What the company concluded from its observations is that we no longer relate to the work desk the way we once did: “You’re on your iPad, you’re on your computer, you’re not really engaged with the desk anymore.” Whereas for older generations the desk and chair remain an inseparable whole, the modern worker is far more flexible and mobile. "Working out of the bag is a growing phenomenon," continues Small, noting that Steelcase's internal project for addressing the needs of mobile workers is dubbed "follow the bag."

That's all very well, but I still need somewhere to put my coffee.