Page 11 - LRCC May 2022 Focus

lansingchamber.org MEMBER NEWS

Working from Anywhere: DBI’s New Normal

By: Celine Kerik, Kolt Communications, Inc.

he COVID-19 customers get the most
pandemic has out of their workforce and
Tdramatically make their real estate
changed the work more efficient.
environment. Employees
across the nation have "Over the last two years,
been given opportunities there has been a lot of
that would have once stress and the number one
been unimaginable, such thing people are looking
as working from home for now is understanding
or creating a hybrid the organizational culture
schedule. People’s needs Courtesy DBI of the workplace,” said
are changing and many Jim Davis, marketing
employers are willing to director at DBI. “Different
adapt to create a healthier workplace. workgroups are more inclined to work remotely. There
are also the people who work well in a collaborative work
DBI, a Lansing-based leader in the office and furniture environment. People are looking for how the company
supply industry, has incorporated flexibility into its adapts and is flexible with the workspace.
office during these unprecedented times. Their main
priorities are to keep their employees safe, healthy, and At DBI, some employees choose to be in the office for five
to understand their concerns and needs. They are also days a week, and others are only there for two days. To
advising their clients on these new norms. Helping their provide the staff with the ability to perform their best, DBI
has introduced enhanced cleaning protocols, and an office
setup that allows for social distancing.

Those interested in staying completely remote have
opened new doors for the company, as they can hire the
best of employees from different areas of mid-Michigan.
DBI has various people working for them from Saginaw,
Flint, Jackson, and Grand Rapids.
“For some things like technology, we can certainly have
people who do not live around here,” said Davis. “I think
the one evident thing is how resilient we were and how
quickly we adapted. Companies figured out that there
were people that could work remotely and get things
done right.”

With many choosing to stay home or have a hybrid
schedule, some wonder how office supplies and furniture
stores will remain relevant. However, Davis says that items
are needed more than ever. Stand-up desks, leather chairs
and couches, and updated technology are only some of
the most sought-after products.

“Remote work became the way that people managed a
new normal. For us, we’re helping our clients deal with
it and we’re helping the clients get back to work,” said
Davis. “As our clients have employees return to work, we
will continue to advise how to make the collaborative
spaces more efficient and appealing and create
environments that provide connections and adapt to the
new levels of occupancy.” l

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