At Intivity, we’ve embraced and supported the shift toward flexible workspaces. We’ve not only helped our clients navigate the transition from home to office but also transformed our own spaces to create environments that are inviting, inspiring, and adaptable to different workstyles.

Understanding the New Era of Work

This past year, we made significant investments in updating two of our three showrooms with a focus on how people work. The questions we asked ourselves were straightforward yet impactful:

• Where do people do their best work?
• How can we support different work modes and postures?
• How do employees interact within and across departments?

We looked at everything from individual workstyles to group dynamics, piloted workspace setups, embraced trial and error, and adjusted based on observations and feedback. The result? Flexible spaces that empower our teams to thrive.

Designing for Flexibility and Collaboration

We focused on creating environments that balance focused work and collaboration while ensuring flexibility. Here’s how we approached it:

• Residential Touches: To bridge the gap between home and office, we incorporated residential-style chairs and lounge furniture. These elements make the workspace feel more comfortable and welcoming.
• Variety of Seating: Our spaces now include sitting, standing, and lounge seating to support different working preferences. Whether you’re brainstorming while standing at a counter-height table or relaxing on a couch for a casual meeting, there’s something for everyone.
• Technology Integration: Every area is equipped with tools to support productivity, whether that means a screen for a virtual meeting or simply a writable surface for brainstorming sessions.
• Mobility: Our furniture is mobile, allowing teams to reconfigure spaces to fit their style of working, presenting, or collaborating.
• Work Cafés: We intentionally designed work cafés as hubs for celebrations and festive collaboration—imagine your kitchen during a party, full of energy and connection.

Fostering Well-being and Fun

Beyond furniture, we added elements that contribute to well-being and enjoyment:

• Snack Program and High-End Coffee Brewers: A small but meaningful way to bring joy to the workday. (By the way, we sell these coffee brewers and the snacks!)
• Flexibility for Individual Styles: We encourage our teams to work how they work best while being mindful of others’ preferences. It’s about creating an atmosphere for learning, collaboration, and fun.

Lessons Learned

It’s essential to design with empathy. By putting ourselves in the shoes of our employees, we’ve created spaces that adapt to their needs. It’s not about dictating how people should work but supporting how they already work best.

Learn More

If you’re interested in how flexible workspaces can transform your organization, we encourage you to explore Steelcase’s resources on designing for flexibility and hybrid work solutions. They’ve been invaluable partners in helping us rethink and reimagine our spaces.

At Intivity, we’re not just building workspaces—we’re building environments where people can thrive. We’d love to hear how your organization is navigating the shift. Let’s continue the conversation!

About the Author

Ann Miller-Michaels is the Chief Sales Officer at Intivity Inc. She has been with the company for over 30 years. She started her career as an interior designer after receiving her BFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Her strong background in design helps her work with customers to visualize how they can improve their workspaces.