WHAT'S UP Blog

The SA8000 standard is an internationally recognised standard for social responsibility in the workplace. It defines clear guidelines on fair working conditions, health and safety, non-discrimination and responsible supply chain management. It thus creates uniform guidelines worldwide for companies committed to social responsibility.

Once again, a new participation record was set at the Sedus RUN: with around 530 registrations, more running enthusiasts than ever before took to the starting line this year. In perfect late summer weather, they mastered the 5 and 10 km courses. And even the youngest participants had the chance to show off their speed in the Kids RUN.

Anyone who establishes a foundation thinks beyond the moment – and creates something that will endure long after their own lifetime. The stories of the founders of the Stoll VITA Foundation and the Karl Bröcker Foundation impressively demonstrate how personal convictions, entrepreneurial spirit and social responsibility can take root and continue to shape the future.

Fire protection is a key issue in public buildings, offices and commercial properties – and it's not just about the structural measures. Furnishings also play an important role and often have to meet specific requirements. Sedus takes this responsibility seriously with clear quality standards and offers furniture fabrics that are not only functional and attractive, but also safe.

When people picture a traditional staff break room, images of a small kitchenette, a coffee machine and perhaps a standing table. Yet forward-thinking organisations have moved well beyond that idea. In today’s increasingly hybrid, flexible, and people-centred working world, new spatial concepts are gaining significance. One in particular is attracting attention: the Work Café.

Anyone who establishes a foundation thinks beyond the moment – and creates something that will endure long after their own lifetime. The stories of the founders of the Stoll VITA Foundation and the Karl Bröcker Foundation impressively demonstrate how personal convictions, entrepreneurial spirit and social responsibility can take root and continue to shape the future.

In the age of hybrid working, the physical workplace is not becoming redundant – on the contrary, it is becoming a valuable resource. However, we need to rethink it. The office has long been more than just a place for concentrated work. It is a space where intellectual, physical and emotional aspects come together, and which reflects the social and cultural DNA of a company.

Hybrid working is no longer the exception but, for many of us, the new standard. The flexibility to work both in the office and from home is undoubtedly a benefit. Yet with this freedom comes a downside: digital fatigue.

Whereas in the past, computer work was clearly bounded, screens are now constant companions – in meetings, during discussions, for presentations, and often even during breaks. This continual digital presence takes its toll: headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability, or a constant sense of being overwhelmed.

Remote work is here to stay – but after the initial enthusiasm for more freedom and flexibility, a new set of challenges has emerged: fatigue, lack of focus, and nagging back pain. No surprise, really. To stay motivated and productive in the long run, a laptop and Wi-Fi connection just aren't enough.

The good news: Often, it's the small changes that make the biggest difference. With a few smart tweaks to your workspace, routines, and movement habits, you can reclaim energy, focus, and structure. Here are five practical tips to help you transform your home office into a space that supports your work – and your well-being.

How is our working environment changing, and what role does colour play in this? Jutta Werner, founder of the Zukunftstil agency, brings more than just colour expertise to interior design—her trend research is deeply rooted in social change and awareness. In collaboration with Sedus, she develops working environments that inspire, connect and make the future possible – with style, substance and the courage to use colour.

Work has changed dramatically in recent years. Hybrid working is now the norm, blending the best of both worlds: the focus and flexibility of working from home with the social connection and structure of the office. But with this freedom comes a new challenge.

Our days are saturated with digital tools, endless communication channels, and constant stimuli. Always-on availability, long hours in front of screens, and multitasking have become standard. The result? Digital fatigue. Mental strain builds up quietly, showing up as poor concentration, restlessness, and disrupted sleep.

That’s why forward-thinking workplaces are taking a holistic approach to wellbeing – creating spaces that encourage mindfulness, recovery, and movement. The Work Café is more than a spot for coffee. It’s a counterbalance to sensory overload. A place to pause, breathe, and recharge.

Connecting people – this guiding principle lies at the heart of the latest Sedus INSIGHTS. But how can we create true connection in an increasingly hybrid working world? The answer lies in designing spaces that are not only functional but also emotionally and cognitively engaging – natural environments that enhance well-being and foster genuine encounters.

Surrounded by greenery – yet right in the middle of your working day: the Garden Work Café archetype brings nature into the office and opens up new perspectives on productive working. Inspired by biophilic design principles, it strengthens the connection between people and nature – with positive effects on well-being, creativity and concentration. Whether for quiet individual work or informal team meetings, the garden is a versatile space that naturally combines all working modes.

What distinguishes an arena from other hybrid communal spaces – and why is it so valuable for organisational culture?
In today’s world of hybrid working, our expectations of workspaces have changed fundamentally. Where once function alone was the primary concern, modern environments must do more: they must connect, inspire, provide sanctuary – and above all, be adaptable. This is where ductile shared spaces come into play. Three key concepts emerge: the office café, the oasis, and the arena. While all are designed to foster a sense of community and support hybrid working, the arena occupies a unique and impactful position.

In June 2025, the Sedus Hub Berlin hosted the official launch event of Women in Office Design Germany—an evening defined by depth of content, personal conversations, and the courage to take a stance. The event, curated and led by WOD Germany, marked a significant step toward amplifying female voices in architecture, design and workplace strategy.

Although at first glance it is associated with quiet reading rooms or public libraries, the library has a very unique, contemporary role in the modern office: it is a place of retreat – a place where concentrated work, tranquillity and discretion are the focus. The Work Café archetype 'Library' represents a calm and understated atmosphere that is ideal for all modes of work while offering privacy and structure.

When we talk about organisational culture, we often refer to abstract values: trust, openness, collaboration. Yet culture doesn’t live on paper – it lives in conversations, behaviours, and everyday interactions. The Work Café is the space where these cultural elements become not only visible, but truly tangible.

The crucial point: it’s not just about the space itself, but about what that space makes possible – and how consciously designed furniture enables and amplifies these processes.

In modern office life, places to retreat are just as important as inspiring meeting places. This requires spaces that combine tranquillity, elegance and discretion – exactly where the Work Café archetype 'Club' comes into play. As a versatile room type, it offers a relaxed, stylish environment for all working modes and creates a special atmosphere reminiscent of an exclusive business lounge.

Today’s working world is dynamic, hybrid, and shaped by evolving needs. Companies face the challenge of creating environments that foster both productivity and social interaction. This is exactly where Workcafés come into play – spaces that bridge the gap between coffee kitchens and co-working zones, between exchange and retreat.

With the research report “Workcafé & Co.” and the accompanying brochure “Workcafé & Co. Applications,” Sedus provides concrete answers to how these new spaces can be thoughtfully planned and effectively implemented.

In the modern working world, the boundaries between formal work, social interaction and individual fulfilment are becoming blurred. This is precisely where the Hub Work Café comes in - as a lively meeting point and functional all-rounder, it is the central place in the office where all the threads come together - communicative, collaborative and unconventional. In this article, you will learn more about the Hub archetype and see examples for use in practice.