The growth of the sustainable hybrid workspace 

It’s been well document over recent months how the global workforce is experiencing a greater adoption of the hybrid working schedule, highlighted by a recent survey by the digital agency, Embryo, which shows that over 30% of full-time employees in the UK are adhering to this modern model of working

Despite an increasing number of businesses shifting to a flexible working structure, further research from TravelPerk and Polycom indicates that 63% of companies have not yet made the necessary changes to their workplaces in order to properly adapt their equipment and layout for this method.  Thus, they’re missing out as 72% of the organisations who have fully embraced hybrid working have reported seeing a knock-on growth in productivity.  

Additionally, LinkedIn’s workforce confidence report shows that 80% of Gen Z members, who will make up almost a third of the global workforce by 2025, specifically look to work for companies who share values that align with their own personal beliefs. When all of these striking statistics are observed alongside the focused mindset on sustainability that Gen Z members profess, it can be seen that each of these factors will combine as the driving influencers behind the rising demand for adaptable, ecologically aware office products. 

Incorporating sustainable elements within the design of an office, whether that be in the workplace or home environment, will offer various benefits. According to The Global Human Spaces report 40% of staff sickness absence can be linked to poor air quality or indoor pollution. By maintaining a green office environment, it can lead to a 26% boost in cognition and 30% fewer sickness related absences. Furthermore, by featuring plants in the workplace employee stress and anxiety levels can lower by up to 37%. 

Overall, not only will investing in developing a sustainable office help businesses reduce carbon emissions, but it will also contribute towards the reduction of total energy bills and improve employee morale and well-being. Additionally, it can help enhance a company’s reputation and provide a functional, flexible and robust workspace. 

Protecting the environment has been an integral part of the corporate strategy within the Exacompta Clairefontaine group for many decades and with growing investment into more sustainable production techniques, they are continuing to develop ecological products and packaging materials across their manufacturing operations.  

Exacompta has recently been recognised for sustainability with a bronze medal from EcoVardis, ranking them in the top 50% of all companies surveyed and the top 25% within the paper and cardboard sector specifically. It has also been further recognised for its environmental credentials with a nomination within the ‘Sustainable Excellence’ category for the European Office Product Awards 2023.

A growing number of products carry the Blue Angel, PEFC™ and FSC® accreditations, including items from the latest Exacompta Bee Blue and Maïa filing and desktop ranges, which are made from 100% recycled post-consumer plastic waste. 

In correlation to the latest trends in office colour design, which heavily feature a mix of blues and yellows as its said that combining these shades can help to boost performance and enthusiasm in a stimulating and enjoyable environment, the Bee Blue collection has been developed to enhance office surroundings with its complimentary colours of Saffron, Duck Blue, Pastel Blue and Navy Blue.  

Alongside Bee Blue versions of the bestselling BIG-BOX and BIG-BOX PLUS storage units that are available with a choice of four and five drawers, two new models have also been released. The BIG-BOX MAXI features four drawers for storing A4+ size documents and an additional two smaller drawers that are ideal for office essentials.  Likewise, the STORE BOX MULTI has eleven drawers of different sizes, which can be repositioned within the unit to meet the organisational requirements of the user. 

The ergonomically designed, modular pen pots feature a combination of all four colours, whilst the letter trays, magazine files, desk mats and wastepaper bins are also sold in individual colours, allowing users to accentuate their workplace or home office with a colour scheme of their choice.

Meanwhile, the Maïa range, which has also received a nomination within the ‘Product of the Year’ category at this year’s European Office Product Awards, has quickly become the second highest performing sustainable collection from Exacompta.  It takes used plastic items such as punnets, bottles and yoghurt pots, which are then ground into flakes before being transformed into granules.  Tinted and embossed polypropylene sheets are then extruded from these granules and used to produce Maїa filing products, with their distinctive pearled honeycomb patterned effects.  

The range includes elasticated three flap folders, filing boxes, lever arch files, ring binders, display books, multipart and expanding files, as well as conference folders and drawer sets, all of which incorporate a selection of four contemporary colours – blue, water green, magenta and orange.

An innovative multi-compartment pencil case, made from recycled plastic bottles (rPET), is also available within the collection.  Entirely lined with recycled polyester to protect it from stains and dirt, the pencil case is suitable for holding a variety of objects, including pens, rulers, scissors, small gadgets and even beauty accessories.

Lawrence Savage, UK marketing manager for the Exacompta Clairefontaine group, comments: “The trend for environmentally sustainable products that can be part of a circular economy is only going to gather in pace as members of Generation Z increase their influence and spending power in the marketplace. These new ecologically aware ranges further demonstrate our commitment towards developing sustainable products and offer the perfect solution to hybrid working environments.”

This is a sponsored article brought to you by Exacompta.

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