Operations Office at Harvard Graduate School of Education Reimagines its FurnitureThe Operations Office at Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) has recently upgraded its furniture to better meet the needs of its staff and students. The new furniture was designed and installed by a leading furniture manufacturer, whose name has been omitted by request.The Operations Office is responsible for the day-to-day administrative functions of HGSE, supporting the academic and research activities of the school's faculty and students. Given the importance of this role, it was crucial for the Operations Office to have furniture that could facilitate collaboration, productivity, and well-being.In collaboration with the furniture manufacturer, the Operations Office identified several areas where improvements could be made. The first was the reception area, where visitors and staff alike would often wait for extended periods. To address this concern, the Operations Office replaced their traditional chairs with a mix of comfortable lounge chairs and ottomans. The new furniture not only enhances the waiting experience, but also encourages impromptu conversations between visitors and staff.Another area for improvement was the staff workstations. The Operations Office had long used fixed-height desks, which limited workers' ability to easily switch between sitting and standing positions. The new workstations have electric height adjustment systems, allowing staff to seamlessly switch between sitting and standing positions, which has been proven to improve physical health and increase productivity.The Operations Office also revamped the small meeting spaces they had previously used. These spaces had outdated and uncomfortable chairs that made it difficult for staff to collaborate effectively. Along with ergonomic chairs, the team added movable tables that can be easily rearranged to accommodate groups of different sizes. The tables can also be quickly moved out of the way, providing additional space for impromptu meetings and conversations.When asked about the changes, Operations Manager, Emily Smith, stated, We are thrilled with the changes. Our staff have reported feeling more energized and productive, which has translated to improved outcomes across the Operations Office. Additionally, visitors have commented on the comfortable waiting area and how they feel more welcome in the space.Innovation and collaboration are key values at HGSE, and the Operations Office has shown that they are dedicated to embodying those values in their work environment. Through this furniture upgrade, HGSE has demonstrated a commitment to its staff and students by providing an environment that fosters productivity, creativity, and well-being.The Operations Office's example is a reminder that even small changes in the workplace can have significant impacts on employee satisfaction and productivity. By prioritizing the well-being of its staff and creating an environment that supports collaboration and innovation, HGSE is positioning itself to be a leader in education administration.
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