THIS WEEK

Take it Outside: Well-designed Outdoor Spaces Boost Wellbeing, Performance

Summer is in full-swing and our thoughts are naturally drawn outside. Not just to relax or play, but to work. You might not realize it but outdoor spaces at work aren't just a nice perk, they're often an overlooked performance booster. A few minutes outside can reset attention, lower stress and give people greater clarity and energy. When organizations design outdoor areas that are comfortable and hard-working, they give people choices that support better thinking, better interactions and better work.

CASE STUDY

One Building, Thirteen State Agencies and a Better Way to Serve

South Dakota brought 13 agencies under one roof to create a more dignified, connected and human‑centered experience for the people who rely on public services. This case study shows how thoughtful design can transform government work – supporting citizens, strengthening collaboration and shaping a workplace that feels alive.

DESIGN

Rethinking the Spaces That Shape Better Work

Steelcase designers took a close look at the everyday spaces people rely on most, and uncovered simple, high‑impact ways to help teams focus, collaborate and connect more effectively. This before‑and‑after exploration shows how thoughtful design can transform underperforming areas into flexible, human‑centered spaces that truly support better work.

WORK BETTER PODCAST

Why the Best Design Starts with Empathy

SEASON 9 / EPISODE 1

Design can unintentionally create friction – or even harm – when it’s built from a narrow set of perspectives and lived experiences. In this conversation, Omari Souza shares striking examples of how designed objects or spaces fail people in ways most of us never see. He offers frameworks and ideas to help us use empathy and curiosity to create products, experiences and spaces that foster inclusivity, belonging and equity for all.

New & Notable

Places and products that work better

SURFACE MATERIALS

Elevate Your Spaces with a Smarter Material Palette

Material choices shape how a space feels, functions and endures, which is why our laminate offering continues to evolve. Six new light‑to‑midtone wood grains expand the palette designers can work with, bringing warmth, modern texture and visual harmony to a wide range of applications. Each finish is engineered for long‑term performance and backed by our 12‑year limited lifetime warranty, giving teams confidence that the materials they specify will look great, work hard and stay consistent across multiphase projects.

Let’s help make work better.