Office Furniture

There are so many benefits of ergonomic furniture for both businesses and employees. Companies of all shapes and sizes have invested in new furniture which enables employees to work more effectively throughout the day. Sometimes simple changes can have a massive impact on productivity.

The last two decades have seen a considerable increase in people suffering from back, neck, and repetitive strain issues. In a lot of cases, these problems have been attributed to the work that they do. Sitting at a cramped desk for hours on end is not conducive for good quality work and can lead to employees needing to take extra time off.

In this post, we will look at some of the benefits of ergonomic furniture and how they can add significant value to your business.

Increases Employee Productivity

How to improve employee productivity is a question that is often discussed at management level. Some companies will focus on training and rewards but in many cases focusing on the workplace environment is likely to yield better results.

Research has shown that uncomfortable furniture, cramped workspaces, and poorly lit offices all have a negative impact on employee productivity.

Ergonomically designed furniture can be adapted to the needs of each individual employee, allowing them to create the workstation which will enable them to be most effective.

Health Benefits Lead to Business Benefits

Ergonomic furniture is designed to promote better posture and increased comfort while your employees are busy at work.  A well-supported chair, with armrests and adjustable heights, will make it more comfortable to work for longer without the distractions of a sore neck or back.

Desks can also be ergonomically designed to minimize the time you have to sit. There are many adjustable desks or stand up desks on the market which help your employees to get moving without having to stop their current task. Taking the time to stand up and stretch a little bit can eliminate pain and help your employees to keep focused.

Improves Employee Wellbeing

All these health benefits have an added benefit; if your employees feel comfortable, they will be happier, and will also think that they work in a pleasant environment. These mental benefits can lead to increased staff retention and a more motivated workforce.

Increases Employee Engagement

When you have a motivated workforce, they will be more likely to go that extra mile. As the staff are comfortable and feel valued, they will be more focused on the job that they are doing, resulting in higher productivity and creativity.

Uncomfortable furniture can dominate workplace conversations instead of sharing ideas and collaborating. By removing the offending furniture and replacing it with ergonomically designed furniture can free up your employee’s conversations and encourage more collaboration.

A Sound Investment

The benefits of ergonomic furniture are hard to ignore and far negate the initial cost concerns of replacing existing furniture.

As we mentioned above, comfortable well-designed furniture can help keep your employees focused and feel valued, resulting in higher levels of staff retention, employee engagement, and ultimately, a more productive workforce.

If you have made the decision to modernize your workspace, then there is a high likelihood that you will have a lot of furniture which won’t fit in with your new designs. For example, if you are transitioning from a traditional cubicle system to a benching system, then there will be no space in the office for a lot of the existing storage and seating.

When you start planning your office redesign, you should carefully consider what you will do with your existing furniture as it can add extra cost and headaches further down the line. The last thing you want is the entrance to your office being blocked by old desks and storage units. To help you out we will highlight how to dispose of old furniture in a way which may actually benefit your business.

Getting Started

The first thing you should do is start by making an inventory of all the furniture in your office. Make a note of the quantity and the condition of each item. From there you can start putting together a plan on what to do with it.

Sell, Sell, Sell

There are a lot of used furniture dealerships throughout the US, which would be happy to take good quality, old furniture off your hands. Going down this route offers many advantages, including getting paid without having to move the furniture out of your office yourself.

As with all sellable goods, the price you may get is subject to supply and demand, but it is well worth considering this option if you want a quick solution.

Repurpose

Some of your existing furniture may be in excellent condition, but not the right fit for your new design. In this case, why not make use of these items as many forward-thinking companies have. Desktops and old storing cabinets can quickly be put to use in ways such as plant holders or to create benching systems.

Reusing your old furniture is a sustainable and cost-effective method of redeveloping your office space.

Recycle

If you do decide to get rid of your current furniture, then try to do so in a way which is good for the environment. There are many companies out there which specialize in the recycling of metals, plastics, and timber. Using these can help you gain LEED certification, which is becoming a popular standard for many companies due to the value it adds to the business and its potential tax benefits.

Find A New Home for It

Some companies have gone down this highly ethical route and decided to donate their furniture to local charities. This is an excellent solution if you have lots of furniture which is still in excellent condition, as there is a massive demand for it around the world.

There are several charities in the USA which specialize in this work, where they will arrange for your furniture to be shipped to other charities and schools all over the world. As we mentioned, this is an ethical approach and it can also result in some tax benefits.

Whichever option you decide to go for, the process will be a lot smoother if you factor it into your initial plans.

It has long been recognized that sitting down too much and for too long a period is bad for your health. Negative effects of this behavior include a higher risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and even dying prematurely. Excessive sitting is also linked to weight gain and obesity. This is a major problem for those who work in an office and spend most of their time sitting at a desk. Well, help is at hand, and it comes in the form of a stand-up desk. But what are the actual benefits of a stand-up desk and are they worth trying?

Benefits of a Stand-up Desk?

Basically, a stand-up desk is exactly what it says it is – a desk that allows you to stand while you are working. Many now are even adjustable so that you can alternate between standing and sitting. Early research indicates that indeed these stand-up desks do have benefits including:

1. A lower risk of weight gain and obesity
2. Significantly lower blood sugar levels
3. A lower risk of heart disease
4. A reduction in back pain
5. An improvement in mood and energy levels
6. A boost in productivity
7. A longer life

Are these benefits really scientifically proven?

While the extent of the studies of the benefits of stand-up desks has been small so far, the results are definitely worth further research on a larger scale. Small studies that have been carried out have concluded:

1. Weight gain and obesity – 170 more calories are burned while standing at a desk than sitting.
2. Diabetes – standing after lunch for 180 minutes reduces blood sugar spikes by 43%.
3. Lumbago and back problems – a 32% improvement in back pain compared to sitting.
4. Mood and energy – increased vigor and energy in 87% of those testing the stand-up desk.
5. Life expectancy – reducing sitting time by 3 hours per day could raise life expectancy by 2 years.

Furthermore, it has been discovered that prolonged sitting time can increase the risk of heart disease by an incredible 147% and that those who sit for the longest periods are 49% more likely to die earlier than those who sit the least. Less important, but still valid, however is that the concerns that standing at a desk would hinder daily tasks such as typing were incorrect. There were no negative impacts on characters typed per minute and none on typing errors made. Work output was just as efficient and in the same, if not greater, amounts.

So…should you invest in one?

It is clear that further research is needed before we can say with 100% certainty that stand-up desks are the desks of the future, but it cannot be denied that they are showing great promise. Nobody, after all, wants to be unhealthy due to a desk job if stand-up desks can change this. Perhaps it will be time for us all to take a stand!

The modern office is an entirely different beast from the past, where cubicles and impractical storage cabinets dominated a workspace where employees often complained of headaches and back pain. Thankfully, things have changed in recent years with research showing that these office designs had a negative impact on employee well-being and productivity.

Modern designs have seen the office space entirely rewired into a more collaborative and welcoming environment. And this trend shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. No matter your reasons for changing things up, these top office space redesigning tips will help you create a space in which your employees and clients will actually enjoy working.

Break Down the Walls

Modern offices have eliminated walls and partitions so that more natural light can flow through the office. Natural light improves the overall environment in the office and helps keep your employees awake and on-task.

Also, having fewer divisions frees up space in the office which can enable your employees to collaborate and move about more easily. All of these factors have had a proven positive effect on employee productivity.

Getting Back to Nature

Natural light helps make the office lighter and a much nicer place to be, but some office spaces might not have a lot to play with.

In this situation, glass partitions and walls are an excellent solution, as it allows the light to flow through the whole space. This can be aided by using natural colors and materials for your fixtures and fittings.

Plants also help to make the place look nice and also keep the air fresher.

Flexible Spaces

With more space comes the ability to be more flexible with how you use it. Many businesses have moved away from the fixed layouts of the past and instead invested in furniture which can be easily changed to meet the needs of a particular task.

Sit down/stand up desks, movable furniture, and collaborative workstations have become commonplace and help to get the employees moving around and communicating with other members of the team. These factors help your employees stay active at work and create a more dynamic workspace.

Home Away from Home

Due to wireless technology and cloud-based storage systems, you can literally take your work with you anywhere. Many companies have taken advantage of this by integrating community tables, lounge and breakout areas where their staff can work in a more relaxing environment.

These areas can also incorporate more social options such as coffee machines, TVs, and pool tables. There are so many ways that a breakout area can be used, but they all serve to make the office a much more dynamic and enjoyable place to be.

Employee Wellbeing = Win-Win Solution

All of the above design ideas have been integrated into offices to improve employee well-being and make the office fit in with modern working practices. Natural light, collaboration, and not feeling boxed in have been proven to have a positive effect on employee productivity.

For businesses, this means fewer sick days, better quality work, and less staff turnover.

The office is the place where the major decisions and creative energy occurs in businesses throughout the world. However, the effectiveness of this work can be severely limited by poorly designed workspaces and office furniture.

Many companies hold off on refurbishments and renovations due to the expenses involved, but this is often a mistake. Sometimes, simple solutions can have considerable benefits, so it is worth paying attention to these 5 signs to update your office furniture.

Unhappy Staff = Lower Productivity

If you notice your employees are fidgeting a lot and that they are always complaining about their sore backs, then there is a high likelihood that the office furniture is the cause.

Cramped, cubicle-style office furniture is uncomfortable and will most likely have a negative impact on productivity. When your employees are sat at their desks for eight hours a day, it puts a massive strain on their spines, with back pain being a significant cause of lost time throughout businesses in the US.

Lack of Adaptability

Over the past few years, there has been a shift towards a higher level of collaboration in the workplace. However, cubicles and boxy office furniture make this difficult, as space is at a premium and it is hard to get ten people into a 4X4 box.

If your staff are unable to work together in a space that fits their needs, then the results are unlikely to be that great. The employees need to be able to see each other and move around, which is why modern office design focuses on open plan spaces which can be adapted to fit the needs of individual projects and workgroups.

Not 21st Century Ready

The modern-day office needs to be technology friendly, but unfortunately, many older offices are not made for that purpose. Older desks are not wire friendly, and charging sockets can be inconveniently positioned.

Not being able to plug in devices smoothly is going to frustrate employees as well as the fact that visible cables trailing around the office are not an attractive look.

If you have moved into an old office or have furniture which has been in the family for generations, then look at ways that the furniture can be adapted to meet the modern needs. Solutions such as power banks and adjustable tabletop desks can be fitted to existing desks.

Falling Apart

This may conjure up images of desks and chairs held together with duct tape, but you’d be amazed at the number of businesses that try to get extra years out of old furniture.

If you notice that the office furniture is looking a little tired, then renovation can be a good value solution; however, if the legs are starting to go, then that furniture should be replaced.

Time for a Change

If you are considering rebranding your company or moving into a brand-new office block, then you will want your workspaces to sparkle too. Old and tired furniture will look out of place and will give a bad impression to anyone who visits the office.

When considering a change, factor in what values you want your office space to represent and how you want your employees to interact with it.

In recent years, there has been a massive increase in people suffering from back pain, headaches and repetitive strain injuries as a result of sitting at their desks all day. But due to the design of offices, many employees often work through the pain, not realizing that they are doing more harm than good.

Businesses have been introducing more ergonomically designed furniture and have brought in initiatives to get the employees moving around the office. One modern design idea which has been gaining popularity recently is the adjustable height desk. In this post, we will look at five key benefits of adjustable height desks.

Flexibility

Sitting down hunched over at a desk for eight hours a day is not good for you, and if you have little awareness of your posture, then you will have some back pain at some point.

Having an adjustable height desk offers greater flexibility of movement and can get you moving even though you are still working at your desk.

By changing your position, you are giving your muscles and joints a chance to flex.

Plus, More Energy

These simple adjustments to your position can actually give you more energy, as it is easy to get lethargic when performing the same activities in the same position for hours on end. Numerous studies have found that employees feel more energized and creative by using different configurations of the desk.

Many companies have also started putting in areas where there are collaborative areas with adjustable height tables, so employees can have a quick get-together or meeting on the fly.

Equals Better Health

Leading medical practitioners have been advocating for people spending 15 minutes an hour standing instead of sitting. While this might not be practical for everyone, it does have many benefits for people’s health.

Standing up gives the body a light workout, which helps to get the blood moving, the muscles working, and the calories burning. It also helps to decompress your spine, which will reduce the risk of developing back problems.

Versatility

As mentioned above, standing up and moving can have many benefits, but it does also use up more energy, and standing on your feet all day is tiring.

If you are having a stressful day at work, adjusting your desk gives you a chance to stretch out and release any tension. The release will help with concentration and make it easier to find a solution to the problems.

This is why adjustable height desks are great, as they can be lowered and raised according to each employee’s needs.

Greater Productivity

Low productivity and time lost are problems for businesses, but they can also affect staff as well. When people are not productive, they can lose motivation and get stressed about their performance. This is not good for anyone, and merely getting people changing their posture can keep everyone on the ball.

Plus, movement helps keep the brain active, so the creativity and productivity shouldn’t be an issue if the employees have a flexible working environment.

When it comes to designing a workspace for your employees, you need to look for a good balance between comfort and functionality, as well as a good fit for the space available. Taking a look around the internet will provide you with many office furniture designs and trends, but it is important to remember that not all solutions will be ideal for your business.

These days, it is commonly accepted that poorly designed offices complete with uncomfortable furniture are counterproductive to overall employee productivity, so it is well-worth taking the time to look at current research and working practices before going ahead with a purchase of new office furniture.

Have a Clear Idea

Before you even go anywhere near a catalog, make sure that you know the unique dimensions of your office and the number of employees you can comfortably accommodate. Changes in working practices and office design mean open plan offices are more conducive to collaboration and more dynamic work environments. But just because many companies are doing it doesn’t mean you have to follow suit if it doesn’t adequately meet your needs.

Working alongside a professional office furniture designer can help at this stage, as they will be able to create solutions directly from your requirements, which will be designed to fit perfectly in your space. The last thing you want is employees on top of one another or feeling like they are isolated, so take all of these things into account.

Open Plan

If you decide to break down the walls and go for an open plan office, then cubicles and fixed desks are unlikely to help gain the benefit from the extra space. Therefore, look for furniture which can be adapted or moved to fit the needs of a particular task.

Several forward-thinking companies have changed what the concept of an office is and have introduced more playful elements, such as rest areas and games rooms. Meeting rooms have also been rejigged with sofas, chairs, and collaborative workstations replacing the traditional conference table and executive chairs.

When employees are at their desks, they can work together better if they are situated close together, possibly on a cluster desk with minimal partitions. They are close together and can share ideas efficiently when they are needed instead of having to spend time looking for them or writing an email.

Happy Employees = Greater Productivity

It is an accepted fact that employees are more motivated and productive when they feel happy and comfortable. Having meaningful interactions also helps, which is a significant benefit of modern office furniture designs, as more and more barriers are being removed.

As we mentioned above, some companies have changed the whole concept of what an office is and have introduced furniture and spaces which create a homier feel.

Ergonomics is an area that cannot be ignored, and many desks and chairs are designed with the health of the employees in mind. Some desks can be changed from a sitting desk to a standing desk with minimum fuss. Many chairs can be adjusted to ensure that the person using them maintains a good posture while working.

 Meet Robo-desk

A fixed desk attached to fixed plug sockets is not the most ideal solution if you plan to move around the office. Therefore, we are seeing a move towards desks that incorporate power and connectivity options. For example, some desks now have integrated battery units which can keep electronic devices charged and ready for use throughout the day.

Another recent development has been the use of the sharing of real-time electronic documents across cloud storage systems. When you are in the office, you can create stations where people can come together and plug into a larger screen, which allows all members of the team to work together in real-time without the need for any emails or the printing off of various edits.