Office Furniture

Wellness in the Workplace: How Office Furniture Affects Employee Health

August 7, 2024 by icdenver

In today’s fast-paced work environments, employee wellness has become a critical focus for organizations aiming to maintain high levels of productivity and satisfaction. One key factor that often goes unnoticed is the significant role office furniture plays in promoting or hindering employee health.

From physical discomfort to mental well-being, the design and ergonomics of office furniture have a direct impact on the overall wellness of employees. Here’s how office furniture can affect health and how organizations can make better choices to support their teams.

The Impact of Ergonomics on Physical Health

Ergonomics, the science of designing workspaces to fit the needs of the user, plays a crucial role in minimizing physical strain. Poorly designed furniture can lead to various health issues, such as back pain, neck strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. These ailments are often caused by sitting for long periods of time in chairs that lack proper support or using desks and monitors that are not adjusted to the correct height.

Ergonomic office furniture, such as chairs with adjustable height and lumbar support, sit-stand desks, and ergonomically designed keyboards, can help prevent these common problems. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, ergonomic interventions can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, which improves comfort and reduces the likelihood of injury. Providing employees with adjustable, supportive furniture creates a healthier workspace that allows for a more natural posture and movement.

Mental Health and Office Furniture

While physical health is a top priority, mental well-being is equally important. Uncomfortable or poorly designed furniture can increase stress and fatigue over time, leading to decreased job satisfaction. When employees are constantly dealing with physical discomfort, it can take a toll on their mental health, increasing anxiety, frustration, and burnout.

A workspace that promotes comfort and support can help alleviate these negative effects. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, employees who work in well-designed, ergonomic environments have lower stress levels and improved focus. By investing in furniture that reduces physical strain, companies can create a more positive atmosphere where employees feel comfortable and mentally refreshed.

Productivity and Office Layout

Furniture choices don’t just affect health—they also impact productivity. Flexible office layouts that incorporate a mix of ergonomic chairs, adjustable height desks, and spaces for movement can help employees stay more active during the workday. Dynamic seating options and standing desks encourage employees to change positions throughout the day, which reduces sedentary behavior and boosts energy levels.

The Harvard Business Review highlights that employees working in ergonomically optimized environments showed significant improvements in both productivity and job performance. By combining well-designed furniture with a layout that supports movement and flexibility, businesses can help employees stay engaged and energized throughout the day.

The Role of Aesthetics in Employee Well-being

Beyond functionality, the aesthetics of office furniture can also play a role in employee well-being. The materials, design, and color of office furniture can influence Workplace Productivity. For example, bright, natural colors and clean, minimalistic designs can inspire a sense of calm and focus, while poorly lit, cluttered spaces can lead to feelings of stress and distraction.

Research from the University of Texas found that the colors used in office environments can directly impact productivity, with certain shades, like blue and green, known to enhance creativity and concentration. By choosing furniture that aligns with a pleasing aesthetic, organizations can create an atmosphere that fosters both emotional well-being and creative thinking.

Tips for Choosing Healthy Office Furniture

When selecting office furniture, businesses should prioritize adjustability, support, and the promotion of movement. Chairs should offer lumbar support and adjustable features to accommodate different body types. Desks should be adaptable, allowing employees to alternate between sitting and standing. Accessories like ergonomic keyboards and monitor stands can further improve posture and reduce strain.

By investing in ergonomic and well-designed furniture, companies can make a significant impact on employee health, well-being, and productivity.

Ergonomic Design Benefits Everyone

Office furniture plays a vital role in employee health and wellness. Ergonomic design can prevent physical discomfort, while comfortable and aesthetically pleasing furniture can improve mental well-being and boost productivity. By making thoughtful choices about ergonomics office furniture in Denver, organizations can create a healthier, more supportive work environment that benefits both employees and the business as a whole.

Remote Work Essentials: Creating a Productive Home Office with Quality Furniture

May 16, 2024 by icdenver

Remote work – or at the very least, hybrid work – is here to stay. Remote jobs are now three to four times as common as they were in 2019. This upward trend is only going to continue. As a remote employee, it’s essential that you have a well-designed home office furniture in Denver. This will help you maintain – and maximize – your productivity and comfort.

A well-thought-out workspace contributes to your overall well-being. After all, this is where you’re going to spend most of your time! Here are some musts to consider when setting up your home office with quality furniture. (Stay tuned until the end for three bonus tips on technological essentials for your remote workspace!)

Setting Up Your Space

The first step to creating a productive home office is choosing the right space. Ideally, this should be a quiet area with minimal distractions, separate from your living areas. If possible, dedicate an entire room to your office. Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated and has access to natural light, which can significantly enhance your mood and energy levels. A clutter-free environment is crucial, so invest in storage solutions like shelves or cabinets to keep your office organized.

Chairs, Mats, and Wheels

Your Good office chair is probably the most important piece of furniture in your home office. A bad chair can make or break (pun intended) your back health. It should provide adequate support and comfort, as you’ll be spending long hours sitting. An ergonomic chair with adjustable height, lumbar support, and comfortable padding is a great investment. Don’t forget about chair mats and wheels. A good chair mat can protect your floor and allow smooth movement. Ensure the chair wheels are suitable for your floor type to prevent damage and enhance mobility.

Ergonomic Desks

It’s impossible to overstate the value of ergonomic desk. Do you want a comfortable and productive work environment? A lot of it can boil down to your desk! The desk should be at a height where your forearms are parallel to the floor when typing, and your feet are flat on the ground. Benefits of Adjustable Height desks, which can be set to both sitting and standing heights, are increasingly popular. They allow you to change positions throughout the day, reducing the risk of back pain and improving circulation.

Ergonomic Keyboards

An ergonomic keyboard is designed to reduce strain on your wrists and hands. These keyboards often feature a split design, allowing you to position your hands more naturally. Additionally, many ergonomic keyboards come with a padded wrist rest, which provides extra support and comfort. Investing in a quality ergonomic keyboard can prevent repetitive strain injuries and enhance your typing comfort and efficiency.

Laptop Stands

A laptop stand offers ergonomic benefits by raising the screen to eye level, reducing strain on the neck and shoulders during prolonged use. It promotes better posture and comfort, preventing discomfort and potential long-term health issues. Additionally, it improves airflow around the laptop, preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance. With its portable design, a laptop stand enables flexible workspace setup, promoting productivity and efficiency for remote work environments.

Comfort Accessories: Footrests, Wrist Rests, and Ergonomic Mouse Pads

Consider some special comfort accessories. If you don’t start your remote work journey with these, you’ll definitely be searching for them a few months in. Check out a good footrest to promote proper posture and blood circulation by supporting the feet and reducing pressure on the lower back during long periods of sitting. If your ergonomic keyboard doesn’t come equipped with a wrist rest, getting one can help you maintain neutral wrist alignment, preventing wrist strain and discomfort. An ergonomic mouse pad is another cool comfort accessory. It provides wrist support and encourages a natural hand position, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries. Together, these accessories enhance comfort, reduce fatigue, and promote ergonomic wellness for a healthier and more productive remote workspace.

Proper Lighting

Proper lighting is often overlooked but is crucial for a productive home office. Poor lighting can cause eye strain and headaches, affecting your productivity and comfort. Aim for a combination of natural and artificial light. Position your desk near a window to take advantage of natural light, and use adjustable desk lamps to supplement when necessary. Ensure the lighting is bright but not harsh, and consider using LED bulbs, which are energy-efficient and provide a clear, white light ideal for working.

Bonus Technological Essentials for Any Remote Workspace

Optimized, Secure Wi-Fi

Nothing is worse while working remotely than having intermittent Wi-Fi outage. To optimize Wi-Fi for remote work, place the router centrally in your space, update firmware regularly, and choose the appropriate frequency band. Make sure you secure your network with a strong, random password that’s at least 12 characters long and minimize interference from other devices. Extend your Wi-Fi coverage with range extenders or mesh systems if needed. Adjust your router settings for better performance and consider upgrading hardware if you seem to have consistent issues (always ask your employer about this before you splurge your own money!). For more stable connections, use Ethernet cables where possible.

High-Quality Webcam

In the era of remote work, video meetings are commonplace. A good webcam is essential for clear and professional communication. Look for webcams that offer high resolution (at least 1080p) and good low-light performance. Some webcams also come with built-in microphones and privacy shutters, adding extra functionality and security to your setup. Position your webcam at eye level to ensure flattering angles during video calls.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Noise-cancelling headphones are a game-changer for remote work, especially if you have a noisy household or live in a busy area. These headphones can block out background noise, allowing you to focus on your work and participate in meetings without distractions. Look for headphones that are comfortable for long periods and offer good sound quality. Some models also include built-in microphones for seamless communication.

Selecting the Perfect Bench System for the Modern Office

July 24, 2018 by admin

In the fast-moving world we live in, new design trends and technologies seem to be coming at us quicker than ever. From a cost perspective, it is impossible to update our workspaces continuously, but what we can do is create a flexible workplace which reflects the unique values of our companies.

Modern managers are looking for increased collaboration between their employees, and as such, offices are being designed to maximize the opportunities for this. One way companies have gone about this is by investing in bench systems to allow their employees to communicate with one another easily. So, if you are thinking about refurbishing your office space, here are some tips for selecting the perfect bench system.

Purpose

The first thing you should consider is what kind of work your employees do on a daily basis. If there is a need for constant collaboration, then a bench system is a perfect solution, as there are minimal barriers.

Bench systems are also great for multi-purpose workspaces, where employees can grab a seat or a stool and get to work.

On the other hand, a bench system might not be ideal if your employees need to field calls from important clients all day or if they are working in a job requiring high attention to detail. However, adding partitions is an easy solution.

Flexibility

Do your employees work in fixed workgroups or do they interact with a variety of employees? Is it hard to book a meeting room in your office? Then bench systems offer an excellent solution.

One of the best things about bench systems is their flexibility. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and many of them are modular, meaning their configurations can be easily changed to meet the changing needs of the business.

Employee Well-Being

Following on from the point above, more and more ergonomically designed bench systems are coming onto the market. Some are even integrating adjustable height desks and shelves, making it easier for employees to move about.

When you are looking for any furniture for the office, the ergonomic design will always be an important consideration.

Maximize Space

Space has always been an issue in offices with employees having to work in cramped conditions. Numerous studies found that this had a negative impact on their well-being, motivation, and overall productivity. Traditional cubicles or fixed desks didn’t help, especially if they were competing for space with filing cabinets.

Bench systems are great if you are struggling for space or have awkwardly shaped offices. As they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, you can pick the perfect configuration to fit a particular area and number of employees. And, because of their design, it is easy to slide filing cabinets under the benches.

Cables

Every employee is likely to use a variety of electronic devices which will need power sources. As bench systems naturally have a lot of room between the top surface and the floor, you need to make sure the bench has a cable management system in place.

The last thing you want is visible cables everywhere, so look at the available options during the planning stage.

Five Tips to Choose the Perfect Conference Table for Your Business

July 20, 2018 by admin

The design of the modern office space has focused on productivity, collaboration, and employee well-being. With changes in work practices, the traditional office and inflexible boardrooms of old are becoming highly unfashionable. That is not to say that there is no place for them; it is just that businesses have had to become a bit more creative with their workspace design.

This fact is equally true of furniture with conference tables recently receiving a lot of attention. So, if you are planning on updating your boardroom, then follow these tips to choose the perfect conference table for your business.

Cost

Having a clear idea of your budget before looking for available options is always a sound strategy. There are many factors which can affect the cost of individual conference tables, such as:

materials
size
shape
features
functionality

We will discuss a few of these factors below.

Tech-Friendly

The modern world is full of technology, and it follows that your conference room should be able to cater to this development.

Your employees are going to want to plug their computers and electronic devices in, and you are also going to need room for other audio/visual equipment.

Having wires trailing around the room is unsightly and not to mention a safety hazard. Therefore, looking for tables which have power points and under table wire storage is essential.

If you really want to be forward thinking, then there are even wireless charging tables coming onto the market at the moment.

Adaptable

Flexibility and adaptability are what your employees are looking for from any furniture in the office. The same is true of a conference table, which has traditionally been one of the largest and least versatile pieces of furniture in the office.

Designers have taken note, and there are many more options available, such as modular and adjustable tables, which makes them easy to change around depending on the type of work and number of people in the room.

Dimensions

One of the biggest mistakes companies make is not paying enough attention to the existing space where they plan to put the table.

The last thing you want is a table which makes it hard to move around the room, which is sure to drive the employees crazy. As the meeting room is meant to be a place for collaboration, you should ensure that the furniture helps to create an environment conducive for it.

The available space and the way you want the employees to work together will determine the size and the shape of the desk, so make sure you don’t get carried away and purchase that elegant mahogany conference table which will look good but will not be fit for purpose.

Aesthetics

That being said, any furniture you choose for your office will need to fit the existing color scheme and design of your office. Aesthetics is an essential part of the decision-making process, but it needs to be considered with the other factors mentioned above.

The way that you decorate your office and conference room can affect many things such as your employees’ productivity and your clients’ impression of your business.

Creating a Modern Office Space: Renovate Your Office Furniture without Overspending

April 25, 2018 by admin

When a business decides that its existing office space is not fit for purpose, there are many options available for moving forward. Cost is going to be a major factor in whatever choice you decide to pursue, with the removal of old furniture, storage, renovation, and the purchase of new furniture all adding to a significant expense. However, there is a common misconception that changing the office space means “out with the old and in with the new,” which doesn’t necessarily have to be the case.

One way a business can save money is by renovating the office furniture itself. Across the United States, there are many furniture companies that specialize in taking tired, old furniture and bringing it into the twenty-first century. In this post, we will look at how you can renovate your office furniture without overspending.

Benefits

The obvious benefit is that your business will save money by renovating your furniture, but this decision can also have more far-reaching benefits for your employees and the wider community. There has been a move toward creating more sustainable building projects throughout the United States, and the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) created a rating system to identify businesses that have taken a proactive approach to sustainable office design.

The USGBC created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) award, which has been gaining a lot of traction all over the states, with state and federal governments granting tax credits for pioneering businesses. Recycling and reusing materials and furniture in new office designs helps firms earn credits toward this award and highlights the fact that the company is aware of its environmental and social responsibility.

Where To Start

The first thing to do is to draw up an inventory of all the furniture in the office at the moment. When putting together the inventory, make careful notes on the condition of the furniture and whether it can be used as part of your renovated space. Desks, chairs, and storage spaces can all be modified or renovated to make them a part of the modern office. Simple changes to the shape and design of this furniture can result in substantial savings versus the cost of buying completely new furniture.

Hiring an office furniture specialist during the planning stage can help you identify the furniture that might still have a few years left in it. It is vital that you consider the needs of your business and the comfort of your employees. If you have furniture that is in a sorry state of repair, removal will be the best option. However, if your furniture is still in good condition, it could be modified, changed, or given a coat of varnish, which will save money without compromising on comfort and functionality.

Some Examples

Chairs: If your office chairs are structurally sound, then merely reupholstering them or adding new padding could get many more years of service out of them.

Desks: A few small changes can make a big difference. Simply looking at different shapes and configurations of your existing desk inventory can save lots of time and money. Modern additions can be made to existing desktops to add adaptabilities, such as charging ports and moveable work surfaces. The comfort of your employees should never be underestimated when planning for renovation.

A Quick Guide on How To Get Rid of Used Office Furniture

April 20, 2018 by admin

The needs of modern businesses are constantly changing, and this has a major impact on the expectations of the employees. However, if your business believes they can adapt to these changes without investing in a workspace fit for purpose, you are unlikely to gain the desired results. This realization has seen many companies focusing more on employee well-being and comfort as a means to improve productivity, which invariably means an office refurbishment of some description.

Taking a look at current business trends, the office is changing from the boxy spaces of the past to open-plan, multifunctional workspaces. If your company is thinking of changing things up, there are numerous steps that need to be followed before making this change a reality. The fact is, office renovations require a lot of planning, time, and money. In today’s post, we will look at one area many companies neglect to look at before they get started: how to get rid of used office furniture.

Where To Start

When you start planning for the office refurbishment, it is important to draw up an inventory of the current furniture in the office and consider what items are going to be surplus to requirements. Drawing up an inventory can identify the items that could be reused or renovated, which will save money on refitting the redesigned office space.

It can also help you have a clear picture of what furniture needs to be removed, so even though some of your inventory might not fit into your design plans, it may still be in excellent condition and suitable for resale. Once you have your inventory documented, you can put together a strategy and factor in the associated costs of removal or resale into the refurb budget.

Know the Lay of the Land

Renting a large dumpster to deposit your unwanted furniture in is not going to be an option for various reasons. There are many state and federal rules about the disposal of plastics, metals, and electrical goods that will need to be carefully considered. There are also the associated costs of removal from the site to a landfill, or if you choose to store the inventory, there will be extra expenses required for a storage facility.

Choosing the Best Option

Choosing the best removal option will be a matter of simple logistics. Holding a small inventory will mean lower costs, while an extensive inventory is going to take a lot of careful planning.

Options available for removal are:

Office Furniture Company: There are many companies across the country that specialize in the buying and selling of used office furniture, and it is a market that looks like it will continue to grow in the coming years. Selling your old furniture will provide a useful source of income to balance out the outgoings during this time. Also, they will be able to help with storage and removal.

Removal Company: If you have a significant amount of inventory with little or no resale value, then hiring a removal company will be a wise choice, as they will have an awareness of the legal requirements of removal and will do the heavy lifting for you. Look for a company with a good reputation, as the last thing you want is to be found guilty by association if the company flaunts environmental or social responsibility.

Recycling Company: In recent years, there has been an increased awareness of the impact of landfills on the environment, and many removal companies have created innovative solutions to minimize this impact. Office furniture contains many useful and recyclable materials, which can be used to develop new products. Working with a company that specializes in this field can help raise a source of income to offset some of the refurb costs while also helping out the environment as well.