WHAT'S UP Blog

Contemporary workplaces are defined by openness, interaction and fluid collaboration. Yet wherever communication thrives, so too does the need for retreat, concentration and mental clarity. Productivity today no longer resides solely at the traditional desk. It emerges from a thoughtful interplay between focused work, informal exchange and restorative pauses.

This is precisely where se:hive comes into its own: a modular retreat that unites spatial generosity, comfort and acoustic performance in one coherent design concept.

Hybrid work models have redefined the office. For years, openness, interaction and collaboration dominated spatial design. Yet alongside this evolution, another equally decisive dimension has moved into focus: the ability to concentrate. The latest edition of Sedus INSIGHTS No. 20/2025 “Focus in the Office” makes it clear that attention is not a given resource — it is fragile, cyclical and profoundly shaped by its environment . Anyone designing workplaces today is, inevitably, designing attention. And this is precisely where neuroinclusion begins.

Berlin is energy, culture, movement. At the same time, it is a city where the transformation of the working world has become especially visible: co-working spaces, cafés, creative meeting points – “third places” are part of everyday life here.

It is precisely within this environment that the Sedus Hub Berlin was created: as a showroom, as an inspiring meeting place, and as a vibrant space where modern work culture is not only presented, but truly lived.

The Sedus Hub Berlin is not a traditional exhibition space. It is a place that makes the spirit of Sedus tangible – inviting visitors to experience, explore and rethink contemporary work environments.

What will the workplace of tomorrow look like – and what kind of space will it require? This question concerns not only us at Sedus, but also Stefan Rief, Head of the Research Unit for Organizational Development and Work Design at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO in Stuttgart. As one of the leading experts in organisational and workplace design, he has spent many years researching at the intersection of people, technology, and space. We spoke with him about how work is evolving – and what places like the Work Café will need to offer in the future.

For decades, workplaces were designed around the idea of an “average” user. In the age of hybrid work, it has become increasingly clear: such an average does not exist. People differ not only in their tasks and working styles, but also in how they perceive, process, and regulate stimuli. This is precisely where the concept of neurodiversity comes into play — and why it has become a central planning consideration for modern offices.

Sedus INSIGHTS N° 20 demonstrates why concentration, well-being, and performance are closely linked to sensory perception — and why work environments must increasingly respond to diverse sensory sensitivities.

Why focus depends on energy levels – and how spaces enable micro-breaks and movement.

For decades, productivity was primarily organised around time: working hours, meetings scheduled, utilisation rates. Yet in today’s hybrid working reality, it is becoming increasingly clear that time alone is no longer a reliable metric. What truly matters is not how long we work, but with how much energy we bring to those hours.

Sedus INSIGHTS Nº 20 highlights why concentration is not a matter of discipline or scheduling, but closely linked to individual energy levels – and what role work environments play in supporting them.

What the natural alternation between focus and recovery means for spatial planning. Concentration is often understood as something we either have - or don’t have. In reality, everyday working life increasingly shows that focus is a dynamic process, rather than a permanent state. It emerges, reaches a peak, gradually declines - and requires recovery in order to arise again.

This cycle of concentration is becoming especially relevant in hybrid working environments. As attention turns into a scarce resource, the physical environment plays a decisive role in determining whether focused work is supported - or disrupted.

In open-plan work environments, it is not only what is placed in a space that matters, but how it is perceived from different perspectives. Furniture becomes a spatial element: it structures areas, guides movement, shapes sightlines and subtly influences behaviour. This is exactly where the dual design of se:cove comes into play. 
The lounge chair has two clearly defined “faces”: an open, inviting front and a strong, structured back. This contrast is not incidental, but a deliberate design decision – and a valuable tool for spatial planning.

Open spaces need character - but not noise. In today’s modern work environments, work cafés, and hybrid zones, the goal is no longer simply to fill square metres, but to create atmosphere. With se:cove, Sedus enters a new era of soft seating: a lounge chair that makes a sculptural statement while offering exactly what open-plan spaces demand today - calm, retreat, and presence. 

Many people are familiar with it: the AGR quality seal “Tested & Recommended”. It appears on ergonomic office chairs, height-adjustable desks and modern workplace solutions, offering guidance in a crowded market of ergonomic products.

But what does this seal actually stand for? Who is behind it? And why have several Sedus products – as well as complete concept solutions – been awarded this distinction?

We spoke to Detlef Detjen, Managing Director of Aktion Gesunder Rücken e. V. (AGR – Campaign for Healthy Backs). He explains what makes the AGR seal special, how the assessment process works, and why holistic ergonomics is becoming increasingly important in the modern world of work.

Sometimes you step into a room and immediately feel: this isn’t just about furniture. It’s about attitude, about connection — and about the question of how we want to work. That’s exactly what the Sedus HUB in Eschborn is.

Yes, it’s a showroom. But above all, it’s home base, stage, workshop, and meeting point for the Rhine-Main region. A place that grew from the local team and evolves every day — through use, through exchange, through real experiences.

What if a workplace didn’t just function—but truly made people feel included and valued?
At The Inclusive Journey, Sedus invited clients and partners to a collaborative experience to explore how furniture and workplace design can actively support inclusion, empower employees, and create work environments where everyone feels they belong.

Hybrid work demands new spatial concepts. Work cafés have emerged as a central element in modern office design – spaces that seamlessly integrate work, social interaction and well-being. Sedus demonstrates how to achieve this with structure, system and style.

Home office is no longer just a temporary solution. For those who work from home permanently, the demands on their workspace are high – it should be functional, ergonomically designed, and stylishly integrated into the home environment. Furniture that promotes focus, blends harmoniously with living spaces, and impresses with quality.

With its new home office solutions, Sedus brings all these qualities together: ergonomics meets aesthetics, technology meets atmosphere – creating a workspace that feels like a natural part of your home.

As the modern workplace continues to evolve, spaces that are more than merely functional are growing in importance - spaces that inspire, connect and invite people to linger. Work cafés fulfil exactly this role: fostering interaction, offering retreats and encouraging creativity. Yet not every work café is identical. Depending on use and ambience, different spatial typologies - or archetypes - offer guidance for design.

In partnership with the agency Zukunftstil, Sedus has identified four such archetypes: Hub, Club, Library and Garden. Each embodies a distinct atmosphere and addresses specific needs. When combined with suitable furniture, colour palettes and flexible modules, a work café emerges that is not simply visually appealing, but feels like a second home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Design that matters. Values that endure. In 2025, Sedus reaffirms its position as a forward-thinking leader in workspace solutions – with six new products that have received international acclaim for combining sustainability, functionality and exceptional design. Recognised by both the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Award, these solutions reflect a holistic design philosophy built on responsibility and relevance.