No Major Changes Until
After Design Days | 2026 04/11/25 |
Stephen Says Column

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Dear Stephen,

I’ve been working in the industry for a number of years, and I have a lot of friends who work for one of the HNI brands, like Allsteel. I also have other friends who work for Steelcase – all these people are waiting anxiously for the end of the year, when the deal is supposed to close between the two companies to see what the new corporate structure and strategy will look like.

I suspect most of them are worried about their jobs.  

I can’t help but think, however, that they are all worried about nothing since changes likely won’t be made to either company’s structure until after NeoCon and Design Days. Will things eventually change? Sure! But the leadership of HNI is smart enough to know to not make any changes in the brands, or dealer distribution, until after NeoCon and DesignDays 2026. That’s because nothing is worse than the industry’s biggest trade show being overshadowed by layoffs or elimination of jobs, brands, or dealers at the hands of the industry’s largest acquisition in history.

If you work for Steelcase and are worried about what’s going to happen next, don’t think you’re going to find all the answers come new year. Wait until July 2026 to see if you still have a job. The same thing applies to people at Allsteel, Kimball or any of the other HNI brands.

While I’m sorry to disappoint my friends who are eagerly awaiting the closing on December 31st, being a long-time industry observer and a seasoned Regional VP, this is just what my gut is telling me. I suspect no one’s head is going to be rolling come January, or any time before Chicago, for that matter.

Since you are the industry’s recruiting expert, Stephen, what do you think? Are my friends at HNI and Steelcase worried about nothing?

Signed,
Got A Hunch

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Dear Hunch,

Astute observation! I suspect some of what you are saying could be true, yet I’m a huge fan of the acquisition and the leadership at HNI. For me, it’s as much of a guessing game as it is for you.

While you are right that the deal is supposed to close a mere six months before our industry’s biggest trade events, like you said, the last thing HNI wants to do is have the entire tradeshow talking about how many people lost their jobs after the closing.  

Anyone who works for any of the family of brands that will soon be owned by HNI - HON, Steelcase, Kimball, Allsteel - my advice is this: if you’re one of those people concerned for what could happen after June, now is the time to subtly put out feelers, update your resume, and start to look around. Why not plan to use NeoCon and Design Days as your job fair, not just a furniture fair?

If there are any changes once the trade shows are over and summer begins, you will be prepared. I will agree with you, however, that this is too big of an acquisition for nothing to change when it comes to employees and dealer distribution.

My tip for whenever there is a big merger or acquisition is generally always the same -- don’t assume the worst, but you should of course have one eye open, an ear to the ground, and always have your resume ready to go. If you’re at one of the brands affected, every recruiter should have your resume. One constant to keep in mind; in our industry and every industry, if you’re a talented salesperson, a proven performer, chances are you have nothing to worry about. Great Salespeople rarely lose their jobs!

Personally, I believe there will be far more changes in dealer distribution than in sales personnel within the manufacturers. The ramifications of this acquisition for the Allsteel, Kimball and Steelcase dealers are that there is a lot of duplication of product and therefore may be a lot of realignment of dealers. For instance, if I were the bigshot Steelcase dealer in a major metropolitan area formerly able to call up the CEO of Steelcase and push my weight around; I’d be thinking who am I going to call now? Probably not the CEO (if she took that 50+ million dollar exit package). . .  

Once again, no one’s going to know the answer to these questions until after NeoCon and Design Days. My hunch is a lot of dealers are going to have a very restless 2026! 

Signed,
Stephen
 

Stephen Viscusi is the founder of viscusigroup.com, an executive search firm specializing in the interior furnishings industry. All hires made through The Viscusi Group come with a one-year free replacement guarantee.

Have a story to share or a workplace question? Email Stephen or call (212) 979-5700 ext. 101.

© Stephen Viscusi 2025

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