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If you’ve never dealt with VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) testing before, it can seem very complicated. There’s lots of acronyms to decode and methods to learn about, but it is more straightforward than it seems.  VOC tests all follow the same basic principle of measuring how much is emitted by a product in a controlled environment over a set period of time. Testing is important because it provides evidence that a product meets safety standards, as exposure to VOCs has been linked to both short and long-term health issues. Key concepts in VOC testing If you are new to VOC testing, we’ve outlined the key concepts that you’ll need to know. TVOC TVOC stands for Total Volatile Organic Compounds. It’s a measurement that indicates the overall amount of VOCs that have been detected in a space. It’s a metric that is used by continuous monitors to give a more accurate picture of how many VOCs are in the air. It is useful for assessing the overall impact that individual VOCs have on the indoor air quality. Individual VOCs VOCs aren’t specific substances, but rather diverse groups of substances with similar properties. Whilst TVOCs look at the cumulative impact, individual VOCs are specific chemical compounds, like formaldehyde or benzene, that would need to be measured individually. This is because there are tighter health-based limits on certain chemical compounds - for example, new EU regulations from 2026 have set strict limits on formaldehyde emissions from products like furniture and wood-based products. Reference levels/LCIs LCIs are the Lowest Concentration of Interest, which is a limit that has been set to prevent health risks as a result of VOC exposure. LCIs outline the maximum concentration of VOCs that are acceptable for indoor environments. Many countries in Europe have strict LCI protocols in place to assess the safety of products by setting concentration values of each compound. Testing time points VOC testing measures emissions at different intervals, because it changes over time. For example, new furnishings will typically have higher VOC emission rates just after installation because of the off-gassing process, but then will reduce over time. The testing time varies depending on the testing method used - for example, some range from 3 to 28 days - but all VOC tests are carried out in a climate-controlled chamber to make sure that comparable data is produced.  Main VOC test methods There is no set standard for VOC testing, as different regions and countries have different legal requirements and environmental regulations for indoor air quality. However, there are some testing methods that you may see more frequently. CDPH Standard Method (US) The CDPH Standard Method is widely used across North America to evaluate VOC emissions. Formerly known as CA 01350, this method involves a product being placed in a sealed, climate-controlled chamber at around 25°C. The product is kept in these conditions for around 7-10 days, after which time air samples from the chamber are collected at intervals of 24, 48 and 96 hours. The results from this are then used to predict emissions at later dates and in different scenarios. Both TVOCs and individual VOCs can be measured by the CDPH method. It was designed specifically for occupied environments, which means that it contributes to WELL and LEED standards. EN 16516  This testing method is a standard European test for determining VOC emissions from building products. Products are kept in a controlled environment at around 23°C, with standard humidity and ventilation. Emissions are tested after 28 days, as this is the time at which many construction materials have stabilised. The levels are measured against the EU LCIs values to judge them. EN 16516 measures TVOCs, individual VOCs and aldehydes like formaldehyde. As the 28 day testing period is considered a long period of time, it helps to give a more accurate picture of the emissions given by a product, making it a more reliable indicator. ISO 16000 The ISO 16000 series is a collection of international standards for measuring and testing air quality. Essentially, it’s standards that set out how VOC chamber testing should be carried out, rather than measuring the actual VOCs. Think of it as the backbone of VOC testing, ensuring that labs are carrying out their testing in a cohesive, accurate and consistent way. AgBB AgBB is a testing method in Germany, used to measure VOC emissions from construction products. It is known to be one of the most stringent testing frameworks. The results of the chamber testing are measured at 3 days to monitor emissions for early occupancy - for example, if occupants move into a workplace just after fit-out - and at 28 days, to monitor emissions once stabilised. The VOCs detected are then compared to its Lowest Concentration Limit (LCL). This method measures TVOCs and carcinogenic VOCs, to assess the short and long-term health impacts of VOC exposure. ANSI/BIMFA e3 The ANSI/BIFMA e3 tests are sustainability and health specifically designed for furniture, not for construction materials. Whilst they aren’t VOC tests, they are standards that require VOC testing to be performed in order to meet emissions criteria. These frameworks evaluate the impacts of furniture throughout its lifecycle, including the sustainability of materials, energy efficiency during production, and VOC emissions. ANSI/BIFMA e3 is recognised by WELL building standards and is frequently used in workplace design and furniture specifications. Certifications and labels A lot of data is produced through VOC testing, which can be hard to interpret. Because of this, third party certifications are incredibly useful to demonstrate that a product has passed emissions testing. Indoor Air Comfort (IAC)/IAC Gold Indoor Air Comfort (IAC) was developed by Eurofins. It is a certification scheme in Europe that consolidates numerous regulations and standards, so that if you have an IAC-certified product, you can be assured that it meets a wide range of criteria. IAC Gold is the highest tier, given to products that have undergone rigorous testing and complies to both TVOC and individual VOC limits. If you see that a product is IAC Gold certified, you can be confident that it meets the demands of a number of sustainability schemes, including WELL and BREEAM. GREENGUARD Both GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold are American certifications for products that demonstrate low VOC emissions under controlled conditions. Just like IAC Gold, GREENGUARD Gold sets out even stricter standards to show that the products meet the necessary criteria for emissions. No matter what certifications and labels you might see on a product, they all point to the fact that it has passed a recognised VOC chamber test and meets the standards set out by the programme. They use the same testing methods and evaluation frameworks, but just apply their own limit values. What specifiers should look for on documentation When you receive VOC documents, there are some key elements to look out for. First, check which testing method was used, as that will indicate whether the data is from a recognised source. It should list the lab that carried out the testing, which will also be an indication of its reliability, as reputable laboratories like Eurofins have to follow strict protocols. Check the date that the test was carried out, as an older certificate might not show up-to-date performance of materials. The documentation should also show which specific products were tested, as there are often multiple components of a piece of furniture that should be considered, like coatings and adhesives. In the report, it should mention scenario modelling, which shows the different test methods that might influence the VOC emissions in different environments. VOC reports should also outline the limit values that were used, as there are many thresholds that the data could have been measured against. This is key to make sure that you are aligning with the limits set in different standards, like WELL or LEED. How Workbench aligns testing with international expectations Workbench works with Eurofins, the world’s largest lab for VOC chamber emissions testing. Eurofins uses testing standards like ISO 16000 and EN 16516, as well as many others, to make sure that products meet even the most stringent emission requirements.  We take this information to provide our clients with straightforward documentation that shows the thresholds that the products meet, such as WELL, LEED and BREEAM, so that they can rest assured that they are better for employee health and meet emissions targets.

Volatile organic compounds - often referred to as VOCs - are chemicals that can easily become vapour or gas at room temperature, acting as an air pollutant. Most VOCs are manmade chemicals that can be found in a number of everyday products, including paint, adhesives, solvents, upholstery, carpets and adhesives. Some of the most common VOCs that can be found in workplaces are formaldehyde, benzene, xylene and acetones. Many of us notice the presence of VOCs just after decorating or refurbishing - the distinct smell that we associate with freshly-painted walls, new carpeting or new furniture is actually the result of a process called off-gassing. This occurs when the chemicals that are trapped during the manufacturing process are released into the atmosphere over time, but the initial period just after installation is when the emissions are at their highest. Most workplaces are occupied shortly after a refurbishment, which means that employees are exposed to the off-gassing process. However, not all VOCs carry a noticeable scent, which means it won’t always be obvious when you are being exposed to them. Due to the potential health and environmental implications of VOC exposure, properly monitoring the use of them in the workplace is crucial. Where VOCs show up in workplaces VOCs are incredibly widespread, being found in almost every product or material that is used in workplace interiors, both natural and manmade. As a result, at any given time, many of us are exposed to a number of VOCs. In the workplace, VOCs can be found in: Furniture Formaldehyde is commonly used during the manufacturing process of composite wood materials, such as hardwood plywood and MDF. Solid wood can also be a more unexpected source of VOCs. It’s not just the materials themselves, either; adhesives, finishes and coatings like paints and varnishes can also release VOCs. Adhesives and sealants are used in large quantities during manufacturing and fit-out, and are a significant source of air pollutants, especially in the short-term. On the other hand, solvent-based finishes also emit VOCs - especially compared to water-based finishes - but typically over a longer period of time. Partitions and walls Partitions and walls that are constructed with synthetic materials, including particleboard, are likely to be sources of VOCs. Acoustic panels, which are made to absorb sound waves and reduce echo in a workplace, often use resin as a bonding agent, whilst the sealants, plastering and jointing compounds used during construction can all emit VOCs. Flooring Of all the flooring options available, many will contain VOCs. Carpet backings and foam or rubber underlays, as well as the glues used to install carpet, are a significant source of VOCs. A carpet made of synthetic fibre, like polyester or nylon, can also emit pollutants, as can synthetic floor types such as vinyl and composite wood. Now that there is more awareness of the impacts of VOCs, there are more low-VOC alternatives available. However, cumulatively, even low-VOC products will have an impact when they are used in larger quantities, which is why testing and specification is so important. Health and comfort impacts - short and long term Exposure to VOCs can cause both short-term and long-term health effects. The type of symptoms and the extent depends on factors like the level of exposure and the amount of time that someone is exposed to a pollutant. Short-term symptoms of VOCs include: Headaches Nausea Dizziness Eye, nose and throat irritation Fatigue and poor concentration. Employees who are exposed to VOCs may be more reluctant to work from the office, as they might associate the workplace with feeling generally unwell. Even the presence of VOCs in the workplace under regulatory thresholds can lead to a feeling of discomfort. Long-term impacts of significant VOC exposure include respiratory conditions, damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system, and certain cancers, which are often linked to formaldehyde exposure. The business case Improving the air quality in a workplace - including by reducing exposure to VOCs - has been linked to improved wellbeing and productivity, which means that it should be a top priority. When fitting out a new workplace, or renovating an existing one, exposure to VOCs is more likely due to its prevalence in products like furniture, paint, flooring and soft furnishings. When multiple high-VOC products are installed at once, the impact on air quality can be significant, especially when workers are expected to return to the workplace shortly after. For facilities management teams, monitoring VOCs will mean handling fewer employee complaints as a result of exposure. Workers in environments that put more emphasis on clean air, including low VOCs, are more likely to show improved focus and performance compared to those in workplaces with poorer air quality. For workplaces with hybrid working policies, better air quality can also mean that employees are more likely to spend time in the workplace. As absenteeism and presenteeism can decrease as a result of lowering VOC levels, there can be significant financial benefits for a business - not to mention the fact that low-VOC materials rarely come at a significantly higher cost. How WELL, LEED and BREEAM made VOCs a board-level topic Offices and other types of workplaces are increasingly being designed with sustainable practices in mind. Many businesses use ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) as a framework to measure their sustainability and ethical impact, as focusing on ESG can help them to comply with regulations, improve social responsibility and employee wellbeing, and identify and manage potential risks. WELL, LEED and BREEAM are sustainability frameworks that help businesses comply with greener building standards. Following these methods can offer many benefits, such as a healthier environment for employees, or reduced energy costs. In terms of VOCs, all of these frameworks contain guidelines on material emissions. The WELL Certification was created by the International WELL Building Institute to promote the health and wellbeing of building occupants, considering how the features in a building might impact their health. As one of the core focuses is on air quality, it has specific requirements for reducing VOCs. The guidelines stipulate that projects should select materials that meet low or no VOC emission standards to prevent poor indoor air quality. Buildings should also be properly ventilated to expel indoor pollutants, especially during the off-gassing process following installation, and continuous air monitors should be used to ensure compliance with regulations. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) focuses on reducing the environmental impact of buildings, including energy efficiency and resource use. The guidelines state that different products, including paints, coatings, sealings and adhesives, must meet specific thresholds for VOC content. Using furniture that is made from low-VOC materials can help to contribute points towards a higher level of certification. The guidelines also outline the need for testing for VOC emissions, to make sure that indoor contaminants are kept to a minimum. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Assessment Method) was developed by the Building Research Establishment, focusing on social, economic and environmental sustainability. Its guidelines aim to reduce air pollution indoors by setting strict limits on VOCs and formaldehyde. Permanent fixtures and fittings - including adhesives, paints and sealants - must all meet testing requirements. Now that sustainability is such a core focus for businesses, it means that VOCs and the impact that they have are something that must be considered. During all office fit-out or renovation projects, VOCs will need to be considered throughout the whole process, from the initial materials that are selected to obtaining the correct documentation to prove that the thresholds have been met. Complying to the certifications by providing measurable data shows your commitment to improving the ESG standards of a workplace, and the health of its employees. What should I be looking out for? There are plenty of ways to reduce VOCs in the workplace. When working with suppliers, you can enquire about their practices. For example, if they use independent VOC emission testing, or if they have any certifications to demonstrate their commitment to cleaner air. They may also be able to provide a formaldehyde emissions statement, which is a declaration that a product complies with safety standards. Asking suppliers to provide full emissions data is key. In your specifications, you could request that only adhesives, paints and sealants with low or no VOCs are used. If composite wood is needed in the project, ask that a low-emission wood is selected - or, preferably, that solid wood is used. After a fit-out is completed, make sure that there is plenty of time after installation for off-gassing to take place, to avoid the more immediate health risks to employees. High-emission materials should be installed first, where possible. Workbench is committed to sustainability, from the materials that we use to the processes that we refine. We provide ourselves on transparency, providing you with all the necessary documentation and data to support your ESG goals.

Achieving a WELL, LEED, or BREEAM certification is a significant milestone for any building project. It signals a commitment to sustainability, health, and occupant wellbeing. However, the path to certification is paved with detailed documentation, particularly when it comes to demonstrating compliance with indoor air quality and low-emitting materials credits. Gathering volatile organic compound (VOC) test reports for every specified product can be a time-consuming and complex task for project teams. This guide is designed to simplify that process. We'll show you how to use the VOC data and test reports provided for Workbench furniture to support your WELL, LEED, and BREEAM submissions. All our standard products are tested by Eurofins, a global leader in testing, and this documentation is designed to align with the rigorous requirements of the world’s leading green building standards. By understanding how this documentation fits into each scheme, you can streamline your submission process, save valuable time, and confidently specify furniture that contributes to a healthier indoor environment. How Workbench Supports LEED v4/v4.1 Low-Emitting Materials The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system is one of the most widely used green building frameworks globally. The "Low-Emitting Materials" credit (EQc2) is a key component of the Indoor Environmental Quality category, designed to reduce concentrations of chemical contaminants that can damage air quality, human health, productivity, and the environment. Credit Structure and Product Categories The credit is structured around several product categories, each with its own compliance thresholds. Project teams must demonstrate that a certain percentage of products (by cost or number) meet the specified VOC emissions or content standards. Workbench products, such as our tables credenzas, planters and partitions  , can contribute to the "Furniture" and "Composite Wood" categories. To earn points, these products must meet the VOC emissions criteria outlined in the ANSI/BIFMA e3 Furniture Sustainability Standard, specifically section 7.6. Using Workbench Documentation for Your LEED Submission When you specify a Workbench product for a LEED project, we can provide you with a comprehensive documentation package that makes demonstrating compliance straightforward. Our products are tested by Eurofins to ensure they meet the relevant standards. What Document Do You Receive? Third-Party Test Reports:  You will receive a detailed report from Eurofins that confirms the product has been tested according to accepted methods Product Specification Sheets:  These sheets detail the materials and finishes used, providing supplementary information for your submission. A Signed Manufacturer's Declaration:  This letter confirms that the product supplied is constructed using the same materials as those tested to meets the Low-Emitting Materials credit requirements. LEED Submission Checklist Request Documentation:  Early in the specification process, inform our team that the project is targeting LEED certification.  Identify Product Categories:  Confirm that Workbench products are being counted towards the "Furniture" and "Composite Wood" categories in your LEED credit calculator. Compile Your Evidence:  Gather the Eurofins test report and the manufacturer's declaration for each specified Workbench product. Upload to LEED Online:  In the EQc2 Low-Emitting Materials section of LEED Online, upload the compiled documents as evidence of compliance for the relevant product categories. Add a Narrative:  Include a brief narrative in the submission form explaining how the provided documentation demonstrates compliance. For example: "As per the attached Eurofins test report [Report Number], the specified Workbench [Product Name] has been tested and complies with the VOC emissions requirements of ANSI/BIFMA e3-2019, contributing to the Furniture category for this credit." By working with Workbench, your team can more easily compile the robust documentation needed to secure this crucial LEED credit. Navigating WELL v2 Air and Materials Features The WELL Building Standard focuses exclusively on the health and wellbeing of building occupants. Its "Air" and "Materials" concepts contain several features aimed at minimising human exposure to hazardous VOCs emitted from building materials and furnishings. Relevant WELL Features and Test Paths Workbench products can directly support your goals for multiple WELL v2 features, primarily within the Air and Materials concepts. Feature A04: VOC Reduction:  This feature requires that furniture, flooring, and insulation meet stringent VOC emission thresholds. For furniture, projects must demonstrate compliance via one of the accepted test methods, such as ANSI/BIFMA e3  (credit 7.6.1, 7.6.2, or 7.6.3), CDPH Standard Method v1.2-2017 , or EN 16516 . Feature X05: Enhanced Material Restrictions:  This feature encourages the use of products with transparent chemical inventories and optimised material chemistry. While the VOC report is the primary document, our commitment to material transparency can support this feature's intent. Workbench products are tested by Eurofins using these exact methods, ensuring that our reports map directly to the requirements of the WELL standard. This alignment makes it simple for sustainability consultants to verify compliance without needing to interpret complex or non-standardised test data. WELL Submission Checklist Reference Workbench in Your IAQ Strategy:  In your project's indoor air quality (IAQ) plan, reference the specification of low-VOC furniture from Workbench as a key strategy for meeting Feature A04. Gather Test Reports:  Collect the Eurofins test reports for all specified Workbench furniture. The report will clearly state the test method used (e.g., CDPH Standard Method v1.2). Annotate Documentation:  In your submission, you may be required to submit an annotated document that highlights the relevant sections of the test report showing the compliant VOC emission levels. Upload as Verification:  Submit the test reports and any annotated documents through the WELL Online portal as the designated method of verification for the relevant parts of Feature A04. Using Workbench makes it easier to demonstrate a proactive approach to material selection and contributes to a healthier indoor environment for occupants. Meeting BREEAM Hea 02 Indoor Air Quality Requirements BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a leading sustainability assessment method for buildings. The "Hea 02: Indoor Air Quality" credit aims to recognise and encourage buildings that are designed and built to achieve healthy indoor air quality levels. Emissions from Products Requirements One part of this credit focuses specifically on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from building products. To achieve this credit, project teams must demonstrate that a significant portion of specified products meet best-practice emission levels. The preferred pathway for demonstrating compliance is through products tested in accordance with EN 16516  or the ISO 16000 series  of standards. BREEAM requires this testing to be conducted by a third-party, accredited laboratory. How Workbench Supports BREEAM Hea 02 This is where specifying Workbench furniture simplifies your certification process. Our products are tested by Eurofins, a UKAS-accredited laboratory, using methods that align directly with the requirements of EN 16516. The test reports serve as the robust, third-party evidence that BREEAM assessors look for. This means you can confidently specify our furniture as part of your strategy to meet the "emissions from products" criteria, knowing you will receive documentation that is fit for purpose. BREEAM Submission Checklist Specify Compliant Products:  During the design phase, ensure your specification documents call for low-VOC furniture and explicitly mention the requirement for EN 16516 test reports. Request BREEAM Documentation:  Let the Workbench team know that the project is targeting BREEAM. We will provide the necessary Eurofins test reports. Compile Your Evidence File:  For the Hea 02 credit, create a folder containing the test reports for all relevant products, including the Workbench furniture specified. Submit to the Assessor:  Provide this evidence file to your BREEAM assessor as part of your submission. The assessor will use these third-party reports to verify compliance with the credit requirements. By providing clear, compliant, and third-party-verified documentation, we help make achieving the Hea 02 credit a more straightforward part of your BREEAM journey. Practical Tips for Success A smooth certification process relies on good coordination and planning. Here are a few tips for integrating Workbench documentation seamlessly into your project workflow: Request Documentation Early:  Contact us as soon as you specify our products. The earlier you have the documentation, the easier it will be to manage your submission. Coordinate Across the Team:  Ensure the architect, sustainability consultant, and contractor are all aware of the documentation available from Workbench. This prevents duplicated effort and ensures everyone has the information they need. Use Our Technical Resources:  Our website contains a wealth of information, including technical data sheets and sustainability certifications. Use these resources to support your project narrative. Summary: From Test Report to Credit Scheme Credit/Feature What Workbench Provides What the Project Team Does LEED v4/v4.1 EQc2: Low-Emitting Materials Eurofins test report (CDPH/BIFMA), manufacturer's declaration for Furniture & Composite Wood. Upload documents to LEED Online, write narrative, and track compliance for other materials. WELL v2 A04: VOC Reduction & X05: Enhanced Materials Eurofins test report (CDPH, BIFMA, EN 16516), product material information. Integrate into IAQ strategy, annotate and upload reports to WELL Online. BREEAM Hea 02: Indoor Air Quality Third-party Eurofins test report (aligned with EN 16516 / ISO 16000). Compile evidence file for BREEAM assessor, ensure on-site air quality testing is done. Let Us Simplify Your Certification Journey Navigating the complexities of green building certifications is a challenge, but you don't have to do it alone. By specifying Workbench, you are choosing a partner committed to making your life easier. Our investment in rigorous third-party testing and clear documentation means your team can spend less time on paperwork and more time designing exceptional, healthy spaces. If you have questions about using our VOC data for a specific project or would like to arrange a session for your team, please get in touch with us.

Horizon is the newest addition to the Workbench Collection, designed to meet the evolving needs of the corporate environment. Its name speaks to its purpose - a forward-looking platform built to seamlessly integrate the latest technology. Developed with modern workplaces in mind, Horizon offers a highly flexible framework capable of accommodating advanced power and IT solutions with ease. The table is available in both soft-rectangle and 'D'-end formats, featuring profiled slab bases and shown here with optional fluted detailing. Paired with a range of truly innovative power and data options, Horizon is now available to experience in person at our London showroom. Furniture solutions by Workbench Designed by us, tailored by you.

At Workbench, sustainability isn't just a buzzword - it’s the foundation of everything we do. As part of our ongoing dedication to creating a more sustainable future, we’re excited to introduce a new feature that offers full transparency into the environmental impact of our products:  Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)  documentation. In today’s world, understanding the environmental impact of the products we choose is more important than ever. With the growing need for conscious consumerism, businesses must provide transparent, actionable information that empowers customers to make informed decisions. This is why we’ve taken a significant step forward by integrating LCA documentation for all standard Workbench furniture. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a comprehensive and recognised method used to assess the total environmental impact of a product from its inception to its end-of-life. This includes examining factors such as raw material sourcing, production processes, transportation, use, and disposal. By evaluating a product’s full life cycle, we gain insight into areas where we can reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability at every stage of the process. Our new LCA documentation, available for download directly from our product pages, makes it easier than ever for you to understand the environmental footprint of the furniture you’re investing in. No longer do you need to guess or rely on generic sustainability claims - our LCA reports provide detailed, clear data, giving you the knowledge you need to make more sustainable purchasing decisions. This new feature is part of our broader mission to foster greater transparency for our clients, enabling them to choose products with confidence, knowing they’re contributing to a more sustainable world. Whether you're selecting furniture for your office, home, or any other project, you can now see exactly how your choices impact the planet. You can download Workbench LCA's on the product pages of our website or here Furniture solutions by Workbench Designed by us, tailored by you.

Back in 2009, three determined individuals from the furniture industry - each bringing unique skills to the table - came together to lay the foundation for what would become Workbench. Their shared vision was clear: to create exceptional corporate furniture, designed and manufactured in Britain. That mission still guides us today. Originally focused solely on bespoke solutions, Workbench quickly earned a loyal customer base by delivering quality, innovation, and attention to detail. Over the years, we’ve continued to push the boundaries of design and engineering, meeting every challenge head-on. Today, we offer 17 fully resolved furniture collections, crafted in a wide range of materials and integrated with the latest technologies to meet evolving market demands. And while our range has grown, our commitment to tailored, bespoke service remains as strong as ever. From humble beginnings, Workbench has grown into a leader in the industry - consistently at the forefront of key developments such as FSC certification, ISO 14001 compliance, carbon reporting, and life cycle analysis. We’ve also become specialists in project management and installation, delivering on the most demanding schedules and complex site requirements with precision and professionalism. Here’s to 16 years of innovation, craftsmanship, and growth - and to many more to come! Furniture solutions by Workbench Designed by us, tailored by you.

The Atoll Charging Cart is Celebrated for its Cutting Edge Design MIX Product of the Year Finalist:Technology – The Atoll Charging Cart The Atoll Charging Cart redefines how modern workspaces stay powered. Seamlessly integrating cutting-edge OE Animate battery units with a sleek, forward-thinking design, Atoll meets the growing demand for flexible, battery-powered environments. As agile working becomes the norm, the need for intuitive, efficient, and adaptable charging solutions has never been greater. Atoll rises to the occasion - offering high-performance battery charging for multiple OE units while harmonising with contemporary office aesthetics. A proud testament to UK manufacturing , Atoll is the result of a close collaboration between Workbench and OE Electrics . This partnership has pooled deep design and engineering expertise to create a solution that is as thoughtful as it is practical. Blending functionality with versatility , Atoll sets a new benchmark for smart power management - ensuring teams remain connected, collaborative, and fully charged, wherever work happens. You can see the Atoll Charging Cart at the Workbench Showroom 3 Sutton Lane, London, EC1M 5PU

The Orbital Table Shines with Award-Winning Design and Innovative Tech Finalist for the Mix Awards, the Orbital Table by Workbench is a breakthrough in modern workspace design. Seamlessly merging elegant aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, this table features discreetly integrated USB-C OCHNO power units by Bachmann - eliminating the need for bulky under-table hardware or intrusive cable flaps. Developed in collaboration with top electrical and AV specialists, the Orbital Table redefines how furniture and technology coexist. Its refined, uninterrupted surface ensures a clutter-free workspace, while its embedded power access keeps modern teams connected and productive. This innovation reflects Workbench’s commitment to designing the future of meeting spaces - where form, function, and technology work in harmony. The Orbital Table isn't just furniture - it's a bold step forward in the evolution of tech-enabled interiors.

DESIGNING FOR NEURODIVERSITY We were delighted to welcome guest speaker May Fawzy to the Workbench showroom   for an insightful seminar on  Designing for Neurodiversity . May is the Founder and Director of MF Design Studio, President of the British Institute of Interior Design, and a Board Member of the European Council of Interior Architects. With her wealth of experience and leadership in the field, she shared thought-provoking insights on how interior design can evolve to better support neurodiverse individuals. While human-centred design has always been a core principle in our industry, designing with neurodiversity in mind is an emerging and essential movement. May explored the challenges and opportunities this presents, supported by compelling research highlighting the significant benefits - both social and commercial - of inclusive design practices. She concluded with practical, actionable strategies that interior designers can implement—small changes that, guided by empathy and awareness, can make a big impact. We are grateful to May for her powerful presentation and look forward to welcoming her back to the showroom for CDW 2026.

EMERGING MATERIAL TRENDS Day One of Clerkenwell Design Week at Workbench  kicked off with a fantastic start as we welcomed internationally renowned materials expert and author  Chris Lefteri  to our showroom for an inspiring breakfast talk on Emerging Material Trends . With an impressive portfolio that includes collaborations with Google, Amazon, and Speedo, Chris is one of the leading voices in forecasting material trends, exploring future applications, and critically evaluating sustainability beyond the buzzwords. Chris unveiled a brand-new seminar exploring emerging material trends - highlighting shifts in form, texture, and colour. He also led a thought-provoking discussion on the role of  AI in design,  not from the usual "Will it replace designers?" angle, but through a more nuanced lens: how AI is shaping our  aesthetic preferences , influencing  design language , and subtly steering our emotional response to materials and colours. This fresh take on AI’s impact was both enlightening and timely - reminding us that the way we interpret and engage with design is evolving just as rapidly as the technology behind it. We were thrilled to host such an insightful session and are already looking forward to welcoming Chris back next year! You can find out more about Chris at https://www.chrislefteri.com