You Won’t Believe How Many Chairs I Saw at Haworth’s Office Visit
You probably won’t believe this — last week, I walked into a space and saw what might have been the largest collection of chairs I have ever seen in my life.
Different shapes. Different colors. Different functions.
At first, I wondered: Why are there so many chairs here?
That was my first surprise when visiting Haworth and discovering how workplace design can influence employee wellbeing, comfort, and daily work experiences.
How Workplace Design Supports Employee Wellbeing Through Research and Data
Kaiyan, who has been with Haworth for 10 years, warmly welcomed us. She thoughtfully chose a seat next to a large floor-to-ceiling window and invited us to sit down while we enjoyed the chrysanthemum and goji berry tea she prepared herself.
She shared that creating a truly comfortable office chair is far more complex than it appears.
Haworth builds every product on extensive research, data analysis, testing, and continuous improvement.
Haworth studies:
• The way people’s bodies change during long hours of work;
• The impact of different sitting postures on physical health;
• What designs can truly improve workplace comfort.
But Haworth’s workplace philosophy goes beyond chairs.
From height-adjustable desks to sound-absorbing materials that reduce workplace noise, Haworth designs every detail around one key question:
How can we create a better working experience for employees?
How Workplace Design Shows Employees That Companies Care
One thing that really impressed me was that many large companies choose to invest in higher-quality workplace furniture for their employees.
For example, some companies purchase Haworth chairs in large quantities instead of choosing cheaper alternatives.
The reason is simple:
Employees may spend more than 8–12 hours a day working at their desks.
From a short-term perspective, companies need to invest more in high-quality office furniture. But from a long-term perspective, it is an investment in employee health, comfort, and workplace experience.
It also sends a meaningful message.
When employees see that their company is willing to provide them with a better working environment, what they feel is not simply:
“the company bought a better chair.”
Instead, they receive a signal:
“My company cares about my wellbeing and daily work experience.”
How Workplace Design Reflects Company Culture and Employee Values
Kaiyan shared that the comfort of a workplace often reflects how a company values its people.
Haworth’s own office is a great example.
They have integrated their showroom and workplace together. Once you enter the space, you can see Haworth’s own products throughout the office.
Even individual chair components are displayed openly:
• What materials are used?
• Why was this structure designed this way?
• How are different parts assembled together?
Every detail can be seen and experienced.
Real trust is often not built through words, but through transparent, tangible, and visible details.
What makes the space even more special is that Haworth created the color design and overall visual experience based on the design philosophy of Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola, turning the workplace itself into an everyday experience for employees.
What Can HR Learn from Workplace Design for Employee Wellbeing?
For HR professionals, workplace design is never just about where employees sit. It directly influences employee wellbeing, engagement, collaboration, and company culture.
It influences:
• How employees feel during their daily work;
• Their first impression of the company;
• How an organization demonstrates care and appreciation.
The design of a workplace is, in many ways, an expression of company culture.
A New Opportunity with R.E.D. & Haworth
R.E.D. is excited to collaborate with Haworth for a special upcoming event.
We invite HR professionals to explore:
When we look at the workplace from the employee perspective, what else can we improve?
From workplace design and employee experience to company culture, this event will help HR leaders discover practical ways to create workplaces where employees feel supported, engaged, and valued.
Stay tuned — we look forward to seeing you at the event.
Interested in learning more?
Please feel free to Contact us and join the conversation.!
Related Articles
Building Resilience in Employees: 5 Mistakes China Leaders Make
