Sitting is not the new smoking, despite the clickbait headlines and countless news articles that are peddling this misinformation. Prolonged sitting is more than just comparable to a pack a day habit. It's an independent risk factor for disease development and premature mortality. Most people spend the largest portion of their day engaging in sedentary behaviour, most of which is accumulated during working hours. Whether if you're back in the office lately or if you're working from home on your dining table or stationary desks, the long hours and a lack of energy expenditure is cause for major health concerns.
The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2015 reported that approximately 33.5% adults were physically inactive, with 38.3% of females and 28.9% of males categorized as inactive from aged 18 years to 59 years old. The vast majority of these workers are those in the private sector with longer working hours; about a quarter of an hour to five hours more compared to public sector workers, thus posing a greater health risk among this population.
Although the concept of the sit-stand desk or a motorised desk is not new, it’s an idea that is radically different to the kind of work set up that we are so used to. Everyone is built differently, yet we are confined to furniture and spaces that are created with the majority in mind...or what is perceived to be what is suitable for the majority of workers. I’m all for open concept offices and clever uses of small spaces. But being confined and restricted does not equal great design. It’s an afterthought and an excuse for poor planning.
Frank Lloyd Wright would be aghast at the state of open concept offices today. What was created with productivity in mind with the use of modular furniture and no walls in an effort to bring in natural light, has turned to pen benching workstations and less space per person. So much so one can barely move without bumping into their colleague next to them. Truly ghastly and not at all what the vision behind the open concept is about.
The Malaysian workforce is split, with some still working from home and others who have re-entered the office. Organizations are anxious to get employees back to the workplace despite strict guidelines that are enforced. Seating and floor plans have to be reconfigured to meet social distancing rules. A key factor to note is that within this time, mindsets and work patterns have shifted. It’s safe to say that the regular confined open concept office is not here to stay, at least for the time being. Besides social distancing, cleaning protocols, modified work schedules as well as changes to the office layout. Traditional stationary desks are not conducive for long hours of work or employee morale.
Our very own Endesk in Ebony & Black
A standing desk is more than just a novel idea, it is a shift of one's perspective towards health in the workplace and designing the office with your employees in mind. The implementation of sit-stand desks as a workplace health initiative that might reduce and break up the time office-based employees spend sitting in the workplace. Ergonomics and the right to effective and proper furniture has a place in all industries, across the board, not just tech start-ups.
Main image credit: Corinne Kutz.
Covid-19 has changed the way we look at our business, operations,clients and talent. The consumption of media has changed now that most of us are confined in our homes. New apps and emerging softwares have come to light.The obvious decline of traditional media has begun long before quarantine but now it seems to be more permanent. Traditional advertising has seen a fall of 20% due to the pandemic.
As the day to day lives of people have changed in recent times, consumer spending behaviour is impacted.
Segments of customers show concern for their families and wellbeing. As a response to the current crisis, people have been ‘panic buying’and stockpiling essentials. The most purchased items are ones with a longer shelf life like pasta, rice, beans and canned food. This is to reduce the amount trips to the grocery store for produce. Items that are deemed ‘luxury’like chocolate and sweets however, have seen a decline in sales.
There has been a swift and dramatic shift to e-commerce lately.Movement is limited and it is reflected by the adoption of new purchasing patterns. E-commerce sites have seen a boom in their sales while brick and mortar stores are forced to close temporarily. But unfortunately, some may not even reopen after the quarantine is lifted.
As the new normal sets in and we are unable to go to the cinema or partake in other outdoor activities. Consumers are now turning to other forms of entertainment. This is particularly true for millennials and the Gen-Z, with some of them paying for subscriptions services that they were never inclined to before like Netflix or Disney+.
Consumers may be spending more on food, household items and personal care items but buyers are purchasing with discretion. Abrupt declines include apparel, footwear, jewelry, accessories, travel, and any out of home entertainment.But as countries move further along the curve, there are increased pockets of spending when it comes to other non-essential items like fitness, makeup or pet-care. But in global perspective,people expect their household income to continue to fall over the coming weeks as unemployment rates continue to soar.
Looking ahead, most consumers remain hesitant to return to some of the activities that were routine and part of their daily life before the start of the pandemic. Consumers globally do not intend to undertake international travel soon either. But with every crisis, there is a silver lining. Businesses need to take this time to re-evaluate their plan and finding the new normal is imperative.
]]>Covid-19 continues to spread rapidly worldwide. Each country is dealing with the pandemic at various stages with some reporting a drop in confirmed cases and are debating to the correct approach to reopening their economies. While others are at the peak of the infection which is taking a toll on healthcare workers and other front-liners.
Nations are not only burdened by surge of capacity on their healthcare systems but there are harsh economic implications that is the domino effect of the virus. Entire industries have come to a screeching halt as their employees are in lock-down. Although companies have shifted to remote working, others just cannot operate virtually which has led to a rise of unemployment rates.
Safe practices such as social distancing and travel bans put in place to mitigate the spread of the disease. However, the implication of this on business is damaging to say the least. Consumer behaviour has also changed with how we go about our daily lives and make our purchases. The silver lining for businesses is that of fast growing industries that are not exactly new to us, but have become essential while citizens are lock-down and they are definitely here to stay.
Many are unable to shop in physical stores and ordering items online is the perfect way to still purchase necessities. Smaller players have also entered the game, with local stores offering delivery options for products. Though its not all rosy as supply chains and stock levels could be affected due to lock-downs in various countries, particularly if you outsource manufacturing abroad or import products. Adapting to current situation, companies have been collaborating with local suppliers to ensure that customer demand is met. Some stores have begun stocking new items and featuring collections of existing products that are more relevant to many people’s day-to-day lives now — specifically, staying at home. With the influx of online sales, e-commerce sites are set to deliver.
It's still business as usual for courier services and they’ve carried out the necessary safety measures like temperature checks on all drivers as well as briefing their drivers and riders on hygiene after contact with customers. As more people are purchasing items online, there is a growing need for fast and reliable delivery services. Consumers also have the choice to pick door-to-door delivery if they were to send items to each other while being in the comfort of their homes. Most services offer an express, same-day delivery service with affordable rates.
As the outbreak has completely eliminated dine-in options for restaurants, people are now relying on food delivery apps as they stay home. Food delivery apps are focusing on meeting the demands of consumers that want some variety for their meals. There has also been an increase in hiring as companies scramble to find more delivery drivers and other staff. Although, the unavailability of some items and a long wait time can be a pain in the neck for some consumers. But on a positive note, the small players have also entered the game. With some grocery stores, butchers and fishmongers opting to hire their own drivers. For the home cooks, this has given them options to purchase fresh goods online instead of going to the store.
Most companies are required to allow employees to work from home to curb the disease and ensure employees are practicing physical distancing. A plethora of tools are at our disposal whether its free options like WhatsApp, Skype and Notion or paid tools like Slack or Zoom that helps ease communication barriers for work to be done systematically. But as more people feel increasingly isolated in their homes, social apps like Houseparty have gained popularity in recent times. Houseparty has been installed by over 35 million users via App Store and Google Play, to use the app itself is free but there are in-app purchases for certain games. We will continue see a rise in new apps as more people are connected online.
It is certain that the coronavirus pandemic has activated a new wave of commerce innovation. As these businesses continue to thrive in this current times, it begs the question: how will the pandemic affect consumer behaviour in the long run? This impact requires companies to move at an unprecedented speed and that means re-evaluating how contact centers are leveraged, how their employees deliver customer experiences, where they work, and how digital channels can be used to support the increase in contact center volume. New business models will emerge, and this environment will create adaptive businesses with more variable costs and with better risk management.
]]>Businesses around the world have shifted to remote working while front-liners continue the battle to curb the spread of Covid-19. It is safe to say that working from home is now the new norm...at least for a little while more.
This has forced companies to rethink how they work as the office goes virtual. For most, this is an entirely unknown concept and hiccups are to be expected. But there are methods that be adapted to deliver optimum results. It all boils down to setting a proper plan and staying in touch with the team.
Even before a global pandemic, the golden rule for an employee is to know what is expected of you. As it is for management to be able to delegate tasks and keep everyone in check. For those unaccustomed to remote working, it can be daunting and isolating.
Last year, a study of 2,500 people by Buffer found that loneliness was a challenge for remote workers, it was experienced by 19% of respondents. Feeling isolated can make you less productive. That's why weekly or daily check ins are important to ensure that there isn't any communication breakdown and day-to-day expectations are set. There are so many paid and free options for teams to stay in touch like Google Hangouts, Slack, Zoom, Teamwork or a slew of other tools.
Although we now are able to work in our pyjamas or sweatpants, that doesn't mean that your productivity levels have to dip. Do have enough rest, wake up at the time you usually head to the office and create little triggers that would give you a sense of a normal work day. Remember to set a schedule for the day and keep track of daily tasks.
Goes without saying that if you are feeling sluggish, have a cuppa in the morning. Perhaps you can try to slot in some time for exercise. Getting a workout done can heighten energy levels and improve the ability to perform cognitive tasks. So get up, get moving and kick start your daily routine. It helps to also outline the next day's agenda each night before bed so you can begin the next day on the right foot forward. Be realistic as possible with your daily goals and weekly milestones.
Not all us have a fully equipped home office set up which can make it tough to get anything done. As comfortable as it seems, working on your bed or couch is not ideal. Your work environment impacts your creativity, mental clarity and focus.
So if you don’t have a home office, do your best to define a space like your kitchen table or a separate room for your at home "office". It should be a sanctuary and help you get in to the mood of working. Remove any unnecessary clutter and align it with your personal work style to reap the benefits of a better output.
These are stressful times, with negative headlines plaguing our news feeds and family group chats. It's hard to fight the urge to go out to stock up on supplies or to tend to the family. But make no mistake, work still has to go on. Resisting these temptations would be nearly impossible, but you must draw the line in the sand early on.
Let your family know that you need the space to work and ensure fair delegation of chores for everyone so you can focus on what's important. Do practice mindfulness of the content you consume as it may affect your well being. Don't be afraid to reach out to friends or colleagues if you're feeling isolated.
Employees may feel disheartened or unable to cope without a semblance of a normal routine. When you don’t have an office to show up to, you miss out on opportunities for regular social interaction and connection with co-workers.
If you're feeling lonely without your team, a virtual coffee break with a co-worker might be what just what you need. Set aside some time for a chat to check up on each other and talk about what you're going through. A pinch of optimism and good humour can help ease the tension you're feeling.
As we adjust to a difficult new normal, we should spare some time for self care. Being confined at home can take a toll on you. Instead of scrolling endlessly on social media or constantly checking for updates on the latest news, connect with yourself.
This is the perfect moment to pick up a new hobby or obtain a new skill. A lot of online learning portals are now giving away courses at discounted rates. A great time to brush up on your knowledge or learn something brand new. Find resources that work for you whether free or paid and just go with it. While it’s natural for stressful events to overwhelm us, we can come out this better mentally, physically and with a new talent to boot.
The power of progress is fundamental to human nature, so it is normal to feel down when we are not at our best during the quarantine period. Know that you are not alone, as everyone is struggling to adjust to the present new norm.
The way in which you speak to yourself matters and negative talk will not help the situation. Perception and intuition is essential. Leverage the power of celebrating small wins. Keep a journal or notebook to document your milestones to keep you going.
This will all come to pass, so spend your time wisely and practice kindness not only to others but yourself.
]]>Business owners are finding themselves in a predicament cause by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a worldwide crisis unlike any other. It is daunting task to figure out how to weather this storm itself, but to ensure your business pulls through is another feat altogether. We’ve adressed some tips below that might make a difference so that you are able to calm your employees and keep doors open for customers.
Create a list of priorities and try to set money aside based on the timing of when they are due. You can also implement cuts to unnecessary costs that aren’t producing revenue or securing key business functions. If possible, find additional financial sources of revenue.
Ensure all employees are adhering to the rules and work policies that are set by the goverment in your country. Allow staff to work remotely, so they may stay indoors to curb the spread of the virus.
Business owners must set the tone and be the calm in the storm. Remember that things are changing often. Make a plan for the next few weeks, then the next month. One must be prepared for the changing environment that is to come. Be willing to adapt and have new plans.
BNM announced its support of efforts by banking institutions to assist individuals, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and corporations to manage the impact during the outbreak. Banking institutions will provide individuals and SMEs with adequate information on how the suspended loan or repayments will be treated during the moratorium period of six months.
Bank Negara Malaysia has allocated RM3.3bil to help small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) to sustain their business operations, safeguard jobs and encourage domestic investments. Funds like Special Relief Facility (SRF) can help to alleviate the short-term cash flow issues as well as other packages. You can apply here.
Eligible SMEs can obtain financing of up to RM1 million for a tenure of up to 5.5 years, including a six-month grace period.
Make sure they are assured about being protected. You want to retain the key people who drive your business. Because when in the very end, it’s people who make every business successful so focus on your people. You can begin the week with a group conference call so everyone is one the same page. Besides giving your staff some direction, this will make them feel like they’re not alone.
Communicate clearly and consistently with your customers. If you are open for business, make sure they know that and know how to interact with your organization. Make it easier for them to purchase your product and services. Use the power of social media presence to keep your customers up to date and deliver marketing messages that resonates with customers right now.
You and your team can invest in this time to better your product or services. With the available additional hours, spend it to optimize your processes and efficiencies or make the changes you’ve been meaning to do over the past few years or months. Come out of this storm stronger and have a better product or service.
Conduct internal training in your company or get training yourself as a leader in areas you know will improve your company. This is a perfect time to sign up the team for online courses that will benefit both the individuals and your company overall.
The plan for the year has not come to a crashing halt, but merely needs to be adjusted according to the times. Understand and accept that you will spend weeks to months dealing with the effects of the pandemic to your business. This is a great time to make modifications. Start on projects that have been on your wish list and revaluate your objectives for the year.
Use the extra hours that you have in a day wisely and efficiently. Take the time to better your health and spend more time with your loved ones. Take a deep breath and start your plan on making positive changes to your business during these trying times. May we all come back stronger and fulfilled.
]]>Businesses are gradually reopening albeit with restrictions as an effort to reopen the economy. All the while the threat of the pandemic still looms in the background. As we settle into the new normal, business owners and individuals are finding themselves in a loss of income. Globally, unemployment rates are at a record high and service sectors that require human contact have taken the biggest blow.
In normal circumstances, once a job is lost it is difficult to look for another. Companies are scaling down, cutting costs and not looking to rehire. Even for those who are still employed find themselves working irregular hours or have received pay cuts. At the present time, it is difficult to determine when we will be in the clear. With whispers of dread and despair in the air, we must get creative with how we make our money.
Sit down, reevaluate your budget and be transparent with your expenses. If you don’t have a system in place to manage your monthly expenditure whether it’s a detailed Excel sheet or written down in a notebook, now is the time to be completely honest with yourselves so you can figure out where you have wiggle room and determine exactly what needs to be cut. It could be gym memberships or any other non-essential items from your monthly outlays.
Some companies are in need of temporary workers to keep up with demand. Grocery stores and delivery services may need your help as more customers orders are streaming in so people are able to stock up. But make sure that you keep safety in mind and your health a priority. Review personal protective guidelines before committing.
With social distancing measures in place, a lot of work has turned virtual. Tap into your skills and harness the many opportunities online.For example, many fitness professionals have begun to offer weekly paid classes on Zoom as people are unable to hit the gym. Do not fret if you are not a fitness guru, this is about truly reassessing what you are good at and earning income from your passions or skills. It could be writing, designing, photography, baking,transcriptions or even data entry. There are even opportunities to earn from testing sites or apps. Look for job postings on sites like Upwork.com or Freelancer.com. You can also cross promote on social media sites to gain new clients.
To expand the previous tip, as you know many businesses are now operating online and it’s no wonder that many hire virtual assistants to help keep them organized and complete administrative tasks. You can also choose to mentor or coach others for a sum. It could be teaching a class online for any particular topic that you have the expertise in or even tutoring students who are now forced to do their classes online.
You can take the step to finally clean out your closets and sell any items of worth. There are plenty of online marketplaces selling pre-loved items from clothing, shoes, bags and even household items. But another route would be to begin a reseller business. It allows you to resell products bought from manufacturers to customers. Though this requires a bit of capital to start out, the reseller drop-ship business model is affordable, making it a great option for new entrepreneurs. More people are spending their time shopping online and this is the perfect time to catch this wave.
This year has been both confusing and arduous for all of us.If you are concerned about work or want to re-skill, now is the perfect time to consider the options you have. This might just help you to make money during lock-down and it could be a long-term investment in your future.
]]>Covid-19 has reshaped our society, the economy and work as we know it. It’s a bold statement but it rings true. The pandemic has forced us all to question so many elements of our day-to-day lives. It has forced us to think about what really matters to us and to the world we live in.
But work must go on as the economy has taken a massive hit and will continue to worsen if the lockdown period continues. Businesses have reopened but with strict guidelines to adhere to as citizens are heading back to the office in a gradual manner.
In an effort to restart the economy,many companies are following suit to reopen their offices. Safety is a top priority and it is implemented by creating two or more separate work schedules for staff to ensure that the office is not at max capacity. Despite this, many are feeling anxious about returning to work. Redesigning the workplace during the pandemic and even for a post-pandemic world requires careful planning, thought and innovation. Does that mean that we say goodbye to the open office forever? Well, not quite yet.
A boardroom packed with people is not going to be a common sight anytime soon. Instead, people should be seated further apart with a capacity of less than 50%. Most meetings can be conducted virtually to eliminate any face-to-face contact.
Architects 3XN have designed an office complex in Berlin that integrates technology seamlessly with an innovative AI "learning brain" that is combined with an app that allows tenants book work spaces and meeting rooms, individually adjust light levels and room temperature as well as unlock access points and doors. It evaluates data in real time for optimisation. Employees in China are returning to work and they are relying heavily on tech for tracking and include multiple check points in the offices.
When we think of offices, the intense cold from the central air-conditioning comes to mind. It is a contrast to the tropical whether we’re used to outside. However, we need to rethink air-filtration systems to mitigate the spread of the virus. Curb our over reliance on AC and bring in some fresh air into a space. This is where operable windows come in the picture. The advantage to operable windows is that they not only bring in fresh air and dilute the airborne contaminants that pass from person to person, but they give occupants a feeling of greater control over the office environment.
Employers should include an abundance of hand-sanitisers in visible areas to encourage their use if they don't already have them around. The office should also be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
With anxious employees slowly returning to the office, it is important to create a calm environment. This can be done by adding roof decks or outdoor spaces to give workers an indoor-outdoor connection. This is a great way to repurpose spaces in older offices or to design fresh new ones in buildings that that have been recently renovated.
Implementing biophillic design elements can also make the office environment healthier. Human beings have an inherent need to connect with nature and green spaces. This doesn't mean one should just haphazardly throw in some succulents and call it a day. It is to truly achieve the effect of emulating outdoor environments and bring it indoors; an interior designer might think about incorporating a living wall or plants of varying heights and textures. Imagine cascading plants throughout the space and some clustered together to mimic the random way plants appear in nature. Incorporating nature can actually help to reduce stress and enhance creativity. Besides the positive affect it might have on employees; having plants indoors can also minimize dust, reduce pollutants, detoxify the office environment.
Say Goodbye To Poor Space Planning
While remote working has proved surprisingly effective for many, a complete lack of face-to-face interaction is something employees struggle with. So perhaps we to rethink the space planning and layout of offices. The cramped office floors we're used to that stuff multiple employee is a sad excuse of an "open concept design" office and should be a thing of the past. Open concept design is to eliminate walls, cubicles and physical barriers between employees, however this trend has caused builders and employers to reduce cost by setting desks too close to each other in an effort to put as many people as they can in one space. Spatial choreography is an important factor, even more so now that there is a concern about the virus and being in close proximity with others. To orchestrate a better flow of employees in the building, think wider hallways or properly spaced out tables with some level of privacy and separation.
Adjustments need to be made to provide a more hygienic environment. One obvious area is to reexamine shared facilities, like toilets. They can be designed with door-free entrances similar to airport restrooms – a strategy that greatly reduces the need to touch foreign surfaces, like door handles, which could transmit bacteria or viruses. Alternatively, having a voice activated door system could work as well.
The lessons that we have learned from this pandemic is that that we need to design our surroundings to integrate health and wellness. It is an opportunity we can use to redesign and built a better environment for employees.
Cover image by Proxyclick
]]>The impact of the Covid-19 will be transformative to office design. It doesn’t mean that we’re bidding goodbye to the open concept office.
]]>As many of us are returning to the office, the threat of the pandemic still looms in the background. We are all learning first-hand how to adapt to a world dominated by social distancing and quarantines. Our once busy offices are now vacant shells, reminding us of the strangeness and uncertainty of the moment we’re in.
The impact of the Covid-19 will be transformative to office design. It doesn’t mean that we’re bidding goodbye to the open concept office.But we must be intuitive and mindful when creating spaces for the workforce to ensure great spatial choreography. A number of companies are now reopening their offices, with no upgrade in sight (at least not right now). We can take a cue from companies in China and South Korea that have seamlessly integrated tech in their workplaces.
PADS4 claim to offer “solutions to help organizations create a Covid-19 proof environment, where social distancing, occupancy and crowd management aremandatory”. They have a range of products like the Crystal CMS that enables you to inform your staff of new regulations in real time. Workspace booking andoveviews are also possible to ensure that the office capacity is not maxedout. GoBright also has workarounds for the desk bookings to check the occupation status ofworkspaces.
Contactless temperature monitoring equipment can be placed at the entrance of the office. This is critical to re-open or keep open factories, buildings, construction sites, businesses or facilities of any kind.With the help of an AI thermal camera, the temperature of staff can be screened at the door before they enter the workspace. Although, this is just an estimation as it does not have the accuracy of medical grade systems.
One big concept that has made its way to the head of the home automation field is voice-activated commands to help us with our daily tasks. Voice-activated doors have also been in the market for a while and can be easily implemented in offices to ensure employees have minimal contact on open surfaces.
While some have already started penning obituaries for physical office space and work life as we know it. It is riskier to bet against the value of shared spaces. It’s part and parcel of how we commune and collaborate. While many organizations will be looking to down-size their real estate costs, other will be looking to upgrade their workplaces to meet the fast-evolving landscape.
]]>As we start returning to a new normal, we need to think about our economic recovery. Preexisting inequalities became strikingly apparent for the past months. We saw enormous gaps in many practices, policies and laws that benefited some people at the expense of others. Whole industries have plummeted and are completely shut down, whilst other are seeing an increasing demand.
As we emerge from this long battle for our health and well-being, it is clear that the economy will face an even longer and lasting crisis. The questions is: “how did we get here?” and “what needs to change to create a fair society and economy as a whole?”
But history tells us it can be done. Government investment rebuilt economies after the Second World War. Locally, economic diversification and industrialisation came to the forefront. We have a great opportunity to address the gaps and inequities we have seen throughout this global pandemic.
Raise our level of disaster preparedness to face eventualities especially pandemic diseases, be alert to their outbreak any wherein the world, use Big Data, and maintain an up-to-date website on diseases especially pandemic diseases for public information and awareness on a sustained basis.
Build on the strengths of our public healthcare system which has shown tremendous robustness and resilience in this crisis, overcome the gaps, introduce an improved and well-incentivised employment system for medical and support staff, have a ready contingency stockpile of medical supplies including appliances.
Confined to their homes, many employees face the stark reality of being thrown out of job and losing their income while many individuals and families are forced to dig deeper into their savings. It's not just an economic and financial issue. It is also a critical social issue that,if mishandled, can result in increased child labor or domestic violence. It’s important to avoid job layoffs turning into long-term unemployment and a fall in the labor participation rate.
The digital economy refers to a broad range of economic activities that use digitized information and knowledge as key factors of production. The internet, cloud computing, big data, fintech, and other new digital technologies are used to collect, store, analyze, and share information digitally and transform social interactions. The digitization of the economy creates benefits and efficiencies as digital technologies drive innovation and fuel job opportunities and economic growth. There has been efforts to spur the digital economy here, however shortages in human capital and lack of funding has set us back.
If this pandemic has shown us anything it’s that we need to act differently. True economic recovery cannot mean that we go back to our old ways – an economy with a widening income and gender gaps, ever-increasing rates of poverty and homelessness, increasing violence and inequality, and poorly-funded and inadequate public and community services. We can rebuild our economy by building a healthier, safer and more sustainable world.
]]>The three Ps—profit, people, and planet—make up the triple bottom line (TBL) and measure financial, social, and environmental performance over time. A company that takes care of the three Ps are designing not only for profit but the greater good. Sustainable product design in a sense is being socially responsible, creating value and fairness in the production process as well as being environmentally friendly.
Don't get me wrong here, sustainable design can actually be profitable too. We have seen and will continue to see a steady shift towards ethical brands. Businesses that invest in sustainable design are reaping greater revenue, higher profits, and recruiting more employees. Simply put, we all want to buy something that is associated with a good cause, given comparable price and quality.
Sustainability is measured on how a company approaches design and specific actions in the development process. Here are some ground rules to implement for sustainable product development.
Lower your environmental footprint by sourcing ethically and locally. Responsible sourcing lowers impact, ensures fair trade and will be good for business in return. More and more consumers want to know the actual origin of their product. People are alert and will be aware of any ill-practices.
Advocate the end user and design with them in mind. By using a human-centric approach and design process - it begins with people you are designing for with the problems that your product is able to solve and therefore ends with a proper solution that suits their needs. Systems and products that are made with consumers in mind first versus profit will be more enduring, better, safer and enriching.
Select materials and design styles that will promote durability. Efficiency and efficacy is important in the initial stage of product design. Choose materials that can be easily recycled, or designing the product so it has a timeless style, will decrease its environmental impact.Don’t forget sustainable packaging design as once your product is unboxed, the packaging is typically thrown away. This is to reduce or altogether prevent from including items that might end up in a landfill.
People seek for transparency when inspecting a company,brand and its values. They care about how and where its made, as well as the impact on the environment. Leverage social media to educate and share your processes. This level of authenticity and openness will make your product relatable to the end user. Don't be afraid to ask customers about new ideas and improvements, after all they make or break the brands longevity.
To truly sustain a business requires profitable growth. A Corporate Social Responsibly Policy (CSR) breaks down how your company manages the interconnections of employees, customers, suppliers, community, and environment to make a positive impact on society, while also being profitable.
Ensure that your vision of sustainability when it comes to design and user experience also translates in the office. Employees and your talent pool help your brand flourish and the company will not be where it is without them. Practice what you preach as they say, and make sure that your employees are well taken care of. This can be done by having an open-door policy and providing an environment that they can feel energised and get their best work done.
Eco-friendly and sustainable design is not just a buzzword or a trend that you can take lightly when it comes to your product. It may seem like a challenge to combat global warming and you may think that it won't matter in the end. But companies and product designers who make responsible and informed choices about the design of their products can make the world a better place for all of us.
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20.11.2020
A good sit stand desk gives you the freedom and liberty to work while enhancing your work quality. Modern offices and home offices are now driving productivity with new-age furniture and high-tech accessories. Making the new normal work for you in terms of getting your job done, might require small tweaks to change your environment and encourage healthy work practices.
Employees globally have no choice but to make working from home feasible as the pandemic looms on in the background. This often has been under highly challenging circumstances which can take a toll on the mind and body. Sit-stand desks have been in the market for a while now but the demand has increased tenfold over the past year. With new models and features debuting every other month. Amidst all this noise, how do you as a consumer choose a sit-stand desk that is suitable for you?
When researching standing desk, you may hear these terms often. In a nutshell, the single motor and dual motor system have a stark difference. Which is in the speed of the height transitions and the smoothness of the rise and fall of the desk as you're adjusting it. Ask yourself if a stable desk is what your setup requires. The answer is almost always yes, so that should clear up any doubts about the motor system you should choose.
Not all desks are created equal. If people are sharing the sit-stand desk then it’s best to find a desk with a large range. As people come in so many shapes, sizes and heights; the desk you choose should reflect the height of those using. But as always, a higher range means that you will get the most use out of your standing desk.
Your set up matters. Will you have a clunky monitor on the desk? Then perhaps opt for a desk that has a higher load capacity. If your set-up is simple and only includes a monitor, then you can choose a different one that fits your needs.
Are you more of a minimalist or do you like something more utilitarian? Aesthetics and style matters, as the standing desk you will be selecting will be the centerpiece of your work set up. A piece of furniture that you will be making use of almost daily, so choose one that speaks to your personal tastes but will also blend in well with your existing furniture.
This is an important factor, perhaps THE most important factor of all when selecting a standing desk. Not everyone is able to afford a desk that costs thousands of ringgit. So keep your budget in mind when making your purchase, while also weighing out the other points listed.
When selecting an adjustable height desk, it’s imperative that you consider all the options and thoughtfully evaluate how you will you use it. Do you have pre-existing medical conditions that require you to stay mobile?
But at the end of the day, it all boils down to ergonomics. To make sure that you are working in the most optimum way for your body and overall wellbeing. Standing all day is just as harmful as sitting all day, so stay agile and keep moving.
Modular office design is the combinations of various interior design principles to create a workplace that is adaptable and cohesive. This applies to items such as seating, tables, acoustic products or partition walls.
Design can help shape a chaotic office space into a creative and thriving hub. You can configure your furniture to ensure that your employees get the most out of it. Perfect for a team of any size. Plus, you can easily adapt and change the design when you expand your team.
Building wall in your existing space can be disruptive and not to mention costly. Modular furniture can be easily slot into place,creating a flow to your workspace and harmony for your workforce. Without any cosmetic changes, modular offices are perfect for when you're renting a space and you're not allowed to carry out major construction work.
You can change the layout of your office effortlessly. It is important to establish a social working environment that enables you, as an employer, to create a cohesive and unified environment for your staff.
Organisations often need to reconfigure their office landscapes to accommodate more people as they grow. Modular furniture can make this task easier and more cost effective because it can often be altered with minimal disruption, downtime and redundant cost. This benefit is further advantageous for companies relocating to new offices, they will be able to more readily adapt their existing furniture to the new space. Those expanding into multiple locations will be able to maintain a consistent aesthetic.
While thinking about the effect of the modular office to your employees, it is as equally important to think about the impression that it has on people that come by the office. The first impression can be the difference in reassuring others of the quality of services.
The once clear roads and highways are now jam-packed with cars again as employees return to their office. The sign of life returning to normal is apparent, and the only indication of a pandemic looming in the background are the temperature checks and duct-taped X's on restaurant seats.
The coronavirus pandemic has spurred businesses to think more critically about their office layouts. Perhaps the open plan with its aspiration of uniting the office wasn’t really the best environment for work after all. Besides the obvious point of transmission of diseases. The open office has had a bad reputation for being counter-productive and noisy. The close proximity of employees seating arrangements causes a plethora of distractions to the average executive that seated table to table with no divider in sight, reminiscent of high school libraries. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution that addresses many of these problems: a work pod.
The Problem With Open Plan Offices
The basic logic behind the open offices is that tearing down physical barriers inspires communication and collective creativity. The idea isn’t new, open offices have been around since the 80’s. While great in theory,open plans actually create more issues than actually bridging communication gaps.
Lack Of Privacy
As we did away with cubicles and stripped down the barriers between workers, a new issue arose and the lack of privacy in an open plan office makes employees feel as if they are being watched constantly. A private phone call becomes an awkward situation and staff members don’t feel like they’re able to truly be productive when their monitors are on full display all the time. It is one thing to actually get your work done and another thing entirely to feel obligated to work harder or to put on airs to seem productive.
Ambient Noise
One of the worst disadvantages of open offices is the noise and distractions that are inherent in their design. Even with cubical dividers,users can’t help but overhear work conversations and the sounds of office machinery. In some cases, fellow employees listen to music, watch videos, and engage in personal chats on their mobile phones. Noisy offices can make businesses sound unprofessional to clients on the other end of a phone call.In-person meetings disrupt everyone around them, but it doesn’t always make sense to sign out a large conference room for just a few people.
Health & Safety
Although worries about COVID-19 are the most recent example of how open offices can be troublesome, winter cold and flu season during regular years make open work environments breeding grounds for shared germs. Coughing and sneezing, we now know, can expel viruses many feet away. And of course the noise of someone nearby with a cold is yet another distraction workers don’t need
How To Build A Good Open Office
Most companies opt for open offices because the cost per square foot is cheaper. But he said managers need to consider that the loss of privacy comes with a price too. Though humans like being social, past behavior studies show that humans have a fundamental desire for privacy, and impinging on that privacy can decrease workplace productivity. Important points to consider are accessibility and how noise travels within that space. By adding a few work pods in the floor plan, employees can opt to work in them when they require some peace of mind or need to make important calls.
While all offices are not created equally, employers can create workarounds to their existing plan to make the office more modular and flexible for their staff as they return to work. When employees are truly comfortable and happy with their work environment, they will be able to get their best and it will benefit the company in the long run.
6.11.2020
Malaysia Day is celebrated on the 16th of September every year to commemorate the creation of modern-day Malaysia. This year however, is different than past celebrations as we are the midst of a new normal. Nevertheless, this day reminds us of steps that we have taken to become a developed nation.
In conjuction with Malaysia Day, we had the honour of collaborating with Telekom Malaysia for the #MomenNegaraku pop-up that was located at the ground floor of Menara Telekom. Our Enbooth became a makeshift recording booth, as a production team had set up lighting and camera equipment within our the soundproof workpod.
As throngs of TM employees and visitors passed our booth, some were ushered in to record their particular #MomenNegaraku. With some thanking frontliners for their efforts in curbing the pandemic. Whilst others on a more lighthearted note, spoke of Malaysia’s beautiful beaches and greenery. And not forgetting our national dish of course – Nasi Lemak! You can watch the full video here.
Home is where the heart is. Malaysia is a country that is multiracial and diverse, on Malaysia Day we celebrate our unity and this melting pot we call home. This is definitely one of our proudest moments and project yet. And for that we thank Telekom Malaysia and the team at Entropia that facilitated this.
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