Office Furniture

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 Many of the traditional office layouts have been replaced by open-plan offices which better facilitate collaboration.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.

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.