Joel Schlesinger © Postmedia Network Inc.
Haworth didn’t only have to pivot during the pandemic.
It swiveled, adjusted and rotated its way to better solutions for its clients — be it for an office, health-care environment, hospitality space or post-secondary institution.
One of the leading providers of workplace furnishings in North America, Haworth’s 6,000-square-foot showroom in the heart of Calgary’s downtown is once again a showcase of innovation and ideas for those seeking to redesign workspaces in the new normal of the post-pandemic world.
“Many companies have had to make significant changes, and we are now seeing more and more employers beginning to offer flexible work options to their employees,” says Craig Hoover, director of sales and distribution for Western Canada at Haworth.
Aside from providing architectural features and furnishings, it’s the responsibility of companies like Haworth and their dealer partners to help ensure that spaces are not only unique, but highly flexible.
A global manufacturer with more than 6,000 employees, Haworth, which is based in Holland, Mich., has been a mainstay for Calgary and Canadian organizations for decades. Hoover isn’t ashamed to admit that the pandemic threw his team for a loop in the beginning.
“It’s more than likely that no sector on the planet was hit harder than hospitality and travel,” Hoover says, about two industries Haworth serves.
“Then there was our bread and butter — office interiors — and for nearly two years, very few people were at the office.”
Undaunted, Hoover says his team quickly developed a plan to help employers allow employees to work safely at the office or comfortably at home.
It was a blueprint for success with Haworth continuing to be not just a provider of workplace furnishings, but an inspiration for the workplaces of today and tomorrow.
Certainly its showroom illustrates what’s possible and more, even hosting meetings for local non-profits at no cost.
After all, Haworth doesn’t just serve the business community; it serves Calgary.
“Community involvement is serious business to us, especially now,” Hoover says. “Everybody has gone through some type of change, and we’re here to help them adjust as best we can.”
This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Calgary Economic Development.