Not a Trend - Why Workbenches Work
Workbenches are the unsung heroes of workplace design. They don’t have the instant wow factor of a statement lounge piece or the high-tech appeal of a showstopping conference room—but if we’re talking about, ‘what makes an office work?’, the workbench deserves attention.
In an age of constant connectivity, evolving team dynamics, and flexible workstyles, people still need a place to land—a space that feels like theirs, even if just for a few hours. Workbenches create that balance: stable enough to support focus, open enough to foster connection, and nimble enough to keep pace with change.
Designing for productivity: then and now
Every era of workplace design claims to be “optimized for productivity.” The Taylorist office did it with control. Cubicles promised it through privacy. The open office banked on collaboration. But none of them really got it right—at least not for everyone.
The workbench emerged as a quiet counter to all of that. As designers, individuals, and companies grew tired of the isolation of cubicles and the chaos of open offices, the workbench offered something else: clarity. The earliest were shared surfaces that still allowed for individual work. An open environment that could be structured without feeling rigid.
It fixed a few key things. Unlike cubicles, workbenches don’t wall people off. And unlike open tables, they offer personal space through accessories like screen and storage – without sacrificing connection.
Today, productivity isn’t about sitting in one spot for eight hours—it’s about access, choice, and rhythm. The workbench fits that model, too. It supports hot desking, simplifies specification, and adapts to just the right level of privacy, power, and performance.
Designing for productivity today isn’t about locking into a layout. It’s about creating environments that respond to how people work. The workbench is one of the few tools that’s kept up and continues to evolve. Workbenches hit a sweet spot: they support focus without isolation, connection without clutter, and are built to flex as work keeps changing.
Why workbenches make sense today
Specifying workbenches is simple. Unlike large systems requiring extensive planning and decision making, workbenches keep things simple while offering plenty of options. Need storage? Add it. Want privacy screens, lighting, or planters? They integrate seamlessly.
Whether configured as single-sided or double-sided, they can be tailored to fit the space's needs. Height-adjustable options support movement and ergonomic preferences, giving users more control over their work environment.
Three workbenches, three approaches
Watson offers three distinct takes on the workbench, each designed to meet different needs:
Tonic: the workbench that set the standard
Tonic is the original workbench that proved why this model works. Designed for adaptability, it makes it easy to shift between focus and collaboration.
- Seated or standing height options – Supporting movement and ergonomic choice.
- Single-sided or dual-sided configurations – Flexible for different team setups.
- Modular, reconfigurable infill components – Customizable to fit evolving needs.
- Easy access to power and data – Keeping workstations functional and clutter-free.
A classic in every sense, Tonic delivers flexibility, function, and a clean, modern aesthetic that stands the test of time.
Seven: power to the people
For teams that need both personal space and easy collaboration, Seven Workbench is designed for movement, focus, and team flexibility.
- Height-adjustable with multiple control options – Embedded, Undermount, Wellness, or Memory.
- Dual-sided and single-sided configurations – Adaptable to different team structures and work styles.
- Power & data raceway with up to 8 outlets per user – Keeping devices charged and work uninterrupted.
- Compatible with Bahn or Zo Storage – Adding organization without cluttering the workspace.
Seven is built for teams that need a workbench that is as dynamic as they are—it is designed to move with them, not hold them back.
Edison: a new take on a classic
Edison takes the classic workbench and refines it for today’s workplace. With rounded legs for a softer aesthetic and top-shape options, it fits seamlessly into a variety of spaces. Built for adaptability, Edison offers:
- Fixed or height-adjustable options – Supports movement and ergonomic preferences throughout the day.
- Single-sided, dual-sided, or combination runs – Flexible enough to fit any team structure or floorplate.
- Integrated power and accessory rail – Makes it easy to add screens, lighting, planters, and other tools.
- Simple starter-adder logic – Freestanding and designed for quick updates; no installers required—just a jumper cable.
- Modular and reconfigurable – Sections can be added, removed, or shifted as needs change, without disrupting the space.
- Privacy without bulk – Optional end and mid panels offer the structure of a panel system, without the visual clutter.
A modern workbench designed for dynamic workplaces, Edison delivers flexibility without over-complication—and privacy without the claustrophobia. It brings the structure teams need, without boxing anyone in. No panels, no partitions, no problem.
Accessories: the details that make the difference
A workbench is more than just a surface—it’s a foundation. But what makes it work for the people who use it every day? The details. Whatever workbench you choose, the ability to fine-tune it makes all the difference. Accessories don’t just add function; they shape the experience, creating a space that feels good to work at.
Screens provide just the right amount of privacy without closing things off. Planters bring warmth and a natural element into the workspace. Task lighting ensures visibility, whether for focused work or shared discussions. Storage solutions keep essentials within reach while maintaining a clean aesthetic. Power and cable management keep everything seamless, eliminating clutter without sacrificing access.
A well-designed workbench gives people what they need to do their best work—but the right accessories make sure it feels right too.
The workbench is having its moment - again
Trends come and go, but the workbench endures for good reason. It’s not a new idea—but a proven one: balancing structure with flexibility, personal focus with team connection, and simplicity with adaptability. In a workplace that demands responsiveness, clarity, and flow, the workbench quietly delivers—again and again. The real question isn’t whether a workbench makes sense—but which one will work best for your space.
