Office Furniture

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.

Your company office should be a reflection on your brand values, so you want it to look its best at all times. Poorly designed workspaces, full of clutter and disgruntled employees, will definitely not create a positive impression. Therefore, it is vital that you create a positive environment that enables your employees to deliver their best.

So, whether you are planning to change up your existing setup or get rid of obsolete furniture, these tips on the top office accessories will help you find the right solutions for your business.

Places to Work

No matter what kind of business your company does, your employees are going to need a place to carry out their work. For most companies, that will mean some sort of desk and chair setup. There are many different approaches and styles, so it is essential that you select the right layout and equipment for your particular needs.

For example, chairs should be ergonomically designed to minimize aches and pains associated with sitting at a desk for too long. In terms of desks, a few options include standalone workstations, cluster desks, or benching systems. All layouts have their own pros and cons, so it is important to really consider what you need before making a purchase.

Adapt the Workspace

Your employees will come in all shapes and sizes, so you may need to adapt the office furniture a little. One common problem is getting the height of the computer screen right; if it is too low, the employees will naturally hunch over the desk, which is far from ideal. Therefore, investing in screen risers or laptop stands is a smart choice.

There is a wide variety of products on the market. Many of these don’t have to be expensive, so they are well worth considering. You could, for instance, purchase desktop sit-stand risers, which are an excellent way to get your employees’ blood flowing throughout the day.

Keeping the Workplace Organized

Some people work well in cluttered environments, while others can’t stand even a single pencil being out of place. Either way, it is always helpful to accessorize employee desks with useful storage and desk management accessories.

Desktop organizers come in all shapes and sizes and can be used to prevent clutter from accumulating. There are many innovative designs that can be integrated into existing office furniture such as desk drawer organizers or desktop organizers to manage files or workflows.

Wires or Wireless?

These days, a lot of technology is utilizing wireless connectivity and charging. Despite this trend, it seems we are still far from becoming completely wireless, which leaves the age-old problem of what to do with all the unsightly wires.

The good news is that office furniture companies and office accessory companies have been working hard to create many unique and innovative solutions. Simple solutions include wire housing or desks with integrated wire management systems that can hide and organize wires so that they are barely visible.

The last few years have seen an unprecedented change in office design, and this is likely to continue you in 2019. Many of the traditional office layouts have been replaced by open-plan offices which better facilitate collaboration. We have also seen an increasing emphasis on employee wellbeing, with cubicles being replaced by shared desks and breakout areas.

By the end of the year, you may be working in an environment vastly different than the current one. This is because office furniture trends in 2019 will see more versatility in design and installation.

Wellness as Standard

Research over recent years has found a clear correlation between employee wellness and productivity. As such, employees have found themselves working in much higher levels of comfort than ever before.

In 2019, employee wellness is going to continue to drive office design and furniture trends. Expect to see more adaptable furniture such as electronic sit-stand desks becoming the norm. Desks and chairs will continue to incorporate ergonomic features.

The Smart Office

Changes in technology have had a massive impact on all aspects of our lives, and office furniture is keeping pace by introducing many smart integrations. For example, the latest sit-stand desks come with Bluetooth integration to an app which reminds you when it is time to stand up or go for a walk.

Smart furniture solutions will see more integration with sensors which enable us to look at how we work and how we can improve things like our posture or the amount of time we spend at our desks.

As we move a more wireless based system, look for new integrations such as air-charging ports and unique power cord solutions. The days of unsightly cords will soon be a thing of the past.

Collaboration Central

Gone are the days when individual employees sat in cramped cubicles. The current trend is towards shared furniture such as hot desking areas, work benches or cluster desks. This brings a lot more flexibility to office design and makes it much easier for employees to communicate.

But work in the modern office doesn’t just happen at workstations with breakout areas and lounges becoming a key feature. Collaboration areas will be located around the office which utilizes the move towards a cloud-based network. Meetings will happen on the go, and even conference tables will be designed with flexibility in mind.

The Unconventional

As mentioned above, the way people work today is very different, and office design reflects that. Employers and designers are getting more adventurous with their designs and incorporating many quirks designed to make the officer feel more like home.

For example, hammocks, bean bags, and sofas are no longer incongruous in the office. In fact, having comfortable places to work or enjoy some downtime is conducive for creativity. So expect to see all areas of the office utilized, with nooks and corners set up for meetings and/or relaxation spaces.

One of the most unique innovations in recent years is the walking desk, which marries a desk with a treadmill, redefining what multitasking can be. Therefore, in 2019 look for more out-of-box thinking as employers look for ways to improve their employee’s output.

Employee performance and productivity are always a primary focus for any business. There are many factors that can affect the level of performance such as motivation, stress, incentives, and workplace environment.

You can have the best job in the world, but if you don’t have the right tools for the job, then there is bound to be a negative impact on performance. That is why it is so important to have a well-designed and well-organized workstation. In this latest post, we have put together 5 benefits of workstations for employees.

Well-being

A well-designed and well-organized workstation can really help your mood and wellbeing. These days, most office furniture incorporates ergonomic features which help you to work more productivity without the back and neck pain of the past.

Simple things like having easy access to documents and files can make a big difference to your mood, as can having workstations that can be adapted such as sit-stand desks. All-in-all it means you will be much happier spending time at your workstation than if you were using poorly designed and uncomfortable furniture.

Functionality

Most workstations can be customized so you can organize your space in any way that you can. Even modern cubicles come with easily removed partitions so that it is easier to have a meeting and collaborate with colleagues when you need to.

The workstation should be a tool that helps you get the best out of yourself, so it should be designed in a way that there is enough room for you and all the equipment or documents you need to get your job done effectively.

Personal Space

That being said, your workstation is your space, and you should organize it in a way that makes sense to you. If you need to spend a lot of time at your desk, then make sure that the workstation is suited to your needs.

Having ample storage and shelves can free up space at your desk to put a plant or picture, or anything else that might help motivate you and get you working better.

Features such as adjustable monitor arms or document holders can also free up desk space making it feel less cluttered. Most importantly, though, it frees up space for whatever you need.

Welcoming Space

This links to functionality, as there will be times when your colleagues come to your desk with some ideas. You don’t want to be sat on top of each other as this will not hinder not help creativity and collaboration. Therefore, it is always a good idea to have a little extra room, so you can pull up a chair or a stool when the need arises.

Great Job

All of these factors combine to make a significant impact on your well-being and overall performance. Having space, or a feeling of space, can help you feel much calmer and focused, making it easier to stay on task.

A high-quality and well-designed workstation can make a real difference to employee motivation and performance and, therefore, should be the standard for offices regardless of their size.

With the rise of online shopping and out of town retail developments, many local businesses have found trading conditions distinctly unfavorable. This is a real shame as local businesses can provide so much value to a city, no matter the size.

The furniture market is no different, with many large retailers shipping out generic, flat-pack products. For office managers, this may result in cost savings, but it can often mean the solutions are not ideal for the space. Which is why it might actually be better to shop locally, as these four reasons to shop locally for office furniture will highlight.

Support Local Businesses

Shopping locally can make a real difference to the local economy and a community as a whole. The more money that is spent at local stores as opposed to large retailers results in more money staying in the local economy. When this happens, local businesses can continue to do what they do best and also help support other local businesses.

Also, it keeps your area unique by reducing the volume of large retailers that move into the city.

The Human Touch

One of the significant advantages of using local businesses over big-box suppliers is that they will be dealing in smaller volumes, which means they will take the time to make sure they get it right. Often you will be dealing directly with the owner or a member of their family.

This human touch usually means that customer service is much more personalized, and they will be on-hand to deal with any issues that arise. It is much easier to get a hold of someone at a local furniture company, and you will most likely be on first name terms with them.

These personal touches should never be underestimated, especially when there are issues which require immediate attention. It is also helpful when you are in the planning stage as the furniture supplier will have designers onsite who can answer any queries you have regarding different furniture options.

Tailor Made Solutions

Larger furniture suppliers often stock a generic range of furniture which is mass produced. This won’t always be ideal when it comes to office furniture, as office spaces are so diverse. Smaller businesses will provide a personalized service which will provide solutions based on your own individual requirements.

Once you start working with a local supplier, they will get to know the details of your business and be able to provide suggestions and solutions when you need them more quickly.

Convenient Option

Using a local office furniture company can actually save you money as there may be reduced shipping costs. You will also be able to see the furniture beforehand instead of relying on photos and sales speak.

And, as mentioned above, the tailor-made solutions will be a better investment, as they will be specifically designed for your office. Standard, mass-produced options may need to be modified to fit the contours of your office or may not provide the right choice for the work your employees need to do.