‘Trends’
September 26th, 2011 in Phrases and Crazes, Trends No Comments
Coined by Daniel Wegner in 1985, the term refers to our brains memorizing less usable data, and instead remembering WHERE we can go to access data. In a transactive memory system, teams and organizations collectively encode, store and retrieve knowledge. They develop a ‘group mind’ that is more complex and effective than that of any of the individuals that comprise it.
However, in today’s world, search engines and databases are now seen as primary transactive memory sources. Thanks to easy online access, more and more people don’t feel the need to memorize data, as it’s literally accessible a click away—think Google, Bing and other similar sites. Relying on our computers and the information stored on the Internet for memory depends on several of the same transactive memory processes. People share information easily as they rapidly think of computers whenever they need knowledge.
July 25th, 2011 in Mobile Work, Technology, Trends No Comments
This interesting article examines whether telecommuting is a boon or a curse to the office furniture industry. According to a survey by Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples Inc., employees who telecommute are happier and more likely to stay with their current employers. 86% of telecommuters interviewed have reported to be more productive and less stressed out from their home office. 76% are willing to clock in more time working from home if they just eliminated the trek to work, while 80% reported a healthier work-life balance. This telecommuting trend is expected to continue to grow.
According to 2009 report by Forrester Research Inc., 63 million telecommuters will be working from home in the US alone by 2016. However, according to this article’s author, all is not gloomy for the office furniture industry. For starters, there is definitely a need for ergonomic home office furniture. Simple work tools like finding the perfect chair to maximizing a small office space with desk and drawer
organizers make a world of difference. Add the right technology solutions to the mix, like email, IT security training and data backup, corporations can save a lot of money by letting their employees telecommute instead. The office furniture industry needs to understand how they can better cater to this new work trend.
Source: Rob Kirkbride. The Monday Morning Quarterback; July 25-31, 2011 By subscription only
July 14th, 2010 in Trends No Comments
One in five Americans now work non-standard hours and the trend is expected to grow. Factors such as globalization, the movement toward more knowledge-based industries, and the current recession have contributed to the growth of flex schedules.
Momentum Resources, a staffing company in the Washington, D.C. area that focuses on placing management professionals in positions with flexible hours has seen demand grow over the past several years. The company also practices what it preaches: the director schedules her day around her three sons and oversees employees with irregular schedules as well. (more…)
July 14th, 2010 in Green, Trends No Comments
These eleven new materials and technologies offer a glimpse into where innovation is taking us, both in terms of sustainability and simply as cool ideas:
- Metal Architectural Surfaces – low-cost, lightweight sheet metal that is die-cut and processed to create the representation of textures, patterns and images
- Xylogramm – CNC routed decorative panels for high-end interior design, wall paneling, and furniture construction
- CFS (Carbon Fiber Stone) – Composite material made of stone and encased in carbon for an inexpensive and extremely strong material
- UltraCanvas Backlite U280 – Coated woven polyester backlit textile for use as indoor or outdoor signage, displays, etc.
(more…)
