Procurement Solutions show

Steelcase was among 250 exhibitors at the UK's official government procurement event, the two most important days of the year for the public sector procurement community. We attended the show to illustrate Steelcase's research and design credentials and to display some innovative examples of this   including Generations at Work research, the much-anticipated WalkStation, the 32 Second chair and Kalidro desk.

The Steelcase stand was bustling with curious spectators fascinated by the futuristic appeal of the WalkStation and many people took the challenge of working while walking. Intrigued and willing volunteers also carried out a questionnaire whilst on the WalkStation. The concept has been designed to encourage a healthier workforce, with the prospect of burning calories while working.

Steelcase constantly carries out extensive research programmes into new products and concepts. The WalkStation was pioneered in collaboration with the respected Mayo Clinic in the United States, who examined the benefits to workers of being physically active during their normal desk-based activities. Even walking at 1mph whilst working has the potential of burning100 calories per hour.

Following Steelcase's industry leading research into the issue of "Generations at Work", Zoe Humphries, Workplace Consultant at Steelcase's Applied Research Consultancy, was on hand to discuss the needs, influences and demands of the four generations working side by side. The research has revealed that the different work styles and attitudes of young and old employees is one of the most significant and costly challenges facing present employers. Visitors to the stand were also told about the attitude gap between the oldest and youngest in the office and the effect that this has on business. Steelcase is also exceptionally proud of their sustainability credentials and were pleased to display two of their most eco-friendly products, 32 Second chair and Kailidro which demonstrate our ethos of caring for the environment.