ThinkingWorks in collaboration with Jones + Partners developed the Focused Work Table as a work table system with interchangeable activity trays (designed and manufactured using 100% recycled plastic) that allows the workplace – and the worker – to adapt to the task at hand.

The inspiration for the Focused design came from studying the way hospital emergency rooms can be changed quickly to adapt to different requirements. Medical staff need the correct equipment right in front of them to tend to their patients’ needs in order for them to focus on their work and perform their tasks effectively. They can’t waste time trying to find the tools when their work performance relies so heavily on them being able to work quickly and effectively. In order for them to perform their work in this manner, they must be able to focus on their work with no distractions.

The question was then asked – “why can’t we apply the same level of thinking to how we design workplaces and the furniture within it?” Instead of having furniture of a “generic” design, why can’t the furniture be designed so it can adapt to different tasks? If we can achieve this and we provide an environment that allows users to focus on their work with no distractions, will we have a more productive workforce.

Be it a morning video conference, a lunch time quick change with a 1600 mm screen for visiting colleagues, or Friday afternoon drinks tray with drainage plug, the Focused Work Table can be prepared in advance to suit each application. The series of clever activity trays as well as the under table panels concealing the table structure are covered in tactile fabric. The cable management leg covers clip easily into place.

Select a Power Tray to allow you to plug in your laptops, tablets or phones, drop in an Organiser Tray with pen and pencil cups, or a Deep Tray for stationary items. When the table needs to be set up for a formal meeting the trays can be removed and replaced by an insert to provide a seamless table surface. Alternatively the table can be set up with monitors for video conferencing or PowerPoint presentations.

To top it all off, to celebrate the end of the week, you can turn the table into a drinks tray for Friday afternoon drinks. The fact Focused is a true agile furniture item allows the furniture itself to respond to the users requirements – instead of the users having to work around what the furniture can do.

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