Office Furniture

There has been a lot of research about factors that can impact employee performance in the workplace. One of the key findings has shown that sitting hunched over a desk for hours and hours can have a significant impact on employees’ health, motivation, and productivity levels.

Modern office equipment is designed to promote better posture and reduce aches and pains, which can have a negative effect on productivity. One of the more recent developments in office equipment is height-adjustable tables. And, in this post, we will go through some of the benefits of height-adjustable tables.

Improved Movement

Sitting down for prolonged periods has a negative impact on the human body, especially if the person is not mindful of their posture. That is why professionals recommend avoiding sitting in one position for hours and making sure to move around the office as much as possible.

It might not be possible to go for long walks or do exercise during the workday, which is what makes height-adjustable tables so useful in the workplace. By adjusting the height of the table, employees can continue to do their work while also getting to stretch a little. A simple change in position can have a massive impact on their posture and health.

Reduced Back Pain

Back pain is one of the leading sources of employee absenteeism in the USA. Research by the CDC has highlighted that using height-adjustable tables can reduce back pain, even if it is only for 15 minutes each hour. With a reduction in aches and pains, employees will be able to retain their focus for more extended periods of time, and companies should see a reduction in lost time.

Many Health Benefits

It isn’t just the back that adjustable height tables can help out. The research has shown that employees that alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day helps the muscles in the legs and supports healthy heart functions by improving circulation.

Sit and stand desks are also useful to manage blood sugar spikes and can aid weight management. Standing up helps to burn some serious calories, which is excellent, especially if there are snacks lying around the office.

Research has also found that there is a higher level of creativity and increased energy levels in staff who use height-adjustable tables. That is because the changes in position stimulate the flow of oxygen in the blood, meaning that staff gets less fatigued as the day goes on. This boost to the energy levels of the team can lead to better output and a reduction in mistakes due to tiredness.

Benefits for Business

With a healthier and more motivated workforce, companies should notice a reduction in sick days and an increase in productivity. Height-adjustable tables can be easily added to existing layouts, and with many different models on the market, you can easily find the best fit for your business.

There has been a lot of research posted on the adverse effects that sitting hunched over a desk for a prolonged period can have on people. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also have an impact on employee motivation and overall productivity.

Should I stand all day, or is it safe to sit on a standing desk? This is just one of the questions we often get asked about standing desks. Even though a lot has been written about them, many questions still remain. So in this post, we will answer some common questions about standing desks.

What Is a Standing Desk?

The name can be taken quite literally—it is a desk you use while standing. There are many different variations of these on the market, with some able to be quickly modified into a sitting desk.

What Kind of Work Can You Do at a Standing Desk?

You can do all kinds of tasks at a standing desk. Many artists and designers like to use standing desks when creating their latest work. However, you don’t have to be in a creative job to make use of a standing desk. Writing emails, inputting data, and preparing reports are all examples of tasks standing desk users do daily.

Should I Stand All Day?

A standing desk is designed so that you can alter positions throughout the day. Yes, sitting in a prone position is terrible for your body, but standing all day is not the solution. Staying in an upright position all day can also be problematic for your posture. For example, if you are standing all day, you may start slouching while also putting additional strain on your legs. This is especially true if you don’t adjust the height of your computer screen.

The best option is to alternate between sitting and standing during the day while also taking time to walk around a little as well. Regular breaks away from your desk and computer are great ways to stretch out aching muscles and rest your eyes for a little while.

What Can I Put on My Standing Desk?

A standing desk is not all that different from a regular desk in terms of usage. They come in many different sizes, but there is usually more than enough room for a large computer and accessories. As with all kinds of desks, it is best to pay close attention to the manufacturer’s guidance on the weight-bearing capacity of a desk, as overloading it can result in damage.

Is It Safe to Sit on a Standing Desk?

While the answer to this question may seem obvious, many people often sit or lean on their desks while having informal conversations with their colleagues. Some standing desks on the market have weight limits of up to 355 pounds, but in general, they are not designed to be sat on. As the desks are adjustable in height, you can use them with all kinds of office chairs and stools if you decide you want to sit down.

Choosing office furniture can be a very time-consuming process. Some businesses might spend less time on planning than they should. When this happens, companies often end up with furniture that employees hate or that hinders rather than helps them in their daily tasks.

There are many factors to consider when assessing the pros and cons of different types of office furniture. In this article, we will go through five things to consider while choosing office furniture.

Budget

Any investment in new office furniture will require having a clear idea about your budget. It is essential to understand that you may not always need the most expensive furniture. Having a clear understanding of the needs of your employees will help you determine the type of furniture you need.

Once you have a clear picture of the employee’s needs, you can allocate the right amount of money for desks, chairs, and storage units.

Space

Before you start looking for office furniture, you must spend time measuring your existing office space. This will give you a clearer idea of what items will fit in the office and which ones will just take up too much room. This stage is absolutely vital, as making a decision based on aesthetics alone is likely to cause problems.

You will want to choose furniture that gives employees ample room to work in, while also providing plenty of space to move around in different areas. If you are short on space, some form of adaptable furniture would be ideal, as you don’t want your staff to feel that they are working on top of one another.

Functionality

As mentioned above, you must focus on the needs of your employees. Ask yourself: How long do they spend at their desks? What kind of work do they do? Do they need quiet spaces, or do they need spaces more conducive to collaboration?

Investing in smart furniture or multifunctional furniture can help in this area, as these can be adapted for different tasks, or they will offer intelligent storage solutions.

Employee Wellness

Any new office furniture should be comfortable and easy to adapt to employees of all shapes and sizes. If your employees feel comfortable, they will be more productive. Therefore, you must ensure that any chairs and tables have ergonomic features.

Sit-stand desks are a great way to get employees moving around without having to leave their workstations. Also, making sure that chairs have adjustable arms and head supports can really help minimize any aches and pains that can occur from long periods of sitting. You could also look for chairs that offer lumbar support, as this can help with the posture of your employees when they are seated at their desks.

Appearance

Design is another important consideration for office furniture. You will want to choose furniture that looks good and accentuates your brand image. The colors and materials of the furniture are very important, as they can affect the mood of your employees. Many studies have shown that employees who work in a modern and aesthetically pleasing office tend to be more creative, more productive, and less likely to look for a new job.

The reception area is the first contact many clients will have with your business premises. Therefore it needs to be welcoming while making a strong statement about your business brand and values. It is the first chance to make a favorable impression.

When looking at the available options, there are several factors to consider to ensure that the reception table fits with the overall mood of the reception area. Today, we will provide some tips on what to look for in a reception table for your office.

Key Design Questions

When considering the options for reception tables, make sure that you have a clear idea of how it will be used. Ask yourself how many people it needs to accommodate and will they need any equipment other than a computer? Will, there be a need for any storage and what sort of height do you want the desk to be?

The answers to these questions will determine the best types of reception tables for the job at hand. Failure to take these factors into account can result in a beautifully designed reception table sticking out like a sore thumb because it doesn’t fit the space or function required.

Design

Space is a major consideration when looking for new office furniture, and the reception area is no different. You will want a reception table that looks well designed, but it also has to fit nicely into the available space. If the table is too big or small, it will create an unbalanced look and create the wrong first impression.

Think about the reaction you are looking to elicit in the visitor, and then you can look at different shapes and materials which will create that impression. Natural wooden finishes always look good, but in some cases, steel or glass tables will better reflect the company image.

Function and Comfort

Before going ahead with a purchase, think about the staff that will be manning the desks. The reception tables will need to be sufficient height to accommodate a comfortable chair and leave enough room for each individual to work.

You will also want to make sure that there is sufficient space and storage available so that the table doesn’t get cluttered throughout the day. Many tables have hidden storage shelves so that relevant documents and files are kept out of sight of visitors, but they are easy to reach when the receptionists need them.

Color and Shape

Each kind of design has pros and cons, so you will need to be clear about what they are before.

For example, black looks very stylish, but it can be hard to keep clean, as can glass-topped desks.

Curved desks are a stylish addition to a reception area, but they take up a lot of space and might not be ideal for smaller reception areas. Cube, L-shaped, and modular desks are versatile in terms of the spaces they can fit in, but they may be too big or create ‘neglected’ areas.

In all cases, you must consider the dimensions of the reception area and the impression you want to make when visitors arrive.

Happy and healthy employees will always be more productive than over-worked and uncomfortable ones. Unfortunately, many offices around the world still utilize dated furniture and office layouts. These two things combine to create unpleasant working conditions and demotivated employees.

In recent years, there has been a lot of developments in workplace design, and many companies have realized that employee well-being is fundamental to their success. So, if you are thinking of making some changes at the office, this short guide on how to create a healthy workspace for employees is a great place to start.

Be Supportive

Many studies have found that sitting at a desk for hours on end is not good for anyone. It can result in employees taking time off because of back and neck problems. One of the primary reasons for this is that the existing furniture is not fit for purpose.

At the very least, you should ensure that all your open office furniture is ergonomically designed as this helps improve posture and provides support while your staff members are at their desks. Aim for chairs that have adjustable arm and neck supports, as well as lumbar support.

If you want to innovate a little bit, then you could invest in sit-stand desks or even a treadmill desk. Both of these options will get your staff to move around a little, which can give their energy levels a welcome boost.

Go Green

Biophilic design has gained a lot of traction in the workplace in recent years. Modern businesses have realized that stuffy offices with bland decorations are not conducive for productivity. Instead, leading companies have moved towards introducing more natural elements to their workspaces.

Examples of biophilic design include introducing more natural light, plants, and natural materials to the workspace, which results in a much better ambiance and more motivated employees.

Control The Mood

A lot of businesses underestimate the importance that the office color scheme can have on their employees. Choose the wrong colors, and you can end up with a lack of creativity and productivity.

Aim for a mixture of different colors around the office. Different colors will work best, depending on what activities take place in that area. Blues are great for focusing the mind; reds will energize your staff; while orange stimulates oxygen flows in the brain.

Health And Wellness Awareness

Having a well-designed and airy office will go a long way towards creating a healthy working environment. However, it is vital that you back this up with other ideas. Staff members need to move around during the day, so you could create some activities which help them throughout the day. Try and encourage them to move away from their desk at regular intervals, or arrange some exercises during lunch or after work.

Some companies have created onsite gyms, run yoga classes, or organize sports after work. If this doesn’t really fit in with your company culture, then just encouraging your staff to take some movement breaks during the day can make a big difference.

When your employees have some much-needed downtime, they will appreciate a nice, relaxing place to enjoy their break time. A break room is a vital cog in the machinery for businesses, as it is the place where your employees will be able to get away from their desk. As the dangers of sitting with long periods without breaks come more into the public consciousness, having an area where employees feel comfortable will become more and more important. There’s no way around it – in the modern office, non-work areas are a necessity.

The break room should be well-designed and spacious. There should be ample room for large numbers of staff to move around freely while also having space to enjoy a chat. Some break rooms may also incorporate quiet spaces. We have put together this break room furniture buying guide so that you can create a really amazing space that will separate your office environment from your competition and give you the edge in hiring and retention.

Get Your Employees’ Input

Before you start going all-in on funky furniture, you should ask what the employees would like to see in their break room. After all, it is the space they will use, so you will want to make sure that the design and furniture meet their needs. What might seem like a good idea on paper might not fill your staff with much enthusiasm, so better safe than sorry.

Comfortable Furniture

This one is a no brainer, the last thing you want to do is to fill your room with loads of uncomfortable and ugly furniture. This will create a massive dip in their mood, and they will probably end up spending more time at their desks. While this may sound great, you definitely see a noticeable drop in their productivity.

Instead, go for cushioned seats or stylish table. Make the place look like their favorite coffee shop or integrate bench seating which can be moved around if needed.

The Right Fit

Once you have invested in comfy chairs, make sure that you get a table that will be practical. This may seem like an obvious point, but you’d be amazed by the number of companies that don’t actually think this through. Make sure that you choose the right size and height of the tables or benches so that people of all sizes can sit comfortably.

If you have an outside area, make sure that you utilize by adding outside tables and chairs. The natural light and air does wonder for employees’ overall levels of motivation and will really help to recharge their batteries.

Get Creative

Take a look around the internet, and you will find that some companies have created some fascinating and playful break rooms. Maybe you could place some sofas around the room, or even bean bags. Some companies have gone one step further and put a few day beds in the break room. The general idea is that you want the area to be as welcoming as possible because this will help relax your employees and can really help stimulate creativity.

Over the past few years, people have become more and more health-conscious. Recently, this awareness has extended into the workplace. Many companies have made changes to work schedules and office layouts due to the correlation between employee well-being and productivity.

One of these innovations has been the introduction of sit-stand desks, or standing desks, to the workplace. In this post, we will take a look at what they are and the benefits of standing desks for employees and employers.

What Are Standing Desks?

Standing desks are desks that can be adjusted to different heights throughout the course of the day. They enable employees to move around more freely and not stay in the same position for hours on end. The height of standing desks can be adjusted at the touch of the button and allows your employees to have a good stretch while they are at their desks.

Why Are More and More Businesses Using Them?

The reason why they are gaining popularity is that numerous reports have suggested that sitting in one position for long periods of time is counterproductive.

Sitting down all day can cause problems with posture, which can cause a loss in concentration, resulting in a low level of productivity. Doctors have advised people to move about as much as possible throughout the day. However, the practical application of this could be problematic. That is where standing desks come in.

Health Benefits for the Individual

Employee well-being has been subject to a lot of research in recent years, and the general consensus at the moment is that you shouldn’t sit down at your desk for prolonged periods.

There are many health benefits to using standing desks, such as:

• Improved blood circulation
• Lower risk of obesity, as people burn more calories when they are standing
• Improved posture
• Reduction in chronic back problems
• Better mood and higher energy levels

Just looking at a few of these health benefits should highlight that standing desks can save a business a lot of time and money as a result of employee sick days and poor motivation.

Health Improvements Lead to Increased Productivity

Numerous studies have highlighted the health benefits of moving around the office during the day. Standing desks enable employees to do this, and the research has been very complementary to the benefits of their use.

For example, standing can help employees improve their overall posture, and by moving their blood circulation, their mood can improve. This helps your staff remain focused during the day and deliver higher-quality work.

Dynamic Workplaces

Giving your staff the choice of sitting or standing automatically changes the overall dynamics of the workplace. Sitting and standing all day is less than ideal, but regularly moving around helps concentration, mood, and energy levels. It also allows your employees to change the height of their workspace at a time that suits them and for specific tasks.

The office is the place where you want great things to happen. Your employees are likely to spend a lot of their working time there. While they are on site, you will want them to be as productive as possible, and the way you can do that is by ensuring that the office furniture is perfect for the job at hand.

Many companies have underestimated the impact of poorly designed furniture on employee performance. This has resulted in lost time, decreases in productivity, and reduced levels of employee motivation. We have put together this office furniture buying guide to help you avoid the mistakes others have made.

Know Your Space

Before you even open the office furniture catalogs, there are several things you need to do first. The most important of these is knowing the dimensions of your office. You will need to get accurate measurements so that you know exactly how much space you have to play with. Many businesses have bought the furniture first and worried about the area second, which is never a good idea.

Try to maximize your space by buying furniture that works well with the space you have instead of trying to cram in too much stuff. If you go for the second option, you are likely to have unhappy employees, and that is never good for business.

Don’t Go for Style over Comfort

Large and stylish executive chairs might look very classy, but they might be ideal for the tasks your employees do. Think about ergonomics and the amount of time which your employees spend at their desks.

In all cases, you will want well-designed and comfortable furniture that is ideal for all the different shapes and sizes within your workforce. Aim for office chairs that can be easily adjusted and have features such as lumbar rests and neck supports.

Aesthetics Are Still Important

In the previous point, we mentioned the dangers of going for style over substance. However, you should still take time to consider aesthetics when choosing your furniture. You will need furniture that fits with the different color schemes and materials in your office. Always remember that your office is an extension of your brand, so you will want a design that reflects your core values.

The colors of the pictures, fittings, and furniture can make a real impression on clients and employees, so make sure you go for something that avoids making a negative one.

What Do Your Employees Do?

Numerous studies have shown that having workspaces that are adaptable—such as sit-stand desks—is perfect for employee well-being and also has a positive impact on productivity. It is also a good idea to consider whether office furniture will be used in one place and for a single function. For example, do you need designated meeting rooms with conference tables, or can the rooms be used for multiple purposes? If you need the latter, you will need furniture that can be easily moved.

If you are planning on a renovation of your existing office premises, then a vital step is deciding what to do with your current office furniture. This is something you should think about at an early stage of the planning process, as the last thing you want is to clog up your valuable space with old furniture.

In the past, used furniture would have been taken away and left in a hole or a storage facility. Both options are less than desirable because of their environmental and financial implications. Therefore, there are several solutions that your company can look into if you decide it’s time to redesign your office or relocate altogether. So, in this post, we have put together some ideas on how to manage used office furniture.

First Things First

Before you get started with your office redesign, you should evaluate all the existing furniture in the office. This will enable you to be clear on the volume of chairs, tables, etc., that you have on site.

While you are working on this process, you should also assess the quality of the furniture. If it is still in good condition, you could save yourself a lot of money. Used furniture in good condition will have some resale value, and many specialist companies will be more than happy to take it off your hands.

Disposal

For many companies, a new office building or remodel will involve trading in used furniture for more modern furniture. This can leave you with a lot of unwanted furniture that you won’t want to have lying around the office. Therefore, you will need to factor removal costs into your planning budget.

When it comes to disposal, there are many different ways you can go. There are some specialist companies that offer removal services because they intend to resell or repurpose the furniture. These companies will come to your office and carry out an appraisal on the quality of your furniture and make you an offer based on what is sellable. Going this route is much more environmentally friendly, as these companies try to avoid using landfills.

Repurpose and Recycle

A great way to save money is to use furniture that is currently in the office instead of buying brand new furniture. Obviously, if the tables are collapsing and the doors are hanging off the storage cabinets, then this furniture may be nearing the end of its shelf life—in its current form.

Many companies have gotten creative with their approach to dealing with used furniture by taking usable elements or materials from them and using them for other purposes. Old desktops, filing cabinets, and even doors can all be modified for entirely different purposes, freeing up money to spend on essential new furniture, as well as fixtures and fittings.

Another option is to renovate your current furniture. This is an excellent way to go if the furniture is generally in good condition. Surfaces can be re-varnished, and chairs can be reupholstered to get some extra life out of them.

Working practices have changed a great deal over the last couple of decades. One of the most significant changes has been the number of people who have started working from home. In the past, this practice would have only been possible for people who started their own business, but these days, many companies allow their employees to work from home.

If you are thinking about setting up a home office, there are a few things to consider before you start working. In this post, we will take a look at five quick tips to make a home office.

Find a Space

If you decide you want to work from home, you will need a dedicated workspace. It is vital that you create a separate area so that you can concentrate on your work tasks when you are meant to be working.

It is always helpful if you have a spare room, as this offers greater privacy. However, if that is not an option, try to find a quiet corner or nook where it is easier to ignore any distractions going on around you.

Only Use What You Need

Unless you are living in a large house or apartment, you are not going to have the same amount of space that you would in a regular office. Therefore, you need to draw up a list of the essential items you will need to get the job done. Depending on the work you do, you can get creative with your office set up by using repurposed home furniture or opting for integrated storage equipment.

Whatever you decide, remember to use your space wisely so your office doesn’t start spilling over into your living areas.

Think Long Term

When you have decided what office equipment you need, take a long-term approach and invest in high-quality equipment with a proven track record. Don’t go for the cheapest office furniture you can find, as this will come back to haunt you at some point, usually in the form of backaches!

Get a desk that is fit for your purpose and a chair that is suitable for your body. Sit-stand desks are a valuable investment, as they can be easily adjusted so that you don’t just stay in a seated position all day.

Don’t Forget the Light

Natural daylight is so important to humans and can have a massive impact on our moods. This, in turn, can affect our motivation and productivity, so it is best to avoid setting up your office in a storage room. Try to place your desk in an area or a room that is well lit and well ventilated. This will help to keep you awake and on task throughout the day.

Make the Space Yours

Simple things can make a big difference in the general atmosphere of the office. Therefore, try to choose a color scheme that works for you, but always remember to try to use stimulating and vibrant colors.

Maybe you could put up some pictures by your favorite artist or have a music player on the go. If you like gadgets, there are many unique products out there that can help you organize your desk while providing you with some light relief.

Working from home can offer a lot of flexibility, so take advantage of the office being in your home by making space work for you.