Steelcase

The newest edition of Work Better by Steelcase is here — and this month, we’re exploring a big question: How can thoughtful design help people think, connect and thrive in a rapidly changing world? We dive into the connection between brain health and the workplace, and a closer look at how connection, community and our surroundings can support human wellbeing and performance. We also explore the future of higher education, looking at how universities can help students build the skills needed for an AI-enabled world — and how flexible, community-driven spaces can support them. Plus, tune into our newest Work Better podcast, where researcher Leidy Klotz reveals why doing less can sometimes help us achieve more. If you’re curious about how spaces can help people learn, work and thrive, this edition is worth a read.

In a recent interview with officeinsight magazine, Steelcase President Irene Tasi shares how she's approaching her first months in the role by listening to customers, dealers and members, while focusing on growth, innovation and long-term value creation. The conversation explores the opportunities ahead for Steelcase, the importance of preserving our culture and research-driven foundation, and how we are positioning the business for future growth. Read the full interview in officeinsight.

The inaugural 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 is just behind us, and 𝗜 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝟲𝟰 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 with whom we spent a day reflecting on the centrality of the brain in the 21st century. The Brain Economy concept is crafted for our times - when opportunity and disruption are in close embrace, and when we must ensure that our cognitive flourishing ultimately gains the upper hand.   We had beyond inspirational keynotes from Goldie Hawn, Henrietta Moore, Erica Hutchins Coe Tracy Brower, PhD, Nasruddin Rupani, strategy discussions with Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr, Gary Litman, George Vradenburg, or deep dives from Daniel Donoho and Gail Rosseau, MD.   The brain thrives on arts, which is why we sang with Tamar Greene, Broadway's longest-running George Washington in Hamilton, admired a beautiful Ikebana exhibition and tuned in to Rafał Kulczycki's “Brain Economy anthem” in-between the sessions.   The Summit saw the launch of several reports, updates from ongoing projects and announcements of new collaborations, including:   👉 New paper on The Collapsing Collective: Designing for Thriving Teams in the AI Era: https://lnkd.in/eWrNj7pB; 👉 Findings on the economic opportunity of investing in Brain Capital from McKinsey Health Institute; 👉 Partnership between Global Brain Economy Initiative and UCL to advance brain capital research and its application to economic policy worldwide: https://lnkd.in/eCBq6Nhp; 👉 Partnership between NeuroCentury, AISM, MS International Federation (MSIF) and OneNeurology to define a Brain Capital contribution to prevention of neurological disorders; 👉 Progress report from the Nature Commission on Brain Health and Economic Resilience; 👉 Brain Capital Field Guide for Health Systems from Global Brain Economy Initiative, Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative, McKinsey Health Institute and The University of Texas Medical Branch; 👉 Neuro Climate Science & Policy Report, bringing together what is known about how climate change affects brain health, and what can be done about it: https://lnkd.in/eKTARNkR and more...   Warm thanks to all the incredible organizations who have co-hosted the Summit, together with NeuroCentury: Global Brain Economy Initiative, Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative, Brain Capital Alliance, Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association - EMEA, and our invaluably helpful knowledge partner McKinsey Health Institute.    We are grateful for the support of our partners: Steelcase (the "home of the Brain Economy"), Catalight, Bristol Myers Squibb, Google Xi, Biogen, West Health, The University of Texas Medical Branch and the The Pedersen Foundation, as well as the supporting partners One Mind, YOHAKU NY and FINN Partners.   We will soon publish video recordings of individual sessions as well as the Summit report.   Thank you all 🙏 ♥️ !

Workplaces today are all about balance —bringing together openness and intention to support collaboration, privacy and the way people actually work. This summer, explore products and solutions that help create spaces that work better, all featured in the latest edition of the New & Notable Catalog. Secure your copy now: https://ow.ly/rwNu50ZN2rE

Steelcase products are now easier to discover across Office Snapshots, connecting workplace inspiration with the products featured in each space. Explore real projects, uncover design ideas, and discover the products behind today's most inspiring workplaces: https://ow.ly/i10S50ZOS1h #OfficeDesign #WorkspaceDesign #DesignIdeas

What if improving work isn't about adding more, but taking something away? In our latest podcast, researcher and author Leidy Klotz explores why we instinctively add, even when subtraction is often the better solution. It's a simple shift in perspective that can change how we work, lead and solve problems. 🎧 Listen now: https://ow.ly/GYTh50ZNvAw #WorkBetter #Podcast

We often think creativity comes down to culture, mindset or process. But research suggests the physical environment plays a bigger role than many realize. Things like ceiling height, access to nature, ambient noise, color, and even workplace norms can influence how creatively we think. Six findings that stood out: 🔹 Higher ceilings can encourage broader, more abstract thinking, while lower ceilings support detail-focused work. 🔹 Exposure to nature, or even views of it, can help restore attention and improve creative problem-solving. 🔹 Moderate ambient noise, like a busy café, may spark more creative thinking than complete silence. 🔹 Color matters. Blue tends to support exploration and idea generation, while red can sharpen accuracy and focus. 🔹 A little "organized chaos" may encourage more original thinking than highly controlled environments. 🔹 Most importantly: choice matters. People do their best thinking when they can choose the setting that matches the task. The takeaway? Workplaces aren't just backdrops for creativity. They're active participants in how ideas are generated, refined and brought to life. Check out our full insights at Steelcase.com/research What aspect of your work environment has the biggest impact on your thinking? #WorkplaceDesign #Creativity #FutureOfWork #Innovation #WorkBetter #DesignThinking

We're counting down the days to EDspaces 2026. Join us in Kansas City to experience the latest insights and solutions designed to help people grow and thrive in all the places where learning happens. Explore insight-led evironments that support engaged learning, discover new solutions from Steelcase and Smith System and connect with our experts in learning space design. See the event schedule and schedule time with our team: https://ow.ly/QSrC50ZMhB5 #EDspaces #SteelcaseLearning #SmithSystem

Today, we're excited to introduce Irene Tasi as the next president of Steelcase. Irene will lead our global teams to build on the strong foundation of research-driven innovation, design leadership, customer focus and trusted dealer partnerships that have defined Steelcase for more than a century. Her experience leading global businesses and working closely with customers will enhance the work ahead as we continue creating places that help people work better. Please join us in welcoming Irene to Steelcase on September 14. #Steelcase #Leadership #FutureOfWork

Design faster and stay focused on what matters with Steelcase SmartTools for Revit — a free plugin that brings every Steelcase brand, finish, and update directly into Revit. No downloads. No maintenance. Just a smoother, smarter workflow from start to finish. Explore Steelcase SmartTools for Revit at: https://ow.ly/8VjV50ZHNpA #OfficeDesign #SmartTools