Clerkenwell Design Week is always an eagerly anticipated event for design enthusiasts, and this year was no exception. Last week the streets of Clerkenwell became a hub for creativity, innovation and networking, so we took the opportunity to do something a little bit different. Here at Ocee and Four Design, we not only showcased our latest launch – the Share Family, but we were also able to showcase and explore the power of play in the workplace. In this blog post, we delve into the exciting highlights of CDW 2023 and how the focus on creating great experiences and fostering a playful environment can transform the way we work.

Creating Great Experiences at Clerkenwell design week

Our goal during this year’s event was to provide clients and visitors with an unforgettable experience. We started by transforming our showroom, focusing on creating a space where design meets functionality. We wanted it to be bold, playful & colourful, just like our brand.

From the moment visitors stepped in, they were greeted with vibrant colours, interactive play stations, and innovative workspaces that blurred the lines between work and play.

As the world adapts to changing work dynamics, it’s crucial to reimagine the office environment as a place that fosters collaboration, creativity, and overall well-being. The inclusion of playful elements in our showroom at CDW showcased the positive impact that play can have on employee morale and productivity:

• Sparking Creativity: Engaging in playful activities can unlock creativity, enabling employees to approach tasks from new perspectives. By integrating play into the work environment, organisations encourage employees to think outside the box and generate innovative ideas.
• Building Relationships: Playful interactions among team members create a sense of mutual trust and friendship and strengthen relationships. When employees have fun together, it fosters a positive work culture, encourages effective communication, and improves teamwork.
• Enhancing Well-being: All work and no play can lead to burnout and decreased motivation. By incorporating play into the office, employees can recharge, reduce stress and improve their overall well-being. Playful experiences can rejuvenate the mind, leading to increased focus and productivity.

To demonstrate how play at work can create a positive work environment – we set up a few different play stations this year at CDW:

Building Challenge

We ran sessions where our visitors were given the opportunity to build the best creation they could in 10 minutes. A winner was then picked from each session, each day, and an overall event winner. The prizes for these included some delicious chocolates, coffee vouchers and a £100 experience voucher. These sessions were incredibly well received & everyone had a great time.

Wheel of Experience at Clerkenwell design week

We also offered a wheel of experience to our visitors. They spun the wheel for a chance at either a prize or a raffle ticket.

The joy and laughter shared amongst colleagues and strangers alike reinforced the notion that injecting a sense of play into the workplace can have profound benefits.

#WorkWellPlayGood: The hashtag #WorkWellPlayGood aptly captures the essence of Ocee and Four Design’s approach to CDW 2023. By intertwining work and play, they reminded us that these two seemingly contrasting elements can coexist harmoniously and contribute to enhanced productivity and job satisfaction.

Bringing Staff Back to the Office

With the rise of remote work, many organisations have had the challenge of bringing their staff back to the office. So, to combat this, we’ve been trying to come up with ways to help our clients re-engage their employees. In turn, this will help to rekindle the sense of belonging that comes with working alongside colleagues.

By creating dynamic work environments that offer opportunities for relaxation, social interaction, and personal growth, we wanted to demonstrate that the office can be a vibrant and stimulating space that employees genuinely look forward to returning to.

Through vibrant colours and interesting textures, showcased how we can create furniture solutions that promote collaboration, flexibility, and comfort. From modular seating arrangements to height-adjustable desks, every element was curated to support the evolving needs of the modern workforce.

Clerkenwell Design Week 2023 was a resounding success for us here at Ocee and Four Design. We showcased our commitment to creating great experiences and harnessing the power of play in the workplace. The event served as a reminder that the office environment can be more than just a space for work. It can be a vibrant and inspiring hub that ignites innovation and cultivates a strong sense of community. As we move forward, we’d like to remember the lessons learned from CDW 2023. Let’s continue to prioritize the well-being and engagement of our employees by embracing the mantra of #WorkWellPlayGood.

Let us reimagine the workplace as a space where work and play beautifully intertwine, nurturing success and happiness for all.