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.