This years Orgatec is about culture@work and visionary concepts for a new working culture. Officerepublic is interested in how participants in the Orgatec describe the culture in their own company and their vision on the workplace of the future. To clarify this vision, we asked five questions to more than 400 participating office furniture manufacturers. We publish the answers we receive in a series on OfficeRepublic: “Culture @”. This article is about Culture@Thonet with CEO Brian Boyd and Creative Director Norbert Ruf
#1 – Culture is sometimes defined as all that man produces in material and immaterial sense. The culture of a people, or a group of people, includes its beliefs, values and customs. If we look at your company, how do you describe the current culture in your company?
Brian Boyd: “Few companies in any industry can look back on 200 years of history and heritage as Thonet can. It is therefore logical that when asked about the current culture of our company, we must relate this to the company’s heritage, which is firmly anchored in facilitating communication, just as our founder Michael Thonet did in the coffee house culture of the 19th century. At Thonet, our business is based on providing the setting for positive interaction both internally and with our clients and suppliers. Therefore, it seems authentic to describe our company culture as one which is based strongly on communication”
S 260 auditorium chair designed by Delphin Design – exclusive preview
#2 – What changes do you see taking place in the culture within companies in the coming years? Which external and internal developments will affect our ‘work culture’?
Boyd : “Today, the workplace is much more than a place to work. Companies understand that creativity and productivity are at their greatest when people communicate. New working patterns transform places into spaces which allow people to come together, exchange views, brainstorm and achieve a greater level of creativity. At Thonet we see it as our responsibility to facilitate the increased importance of workplace communication in all its facets.”
S 260 auditorium chair designed by Delphin Design – exclusive preview
#3 – What developments can we expect from your company in the coming years?
Norbert Ruf: “Our innovation strategy will devote particular attention to driving and strengthening our position as a facilitator of positive communication in corporate environments.”
#4 – Do we already see some of that development on the coming Orgatec, and what will be the eye-catcher of your trade show presentation?
Ruf again: “At Orgatec 2018 Thonet will show several new products and updates to existing ranges, including the new S 260 auditorium chair designed by Delphin Design, a new system table by Wolfgang C.R. Mezger and an extension to the 808 lounge chair by Munich-based designer duo Formstelle. All of the presented products share the same goal; It’s all about communication.”
#5 – Where can you be found on the Orgatec?
You are cordially invited to visit us in hall 9.1, stand A48/B49 to experience our vision on communication and get updated on our novelties. We are looking forward to meeting you there.