Bene Office Furniture

Dr. Wolfgang Neubert, Neutorgasse 4-8

Dr. Neubert, in the course of your career you've become familiar with very different industries, such as the private equity business and the automotive industry. How familiar are you with offices?

In a certain sense, very familiar. In my years of working as a consultant, I've gotten to know, and worked in, innumerable offices because I often worked for months at a time in a client’s company on site. There are certain things you pick up by constant exposure.


Have these offices influenced your work?

Influenced is the wrong word. They always had a major impact on me, and they also told me something about a company and its management. Office spaces say an unbelievable amount about the people who work there. In a larger context, they demonstrate a company's atmosphere, self-understanding, energy and culture. Whenever I enter an office today, I have a good idea of how work is done there.


This brings us straight to the topic of Bene....

Correct. Bene develops a concept of how offices work, and they bring their products and services to the market under the motto, "Create impact with the design of your office". In my opinion, far too few businesspeople have realised the amazing potential of office design. And not just in terms of "feeling good" and ergonomics, but actual productivity and the bottom line.


What does your ideal office look like?

There are a few things that are important to me. Light, for example. I love lots of daylight in a room, large windows, and – if possible – an inspiring view. Being able to enjoy the view is really quite satisfying. I also place a lot of value on clear layout. Technical equipment and cables should be well stowed and preferably invisible.


What do you think of your new office here on Neutorgasse?

I have two workplaces – one in Vienna and one in Waidhofen. I have to admit, however, that I didn’t choose either one of them. Our interior architect, Sigid Mayer, designed the offices, and I was pleased to accept them – I feel quite at home here.
I should also say that, in my function as head of sales, I am on the go quite a lot and spent very little time at "headquarters". I always say that my actual workplace is in my luggage, which I always have with me.


You have very few "personal items" in your office ... ?

That’s true. Trophies and such things aren’t that important to me. I always find a space for a picture of my wife, though.
My prior work has definitely shaped me. I like to have a "clean desk" in the evening. I completely clean off my workplace so that I can start the next day with new tasks and priorities.


When you change locations as often as you do, are always reachable where ever you are?

Basically yes. You do have to turn off your mobile, though, whenever you’re in a meeting. Sometimes I block out a couple of hours in order to be able to think through a project in peace and quiet. For me, it’s a question of personal work organisation and time management. I'm not the kind of person who is absolutely tied to their mobile and laptop. These are useful instruments for work. Just like my notebook and fountain pen.


Do you prefer open office structures or closed units?

As I said, I actually have worked in every conceivable kind of office, and I think that I’m able to adjust to anything pretty well. Nevertheless, I think that open spaces, divided with transparent modules, so that you have both eye contact as well as the option of privacy and concentration, like what we have here at Bene, are very advantageous.


Apropos Bene – what do you think are the most important benefits that Bene has to offer?

First, our greatest benefit is basic approach: interior design is our product. With products like PARCS or our showrooms, we as the market leader have exactly what we need to shape the future of the office.
Second, we're not selling furniture; we're selling solutions. Whether space efficiency, flexibility or media integration - Bene customers get customised solutions .
Third, sales experience. Even in terms of B2B, it's about the buying experience, about credibility and authenticity. We are competent partners, not salesmen. We communicate fairly and as equals with our customers, and we provide support for their needs.


What your upcoming plans, professionally speaking?

During the last four months, I underwent an intense orientation in the world of Bene. I had a lot of meetings and learned about our internal processes. The next step for me is a short phase of catching up and developing strategy. After that, I will be on the road again, because I see my role as being on the ground, on site. With our customers, our partners, and our employees.

If you ask me what Bene should expect in the coming months, I would say that upholding the status quo will remain difficult. Our numbers have to look good again, and our business needs a boost. This will only work with a positive attitude, with an internal consensus that everyone is committed to their work, and by sending the right signals to the market: for example, our presence at ORGATEC, or the successful expansion of our product portfolio with PARCS, RM and the new swivel chairs. To put it briefly – to fortify the strengths that we already have.

Dr. Neubert, many thanks for this interview.