Putting People First

In the race for top talent, modern working environments play a crucial role. They not only boost productivity but also significantly influence the choice of employer. According to Wirtschaftswoche, 19.5% of 25- to 34-year-olds have declined a job due to unattractive office design. Among 35- to 44-year-olds, the figure is 15%, and nearly 12% of the younger group have even resigned because of an uninspiring working environment.

New Work is the defining theme in today’s professional landscape. Instead of rigid organisational structures and a culture of presenteeism, the focus is shifting to individualised solutions and flexible office concepts. In a world where we are constantly connected and the computer is our primary tool, we can organise our work with greater freedom in terms of time, location, and content. Flexible working hours, time accounts, remote work, and coworking spaces are increasingly replacing fixed schedules and static office settings.

To successfully navigate this transformation, office concepts and furnishings must be reimagined. People now come to the office not just to work through tasks, but to engage and collaborate. Therefore, the focus should not be limited to functional aspects, but must prioritise well-being. Open areas for creative interaction, quiet zones for focused work, and inviting communal spaces all encourage collaboration and strengthen team spirit. The result is an office that promotes both productivity and a sense of community – true to the spirit of New Work.

Only those who feel comfortable and free to thrive in their work environment can deliver great work. From flexible office solutions that foster teamwork and creativity, to feel-good zones and quiet spaces enhancing well-being, and even tailored home office solutions – we offer everything from a single source to create optimal work environments for people. These are workspaces built not just for today, but for long-term success.

We have many successful case studies – one of which involves the offices of S-Bahn Munich. As staff numbers grew and new ways of working were introduced, space became scarce and awareness for modern office environments increased. Our response was a bespoke solution tailored to these new demands. The core idea was to make the most of the U-shaped building by creating distinct areas for different tasks and working styles, while fostering an open and communicative atmosphere. The concept covers all bases – from classic individual desks and meeting rooms to a bistro and other communal zones. Special attention was paid to acoustics, while ergonomics were a key factor in creating healthy and comfortable workstations and shared areas. With this pioneering project, S-Bahn Munich and ASSMANN have set the stage for the future of feel-good offices.

What happens when a new office building is about to be occupied – and a global pandemic changes everything? That was the question Röhm GmbH brought to the ASSMANN team. The challenge was to quickly develop New Work concepts and furnishing solutions for 500 offices and around 600 workstations to enable hybrid work. The answer lay in numerous product solutions and a comprehensive design concept by ASSMANN. Based on a design thinking approach and with employee input, the modern office building was transformed into a new working environment that promotes well-being. Because New Work also means feeling as comfortable at your workplace as you do at home. Creating an office as a place where people enjoy coming together was central to the design – and this is now clearly reflected in its implementation.

Both case studies highlight that our people-centred approach is the right one – fully aligned with our motto “All Your Workplace Needs”. Our team is always ready to act as a sparring partner in developing bespoke office design concepts.