Joy at Work: A Purposeful Pursuit

A note from CEO, Mary Beth Oakes

Is joy at work a naïve concept, or could it be part of the secret sauce for the success of an organization? I believe the latter because I’ve always believed in the power of optimism and positivity. Even one of my top five strengths per the Strengths Finders Assessment is “Positivity,” and I embrace it as a critical aspect of leading my team at Business Furniture.  Like author Simon Sinek, I believe that optimism is the belief that the future is positive. Positivity is generally a primary source of my own personal and professional joy. But I also recognize that joy, especially in the workplace, isn’t something that just happens. We must work for, nurture, and intentionally create it.

At Business Furniture, sparking joy is a core part of our mission. Along with our incredible team of leaders, I am always searching for creative ways to bring joy to our employees. We want people to laugh, to connect, and to genuinely want to be here. My goal is for our office to be a magnet, not a mandate—a place that draws people in, not because they have to be here, but because they want to be.
The latest edition of Steelcase’s Work Better magazine highlights something I’ve long believed: that our physical spaces profoundly impact our well-being. When we design spaces thoughtfully, considering both function and emotion, we create environments supporting the various well-being dimensions—physical, emotional, cognitive, and social. These spaces don’t just help employees perform better; they help them live more fulfilling lives.

As leaders, we must address essential employee needs, understanding that our environments play a pivotal role in this. New, innovative spaces can be powerful tools to support our teams as they do the hard work of creating, problem-solving, and collaborating. By prioritizing environments that inspire and uplift, we’re not just improving productivity—we’re investing in the holistic well-being of our people.

Joy at work is achievable, but it requires a commitment to designing and curating spaces that foster connection, creativity, and comfort. It’s about more than just desks and chairs; it’s about creating an atmosphere where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to do their best work.

At Business Furniture, we’re committed to this pursuit. We believe that when we create spaces where joy can flourish, we’re building a better future—not just for our company but for everyone who walks through our doors.

After all, everyone deserves to whistle while they work.