En – cos

When it comes to designing an office space, the main elements that generally attract attention are those with an eye-catching design, such as decorative elements. But the standard in recent years, when both employers and employees have realized that the difference is made by furniture products that promote health and well-being in the office, is the design of interior spaces that put the ergonomic needs and lifestyle of the user first.

So, today we are tackling a new topic: what is a high-performance workstation and what is the role of the height-adjustable desk in supporting both wellbeing and work performance? The answers are provided by Andrei Angelescu, Architect and Head of Architecture & Design at COS, a provider of integrated fit-out services and pioneer of this segment in Romania. COS is an exclusive distributor in Romania of Steelcase furniture solutions, a global leader in office furniture.

According to official statistics, Romania is the European champion of sedentary lifestyles: 62% of Romanians do not practice any sport and Romania is among the countries with the lowest life expectancy in the EU. A WHO report also shows that 58% of Romanian adults are overweight and 80% of them experience back pain at some point in their lives, with herniated discs being one of the common causes of this pain. And many of these negative statistics are attributable to static office work.

At the same time, a Steelcase survey, which analyzed the responses of more than 60,000 employees in 11 countries across organizations of different sizes, shows a significant drop over the past 3 years in their satisfaction with work-life balance – which reduced from 71% to 59% between 2021 and 2023. Thus, a new approach is needed from companies to offer employees more comfort at the office than they have at home.

“Fortunately, we can talk about a paradigm shift in recent years, both in Europe and in Romania. Employers have moved to new standards in terms of office furniture, investing in ergonomics and well-being. In this context, the height adjustable desk has become essential in those companies that have understood to put employee health first, promoting both performance and an active lifestyle,” says Arh. Andrei Angelescu, Head of Architecture & Design at COS.

Why a height-adjustable desk makes all the difference. How to choose it

Many of us spend 8 hours a day at a fixed desk, in the same position, in a chair, often with accumulated stress tension or lower back and neck pain. Not infrequently we even hear around us recommendations to change our lifestyle habits from specialists. If we experience back pain, we are advised either to change our chair or desk or to take regular breaks from work and do 10 minutes of exercise or a walk after every hour spent at our desk.

After years of rigorous study of working habits, as well as significant investment in research and innovation, the height-adjustable desk is the answer to these challenges. It is therefore a game-changer on the market. If a fixed desk forces you to use your body muscles in a certain position (generating tension and discomfort over time), the height-adjustable desk changes your habits naturally and forces you to use your body muscles in a new equation. Thus, by adjusting your desk according to your height, you are forced to move while you work, and thus naturally change an unhealthy habit (inactivity) with new habits that support your posture and long-term health. At the end of a day at the office, you don’t feel as much muscle tension because you’ve been working both standing and sitting. “We’ve noticed that people who use the adjustable desk tend towards the end of the day to work standing up and even do some exercise in between,” says the COS representative.

With healthy lifestyles becoming a major concern for employees in recent years, the height-adjustable desk, together with the high-performance chair, is also a major differentiator for employers, who offer workplaces that are superior to the home facilities of their employees.

The height-adjustable desk can be adjusted mechanically (with a lever) or electrically (with a push-button), the latter is also the most common on the market and is much easier to use.

But how do you choose a height-adjustable desk? Steelcase, an international furniture leader, highlights some key elements:

Low level of noise generated by the adjustment movements and technological advancement of the built-in mechanism
Possibilities to accessorize the office for an optimal working environment – e.g. horizontal and/or vertical cabling possibilities for connectivity with everyday work items (phone, laptop) but also lighting objects
Embedded technology – for example, apps attached to your desk that additionally promote physical activity through reminders and alarms that alert you to get up from your desk at pre-defined intervals
The basic warranty – in the case of Steelcase, this is 12 years on the electrical mechanism of the desk, which translates into reliability and a good long-term investment

The purchase price is also a criterion, and the options available through Steelcase and COS cover the affordable segment (desks priced between 500-600 euro), the mid-range (desks priced between 600-800 euro) and the premium segment (desks priced between 900-1200 euro). In general, the difference between the different types of price brackets is made by the features and technology incorporated in the electric height adjustable desk – which may consist of advanced adjustment mechanisms, various cabling or worktop shape options, antibacterial treated materials, or various types of attached applications.

Test the height-adjustable desk in your office space

Testing this type of office, before the actual purchase, by creating a dedicated area (islands) in the workspace, is a simple and effective way to identify employees’ appetite for this way of working and avoid the long-term costs associated with employee discomfort.

It is also a valuable opportunity to actively listen to people’s needs and involve them in the workspace design process, recommending COS and Steelcase specialists.

“A high-performance workstation is essential in everyday office work and has a major impact on users’ health. Therefore, testing the height-adjustable desk for some time right at the company’s premises helps to make informed decisions based on supporting employee productivity and health,” emphasizes Arch. Andrei Angelescu.

A top player in the segment of complete interior design solutions for workspaces, COS signs some of the most important office projects in Romania, and the company’s activity has a total volume of over 2,850 clients and more than 20,000 projects, in sectors such as telecom, IT, pharmaceutical, professional services, financial – banking, industrial and others.

An element less often addressed in materials about workplace wellness and employee motivation and retention strategies, the chair is more than an object of immediate utility – it makes a significant difference to happy and healthy employees.

We discussed the importance of a high-performance office chair with one of the most experienced local specialists in the field, Architect Andrei Angelescu, Head of Architecture & Design at COS, a provider of integrated fit-out services and a pioneer of this segment in Romania. COS sells exclusively in Romania Steelcase furniture solutions, the global leader in office furniture.

A Steelcase study shows a significant drop over the last 3 years in employee satisfaction with work-life balance – from 71% to 59% between 2021 and 2023.

The study, which analyzed the responses of more than 60,000 employees in 11 countries in organizations of varying sizes, concludes that they are aware of the factors that affect their well-being and productivity in the office. Respondents say they feel more comfortable working from home (40%), have a better working environment (24%), find the office environment stressful (25%), can’t concentrate (20%) and lack privacy (21%). In this context, leaders understand that to get employees to return to the office, they need to offer a superior workspace to the home.

What matters most for employees

Employees need spaces and furnishings that support their work efficiency, collaboration, and well-being, says Arh. Andrei Angelescu, Head of Architecture & Design at COS, cited the results of the same study. “When we talk about the 8 hours spent in an office, the employee’s needs are, first and foremost, related to their physical and emotional health. Back pain, depression, and anxiety at work translate, in the long term, into huge costs for employers and have become public health problems. This is why ergonomic furniture adaptable to individual needs is becoming essential for companies”, adds the COS representative.

In addition, the Steelcase study reveals that employees who feel that their needs are taken into account in the design and layout of their office show 22% higher satisfaction and well-being than those whose needs are not taken into account. This translates into more satisfied and loyal employees.

The right office chair makes a difference

According to public statistics, back pain is second only to the common cold as a reason for going to the doctor and is caused by a variety of factors, including a sedentary lifestyle and incorrect posture while working at the office. Today, at least 8 out of 10 people experience back pain at some point in their lives that requires a visit to the doctor, and according to expert opinion, this is the main cause of reduced mobility and absence from work.

“This is why seating is of major importance not only from a workspace design point of view but also for the health of employees. Some companies involve their employees in a rigorous process of testing future chairs they will use in the workspace. Essentially, employees are given a certain amount of time to look at the seating models the company plans to purchase, test them and provide feedback to the employer on the proposed designs. Spending 8 hours a day in a chair is a matter of health, and this is a practical way to take employees’ needs into account,” says Arh. Andrei Angelescu.

But how do you choose the right office chair? Steelcase, an international leader in furniture for over 100 years, with extensive experience in manufacturing and innovation, outlines the essential aspects of a chair:

Ergonomics – the ability to adjust the chair to the needs and preferences of each individual to comfortably and correctly support the posture, minimize the risks of stress and musculoskeletal injuries associated with prolonged sitting;
Simple adjustments – ease of use for any user;

Performance materials – using materials that do not contain toxic or volatile substances and contribute to a healthier environment;

Style and design – this includes both aesthetics and design for the way people work in the office;
Sustainability – materials that are environmentally friendly and perform in the long term.

Why the office chair is an investment, not a cost

“In the local market, there has been a trend in recent years to invest in high-performance chairs. More and more employers are realizing the importance of the office chair and the direct causal relationship between office furniture and employee performance, well-being and ultimately, employee retention”, says Arh. Andrei Angelescu.

Thus, a high-performance office chair, according to COS and Steelcase, is in the price range of 350-550 EUR (a basic office chair), 550-800 EUR (a mid-range high-performance chair) and 800-1200 euro (an ultra high-performance office chair).

On the Romanian market, Steelcase offers the longest warranty period for chairs (12 years), which makes the investment more profitable in the long term. Steelcase products are distinguished by their advanced ergonomics, ease of use and high-quality materials, which not only extend the life of the chair but also contribute to a healthy environment.

Testing the office chair before you buy

Testing office chairs before purchase is a good and effective way to avoid long-term costs associated with employee discomfort. It is also an opportunity to actively listen to their needs and involve them in the workspace design process, according to COS and Steelcase.

“The seat is essential and significantly impacts the user’s health. That is why we always recommend testing the chair for a few days at the customer-company premises and evaluating the experience based on a set of predefined criteria”, emphasizes Arh. Andrei Angelescu.

To honour European Diversity Month, we are proud to spotlight the diverse talents within our team. Our commitment to diversity encompasses various dimensions, including culture, age, and gender, reflecting our dedication to creating an inclusive workplace. In this article we introduce three exemplary colleagues who embody the richness of our diverse workforce.

Cem Acikada: Bringing Turkish Expertise to Our Team

Introducing Cem Acikada, our BIM Manager from Turkey. Cem brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that enriches our team. His journey at COS highlights the positive impact of cultural diversity in the workplace.

Cem’s Perspective on Diversity:

“As a foreign professional joining a Romanian company with a rich 26-year history, I’ve faced the common challenge of human resistance to change, but I’ve found invaluable support and insight in managing transitions. COS reaffirms its commitment to nurturing an inclusive environment. While our journey towards greater diversity and inclusion is ongoing, we take pride in the progress. Together, we celebrate our differences, leverage our strengths, and strive for a more inclusive future.”

Did You Know?

Diverse employees provide companies with insight into diverse markets, enabling them to better understand and serve customers from various backgrounds. Culturally diverse teams are often more adaptable to change and better equipped to navigate dynamic markets and diverse customer needs.

Mihaela Coteanu: Championing Women in Leadership

Meet Mihaela Coteanu, our HR Manager. Mihaela is a strong advocate for women in leadership roles within COS, exemplifying the power of gender diversity.

Mihaela’s Insights on Diversity:

“Diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords for us at COS; they’re priorities. We know that embracing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences is not just the right thing to do; it’s also a competitive advantage. Overall, 47% of our workforce is made up of women, which is fantastic for an organisation that activates in the fit out, construction industry. Looking at management level, women are strongly represented with 43%.”

Did You Know?

Women bring invaluable strengths to the workplace that contribute to a thriving and inclusive environment. Their emotional intelligence enhances team dynamics and facilitates conflict resolution, fostering a culture of cooperation and understanding. Women’s resilience and adaptability prove crucial in navigating change and overcoming obstacles, ensuring the organisation remains agile and forward-thinking.

Bogdan Cornea: A Veteran Leader in Sales Support

Introducing Bogdan Cornea, our Head of Sales Support. With over 26 years at COS, Bogdan represents the age diversity within our organisation, offering extensive experience and wisdom.

Bogdan’s Perspective on Age Diversity:

“I’ve had the honour of leading a crucial team for over 22 years, providing essential support services to our sales team. Over this time, I’ve helped build a cohesive and competitive team of young professionals. I prioritise effective communication between teams and individuals, taking into account each person’s psychology. My goal is to ensure that we all work together as one cohesive team, driven by professionalism and competitiveness. COS as a family has brought together many people with a wide array of personal skills and talents. I have witnessed how the synergy between these various types of people, working together on common goals, has driven us towards the implementation of successful projects. With my current age of 56 and nearly 26 years of enthusiastic engagement with this organisation, I am a vivid example of the age and generational diversity embraced here.”

Did You Know?

Having older generations in the workplace offers invaluable benefits. Their wealth of experience and wisdom enriches the team, providing mentorship and insights to younger colleagues. Older workers bring stability, reliability, and a strong work ethic, contributing to a positive work culture.

As we continue our celebration of European Diversity Month, COS reaffirms its commitment to nurturing an inclusive environment where every individual’s unique background and perspective are valued. Our diverse workforce is our strength, driving us towards innovation and success. Together, we celebrate our differences, leverage our strengths, and strive for a more inclusive future. Stay tuned as we introduce more remarkable members of our team and continue to highlight the importance of diversity within COS.

Embracing the spirit of growth, our Iasi office and showroom have been a beacon of success since its opening 2 and a half years ago. With one dedicated project director and two skilled project managers, we’ve swiftly become an integral part of the local community.Having delivered successful projects from Bucharest, establishing a presence in Iasi at the Palace Campus was a strategic and fruitful decision.

In just 2 years, we’ve achieved significant milestones, validating our commitment to local presence. Our increased sales speak volumes about the positive impact the Iasi team is making. Excitingly, our vision extends beyond Iasi – we can cover the entire Moldova area, reaching communities in Bacau, Piatra Neamt, Suceava, Botosani, and beyond, thanks to our dedicated team.

Meet the team:

Adrian Pantazică is a professional with over 15 years of expertise in business development and middle management, he has been a valuable part of COS for 2 and a half years as Project Director. Adrian excels in problem-solving and generating business opportunities while adeptly leading diverse teams towards unified goals. Outside of work, he maintains an optimistic and enthusiastic outlook, enjoying tennis and long-distance walks in nature with family and friends.

Corneliu Matei, is a highly self-motivated and results-oriented project manager with a proven ability to work effectively and lead projects. A native of Iasi, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. He is a dedicated team player, committed to seeing projects through from inception to successful completion, willing to undertake any necessary measures for a project’s success. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys running, reading, and cherishing quality moments with his family and friends.

Lucian Vochita, is our Site Manager at COS Iasi, he plays a pivotal role in orchestrating seamless operations from project initiation to execution, he coordinates the construction and renovation of office spaces to ensure they meet the design, functional, and safety requirements. Outside of work Lucian enjoys spending time with his family and has a genuine passion for sports.

Seven years ago, our journey in the western part of Romania began with a vision to bring exceptional service closer to our customers. In 2018, we proudly opened our showroom in Timisoara, marking a pivotal moment in our growth. Committed to fostering local connections, we assembled a remarkable team, all hailing from the regions we serve.

As developments flourished in Timisoara, we recognised the need for a dedicated space in the new ISHO Business Centre. Today, our expanded team includes a dynamic sales manager, creative interior experts, a visionary architect, and highly trained construction managers. Together, we’re not just serving Timisoara, but also reaching out to Arad, Resita, Deva, and Oradea.

Our Timisoara office is more than just a workspace; it’s a hub where diverse talents converge to create meaningful and personalised experiences for our clients.

Get to know more about the team:

Bogdan Utica, is Project Director at COS Timisoara for more than four years. A graduate of the West University of Timisoara with a focus on Business Administration, Bogdan brings a solid educational background to his role. He plays a crucial role in the business development of COS in the western part of Romania, particularly in Timisoara and Oradea cities. Beyond his professional commitments, Bogdan is a multifaceted individual with a range of hobbies and passions, including sports, movies, occasional reading, video games, and a love for travel.

Alexandru Cozmescu has four years at COS, he currently serves as a Project Manager, intricately involved in overseeing diverse aspects of project execution. His academic background is rooted in studies at Universitatea Politehnica Timisoara, specifically within the Faculty of Constructii. Beyond the realms of project management, his passions extend to skiing, cycling, and the culinary arts. Whether carving through snowy slopes, exploring scenic routes on his bicycle, or experimenting with culinary creations, he brings a dynamic and multifaceted energy to both his professional and personal pursuits.

Ionut Muntean, joined COS in August 2023 as Site Manager in the Timisoara team, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University Politehnica of Timisoara, he excels in organising on-site teams, managing site logistics, and implementing and adapting projects as needed. His daily responsibilities involve navigating changes during project execution and fostering positive communication among project stakeholders. Outside of work, he likes to go to the gym and enjoys biking adventures with friends. A passionate traveler and photographer, he curates moments from his journey and has an impressive collection of pins and stickers to serve as tangible mementos from the diverse places he has explored.

Hids Samsudeen, is one of our Architects at COS. He brings over two decades of global professional experience across four continents, showcasing versatility in managing diverse architectural and interior design projects. His career spans the USA, the Middle East, Africa, and Malta. Beyond his design expertise, his hobbies include photography, tennis, and football. He is committed to staying ahead of technological advancements, Hids expresses a particular interest in Big Data, AI, Deep Learning, and Machine Learning to enhance his professional expertise.

An important milestone within COS’ story is the establishment of our Cluj office in 2012, led by Marius Marza. This marked the commencement of a regional office serving the northern sector of the country, for cities such as Sibiu, Oradea, Baia Mare, Bistrita, and Zalau. Our accomplished team has evolved to seamlessly execute turnkey projects—from design to execution.

The team comprises Sales Professionals, Project Managers, an Architect, a Service & Maintenance Expert, and dedicated Administrative Personnel. Notably, we’ve ventured into the innovative realm of co-working spaces, introducing a 1,000sqm COS showroom and co-working facility Stables Office, impeccably designed and fitted out by our team. Stables is a serviced office with a co-working feel.

We proudly acknowledge and commend the collective expertise of our team in Cluj and Stables in consistently delivering exquisite projects and to Stables’ success, becoming a trendsetter for us. Our team remains actively involved in driving transformative developments.

Get to know the team:

Marius Marza, is our Regional Director, his professional journey commenced with a degree from the West University of Timisoara, instilling in him a profound passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. As a Senior Project Director at COS, he played a pivotal role in opening and establishing the Cluj office, contributing significantly to the organisation’s market leadership in office design, build, and fit-out. Progressing to the role of Regional Director, he leads a dynamic team, overseeing strategic initiatives that fuel the company’s ongoing growth and success. His commitment to innovation and leadership extends beyond COS, as evidenced by the creation of Stables, a premium co-working space in Cluj-Napoca. Engaging actively in community initiatives, he lends his expertise to social, educational, and development projects. With a multifaceted career. He remains dedicated to fostering inspiring work environments that support industry visionaries. In his free time, he spends time with his family, travelling the world and tasting new food and wine.

Anca Rus is a Senior Project Director at COS, she has been an essential part of the team for seven and a half years. In her capacity, she serves as the key contact with clients, overseeing the management of multiple projects and project teams. Having studied Management at Babes Bolyai University in Cluj Napoca, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Beyond the professional realm, her passions extend to travel and reading.

Ada Biris is a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience in business development, specialising in the construction and real estate market. With a proven track record, she excels in improving market positions and maximising financial opportunities. Ada brings strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and abundant resources to her role in COS as Project Director. Her approach to projects involves a strong focus on a consultative strategy, ensuring a thorough understanding of customer needs from mapping to completion.

Adrian Popa, has been an integral part of COS the past six years, contributing significantly as a Project Manager. His expertise include schedule and timeline management, resource planning, and budgeting. He has played a crucial role in successfully delivering major projects in the Cluj area, such as RIVERBED, Sector Labs, Accenture, Record Park, Evalueserve, Darwin, and the noteworthy establishment of COS’s own office in Cluj – STABLES. Beyond the professional realm, he finds joy in spending quality time with family and friends, exploring new destinations, savouring diverse cuisines, engaging in sports, and taking part in paintball and PC gaming.

Bogdan Badila has over a year of experience at COS as Project Manager, overseeing the implementation of projects, he takes pride in his work and this is evident in the projects he has been part of this year. Beyond the professional sphere Bogdan is a culinary enthusiast, he enjoys the art of cooking, has a passion for Latino- style dancing.

Alexandra Nagy, is a highly adept and ambitious Project Manager with a proven ability to swiftly address and resolve complex issues. Possessing extensive experience in both Project Management and Project Design, she is a quick learner known for her competence. Beyond her professional expertise, Alexandra is passionate about continuous self-improvement. Outside of work she enjoyes skiing and cycling, she embodies values such as patience, perseverance, and a commitment to health preservation. In parallel, she engages in extensive reading, particularly in psychology, to further enhance her professional and personal development.

Arch. Valentin Metes, has been an instrumental part of COS for over three years, serving as Architect. His role involves consulting clients on workplace structure and leveraging his expertise to optimise work environments. Beyond his professional commitments, his passion lies in travel, where he finds inspiration and fresh perspectives. With a keen eye for architectural design, he contributes to shaping innovative and effective workspaces for COS and its clients.

Georgiana Tamba, Is the Community Manager of our co-working space Stables in Cluj. Georgiana has a vital role in creating a vibrant and supportive co-working environment that goes beyond just providing a physical workspace. She contributes to building a community where collaboration, networking, and professional growth can thrive. She is a passionate life enthusiast, eager to learn, discover, and connect with others. Georgiana brings empathy and patience to her role, cherishing genuine connections with people. Her interests outside of work span photography, graphic design, and dancing.

Ana Rusu brings a strong background to her role as an office administrator at COS. Having been a valuable member of the company for almost three years since January 2021. Ana plays a pivotal role in overseeing administrative operations within the Stables division. Her expertise in economics adds a unique perspective to her administrative responsibilities. Beyond the office, she is an avid traveller, finding fulfilment in exploring new destinations. Her diverse skill set, and passion make her an integral part of the COS team, contributing to the smooth functioning of Stables.

Dorin Constantiniu has over five years of dedicated service at COS, his role is focused on ensuring service and maintenance in partnership with clients. As a committed professional, he plays a key part in maintaining strong relationships and delivering quality services, around the office he is known as ‘the man of all trades. Beyond the work sphere, his passions extend to travel and cooking.

inquiry

Book your tour