The workplace can do a much better job than it does today supporting diverse needs. Elena Sabinson is a neurodivergent researcher diagnosed later in life with autism and ADHD. Elena’s personal experience and research on neurodiversity along with expertise in architecture and design gives us ideas for how the workplace can do more to support all of our different brains. (<a href="https://www.steelcase.com/research/articles/embracing-how-different-our-brains-are-with-elena-sabinson-transcript/">Read transcript</a>) (Find in <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/work-better/id1179584196">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6eVSfCrgudrfUlQeK2iKV6">Spotify</a> or wherever you listen)

Why is it some teams at work struggle and others seem to click? Anita Woolley studies the science of teamwork at Carnegie Mellon and shares what her research says about how to create great teams and why having women on teams is so essential to success. (<a href="https://www.steelcase.com/research/articles/why-you-need-more-women-on-teams-with-anita-woolley-transcript/">Read transcript</a>) (Find in <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/work-better/id1179584196" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6eVSfCrgudrfUlQeK2iKV6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spotify</a> or wherever you listen)

Hard work is the key to success. Right? Not really, according to author Alex Soojung-Kim Pang. He says you can actually get more done and experience more “Aha!” moments if you rest and relax more often. He offers some advice for those of us addicted to the badge of busyness that leads to burnout. (<a href="https://www.steelcase.com/research/articles/the-science-of-aha-moments-with-alex-soojung-kim-pang-transcript/">Read transcript</a>) (Find in<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/work-better/id1179584196"> Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6eVSfCrgudrfUlQeK2iKV6">Spotify</a> or wherever you listen)

As a society, we’re getting better about talking about our mental health. But Dr. Upali Nanda, global practice director of research and partner at HKS, says we need to do more to be proactive about our brain health, the same way we go to the gym for our physical health. She’s sharing lessons learned from a living lab designed as a workplace for brain health. (<a href="https://www.steelcase.com/research/articles/creating-a-brain-healthy-workplace-with-upali-nanda-transcript/">Read transcript</a>) (Find in <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/work-better/id1179584196" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6eVSfCrgudrfUlQeK2iKV6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spotify</a> or wherever you listen)

Why do we work? The answer might surprise you. Professor and author Barry Schwartz says it’s not just about a paycheck. In fact, he argues the way society thinks about work is broken. His research uncovers why people are unsatisfied and what factors can make us happier at work. (<a href="https://www.steelcase.com/research/articles/is-our-attitude-about-work-broken-with-barry-schwartz-transcript/">Read transcript</a>) (Find in <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/work-better/id1179584196" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6eVSfCrgudrfUlQeK2iKV6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spotify</a> or wherever you listen)

Marcel Wanders Zio coffee tables bring a touch of playful elegance to your afternoons while enjoying a quick coffee on a busy day. Their rounded silhouette and sharp looks come in two sizes, so that you can find the right fit for any space!

The Knitty Lounge Chair by Nika Zupanc. A unique combination of scale and softness, this larger-than-life lounge chair is a real conversation piece. An eye-catcher made with extra-large ‘yarn’ that resemble giant ship ropes.

Ingrid Fetell Lee, author of Joyful, argues it’s possible to find joy in our physical environment even if we’re not feeling happy. She’s the founder of the website <a href="https://aestheticsofjoy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Aesthetics of Joy</a> which empowers people to find more joy in life and work through design. Ingrid helps us understand how even small changes to our workplace can make a significant difference in how we feel. (<a href="https://www.steelcase.com/research/articles/sparking-joy-at-work-with-ingrid-fetell-lee-transcript/">Read transcript</a>) (Find in <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/work-better/id1179584196" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6eVSfCrgudrfUlQeK2iKV6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spotify</a> or wherever you listen)

Is joy at work really possible? Yes it is and in this issue of Work Better we're sharing ideas about how to create spaces that help spark joy.

Designed to hug the body, the Fat Work Chair allows for multiple sitting positions while casters provide comfortable movement at work.

Solving high-stakes problems is complex — in many cases literally transforming how business happens. The work is different from just a few years ago, not only because teams have to make decisions more quickly and deliver results fast, but they’re often highly distributed and include external partners, all of which can further complicate an already complicated project.

Overbed tables support consulation, collaboration and a host of tasks and activities in healthcare facilities

What would make gathering in the workplace more enjoyable? Read how the Coalesse Design Group created the Coalesse Ensemble Lounge System – the new gathering place that works.

Noha, designed by Ludovica+Roberto Palomba, stands out for the sophisticated smooth lines of its backrest and its cleverly balanced seat that mimics a folded pillow.

Create lounge-based work settings that host teams and technology in comfort. Bix Lounge System with optional back screen creates space division while keeping the feel of an open, social environment.

Meet Skald, a modern yet classic lounge chair perfectly situated for composing poetry. Made in Italy with luxe fabrics paired with polished chrome or powder-coated steel frame creates an inviting silhouette for an architectural piece.

Simple, understated, welcoming. A steel tube frame is wrapped in natural rattan for a rustic, yet modern contour – a treat of a seat.

Flaunting a wafer-thin top and legs to there, Comeuppance always makes for a satisfying meal. Surprising tabletop leg detail ensures there’s never a dull moment. Powder-coated aluminum frame set to brave the elements indoors or outdoors.

The new life of work is about building relationships. With its modular collection of layered lounge furniture and screens, Ensemble breaks down barriers to create fresh connections—between comfort and function. Privacy and proximity. Meet the ingredients of the new gathering place, for all the places where people want to come together.