Kimball International Launches ‘Creating Places to Belong’ Initiative

Furniture manufacturer Kimball International recently announced the launch of its “Creating Places to Belong” initiative with the goal of making employees feel valued and connected to their workplace, according to a news release. The company launched a microsite and an interactive playbook developed through research and conversations with customers that contains tools, stories, insights, inspiration, and conversation about what it means to create a welcoming environment.

“As employers, we know that we are providing something much more than a workspace,” said Kimball International Chief Operating Officer Kourtney Smith. “We are really providing places for people to belong.”

Alongside its workplace campaign, Kimball has also launched Education and Health versions of “Creating Places to Belong.” The data-driven insights, personal video interviews, and solution suggestions all lead to the message that “the right spaces create connections,” according to the news release. A mix of environments can support a variety of tasks, whether collaborative or solo projects. Factors like hybrid environments, prioritizing flexibility, focusing on inclusion and belonging, and supporting mental health and overall well-being all lead to employees feeling at home in their space, the news release reports.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Wold Completes Geothermal Projects at Two Minnesota Schools

    Wold Architects & Engineers recently announced that it has completed two geothermal expansion projects for Mounds View Public Schools in Shoreview, Minn., according to a news release. The work at Highview Middle School and Irondale High School serves the district’s long-term goal of reducing energy costs and dependency on non-renewable fuel sources, as well as improving building performance.

  • Designing the Bridge Between Inclusivity and Independence in K–12 Schools

    Fostering independence is fundamental to learning and development for K–12 students. It offers many proven benefits, such as enhanced confidence, problem-solving, decision-making, and social skills. However, this foundational objective loses its impact if it’s not accessible and adaptable to all students. Inclusivity plays a critical role in cultivating independence and healthy autonomy for students, fostering positive student learning outcomes by uniting pedagogy with the physical learning environment.

  • Big Horn Academy

    Big Horn Academy

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. Big Horn Academy has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.

  • RIT Saunders College of Business – Lowenthal Hall Addition

    RIT Saunders College of Business – Lowenthal Hall Addition

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. RIT Saunders College of Business's Lowenthal Hall Addition has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.