I’m also focusing on intentional analytics created by an interest in networked lockers. We can measure everything today – a desk, a task chair, meeting rooms, entry points, and so on, but are we looking at that data in an intentional way and not just by the numbers? A locker provides a smart, single source way to measure employee entries, exits, and mobility across an enterprise, giving a better understanding of the front end and back-end experiences for employer and employee.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for organizations currently? 

A lot of companies are still unsure about what to do with their real estate and it’s causing uncertainty in workplace investment. Combine that with large layoffs and slow return-to-office rates and you get organizations that plan to downsize, or rely on refreshes and not new builds. We know hybrid is here to stay, which will inform space needs, but it’s easy to forget that hybrid doesn’t mean remote – it means you need an office too. We’ve missed the point of returning to the office if we’re measuring success by bodies in a space rather than the experience an employee has when they’re physically in the space. Employees seek a sense of ownership in their workplace and we have an opportunity to provide a solution for choice and ownership that actually supports downsizing, while making a future expansion easier.

As workplaces are becoming increasingly flexible, what role does storage play in the modern office?

The term “modern office” will always be something a little out of reach. However, that aspirational term is motivating because it means we should always be designing for emerging, not pre-existing, organizational needs. Flexible spaces mean belongings need to be easily accessible via storage that is user friendly and provides a destination in a changing landscape. Once viewed as an afterthought and commodity, lockers and storage now take a more prominent, eye-catching role in the workplace as they are solving for multiple needs. With the addition of smart lock technology we’ll be able to support flexible spaces of all sizes and occupancies through easy to capture metrics and security in common areas. Partner this with colors that evoke productivity, happiness, and energy, and we can bring storage center stage in the evolving office.

We are so excited to have you on the Heartwork team!  What are you most looking forward to?

I am excited to get out there and meet Heartwork advocates, clients, designers, and dealers! I am energized by the power behind our sales team and excited to continue growing the relationships they’ve created through successful projects and emerging opportunities. I believe there is a lot of strength behind a good dealer and manufacturer duo. We’re both looking for ways to provide insight and solutions for our clients and I believe by building an intentional partnership we’ll be successful in our pursuits together.