Adapting to the shifting world of work with CMD

It’s no secret that the way we work has fundamentally changed. In the last three years we have learned to work from home more efficiently, which – as well as blurring once-clear work-life boundaries – has in turn prompted a huge shift in how we define the standard office. As we continue to revolutionise the world of work, incorporating more flexibility and remote collaboration than ever, it’s therefore crucial that technology evolves to catch up and provide practical solutions to increasingly ambiguous workspaces.  

“There is no question that technology will continue to change our way of working,” comments CMD’s Head of Design and Product Management, Ben Diamant. “The evolution of AI to speed up creative and technical development (which in turn requires more powerful processing and better user interfaces), the slow but exciting progress in augmented reality to enhance design and engineering, and better, clearer ways to bring remote teams together.” 

“I think this means our workplaces will evolve,” continues Diamant. “It’s difficult to see how traditional, keyboard-based desk work will continue to be the mainstay as displays and interactive tools evolve. We’re seeing more collaborative spaces, with whiteboards and large meeting touchdown spaces. We’ve already seen the start of this; our customers, who used to sell a dozen desks, now tell us they sell a pair – and a collaboration table, and a sofa, and soft seating – to make the office feel more like home and to make it feel like a collaborative destination that’s more attractive than sitting at home on your own.”

This changing approach also extends to the blend of generations now working in the office. And while generational stereotypes and labelling can be flawed and outdated at times, when it comes to technology, the ways different age brackets work are significant. For instance, how do you cater for an entire generation who have never really used a workstation? “We have to look at Gen Z behaviours in particular,” adds Diamant. “They are used to working fully on their smartphones. What does an office for someone who creates digital media on a Galaxy phone look like? Probably more like a front lounge or a café, and totally unfamiliar to the managerial leaders who cut their teeth in 90s office boxes.”  

“Our new showroom is a great space to start that… I spend more time on the sofa there, with the team, than at our display desks. It shows how our products and ranges fit into your office; and like your office spaces, we are changing it all the time to meet the needs of our customers and show off the lineup. It’s exciting.” 

For CMD, this means a practical shift in focus from tried and tested fixed devices to the development of high-powered USB – removing the need to transport bulky laptop transformers to work in different locations around an office building and beyond. “Our range is evolving as more is being done on portable over fixed devices, and the need for USB- everywhere is vital,” says Diamant. “Our latest ranges offer more power to take advantage of this, which means more flexibility for our customers.” 

These new collections include Capsule Plus, CMD’s fixed format on-desk power module. With two UK mains sockets, one USB-C and one USB-A port, the module enables adaptive, fast charging for four devices at once, all with significantly reduced heat output thanks to its power efficiency. Those seeking integrated, in-desk modules can also opt for the Neptune or Lunar ranges, which complement CMD’s standard multi-socket layout with additional user-friendly features: the former incorporates a 15W wireless charger for an array of mobile devices, while the latter utilises a central design and data keystone port for quick collaboration made easy.  

The new CMD showroom is now located at London House, 115 Golden Lane, London, EC1Y 0TJ.