New Agency Launches ‘Vertical Pause Rooms’ to Let Staff Cry in Different Directions
In a bold move to solve burnout using furniture, Wellington-based agency Totem & Thorn has unveiled its latest innovation: Vertical Pause Rooms. According to the press release, these are ‘emotionally optimised stand-up cry zones’ strategically placed between the kitchen and whatever corner interns are hiding in.
“We’re really committed to our people,” said Chief Wellbeing Experience Facilitator Norman Trellis, whose official job title is longer than his employment history. “These rooms give staff micro-moment sanctuaries where they can process six client amends in silence while facing slightly upward.”
Each Vertical Pause Room features a weighted curtain, a standing mat infused with recycled eucalyptus mist, and a laminated quote from Brené Brown, rotated fortnightly. The space is intentionally narrow to discourage scrolling or leaning. “It’s minimalist,” Trellis adds. “Human suffering should never require a beanbag.”
Insiders say the inspiration came after a junior copywriter was found attempting to cry quietly inside the stationery cupboard, using Artline 0.2 pens to draw emotions that ‘couldn’t be briefed’. An internal task force identified a gap in vertical emotion processing options and filled it immediately, as per the agency’s new OKRs (Objectives, Kiwis, Results).
Totem & Thorn plans to beta-test the concept across eight agencies by Q2, including one in Albany where crying has already been productised in a 3-part UX slide deck titled “Feel It, Own It, Bill It”.
“We’re really committed to our people,” said Chief Wellbeing Experience Facilitator Norman Trellis, whose official job title is longer than his employment history. “These rooms give staff micro-moment sanctuaries where they can process six client amends in silence while facing slightly upward.”
Each Vertical Pause Room features a weighted curtain, a standing mat infused with recycled eucalyptus mist, and a laminated quote from Brené Brown, rotated fortnightly. The space is intentionally narrow to discourage scrolling or leaning. “It’s minimalist,” Trellis adds. “Human suffering should never require a beanbag.”
Insiders say the inspiration came after a junior copywriter was found attempting to cry quietly inside the stationery cupboard, using Artline 0.2 pens to draw emotions that ‘couldn’t be briefed’. An internal task force identified a gap in vertical emotion processing options and filled it immediately, as per the agency’s new OKRs (Objectives, Kiwis, Results).
Totem & Thorn plans to beta-test the concept across eight agencies by Q2, including one in Albany where crying has already been productised in a 3-part UX slide deck titled “Feel It, Own It, Bill It”.