MillerKnoll’s commitment to adapting and thriving in change: a journey towards nurturing resilient work environments

In a rapidly evolving world, MillerKnoll remains at the forefront of workspace innovation, continuously adapting to the changing needs of businesses and employees. As part of its commitment to design excellence, the organisation has adopted the ‘Design with Impact’ philosophy, which embraces change as one of its core pillars. By prioritising change, the organisation drives the development of solutions and products that keep pace with evolving demands, ensuring that MillerKnoll’s collective of brands provides designs and solutions that are adaptable, flexible and dynamic. 

Embracing change with flexible and inclusive design 

“Our designs are deeply committed to reflecting diversity and accessibility,” says Allwin Peter, Product Manager for APMEA. He further adds, “We integrate extensive user research into our design process to ensure that our products meet the diverse needs of our users, fostering environments where everyone feels supported and valued.”  

This approach is evident in MillerKnoll’s diverse product portfolio, featuring open-plan layouts, flexible solutions like the OE1 Workspace Collection by Herman Miller and privacy options such as the Pullman booth by NaughtOne and the Outline Highback Sofa by Muuto. These innovations reflect a deep understanding of the evolving demands of modern workplaces, where flexibility, individual and collaborative spaces and inclusivity are paramount. 

Prithviraj Sengupta, Market Manager for Mumbai & Gujarat, highlights, “We offer a wide range of solutions for creating adaptable environments. Our approach allows clients to procure what they need now and easily upgrade as their requirements evolve. This adaptability ensures that our designs remain relevant and effective in supporting new talent acquisition, technology advancements and employee health and safety.” 

Continuous improvement through technology integration 

At the core of MillerKnoll’s philosophy is a commitment to steady improvement, driven by the idea of keeping pace with present-day working habits and lifestyles. By understanding the changes in technological innovations, the furniture giant is working on solutions that seamlessly integrate technology and contribute positively to the user experience. This is exemplified by products like the Flo X monitor arm, which helps align the screen with the natural line of sight. “With the increasing adoption of curved and large-format screens, our Flo X monitor arms are designed to accommodate these new technologies seamlessly, thereby enhancing ergonomic comfort and viewing experiences without causing any physical strain to the user,” notes Anupam Sarkar from Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS), part of the MillerKnoll collective.  

Another prime example of technology integration is the CBS Ondo Connectivity system. This system minimises cable clutter through its integrated cable management, allowing for pass-through access to power and data at the desktop by routing cords and cables to an under-desk docking station.  

Transforming workspaces through collaboration 

MillerKnoll firmly believes in the power of participation. Hence, it excels in global collaboration and client partnerships to effectively navigate any kind of change. By seamlessly integrating teams and stakeholders into the design process, the organisation builds strong, long-term relationships. “We prioritise engagement with professionals, especially Architects and Designers to become their top choice for projects,” shares Khushboo Upadhyay, the A&D Manager.  

For example, the firm worked with a multinational tech company in Hyderabad to tailor their workplace to employee preferences, gathered through surveys and workshops. “We worked with the architect team appointed by their company to plan around those workplace preferences. This move led to very positive outcomes as some of their employee groups co-created their workplace solution – resulting in highly engaged employees translating to higher productivity,” notes Sandeep Jakky, their Market Manager. It is through continuous dialogue and collaboration that they co-create dynamic, adaptable workspaces that enhance productivity and resilience.

Sustainability and innovation at the core 

MillerKnoll’s thoughtfulness extends beyond people-centric designs and policies. The firm’s sustainability initiatives underscore its commitment to environmental stewardship. From using recycled materials in products to implementing energy-efficient practices in factories, they are dedicated to minimising their ecological footprint.  

Smithun Prem, Senior Team Leader for Product Development Engineering, shares, “Our switch from single-use plastic to corrugated cardboard in packaging is just one of many steps we’ve taken towards sustainability. We are constantly exploring new technologies and practices to reduce our energy consumption and carbon footprint, ensuring that our operations are as environmentally friendly as possible.” 

Looking forward: a commitment to excellence 

“Our approach to product development is holistic, considering how each product can contribute to a more productive and efficient workspace,” shares Kishore Raghupati, Director of Workplace, APMEA. MillerKnoll’s journey towards creating adaptable work environments is characterised by a proactive approach to meeting the evolving needs of its clients. Its collaborative efforts with multinational companies highlight the firm’s ability to co-create innovative and effective workspace solutions. Through the implementation of the MillerKnoll Performance System, the organisation has achieved over 96% reliability in on-time and on-budget project execution, underscoring its commitment to excellence. By focusing on client-centric design strategies, the collective of brands continues to ensure that their adaptive workspace solutions not only meet functional requirements but also enhance productivity and inspire employee engagement.  

Find out more on www.millerknoll.com