Page 28 - Designing Ways 275

AT THE OFFICE

The ‘resimercial revolution’ prioritises

employee wellbeing with a

new kind of work space

t has been four years since the start office environments that employees are
of the work-from-home era, and excited to use.’
Iwhile in-office work has returned for Tétris Furniture Solutions, the
many – be it hybrid or full time – today’s furnishings arm of seasoned commercial
employees are seeking work spaces more design consultancy Tétris Design and
in line with the comforts of home. Build, has played a significant role in
It is this demand that has given birth to partnering with both clients and suppliers
the ‘resimercial’(residential/commercial) to facilitate the evolution of existing
concept: think soft lighting, plants, art spaces into more flexible offices that
and décor, and new spatial-planning prioritise comfort and aesthetics. Soft
considerations to include relaxation furnishings – including art, curtains,
zones, fully equipped kitchens, spaces to rugs, cushions, linens and furniture
work out, and anything else that might coverings – contribute to this, and in the Solutions at the South African arm of
make coming into the office worth the two and a half years since the inception of Tétris, ‘It’s a privilege to contribute to
commute. Tétris Furniture Solutions, the company our communities, and serve our clients,
To adapt to this shift, and to attract has seen a marked increase in investment supply partners and each other. Tétris
and retain talent, many companies are in this sector. Furniture Solutions adds meaningful
increasingly developing or redeveloping The statistics speak volumes – while value for makers and users alike.’
offices with this residential sensibility office furniture remains a significant However, the resimercial trend isn’t
in mind. ‘Many businesses are trying to investment at 92% of the overall spend on necessarily a given for all projects, and
understand how their space can better a project, the notable increase in the soft- within individual resimercial projects,
engage their hybrid workforce, and furnishings sector underscores a clear the ratio of conventional task pieces to
encourage productivity and company shift towards resimercial design. In South soft furnishings differs. Nonetheless, the
culture,’ says Adrian Davidson, Head Africa alone, Tétris Furniture Solutions trend offers an opportunity for growth in
of Design (Europe, the Middle East and has made a substantial investment of creating positive experiences for people in
Africa) for Tétris Furniture Solutions. just under R120 million in the local the workplace.
‘The good news is, there are forward- furniture sector, constituting a significant ‘Improving the human experience
looking companies that are getting it right, driver of the country’s creative economy. means thinking holistically about
offering valuable insights for creating Says Steven Fish, Director of Furniture employee wellbeing, their performance,

28 Issue 275 • dw