintroducing the renowned architect’s designs, as well as co-creating novel concepts rooted in his principles. Steelcase will draw on the foundation’s archives and Wright’s organic design principles for aspiration and inspiration as the partners establish collections of fine furnishings, textiles and wall coverings.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Racine Collection by Steelcase, including a signature reintroduction and a reinterpretation of the desk, chair and accessories that originally were designed for the SC Johnson Administration Building, was previewed in the Steelcase showroom at NeoCon.

Steelcase also recently acquired HALCON, a Minnesota-based designer and manufacturer of precision-tailored wood furniture for the workplace. The acquisition complements Steelcase’s portfolio of wood products.

The combined expertise of West Elm and Steelcase is helping to create inspiring spaces to meet the evolving needs of patients, families and clinicians. The West Elm Health Collection by Steelcase Health was created to hold up to the rigors of health care spaces while feeling welcoming and inviting. It includes features designed specifically for the clinical environment, such as an appropriate recline, metal legs, crumb sweep and high-performance fabrics.

Additionally, Steelcase Health introduced another new partnership with ModuForm, an experienced provider of durable, safe and welcoming furniture for behavioral health spaces. ModuForm furniture was created with materials and designs that resist tampering, puncturing and scratching. Easy to keep clean and simple to maintain, the designs are comfortable, inviting and encourage independence.

Steelcase brand showrooms displayed new ways to support focus work and hybrid collaboration to give people choice and control over where and how they work. The latest products include:

Everwall — A prefabricated architectural wall system designed to transform interior spaces ranging from small enclaves to meeting rooms or from floor to floor — all while using the same kit of parts available in a wide array of finishes, including new luxe paints, and a broad range of new hardware.

Steelcase Flex Personal Spaces — A simple and flexible set of products joined the Steelcase Flex Collection and offers workers a place to call home at work where they can control and adapt their environment, whether participating in a video call or doing heads-down, focused work.

Steelcase Flex Perch Stool — This 100% recyclable, space-saving stool offers a quick place to sit and is designed to meet the needs of dynamic teams. It uses electronic waste instead of materials sourced from virgin fossil fuel as a raw material.

Steelcase Karman — An ergonomic chair that weighs only 29 pounds, Steelcase Karman is designed to respond to the body’s movement and deliver comfort. Its 21st century design combines a new proprietary mesh textile, Intermix, with an integrated cushioning system Steelcase said doesn’t sag or feel stiff, with an ultra-light, flexible frame that eliminates stiff edges, so people feel less pressure on the seat and back.

LessThanFive Stool by Coalesse — Fabricated entirely from carbon fiber, a material Coalesse introduced with its LessThanFive Guest Chair in 2016, the LessThanFive Stool is made of one of the strongest and lightest materials available, Steelcase said. It is designed to be easy to move and ideal for collaborative spaces.

Steelcase Series 1 with CarbonNeutral Product Certification — The new Steelcase Series 1 with CarbonNeutral product certification is the first entry in the Steelcase carbon neutral product portfolio and gives companies more options to reduce their carbon footprint. It is made to offer the same design, ergonomics and quality engineered in the existing Steelcase Series 1 task chair with the added benefit of offsetting 100% of emissions through projects such as forest management, renewable energy, cleaner cooking and electric transportation.

Hybrid Collaboration Table —Through recent work with Microsoft, Steelcase discovered shifting space design from portrait to landscape creates a more equitable hybrid meeting experience for all attendees — in person and remote. The Hybrid Collaboration Table was tested and designed to support the video-centered meeting experience, accommodating the appropriate camera angle and view of the large screen.

Savina by Viccarbe — The Savina lounge is meant to keep people engaged in a relaxed posture and able to work for hours, whether they’re working alone or with others. Savina allows people and teams to easily rearrange or move the setting, thanks to hidden casters.

Cambio by Viccarbe — Viccarbe’s Cambio table fits into any social setting, collaboration area or private office space. Integrated power ensures everyone stays connected.

Tenor — Tenor chair and stools deliver the value of an active learning chair at an attainable price point for schools. Tenor is designed for comfort sitting, stacking and stowing. With a flexible back, nondirectional seat, intuitive back hook, quick stacking and stowing abilities, and vibrant finishes with a choice of glides or casters, Tenor is meant to let students easily adapt to any learning mode.

Numbers Chair + Desk by Smith System — Numbers Chair and Desk are designed to combine the practicalities of comfort, strength and versatility with the visual subtleties of great design in classroom furniture. Unlike most traditional school seating made from injection molding, Numbers is ergonomically sculpted through blow-molding technology for a cushioned effect, good posture and 360-degree-seating and maximum durability. The height-adjustable chairs and desks are meant to be easy to lift, with stacking components that deter damage to frames and paint.

Island Collection by Established & Sons — The Island Collection is designed as a versatile, space-optimizing bench seating system with a variety of configurations for high-traffic communal environments. Island gives in-between areas a collaborative, functional use and invites passersby to sit, perch or lounge.

More on Steelcase’s NeoCon 2022 displays is at steelcase.com/neocon.