In a post-pandemic world, the success of an office will stem from how well it can support the ever-changing ways we work, not just now, but in the future.

A huge part of that comes from the furniture you specify. The right furniture is as agile as the workplace itself, capable of adapting to meet business needs seamlessly and succinctly, responding to anything, no matter how unexpected or diverse.

With that in mind, Herman Miller took its extremely popular Ratio Workstation back to the drawing board, updating its design to be even more flexible.

The history of the height-adjustable workstation can be traced all the way back to the 1960s, when Herman Miller designers Robert Propst and George Nelson pioneered the concept of alternative working positions.

“Herman Miller has always believed in the importance of supporting a variety of postures and encouraging healthy movement while you work,” explains the global furniture company.

“Both Propst and Nelson recognised the benefits of standing while working long before the term ergonomics was widely known or understood.”

The next generation Ratio is the great great grandchild of the stand-up, rolltop desk Nelson designed for the Action Office, featuring the latest in ergonomic science.

“Studies show that optimal health benefits happen when you move regularly between sitting and standing throughout the day,” explains Herman Miller.

“When you move more and better, you will feel better. And when you feel better, you work better – leading to better business outcomes for you and your organisation.”

It’s something that Propst and Nelson knew innately and something decades of Herman Miller research backs up.

Studies show sedentary lifestyles are linked to increased risks of diabetes, obesity, heart disease and even certain cancers.

By incorporating height-adjustable furniture into a workspace, you can encourage standing for short periods, thus reducing sitting time by up to 60 per cent.

But the next generation in Ratio is more than just a height-adjustable desk. Its  intuitive one-touch electric controls eschew the one-size-fits-all approach.

Instead, the user can decide the right height for their desk in an instant, seamlessly transitioning from standing to sitting in seconds.

The assigned desk version of Ratio also comes with programmable pre-sets. Save the perfect settings and Ratio will adjust to accommodate the perfect posture whenever the user returns to their desk. As an added bonus, you get to decide where the controls are placed, from an integrated position on the desk’s surface or mounted on the front edge – take your pick.

This flexibility extends to Ratio’s appearance. Aesthetically adaptable, it comes with round legs for a lightweight look made for the modern office or rectangular legs for structured, architectural appeal.

And while we all welcome community socialisation and team collaboration in the office, we also know that sometimes you just need a little ‘heads-down’ focus time, which is why the next generation Ratio features an array of screen options.

Now affixed to the top of the crossbeam for a clean-lined look and efficient support, the new screens are designed for versatility, supporting any workplace configuration.

For standalone settings, screens are optional, while for row or clustered settings, they move up and down to deliver additional privacy, and a sense of psychological safety.

In back-to-back formations, the screen remains in a fixed position between the desks.

And since ease of use and clean look are the order of the day with Ratio, an in-house designed umbilical cord keeps cables out of sight and a lower cable tray with intuitive hinged lid facilitates their management, providing a sleek finish.

Discover the next generation Ratio Workstation on the Herman Miller website or contact your local Herman Miller Market Manager.

Photography supplied.