What is Being Lost at the Office?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Arizona Interior Resource Announces New Partnership with func. to Expand Flexible, High-Performance Workplace Solutions

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:16:22 GMT

Arizona Interior Resource Announces New Partnership with func. to Expand Flexible, High-Performance Workplace Solutions

PHOENIX, AZ — February 27, 2026 — Arizona Interior Resource (AIR), a commercial interiors partner known for creating healthy, connected, and high-performing environments, today announced a new partnership with func., expanding AIR’s ability to deliver flexible, modern workplace solutions for organizations across Arizona and beyond.

This partnership is supported by long-time AIR friend and trusted manufacturer representative Shannon Wilmer of B3W, Inc., who will serve as AIR’s dedicated rep for the func. line. The partnership officially launched following a kickoff meeting between AIR and Cheryl Falbo, Vice President of Sales for func., focused on aligning teams, capabilities, and shared standards for an exceptional client experience.

func. is recognized for workplace solutions designed to help organizations adapt—supporting collaboration, focused work, and space efficiency without sacrificing aesthetics or durability. With func. added to AIR’s portfolio, clients will have expanded options to furnish and reconfigure spaces that match today’s evolving needs, from growth and hybrid work shifts to departmental moves and refresh cycles.

“This partnership is a natural fit,” said Jacqui Sabo, Founder/Owner of Arizona Interior Resource. “func. brings smart, flexible solutions that support how people work now and how they’ll work next. We’re excited to build on the relationships that got us here, including our long-standing connection with Shannon Wilmer and the leadership alignment we established with Cheryl Falbo during our kickoff.”

AIR specializes in end-to-end commercial interiors—helping organizations plan, specify, and furnish spaces with a high-touch, responsive approach. With a focus on empathy, responsiveness, collaboration, personalization, and trust, AIR guides clients from early planning through installation and post-install support.

Through func., AIR will help clients create spaces that are easier to scale, faster to refresh, and more aligned with employee well-being and productivity. Organizations can expect streamlined specifications, thoughtful design support, and solutions that look intentional while performing under real-world workplace demands.

To learn more about AIR’s expanded offerings through func. or to request a product overview and planning consult—visit https://www.airinaz.com or contact Jacqui Sabo at jacqui@airinaz.com or 480-487-4749.

About Arizona Interior Resource (AIR)

Arizona Interior Resource (AIR) partners with organizations to design and furnish commercial environments where people feel healthy, connected, and empowered. AIR delivers workplace solutions that balance design, well-being, and business performance. Learn more at https://www.airinaz.com.

About func.

func. provides workplace solutions designed for flexibility, performance, and modern space planning—supporting organizations with adaptable products that help teams work better in changing environments. Learn more at https://www.funcconnect.com/ .

About B3W, Inc.

B3W, Inc. is a manufacturer representative firm supporting commercial interiors partners and connecting clients with workplace solution providers. Learn more at https://www.linkedin.com/company/b3w-inc/ .

Media Contact

Jacqui Sabo

Arizona Interior Resource (AIR) jacqui@airinaz.com | 480-487-4749 https://www.airinaz.com

THE CONTEMPORARY OFFICE CHECKLIST HOW TO CREATE FUNCTIONAL INSPIRING WORKSPACES

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:12:41 GMT

How to create functional, inspiring workspaces that Improve productivity and well-being

If you want a workspace that improves productivity and well-being today, the most reliable approach is to design for change: create zones for different work modes, reduce interruption (especially noise), and choose solutions that can be reconfigured as your headcount, teams, and workflows shift—without a full retrofit every time.

Why do modern offices need to change more often than they used to?

Work patterns are less predictable: hybrid schedules, rotating teams, changing project needs, and faster growth cycles. That means static layouts age quickly.

AIR’s mission focuses on making office decisions feel simpler and less stressful for busy leaders—by guiding choices that protect well-being and business performance together.

The Contemporary Office Checklist (use this to plan before you buy anything)

1) Have you defined what “work modes” your office must support?

Start with reality, not trends. List your core activities:

• Heads-down focus work

• Collaboration (2–6 people)

• Team meetings (8–14 people)

• Private calls / HR conversations

• Client/vendor conversations

• Breaks and decompression

Quick rule: If your space only supports one mode well (usually collaboration), you’ll pay for it in interruptions and lost focus later.

2) Have you mapped interruptions (culture + sound) as a productivity risk?

Interruption isn’t just annoying—it’s a performance variable. In most offices, the culprits are:

• Uncontrolled noise spill (open seating + hard surfaces)

• Visual distraction (constant motion in peripheral vision)

• Culture friction (no norms for “focus time” vs “collaboration time”)

What to do this week:

• Identify the top 3 “noise hot zones” (near printers, break rooms, main corridors)

• Identify the top 3 “focus-critical roles” (finance, engineering, ops planning, HR)

• Commit to a plan for both behavior (norms) and environment (acoustic control)

If your office feels busy but not productive, interruptions are likely the issue. The fix is rarely “more meeting rooms.” It’s a combination of acoustic control, visual boundaries, and clear norms so people know where focus work belongs and where collaboration belongs—without conflict.

3) Have you balanced collaboration and privacy—by design?

Modern offices need both. The practical solution is zoning.

A simple zoning model:

• Collaboration zone: active, conversational, easy-to-reconfigure spaces

• Quiet zone: lower traffic, sound-managed, focus-first

• Private zone: phone rooms, small enclaves, sensitive conversations

• Support zone: storage, print, mail, IT, supplies—kept out of focus areas

4) Are you planning for change—so you can avoid expensive retrofits?

Expensive retrofits usually happen when a space can’t flex. To reduce that risk, design with modularity and reconfiguration in mind.

A useful example: func, (AIR partner) describes mobile walls, screens, and accessories that help teams create collaboration and privacy “without the need for expensive retro-fits.”

Checklist for “retrofit resistance”:

• Can you create privacy without building permanent walls?

• Can teams reconfigure space in hours, not weeks?

• Can you scale up/down without new construction?

5) Have you selected tools that create boundaries without killing light and openness?

This is where many offices overcorrect: either everything is open (too loud), or everything is enclosed (too rigid).

func. positions their screens and mobile walls as mix-and-match tools that support collaboration, privacy, and activity—while also offering acoustic screen options.

Practical options to consider:

• Acoustic screens for desks and benches

• Freestanding partitions for quick micro-zones

• Mobile walls for temporary “project rooms”

• Accessories that support active work (rails, add-ons, storage integration)

Comparison: What should you choose when budgets and timelines matter?

Retrofit-heavy changes vs. modular changes:

Retrofit-heavy: permanent construction, longer downtime, higher disruption, harder to adjust later
Modular: faster change cycles, less disruption, easier scaling, supports experimentation
Open plan vs. zoned plan
Open plan (un-zoned): easy collaboration, but higher interruption cost
Zoned plan: clearer expectations, better focus, fewer culture conflicts, easier onboarding

6) Have you defined what “inspiring” means in measurable terms?

“Inspiring” isn’t a style choice. It’s the outcome of a space that supports:

• Confidence (people know where to go for what)

• Connection (teams have places to collaborate naturally)

• Control (privacy exists when needed)

• Pride (space reflects brand quality and standards)

This aligns with AIR’s core offer: a trusted partner in designing and furnishing workspaces where quality, well-being, and business performance go hand in hand.

People can focus without fighting noise, collaborate without disrupting others, and see their company’s standards reflected in the environment. Inspiration is the byproduct of clarity, comfort, and capability, not just aesthetics.

A simple next step you can take this week

If you want to change behavior (not just furniture), do this:

1) Walk the space and label Focus / Collaborate / Private / Support zones (even if they’re imperfect today)

2) Identify the top two interruption problems (noise + traffic)

3) Choose one modular change that reduces friction quickly (screens, boundaries, mobile zones)

4) Set one team norm (e.g., quiet zone etiquette, where calls happen)

5) Reassess after 14 days and adjust

AIR’s role is to simplify the complexity and guide decisions with a calm, practical process—so leaders feel confident and in control, not stuck micromanaging office layout decisions.

Key Takeaways

• The contemporary office must be designed for culture and are a measurable productivity and well-being risk.

• The best offices balance collaboration and privacy through clear zoning.

• To reduce expensive retrofits, prioritize modular, reconfigurable solutions (e.g., mobile walls and acoustic screens).

• “Inspiring” workspaces are those that make performance easier—and reflect the quality of the business.

Jacqui Sabo is founder of AIR and can be reached at jacqui@airinaz.com

Why Give?

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 22:34:45 GMT

So many people and nonprofits have made an impact on my life. Teachers, spiritual guides, coaches, mentors, and friends have come into my life at various critical times to make a positive impact on me, my career, and my family. How do we continue the tradition of giving what was so freely given to us?

Meaning of Giving

As a small business owner, I struggled to put together a team I could count on. I solicited the advice of several nonprofits such as SBA, Score, and PHXbizConnect by HUUB. These non-profits provided resources for grants, 1:1 support and know how to help me succeed and to enjoy a great quality of life while building and scaling my business, and I have some amazing friendships as a result!

As a small business owner, you have the power to create meaningful change through giving. Whether it's supporting local charities, sponsoring community events, or donating products or services, your contributions can make a significant difference. But it’s not always easy. Prioritizing giving takes discipline and planning.

Giving Back Enhances You

As part of my make-up, I look for those in need. When I meet someone from a networking or professional affiliation event, I ask how they’re doing. If there is a connection, we grab a cup of coffee to get better acquainted to see how I can help. This is a priority for me to ask how I can help.

By prioritizing giving as part of your business strategy, you can build strong relationships with your customers, employees, and community. Giving back not only enhances your brand reputation but also fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment for both you and your team. Identify what you love (for me, its women, children, and the arts), and give of your time, talent, and treasury. The needs are so great! But the reward is greater.

It Starts with You

It’s always hard to get started if you haven’t done this for a while. If I want to start running, I set out my clothes and shoes at night; if I want to eat better, I start paying attention to what I eat and the portions. I know that if I focus on what I can predict and influence, the results will come.

Take the first step towards integrating giving into your business model. From implementing corporate social responsibility initiatives to creating partnerships with non-profit organizations, there are numerous ways to incorporate giving into your small business. Start making a positive impact today and watch as your business thrives while making a difference in the world.

Written by Jacqui Sabo , the founder of AIR. She can be reached at jacqui@airinaz.com or 480-487-4749 .

Are you open to collaboration?

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 22:05:30 GMT

Are you truly maximizing your office space?

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the ability to work effectively with others and make the most of your environment is so crucial, that it allows you to attract and retain top employees and continue to grow. When you are open to collaboration, you invite people with unique ideas into your workforce. By actively participating in collaborative efforts, you strengthen your relationships with coworkers and create a positive work culture.

Your office space should have options for collaboration. With this, your team, your management, your mindset, and overall corporate culture will be open to the idea of collaboration as well.

Does your office space reflect that?

Does your workplace culture reflect those values?

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Reevaluate how you allocate real estate within the office
Increase square footage for collaborative and shared spaces
Create a sense of community within your space
Foster collaboration within teams, both in person and online
Improve productivity and build higher job satisfaction
Reduce stress with flexibility and multiple options

We help employers by assessing their corporate culture, using questionnaires, surveys, and other tools. We can see if your current office space and corporate culture is established and aligned for you to achieve your goals.

Are you maximizing the possibilities of your space, and your square footage?

Do you know all the possibilities of what can be done with your space? Are your employees aware, or trained on the reconfigurability of your space? That is if you have reconfigurable spaces.

Reconfigurable spaces and flexible furniture can help you increase the use of your square footage!

A Conference Room can double as a Training Room, or a Meeting Room can be a Collaboration Area. You can multiply and maximize the use of your space, and the resources and tools you are providing your team.

Did you know that training tables can be joined together as one large conference table?
Did you know that nesting training tables and chairs can fold up and be rolled out of the way, or into storage?
Did you know that meeting tables can be height adjustable, have technology & screens incorporated so that you can have seated or standing meetings and presentations?

Remember that maximizing your office space is about physical rearrangements and creating an atmosphere conducive to productivity that reflects the values and goals of your organization. By implementing smart solutions, you can create an environment that fosters creativity, efficiency, and overall job satisfaction for yourself and your team members alike.

Are you maximizing your space? Are you providing your team with all the options and tools that they need? Can you take your office space to the next level?

We can help! We can show you how or where you might be able to repurpose a space or transform an area into a multipurpose hub for a plethora of options or activities.

Reach out today for a complimentary Discovery Call.

Contact Jacqui Sabo , the founder of AIR at jacqui@airinaz.com or 480-487-4749 .

How flexible are you as an employer?

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 19:58:45 GMT

Does your work environment reflect flexibility?

In today's rapidly evolving corporate landscape, flexibility and multifunctionality in the workplace have become paramount for businesses to stay competitive and attract and retain talent. Gone are the days of rigid office setups limited to cubicles or fixed furniture. Companies now recognize the importance of creating spaces that can adapt to changing needs and foster collaboration among employees. This shift in mindset has led to the rise of flexible office furniture solutions that promote mobility, creativity, and productivity.

Let’s review some areas of importance, areas for improvement, and how we can help you get set up for success.

How flexible is your office space?

Are you providing adequate options for your employees to choose which space best suits their needs at a given time, and for the task at hand?

A healthy variety includes:

Spaces for Concentration
Spaces for Collaboration
Spaces for Inspiration
Spaces for Relaxation

A variety of spaces, especially calm and creative environments help boost morale & employee satisfaction, increase creativity, improve health, and generate greater productivity. This ultimately improves attraction and retention, overall business and generates a strong ROI.

Do you have designated spaces for specific work? Do you have spaces that are open for interpretation, or open for a variety of tasks and situations?

The more options you have, the more flexibility you offer in your space, allowing employees to pick and choose the location based on the current need or task. Employees feel a sense of belonging when they have options and free range within the office. They feel more at home, if they have spaces they can retreat to for a quiet moment, for a private or personal phone call, a place to unwind if business matters become overwhelming, a place for reflection or inspiration, a place for private concentration or team collaboration.

Are you flexible in your management of employees?

Do you allow your employees the freedom to work where they want and when they want? Even if that means you can’t always see them? Whether your employees are working in the office, or as a hybrid model, consider offering small, versatile rooms, beyond standard workspaces that adapt to your employees' needs. One room or area can have multiple uses and serve multiple teams or team members.

A small meeting room could foster or support:

Formal or Informal Meetings
Zoom Meetings
Conducting Interviews
Collaboration
Coffee Meetings
Quiet Room for Head’s Down Work
Private Phone Calls

If these spaces are adequately furnished from the start, minimal adjustments would be needed for each new task and the employee using the space. Consider placing a large monitor, adding charging capabilities, noise reducing acoustic properties, comfortable seating, etc.

As our world continues to change and evolve, so too must our approach to work. By embracing flexible work arrangements and creating multifunctional spaces, employers can empower their employees and foster a culture of adaptability and innovation. Let’s build workplaces that value flexibility, where individuals can thrive, and businesses can flourish.

We’d love to help! Reach out today for a complimentary Discovery Call.

Contact Jacqui Sabo , the founder of AIR at jacqui@airinaz.com or 480-487-4749 .

The Power of Self-Reflection

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 20:41:04 GMT

You can reframe your stressors to an adventure.

Witnessing loss can be traumatic but you can move through it. In business there are so many ways to lose. It’s not what happens, rather what happens next that matters. Recently a protégé experienced a profound loss. I watched her at a gathering of friends and family, navigate the complexities of dealing with the reality of it and trying to make sense of it all.

Uncovering the Hidden Message of You Matter

Maya Angelo said, “If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.” With my friend, I could see how much those around her cared for her. I wondered what she will make of all this when the most critical moments have passed. Did she know how much she mattered?

Discovering the Power of Self-Reflection

On the drive home, I began to think about my own life’s experiences and realized that I haven’t always taken the time to pause, but I know how much self-reflection helps. Before I tell you more about the benefits of self-reflection, I want to tell you about a short story.

In 2006, while golfing, (actually, I was sitting waiting for my partner to tee-off) I was hit by a line drive in the head. I was rushed to the hospital, received stitches over my right eyebrow and told that I had a concussion. Thankfully, from 2006 until 2022, I experienced no side effects from this incident.

But recently, I started to have symptoms that were baffling. I visited my doctor, then a neurologist who gave me a diagnosis and a cure, and I have been on my merry way since then. However, adjusting to these symptoms and the treatment has been much more than I realized. Truth, is I have struggled a bit. Sometimes I forget to breath until I can catch myself. Then I remember I have a plan and I’m ok.

Struggle Vs. Reflection

From the Journal Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, The Struggle Bus: Using Critical Self-Reflection for Psychological Introspection and Self-Care , (Shaw, Carter, Tolbert-Banks 2022, Vol 28, Issue3), the authors share that introspective work is challenging, rewarding, and, at best, revealing. They go on to say that all humans need help. When a title like business owner, boss, mentor, coach, or father are attached to an individual, it can strip the individual of believing they can reach out for help.

In my own experience, hiding my feelings has been my badge of honor. This ability to compartmentalize has often served me well to get the work done, but in the end, I have struggled to ask for help until it’s too late and then I’m face down in the ground or in the fetal position, rocking, quietly repeating, “There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home.”

The point is self-reflection is hard but very helpful. If done with consistency and correctly, it can help to unlock our true selves. It helped my friend and it’s helping me. Here are some things you can do when faced with a tough challenge.

Understand Your Worries

Ask yourself at what moment did you feel most distanced from what was happening? What part of this experience is puzzling or confusing? By asking these questions, you should be able to identify what is happening and then you can think about why you feel this way.

Understand Your Strengths

Ask yourself at what moment did you feel most engaged? What about this experience is most surprising in a good way. Helping you to reframe your thinking allows you to think more objectively about what is happening.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Determine the behaviors or actions you can predict and control. Then take small steps to complete those actions. Remind yourself that asking for help is healthy and there are people who care and want to help.

Foster Self-Awareness

Keep an open mind. Be mindful of your strengths and weaknesses. Consider how your actions affect others. You may have to set some boundaries, so embrace your tuition. If it feels like you need to give yourself time, do so.

Reap the Benefits of Taking a Step Back

Lack of reflection could be prolonging your struggle or hurt. Business owners and employers are experiencing a variety of challenges because of not pausing to reflect. Once you apply some of the helpful tips in this article, you’ll begin to shift your focus from struggle to reflection. You can reframe your stressors to an adventure, and keep on, keeping on.

Know that there are resources and people to help. You need someone who can help you answer important questions, who has the experience and resources to take your overall objectives and create a space that can support your purpose, priorities, brand, and vision. If you are an owner or manager planning or thinking about updating your work environment, call or email me for a free consultation. We can help you breathe easier. Jacqui Sabo is the founder of AIR and can be reached at jacqui@airinaz.com.

What is Being Lost at the Office?

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 22:12:15 GMT

Do not waste another day, get on your game.

I am struggling to get my work done today and I am stressed about it. I can hear my itty-bitty complaint committee whispering, “Stop worrying about your health and get back on track.” I wonder about the source of that conditioned thinking. Because I’m not sick, I’m just sick and tired of people losing stuff. Misplacing little things like your keys or phone can cause you to lose minutes, but when you lose a contract or proposal or key information needed to support an employee initiative or a customer experience, it can be costly to both your income and your well-being. In my practice, I see this often and it’s much more widespread and costly than you think.

The Cost of Disorganization

According to Inc. Magazine, employees waste an average of 4.3 hours every week looking for things that they have but can’t find. Time wasted looking for documents, electronic files, important emails, and other things is lost productivity and money down the drain.

The cumulative cost of disorganization adds up fast when you take each employee's hourly pay rate and multiply it by 166 hours per year. For example: $25/hour X 166 hours = $4,150/year, lost just to looking for things! That is just for one employee earning about $50K/year salary.

In addition to salary dollars, there are soft costs of disorganization that impact business performance and success. Consider the lost revenue from hidden costs such as poor customer service, and missed sales opportunities due to lack of follow-through, as well as employee burn-out and turnover.

Here are some ways to stay organized when you work:

Schedule Time for Organization

My good friend, Dr. Dennis Deaton suggested I schedule “PEG” time in my calendar each week. PEG is personal evaluation and goal time. It’s a chance to quickly evaluate where you are in relation to your goals and priorities and what you can do to get back on track.

Use Calendars & Reminders

The question is should you use paper or digital planning? It’s up to you. When I’m with a client, I write all my notes. A former mentor said that it’s just good form to write down customer comments. It shows you are engaged and actively listening. But it’s also cognitive. Use what works for you but use it consistently. LinkedIn has a great article about this (5) Paper or Digital Planner? Which One to Choose? | LinkedIn

Clear Out Clutter

Staying on top of clutter is a learned process that often takes years. Remember your backpack in elementary school? Wads and sheets of random papers? Then, you graduated to middle and high school where the stakes were higher, so you used binders and your locker, and then in college, you really honed what worked for you, or maybe not.

Regardless of where you start, the first must to reduce clutter is to learn to quickly decide what is important and what is not, and then act on it. Most of my clients struggling with clutter often pause when deciding. If you’re not sure what is important, ask someone to sit with you as you go through clearing off your desk first. Talking out loud about why it’s important with another often helps to clarify what you need and why.

Maintain Digital Files

Use of digital filing is a best practice, especially if it’s backed up regularly and secure. But it requires processes and procedures including establishing a standard file naming convention. The primary reason for filing is to reduce human errors.

A perfectly organized filing system not only allows you and your staff to find and access files, but also prevents the loss or misfiling of documents. These documents determine the rights and remedies available to you and your customers when there is a dispute or question. Using your process to determine filing by stages of the customer experience or operational and financial steps in your procedure is an ideal way to file.

We use files and sub-files for customers and new opportunities to align with our sales and customer experience policy and practices. This information is easily filed and retrieved because our work in progress always falls into distinct, definable buckets.

Designate Dedicated Workspaces

This has been a topic of debate, is open plan or private office better? There are many pros and cons for both, but for the sake of this article, designating dedicated workspaces can be an incredibly effective strategy for optimizing productivity. By allowing individuals to have a dedicated space or office in which to work creates a sense of ownership and structure that encourages increased efficiency and improved focus.

Furthermore, the ability to define boundaries between professional/personal space can help foster mental clarity when tackling difficult tasks. Additionally, this practice eliminates unnecessary distractions by providing an environment in which individuals are free to concentrate on their work uninterrupted.

Be more productive at work and in life.

Lack of organization could be costing you more than you think. Business owners are experiencing a variety of challenges because of not getting and/or staying organized. Once you apply some of the helpful tips in this article, you’ll begin to realize the positive effect it has on your health, your employees’ well-being, your customer experience, and your bottom line. Do not waste another day, get on your game, and keep those profits coming.

The Power of Pivot

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:46:48 GMT

The Surprising Secret to Success: Embrace Change!

Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, is quoted as saying "change is the only constant in life” and there have been many changes. There is power in business pivots as this story illustrates.

One of my first jobs in office furniture was in the early 1990s right after what is considered now a very short eight-month recession. Prior to this recession, businesses often waited months and months for new office furniture. In addition, many large companies were trying to figure out a way to dispose of used office furniture with the goal of reducing landfill waste. These two factors combined with a general business goal of reducing costs to increase profitability created the perfect opportunity for my former employer, an office furniture refurbisher, to call on businesses to remove its used furniture with the promise that she would take it off their hands and go to other businesses and not the landfill. She repainted, reupholstered, and updated the furniture and sold it at a significant cost and price below and faster than her new furniture competitors.

This change met customer demands for shorter lead times, less expensive products, and landfill diversion, and it made my employer more money.

An Industry Shifts

Premium-brand office furniture manufacturers continued to explore ways to compete with lower cost refurbished and import furniture suppliers which resulted in emerging new markets for furniture, moving from providing just corporate office furniture to supplying a variety of environments with products designed to meet new needs. Healthcare, education, hospitality, government, retail, architectural & design, global as well as small to medium business segments could now find suppliers offering the correct solution based on the unique settings and work each end-user performed, building on the need for good pricing, quick turn-around and sustainable solutions. And, out of this, the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) was born to promote sustainability in building design, construction, and operation to help customers.

This example tells why business owners need to constantly adapt to new market conditions. Let me offer one more example. Over the next several years, we experienced additional recessions in 2001 after 9-11 and then the Great Recession in 2008-2009. These economic downturns coupled with the impact of the technology growth explosion caused our industry to shift again to meet increasing demand for new and competitively priced products. Leading furniture manufactures scrambled to find solutions that helped reduce workspace costs which is the 2 ^nd highest expense for business behind human capital. Some of the best minds began thinking about the role technology, people and furniture plays in the overall work environment.

A Manufacturing Pioneer Pivots

No longer were employees tethered to offices because of technology limitations. In the US, laptops first outsold desktops in the retail markets in 2005. Also, around this time, we began to see Millennials in the workplace together with Gen X, Baby Boomers, and The Silent Generation. This multi-generational environment required new ways of working, and the companies that changed were able to meet needs and thrive. Herman Miller, an office furniture manufacturer pioneer, redesigned and rebranded its 1960 Action Office offering of cubicles and desks to Living Office in 2015 introducing their new knowledge, services, products, and technologies to support promoting a naturally human integration of people, ideas, tools, furnishings, and spaces, to create a more desirable workplace. Living Office was designed to help people and organizations uniquely express and enable their shared character, activities, and purpose, promoting employee engagement, creativity, productivity, and wellbeing, and ultimately greater prosperity for all.

Making The Change

These examples demonstrate why you will have to make changes to your products/services. Darren Johnson, an American Writer, said, “Believe it or not, the biggest obstacle for a business owner with any size business is the internal response to the question - 'Now what?' Often this question is followed by a - deer in the headlights - response, which is then followed by stagnation. Following stagnation comes fear.” Avoid this by following three easy steps to pivot:

1) Identify Areas For Improvement - Identifying improvement areas is an important step in helping to reach goals. Analyze you processes and identify what areas can be improved based on new market or customer developments. Brainstorm how this can be achieved. Take a critical look at every part of the sales process, for example, from start to finish, and ensure that each step is efficient and effective. You may have done this before but do it regularly. Doing so will help achieve our objectives more effectively and efficiently.

2) Develop A Plan To Make Changes - Creating a plan to make changes is an important step. A well-developed plan should include objectives and actionable steps that can be taken towards achieving those objectives. It should also consider any potential risks or challenges that may arise during implementation. Once the plan is created, it must be implemented and regularly monitored to identify areas for improvement or further adjustments.

3) Monitor Results And Adjust As Needed - It is important to monitor the results of any project and adjust as needed. This helps ensure that the project progresses in a timely manner and achieves its desired outcome. Regular monitoring should be conducted to evaluate progress, identify challenges or areas for improvement, and adjust plans or strategies accordingly. Doing so allows you to quickly address any issues that may arise and ensure that we remain on track throughout the process.

To Sum Up on Pivoting

Be prepared for change! Change is a part of life, and it's important to be prepared for it. Growing up in business, I learned to expect the unexpected and took on new challenges with enthusiasm. As a result, I have developed a strong sense of adaptability that has helped me navigate through different situations and experiences which serves me well as a business owner. Whenever opportunities arise or new events occur, I'm always ready to take them on with an open mind and positive attitude.

No matter how much change comes your way, know that there are resources and people to help. You need someone who can help you answer important questions, who has the experience and resources to take your overall objectives and create a space that can support your purpose, priorities, brand, and vision. If you are an owner or manager planning or thinking about updating your work environment, call or email me for a free consultation. We can help you breathe easier. Jacqui Sabo is the founder of AIR and can be reached at jacqui@airinaz.com.

Quiet Quitting and Workspace Balance

Sat, 17 Dec 2022 23:11:39 GMT

Is quiet quitting real?

According to a recent Gallup poll, quiet quitters make up at least 50% of the American Workforce. I see it in my office. Extroverts arguing with each other and introverts ignoring each other. In the courtyard and in the hallway of my office building, baby boomers, gen x’ers and gen z’s debate loyalty, duty, and obligation over purpose, meaning, and wellness.

Personally, I think as individuals we are big oscillating fans moving from “I’ve had it with this b@#s*t” to “That was an amazing project.” As a business owner, I know this sentiment is affecting sales and client relations.

As owners and employers, we know that balancing the needs of the overall organization with individual needs and resources with revenues is a tricky act. The workplace is a minefield of unseen and unspoken hazards. Human resource managers know that it’s important to tackle the issues facing us today, such as workplace stress and depression, blocking burnout, and tackling bullying, or macho mentalities. But as a small business owner I’ve realized something –

and I don’t have to be an HR expert to understand this.

Start with a Plan

When designing and furnishing your office, understanding the process is the best way to become more productive.

I don’t mean you spend hours researching and building an elaborate plan. Getting educated and creating a workplace design with furnishing and technology objectives is as easy as answering four simple questions.

1. What are your overall business mission and objectives?

Define or update your mission. How does it connect your work culture with customers and the community? Next, define objectives for sales, operations, and finance. Are you ramping up or growing your business? How did you do last year? Is your process outdated? What do you want to earn this year? What’s the gap? If you haven’t already, write or update your individual job descriptions for sales, customer service, etc. with competencies and assess which areas you need to improve.

Ask your employees to complete a one-page plan detailing their individual goals that help move the needle on the overall objectives of the company. Ask for specifics about how they will achieve those goals and milestones. Ask them to define two unique characteristics they have that can support your mission. Ask what barriers to success exist for them and have a live conversation! Engage. Ask how they want to be recognized when goals are achieved.

2. Assess your workspace

Before deciding on the ideal workspace strategy, understand better how growth in your company and its workforce translates into the need for space. What’s missing? Invest in a space that connects people with your mission. This can be as simple as reconfiguring your space or more involved using a design professional. The key to designing a great workspace is balance. One that you and your team can feel.

3. Design and procurement

Do you have enough furniture and equipment? Have you established a standard for future purchases, or do you recreate the wheel each time you have to add or update a space? Do you have an inventory of your existing assets, and do you know who to call when there are warranty or service needs? Standardizing how service requests are made and resolved goes a long way to reducing down time. Selecting designers or suppliers to help you with furnishings procurement is a great way to save time, money and create a space that supports your overall financial goals.

4. Rework work

Do your employees dread using the audio/visual equipment or community meeting spaces because there is confusion about how to use these items or is there a scheduling conflict. Is there too much light or not enough? Are there sounds that impact concentration? How are you addressing dispersed work or hybrid work? Are you aware of employees’ needs? Are you supporting heads down work, collaboration, and creativity with your current workspace settings?

The keys to improving the workspace

Most business owners will tell you they don’t have time to worry about minor details and just want to buy the most inexpensive furniture. But initial cost is not the only factor. Consider life-cycle cost analysis and think about the soft costs. Getting ahead of problems is always more efficient.

Talking about the workspace as part of your regular planning can mitigate moments of quiet quitting. We will always have bad days or bad moments but ignoring this important part of your business has financial, operational, and wellbeing implications.

Remember, great workspaces connect people seamlessly with instant access to information and settings that improve the quality of life when they work together.

It’s impossible to always balance the organization and individuals with revenues and resources, but you can make improvements, you need someone:

who can help you answer important questions.
who has experience and resources.
and who uses your mission and objectives to create a space that supports your purpose, priorities, brand, and vision.

If you are an owner or manager planning or thinking about a move or update, contact me for a free consultation. We will help you breathe easier.

Small Business Doesn't Have Just One Address

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 04:37:37 GMT

I recently started my own company, and though I have years of industry and management experience, I found the process frightening and overwhelming.

All the planning in the world couldn’t have prepared me for the many variables and decisions that had to be made. My inbox was flooded as I worked my way through selecting the right business software and support people.

I was receiving so much information that I literally couldn’t think straight, let alone make prudent and timely decisions.

Now that the most significant decisions have been made and implemented, I’ve realized something — learning how to work on your business while also working in your business is tough. This experience has given me a fresh perspective on how my clients and fellow small business owners feel when planning a move or upgrading their space.

Start with a Plan

When designing and furnishing your office, understanding the process is the best way to prevent overwhelm and the fear of getting a bad deal.

I don’t mean you spend hours researching and building an elaborate plan. Getting educated and creating a move plan is as easy as answering four simple questions (and none of them involve measuring).

1. What Are You Currently Spending and How Does That Compare to the Market?

Start by considering your current square footage and price. Office space is marketed by price per usable square foot (USF); before deciding what to spend, you should know what you are currently paying. It’s easy to calculate:

Find your square footage in your current lease agreement.
If you don’t have your lease agreement, call your property manager, and ask them to send a copy.
Once you have the square footage, calculate your current price per square foot by dividing your rent by the USF.
When looking at new spaces, ask about other costs outside the price per square foot. Unexpected costs are the most significant reason small business owners feel that they got a “bad” deal.

If you’re not sure what or how much you should be paying, do your research. Commercial real estate firms publish market reports that provide all the information you need:

2. When Do You Need to Make Decisions?

Most office leases require a minimum 90-day notice to renew or terminate, so plan accordingly. Since you already have a copy of your lease from answering question one, read it and confirm whether it follows the typical 90-day window.

Even if you’re considering a move, it’s best practice to request a lease renewal option from your property manager. The terms they provide will give you an idea current market rate for your property.

How long will it take if you own your building and want to buy, sell, or update it? Research the market to allow adequate lead time to achieve your occupancy goal.

3. Who Does Your Real Estate Support? How?

Is this space for your employees? Strategic partners? Community? Customers?
Will it be used only for business-related purposes? Does it also need to function as a living space?
If you’re offering dispersed or hybrid work arrangements or want to in the future, is that factored into your plan?
If the goal is to conduct income-generating activities, how will you support your people and protect their quality of life?

4. Why is Real Estate Important for You?

Does it improve operational efficiency, increase sales, reduce expenses, or improve or support your brand, image, and culture? Is it purely a financial strategy that enables you to appreciate or depreciate assets?

Before deciding on the ideal strategy, understand better how growth in your company and its workforce translates into the need for space.

The Keys to Feeling Confident

Most business owners will tell you they are excited to find a new office, industrial or medical space and sign on the dotted line. And they will also tell you they are afraid to get ripped off or miscalculate what’s needed.

Who wants to pay above market for real estate, interior design, or office furniture? Or worse, make a huge investment and not get what you want and need for your business?

It’s impossible to remove all the fear and overwhelm, but you can reduce it. When moving or upgrading your office space, you need someone:

who can help you answer important questions;
who has experience and resources;
and who uses your objectives to create a space that supports your purpose, priorities, brand, and vision.

If you are an owner or manager planning or thinking about a move or update, contact me for a free consultation. We will help you breathe easier.