Bringing up the rear

Jorgen Josefsson talks about the importance of good design for laboratory chairs and how the right choice can affect performance and productivity

There is no doubt about the fact that the way we work is changing. Whether we talk about offices, laboratories or control rooms, a new design model is emerging - a future proof workspace that responds not only to present needs but is also able to accommodate future demands.

As new equipment technologies and areas of research are constantly being developed, and with automation becoming an inseparable part of laboratory design, the scientific workspaces (both industrial and educational) are becoming more flexible in order to anticipate and support the new requirements. An increasing number of institutions are merging their teaching and research facilities which means these have to be easily adaptable to provide for both students and scientists; virtual laboratories are becoming a common element and impact on the way space is being used.

Organisations are changing their ways of accommodating staff; however, in order to attract, retain and support the right kind of employee, the workspace has to change as well. The layout, tools and technology we use play a vital role in job satisfaction which in turn can improve work performance, productivity and also reduce absenteeism. Today's research and science facilities are looking for the most effective use of space and flexibility as they cater for multiple users, and to create a healthy and satisfactory working environment it is necessary for workplace and the furniture to reflect this new approach. The good design of a chair is an integral part of this is and should not bit underestimated.

Our chair is perhaps the one piece of equipment we use the most; it should therefore not only fit the environment, it should also fit the user

When designing a new working environment, ergonomics can guide architects and planners in enhancing any facility. Concerned with designing and arranging furniture/technology around people to allow them to interact and work more efficiently, the aim of ergonomics is to increase safety, convenience and well-being for all.

At work, our chair is perhaps the one piece of equipment we use the most; it should therefore not only fit the environment, it should also fit the user. The chair is as much a tool to complete a job as is the laptop and phone; in effect it is another piece of software or another tool that allows us to perform our duties to the best of our ability. We are all different shapes and sizes and with workspaces becoming highly collaborative and interactive, a chair must be adaptable, flexible and adjustable for each individual and the tasks they perform.

In seating design the focus has moved away from posture to movement and greater awareness of managing wellness. Movement and variation are required for a person to perform at their best and at the same time to protect their health and well being.

The ever changing workplace and requirements for laboratories are a key consideration when choosing furniture. For example, different chairs are required for different elements, from the increasingly popular break-out and informal areas to meeting rooms, conference areas or task seating. Areas such as laboratories may have demands for cleanroom settings where chairs need to be easily cleaned and repeatedly sterilized. Researchers may need a chair that allows them to work in semi-standing positions or for use back-to-front to support the variation and movement that the job may entail. Chairs can also be designed to effectively discharge static electricity where required.

Whatever the environment, it is crucial to consider the furniture design which is likely to have to accommodate the variations of a wide range of laboratories users - students, teachers or researchers. Ergonomic design plays a key role in performance at work. Creating an ergonomic space with appropriate tools for a person to do their job well will benefit not only the employers but also the well-being of the individual, both of these ultimately leading to a healthier bottom line.

Architects and planners should therefore pay attention to the importance of high-quality interior environments including aesthetics, ergonomics or lighting to name a few. A workspace needs to reflect the wider organisational culture and management style. Since science is a social activity driven forward by interaction, sharing and flexible use of space, the emphasis should be on design that promotes as well as technology.

Environmental credentials should also be considered. We can all benefit the environment by carefully selecting the product we buy. Businesses need to be thinking of their environmental impact and reduction of carbon footprint as environmental issues are becoming hugely important. By simply choosing the right chair, organisations can make a huge impact on their carbon footprint.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) are gaining recognition in the UK although they have been important in specification in Scandinavia for quite some time. ISO 14025 EPD provides a comprehensive account of the environmental impact of an individual product. This entails a report on the entire lifecycle of the product, covering aspects including personnel, assembly, logistics, materials, usage, and disassembly and recycling.

There are also other environmental labelling schemes such as the European Eco Label ISO 14024 and The Nordic Ecolabel ISO 14024. Meanwhile the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) was founded to improve indoor air quality so GEI certified products aim to reduce people’s exposure to chemicals and other pollutants.

Engaging with designers and architects to ensure spaces are designed with future flexibility in mind is key for a productive working environment. It is important to listen to the users' input and involve as many people in the laboratory design process as possible; the result will be a workplace aligned to the needs and demands of the work process.

Jorgen Josefsson, Managing Director of Scandinavian Business Seating UK