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Functional Gadgets in the Office

There is no shortage of gadgets for the workplace. You can find them for nearly any job, hobby or purpose. Lots of gadgets merely waste your time. Often, gadgets are trendy items that a lot of people buy but abandon quickly because they don’t serve much purpose. However, there are some functional gadgets that can actually help you save time and improve your work. Others help you work more effectively with others. When you are considering purchasing a new gadget for the office, ask yourself Is this item functional? Will it save me time? Will it help me accomplish goals? Or, Is it just for fun?

Everyday 10 Foot Laminate Racetrack Conference Table with Grommet, GrayPower grommets for conference tables are an example of a functional gadget for the workplace. These grommets are installed in conference tables and allow power, communication and data cables to be routed through the surface of the table. These grommets make conference rooms significantly more functional because users can connect to networks and communicate through phone and video conferencing from the same room. You can purchase tables with built-in grommets or have holes cut into existing tables to hold grommets. Grommets come in many different styles including multifunctional, wire holes, power data and electric flip power data.

Training tables are also helpful in the workplace. Nesting training tables are functional pieces of equipment that provide a number of advantages. First, they fit together so that they can be easily stored in small places. Next, in most cases, the tables are on wheels. This means they can be easily moved to wherever they are needed. Also, these tables can be placed in groups to create larger surfaces if necessary.

Herman Miller TU Used Mobile Box File Pedestal w Red Cushion, GrayMobile pedestals are a popular office product. These are mobile filing cabinets that come with a lock to secure files when necessary. Often, the mobile pedestals coordinate with other pieces of office furniture. The advantage of mobile pedestals is that these filing cabinets can be moved to different locations whenever necessary. They are simple to move as they are on wheels. There is no need to empty the cabinet to relocate it.

If you have larger storage mobile storage needs, you might want to consider mobile storage carts or cabinets. These are enclosed cabinets with doors with storage shelves on the inside. They may also have hanging hooks on the inside of the doors. The storage carts have keys to secure the items inside. The storage cart is wheeled so that it easy to move to any location and reduces the need for several trips to move items.

If your company has large rooms that are sometimes used for meetings, there are probably a lot of stackable chairs around. Moving these chairs around can be a large task when setting up for or breaking down after meetings. This task can be simplified with chair carts. These are wheeled carts that allow the user to stack multiple chairs on top and move them to a different location. Often, large companies purchase several of these carts so that a crew can quickly set up a large meeting. Depending on the type of chairs, a heavy duty or lightweight cart may be appropriate.

Haworth X99 Nesting ChairsWhen you think of nesting chairs, you probably think of typical stacking, folding chairs. You’ve probably sat on many of these uncomfortable chairs in meetings and don’t care for them. Fortunately, there are now nesting chairs that are completely different than the folding chairs you are used to. Newer model nesting chairs resemble desk chairs. You can adjust chair features such as the tilt tension and the pneumatic height. You will find that these chairs are significantly more comfortable than the old style of nesting chairs. Instead of the traditional nesting style, the chairs fold up to nest horizontally.

Glass marker boards are becoming popular in offices. Why? They have features that old-style marker boards don’t. First of all, they are magnetic so papers can be easily hung on them with magnets. The glass won’t stain and you won’t see traces of old writing on the board. Glass marker boards are stylish and blend into the d©cor of any style of room. They display color effectively and are very easy to clean. Glass marker boards are one of the many functional gadgets that you can purchase for your office.

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Adding a personal touch to your workspace

The average employee spends at least 40 hours a week in his or her workplace so it’s important to create a calm, pleasant space. Studies have shown that employees who have a workspace they are allowed to personalize, they experience less stress, are better able to concentrate and are more highly motivated. The additional benefits to a personal workspace include privacy and fewer interruptions and distractions.

If your company realizes this and has provided a personal space for each person, you may find that your workspace is a haven during the day. It’s the place that you can escape interactions with managers and colleagues, interruptions, distractions and concentrate on your work. You spend a lot of time in your workspace so it’s natural to want to add some personal touches to the area.

Before you think about decorating your workspace, think about your interactions in this area. Do you meet with customers here? What about people throughout your company to whom you provide services? If you have these kinds of interfaces in your offices, you’ll need to approach your decorations differently than if you don’t have these types of meetings. Your emphasis will have to be on making your workspace as professional as possible.

One way to make your office more inviting is to use a small lamp that gives off calming, natural light. Other options include sculptures, inspiration quotes and framed pictures of friends and family. You may also want to include travel pictures from interesting vacations. These pictures are great conversation pieces.

What sorts of things should you use to personalize your office? Think about items that reflect your personality. Do you like a particular kind of animal or collect a certain type of art? These can be great ways to add some flair to your office. If your company allows it, plants can brighten up your office. Consider ways to make your space more inviting to others with items like candy dishes (if they won’t tempt you too much.)

Organization is important office space. It saves you time and energy and produces a more professional image. You can organize your materials in a way that emphasizes your personality. There are a variety of attractive file stands that can hold frequently used materials on your desk. You can also find creative pen and pencil holders such as mugs, cups, pottery and other unique items. Make lists on fun paper and find a unique mouse pad to brighten up your desk. Often, you can incorporate pictures into these items to give them a personal touch.

Moderation is important when it comes to decoration. If you like particular themes, such as cats or dogs, don’t overdo it. You don’t want visitors to think that you’re obsessed with a hobby. Think about your company’s image. What type of guidelines does your company have? What type of job do you have and what kind of image do you typically project at work? There are different standards for different types of professions. An attorney or an accountant is expected to project a very different image than a graphic designer or other creative professional. Always keep your company’s professional standards in mind when decorating your workspace.

Although it can be fun to reflect your personality to your workplace, keep in mind that you need to maintain a professional atmosphere. Think about the people who will see your work area. Don’t add anything inappropriate that could embarrass you or the viewer. Keep your workspace free of religious or political statements. These can offend others and affect their opinion of you. It’s always a good idea to keep political and religious issues out the workplace because they are so sensitive. Watch out for anything else that could be offensive such as off-color jokes, cartoons or anything else that could be controversial.

There are a few key points you should always keep in mind when decorating your personal space. First, your desk and surrounding area should never look cluttered. If you have too many items on your desk or walls, it will give visitors the impression that you are disorganized. As mentioned earlier, your workspace should project a professional image so it’s important that it is not distracting or disorganized.

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Open Space vs Cubicle Office Spaces

Steelcase Think Used Conference Chair, Green Pattern

Open spaces have become very popular in recent years. Many business consultants have recommended that companies add open spaces that foster collaboration and communication throughout the company. Open space is important and it has its advantages. However, it is not the only important part of an office. Cubicle office spaces also have their advantages within offices. The best approach is to study your company’s needs and blend them to create the ideal office space for your employees.

Morgan Laminate Desk Station, Gray and WhiteOpen spaces have become popular as companies have realized the importance of collaboration in the workplace. When workers don’t have open spaces to meet and work together, they will be less likely to share information and ideas. If this kind of sharing doesn’t happen, the company is at a disadvantage. They lose inspiration that is fostered by collaboration. Employees are isolated and don’t feel connected to one another.

In open space configurations, there are areas for groups to meet formally or informally. People can gather with their laptops and other mobile devices to work together. They can also gather casually to talk and share ideas without involving any kind of technology. Typically, open spaces are separated from private working spaces so that employees feel comfortable talking without interrupting anyone else’s work.

When employees are able to collaborate in this manner, they feel much more engaged in their work. They are more invested in the company and feel that their contributions to the company are valued. Employees tend to become more passionate about their work and the company goals if they have the opportunity to share their ideas and communicate with a variety of people throughout the workplace.

6x8 My Studio Environments by Herman Miller Used Cubicle - StandaloneWhy are cubicle office spaces important? One important reason is that they provide workers with privacy which can be hard to come by in open office spaces. Even the most outgoing and creative employees need some privacy to get their work done. Other types of jobs require a great deal of quiet and privacy so that employees can complete their tasks. Cubicles can be constructed that deter foot traffic and cut down on the number of interruptions that employees experience. This is extremely valuable because it helps workers concentrate and complete their work.

Cubicle styles can be used to designate the purposes of working spaces. When people enter a working area, the office designer may place a reception desk or a cubicle with glass panels to indicate the area that guests should approach. Fabric-paneled cubicles signal private working areas to guests and they are less likely to approach these areas and interrupt workers.

Cubicles don’t always have to be private, isolated spaces. Cubicle panels can be purchased in separate pieces and constructed in a variety of styles. Sometimes, cubicles are constructed for two people. Other times, four people may sit together in a large cubicle. This is often done when people are working together on a team. Their close proximity allows them to communicate quickly and openly without disturbing other employees.

Shorter cubicles are often used in environments like call centers. There are a number of reasons that these types of cubicles are preferred. First, it makes it easy for employees with problems to raise their hands and quickly receive help. Management can easily watch the staff for problems and intervene when necessary. Managers can also easily see which employees are at their desks and which workers aren’t in their seats. They can then check this against break and lunch schedules. Another advantage of short cubicles is that it’s easy to make announcements to the team over short cubicle walls. Brief training sessions can easily be held in a room with low cubicle walls.

Which is better “ open space or cubicle office spaces? The answer is neither. They are both important in their own way. Open spaces help foster discussion, collaboration and communication throughout the office. This is a working style that has a demonstrated positive effect in the workplace. However, it is not the only important issue for employees. They also need privacy and uninterrupted time to complete their work. Employees also need time to think and analyze problems on their own. That’s why it’s important to have cubicle spaces as well. The best approach is to combine both kinds of spaces to achieve the ideal workplace.

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Health in the Workplace

Your attitude towards health in the workplace is important. While you may see employee health as a good thing, it actually has tangible benefits for your business. First of all, the healthier your employees are, the less likely they are to miss work. Next, they will be happier and more productive. Your insurance costs may lower as employee health improves. When workers see that you are investing in their health and wellness, they are much more likely to feel invested in the company and their work. In the long run, the time and money you spend on employee health will benefit your company substantially.

There are a wide range of things that you can do to improve employee health in the workplace. Some are as simple as adjusting the furniture that your employees use. Ergonomic chairs are popular tools to help improve comfort and help reduce stress on the body. If someone sits in a chair that is not ergonomically designed, pressure can build up on various parts of the body. Sitting will be hard on the spine, the legs, feet, thighs and buttocks. These kinds of chairs make it much more relaxing for workers to sit and they won’t need to get up and stretch to release the pressure on their necks and spines.

goSIT New Electric 36x72 24x48 L-Shaped Lifting Table w Gray FrameErgonomic chairs are available in a wide range of fabrics and styles that can fit in with any office design. You aren’t limited to merely buying ergonomic office chairs. Other types of ergonomic chairs are available. These include meeting chairs, waiting room chairs, conference room chairs and even in raised stool styles. You can find comfortable seating for almost any situation.

You can also make employees more comfortable with adjustable height tables. How can these help in the workplace? Employees can adjust the tables to fit their body height so they won’t have to lean over or use pillows or books to reach the height of the table. This can be helpful in work groups or training sessions when you need to use multiple tables. You can find adjustable tables that are designed for training, meetings, conferences and single use.

Keyboards are another way to promote employee health in the workplace. You may not associate keyboards with worker health, but they can make a surprising difference in worker comfort. Ergonomic keyboard approaches include the keyboard itself and also the keyboard tray and mouse. Ergonomic keyboards are designed to minimized muscle strain for the typist. They are created in a variety of styles such as split, contoured, handheld, angled and other styles. Ergonomic keyboards aren’t just for people who use desktop computers. They can also be connected to laptops so that frequent users can minimize the strain on their hands.

It may take time for typists to adjust to ergonomic keyboards, but studies show that these keyboards can reduce strain and help to reduce workplace injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Another benefit is that once the user gets used to the keyboard, typing speeds tend to increase. Adjustable keyboards can also be beneficial so that employees can adjust the keyboard height to fit them perfectly. This reduces stress on their arms.

Mouse accessories are available that can provide extra support to prevent wrist injuries. Palm support can help many people and gel support sets are available to further help prevent injuries and make workers more comfortable and productive.

Ergonomic mice are also available in many different styles to prevent strain on wrists which can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. A typical mouse doesn’t fit the average user’s hand. It may not fit the person’s hand and doesn’t provide support for the hand. There are a variety of mouse pads that can also provide support and make it easier for people to move their mice and will provide additional support. Raised mouse pads can be helpful in terms of

Ergonomic furniture and accessories involve some up-front costs. It’s tempting to avoid these costs because the evidence of workplace straining isn’t immediately obvious in most cases. However, down the road, the strain of working with less-than-ideal chairs and equipment will have an effect on employees. They may develop problems like carpal tunnel syndrome and back and neck problems. This can reduce worker productivity and may result in more sick days.

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Design an Inviting Break room

An employee break room is an important part of your office. It’s easy to overlook how necessary it is to have a place to relax and unwind throughout the day. A good break room will help build comradery among workers. The break room should be primarily designed to allow employees relax during breaks and lunch hours. It should be inviting and allow workers to leave the workplace behind temporally. Your break room doesn’t have to involve a huge investment but there are some simple things you can do to make it inviting and relaxing so that employees have a place to relax.

To make the room inviting, the break room should be separate from the rest of the office instead of an extension of the main working area. Employees shouldn’t be able to see their desks, supervisors or be easily accessible to co-workers. There are a lot of things you can do to make the break room different from the rest of the office. If possible, you can put the room in a separate area from the office space. If your office is large, try to have several break rooms for different sections of the company. This will give workers a place to unwind without having to go far.

Design an Inviting Break RoomDecoration can make a big difference. A fun, stylish break room can make the space fun and attractive. Painting the room different colors from the rest of the building will help it stand out from working parts of the office. Consider colors and styles that don’t match the rest of the building. You can furnish the room with fun and functional furniture in a variety of styles. There is no reason you need to have to use standard corporate furniture in the break room. Explore more options. What about pub tables and stools in parts of the break room? Don’t try to design a plain break room.

Provide some conveniences for employees. Most companies provide free coffee for workers, so you should think about doing this. Provide both regular and decaffeinated coffee plus hot water for tea. Coffee helps workers stay alert during the day so there is a benefit to both you and the employee. Be sure to include coffee-making supplies such as extra coffee and filters. Also, you should offer sugar, artificial sweetener, creamer, stirrers, napkins and drink cups. Some companies provide additional drink options like tea bags and hot chocolate. Another great addition is a water cooler with filtered water. These extra perks make employees feel rewarded and valued.

Some companies are able to offer a few snack options for employees such as popcorn or a few other healthy foods. Others offered bottled water, sodas and other drinks. Even if you’re not able to do this, make sure workers have access to snacks and drinks through vending machines in the break room. You can ensure that the machines offer a variety of fresh and long-lasting foods depending on your employees’ preferences.

You can provide employees with other supplies to make their lives easier which will make them feel appreciated. Think about offering disposable plates, spoons, forks and knives. Although it might seem wasteful, reusable cups, plates and utensils can create problems when it comes to keeping materials clean. Unless you install a dishwasher and designate someone responsible for emptying and filling it, dirty dishes are likely to be a source of conflict.

There are a variety of other helpful tools you can put in a break room. These include a full-sized refrigerator, cabinets, counters and sinks. Employees need tables and chairs to sit down and eat lunch and have snacks. They’ll need microwaves to heat up food. It’s important to have more than one microwave so that multiple people can use them at the same time. People often have breaks at the same time and will get frustrated if there’s a line at the microwave. Tables should be available in a variety of sizes or should be simple to connect and disconnect for groups or individual users. Be sure to have extra chairs in case of visitors. It might be a good idea to have a coat closet in the break room in case visitors stop by from other offices or from other parts of company.

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How to Design a Quiet Space

There is a lot of focus on collaboration in the office because it’s so important for getting certain types of work done. It’s true that teams need to meet to complete many different types of projects. The need for office collaboration space is real. Many companies have spent a lot of time creating open spaces in the workplace to foster team work and reduce isolation. However, employees need areas to do their work.

Quiet and private spaces are just as vital as collaboration areas in offices. People need time and space to think and focus on their work and projects. They need an area to focus on their work so they can complete it thoroughly and accurately. Many people also feel drained after a certain amount of interaction with team members. They need a quiet place to recharge their batteries so that they can get their work done. Studies have shown that not only do interruptions and noise make it difficult to concentrate; they can actually increase employee stress levels. Workers know their productivity levels are dropping and they begin to worry about keeping up with their work deadlines.

Herman Miller Swoop Used Ottoman, MagentaThe key to a productive workplace is building appropriate balance between group spaces and individual working areas. Both need to be present so that the office can be as productive as possible. Open space areas are still important so that people can collaborate. However, there need to be private areas as well. There also need to be spaces that teams can meet privately and work quietly without distractions. Spaces for personal conversations also need to be available.

Some research studies have shown that workers feel they have to work away from their main workspace to get any work accomplished. This often means working away from the office. This is often because there is no space for anyone, especially introverted people, to avoid the distractions and interruptions that are so constant in the modern workplace. This doesn’t have to be the case. There are ways to design a modern office that has the feel of a modern, open office while still providing the quiet spaces that workers need to think and produce. You’ll also be able to include space for all employees to conduct private meetings, conversations and phone calls.

Cubicle spaces can play an important part in providing employees with private working spaces. Cubicles can be designed in many different ways. Some cubicle configurations indicate privacy more than others. To increase privacy, consider adding more paneling instead of glass and building the cubicles in a different area from the open spaces of the office. This separation from open areas indicates that the cubicles are meant as private areas as opposed to group spaces. It’s important to keep working spaces away from doors and reception areas. If there is no one at a reception desk or nearby, visitors will automatically wander to the nearest cubicle for help. Constant inspiration will make it difficult for workers to concentrate. Paneling around the area outside of the cubicles can indicate the area is reserved for private work space.

8x6 Knoll Morrison Used Cubicle, GrayTaller cubicles are also good options for private work spaces. The higher walls help block out noise and indicate a private area to the people in the area. You can also purchase cubicle workstations for individuals or two people that provide private space for getting computer or desk work completed. Cubicles don’t work for every privacy issue. They can’t provide shield personal or confidential conversations. Sometimes, complete privacy is necessary. Often, managers or employees need to make phone calls individually or in groups that can’t be overheard. In these cases, companies can provide small rooms with doors that shut and lock. Rooms can be reserved if necessary. People can use the rooms to place calls without anyone overhearing what they are saying so that sensitive information won’t be overheard.

Sealed conferences rooms and offices should also be available for quiet work and private conversations. Some meetings involve sensitive, private information. Other times, both small and large meeting groups need to be free from interruptions. There have to be private spaces so that these groups can do the work they need to do in peace and quiet.

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Mobile Desks that Work

When we go out to purchase a desk, we often only look for the obvious things we desire. We think about what features we want and what would look nicest in our office, but we do not always consider circumstance. For instance, many industrial companies and warehouses prefer to use metal desks due to their durability. While this is very sensible, there are often issues with how immovable large metal desks can be. Such environments can be very transitional, so having a mobile desk is optimal in these types of areas. Desk manufacturers such as Steelcase, Inc. understand that and have added strong stable wheels to some of their heavy duty desks.

goSIT New Mobile Nesting Table 29.5 Inch, WhiteWe often do not take into consideration how profitable a mobile desk can be in any workplace. This is especially true in innovative circles; places like ad agencies or where creative engineers gather. Imagine rolling your work area to where the meeting is, so that all can collaborate on projects together. Mobile desks allow that to happen as often as is needed. This means an elaborate creative project does not have to be carried from one area to another; it can be rolled to the very spot in which it’s needed. It also means that everyone can be immediately working on what is in front of them, all at the same time, without delay.

Many manufacturers make mobile desks and they are offered in varying designs to fit any d©cor and environment. Houzz Incorporated puts out an antique urban styled wood top desk with oversized wheels. It uses architectural black piping for the frame, which adds that contemporary look so many people want in their offices or homes.

The Hon Company has what they call a “Teacher Station” that is made of durable metal, has double attached pedestal files and is fully mobile, with heavy duty 360 degree swivel casters. It also has ample storage. As you can see, there is nothing lost from what you would expect when buying a standard desk.

Although mobile desks come in a variety of styles, the most common is the work station desk. It comes in everything from very small sizes that are meant to hold only a laptop or monitor, up to very large multi-user models. The larger models can hold multiple monitors; have under desk storage for supplies, computer towers, printers or whatever other items are needed. Add an independent power source and these desks could sit in the middle of a room without plugging in.

Other work desks have wheels on only one side of the desk. The other side may have 1 to 2 legs or a single panel. When moving them you merely lift one side and push. Abstracta makes one that is set up with one set leg and a tabletop that attaches to a curved privacy screen that is on wheels. These would work very well pushed up against a wall; giving the user privacy on the other side. I could see these working well in a library or study environment.Bullet Shape Used Mobile Training Table, Maple

Wheels or casters can be added to almost any desk, so it’s not unreasonable to special order the desk you love directly from the manufacturer with wheels. However, if you really want to save money buy a used or new desk from an office liquidation company that already has wheels, or add your own. Do understand that any mobile desk must have the integrity to withstand being rolled about. The wobbly, albeit cherished, old desk you have had for years, might not be a good choice for adding casters or wheels to.

Mobile pedestal and lateral files can also be added, making all pieces easy to move from one area to another on a whim. I have personally changed offices three times in the last almost three years due to company expansion and the furniture pieces I had that rolled, made moving all the more easy.

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The Features of Ergonomic Chairs and Why They Matter

Ergonomics are often overlooked when people are procuring office chairs and that is a grave mistake. Muscoskeletal health issues impact a large part of the workforce and can cost businesses a lot of money in absences. Even the smallest deviation from a proper positioning in the way we sit or in how we situate our arms or hands, can end up causing us great pain and possible injury. This is especially true if one has a taller, shorter, or larger build and is forced to sit in a chair created without size in mind. Buying ergonomic chairs is not only good for the body, but is a smart business move overall.

When an office worker is required to sit for extended periods due to their job and does not have the appropriate chair, their health is in jeopardy. With that in mind, what exactly is necessary to make a chair ergonomically sound? When an employee sits in an awkward position too long, pain will ultimately ensue. Often their poor positioning is due to the nature of their job and cannot be prevented without finding an ergonomic solution.

  • Humanscale Freedom Leather Used Task Chair, BlackAn ergonomically designed chair is created with the human body in mind. The chair should work with your body, not against it.
  • Good ergonomics mean having a chair that reduces pressure on major joints in the body such as knees, the neck, shoulders, arms, legs and hips.
  • The chair should become an extension of how the body functions. It should adjust to the user’s individual physical frame. This helps him or her end the day as well as they began it.
  • Chairs can be selected to fit the job at hand; having the features best suited to everyday movements.
  • Ergonomic chairs builders also consider their environmental impact on both personal constitution and the health of the planet.
  • Ergonomics benefit businesses by saving hundreds of dollars by preventing employee injury and protecting overall health, which lowers both medical and insurance costs.

Repetitive motion is also a problem that adds stress to the body. Things like typing or using small tools that twist the arms, shoulders, or hands. Holding a telephone receiver for long hours while holding your arm unsupported can cause issues as well. You want to make sure your arms are supported and that you are sitting at the correct height for the desk you are using.

Research your needs according to your job description, shape, and size. A larger person can no more be comfortable in a chair built for a 125 pound woman, than a 5′ worker can work from a chair that is designed for a man of 6′ 6″ tall. The optimal ergonomic chair should have an adjustable height feature. It should raise and lower enough that the user can sit with both feet flat on the floor. The backrest should also raise and lower so as to fit the height of the user’s lower back. Tilt is a must for a comfortable sit.Herman Miller Mirra Used Mesh AirWeave Seat Task Chair, Cappuccino

Armrests are important. You want the rest to reach and comfortably support the arm when in a relaxed bent position. The design should include a waterfall front seat for leg comfort and should slightly tilt so that the knees drop naturally lower than the hips. The seat pan width must have enough space (at least an inch) on either side of the hips and thighs. It must also be deep enough to support, but not so deep as to put undue pressure to the back of the knees, which can cut off blood flow.

The backrest should support the spine curvature and lumbar and ideally move forward and backward, it is especially beneficial to have a tilt that responds to the movement of the body and moves accordingly. The ultimate goal is to give the appropriate support and keep the body in proper alignment.

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Why Seating is So Important in an Office

Office furniture is a big expense for employers. They have a wide variety of spaces to furnish including reception rooms, conference rooms, meeting rooms and offices. In addition to these spaces, they also have to provide appropriate office furniture for individual employees. In many cases, employees are hidden from the view of visitors. However, this is no excuse for scrimping on employee furniture, especially when it comes to employee chairs. Why is seating such an important consideration when it comes to office furniture? There are a number of reasons.

One of the most important considerations for office furniture, especially chairs, is the ability to adjust the piece. This is critical for a variety of reasons. In modern workspaces, it’s not uncommon for people to move their chairs to different workspaces like other desks and tables. Employees seldom remain stationary in the same place all day, they may need to move their own chairs to other meeting places. If they have a good chair, they may prefer to move it instead of sitting in a chair that is not adjusted to their specific comfort needs. A chair with an adjustable pneumatic will allow them to raise or lower their seat to tables and meeting spaces that are different heights without impacting their ergonomic settings. If they have to sit in the same place for an extended amount of time, they will be much more comfortable in their own chair.

SitOnIt Focus Used Black Mesh Conference Chair, Tan and BlackAnother important element when it comes to chairs is comfort. People are much less productive when their office furniture doesn’t feel good. Chairs should have comfortable arms and backs; the backs should fit the environment and person. In warmer climates or offices many prefer a mesh back, others a solid padded back. Most people prefer to have wheels on their office chairs, so they can be mobile and easily maneuver at their desk.

Keeping team members motivated and on task is very important; office furniture that does not work properly or restricts their movement may inhibit the employee’s ability to produce. If they can’t adjust their chair’s height, they may end up sitting in an uncomfortable position. If the padding in the chair is worn and pitted in spots, this can cause discomfort. Workers can be less productive because they are likely to move around more and leave their seats due to discomfort. This can lead to a drop in productivity. People will also experience problems like spinal stress that not only increases discomfort and decrease productivity but can also lead to permanent damage. There have been successful worker’s compensation cases against employers due to substandard office furniture.

Most office furniture experts recommend that workers have ergonomic seating options. Why? For starters, the right office furniture may help lower your worker’s compensation costs. Employees who have the appropriate office furniture will have fewer back injuries, shoulder strain and many other musculoskeletal problems. Many studies have found that adjustable chairs can significantly improve productivity. Why? Workers are more likely to sit in their chairs for longer periods of time if they are comfortable which allows them to get more work done.

Steelcase Leap V1 Used Task Chair, Admiral BlueWhat are the elements of good ergonomic seating? Seats should be adjustable to meet the needs of differently sized and shaped workers.  The first is lumbar support; Steelcase and Herman Miller have excellent lumbar support that the most petite worker and heavier team members will be comfortable in. There are chairs that are designed to provide support for the person’s lower back. These chairs also relieve the stress on these areas of the back when the person is sitting.

Armrests are another important feature of chairs. Like seat backs, the armrests need to be adjustable to fit each individual. If armrests are not appropriate for the person, they can lead to problems like soreness and discomfort which are caused by muscle fatigue. Arm rests on task chairs should go up and down and ideally the top slide should slide in closer to the employee’s body. Steelcase Leaps have fully adjustable armrests.

Users should be able to control the depth of their seats. If the seat depth is fixed, some people won’t be able to sit in the chair comfortably. Taller and shorter people have different seat depth needs and control is essential. Two to three inches of seat depth control is advisable.

What are some other things that can make chairs more comfortable for workers? There are several including control of the recline of the seat, pelvic support, seat back height and width, the base of support for the chair and many other factors. Many companies review studies on office furniture before purchasing office chairs to make sure they buy the right products for their employees.

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Features of the Steelcase Criterion, Leap and Think Chairs

Steelcase is a well known name in the office furniture market. They are known because they produce a high quality, durable, and comfortable line of products. Steelcase chairs are coveted for their wonderful features and ergonomic design. Three very popular models are the Steelcase Criterion, Leap and Think task chairs. Each of these chairs offers something a little different, which means one of them will surely fit your personal office needs.

Steelcase Criterion Series Used Mid Back Task Chair, Jewel BlueCriterion

The Criterion is a comfortably soft chair designed with just the right curves and contours to make it a supportive cushioned sit for those long days in the office. The Criterion is offered in three versions:

The standard task – A sturdy chair that comes in a high or low back version. Comes with a durable frame and fully upholstered back and seat with 5 star metal base on casters. Adjustability features include – tilt tension, seat depth (optional), 5″ adjustable seat height, back height, variable back stop, seat angle, and height-width pivot arms. Also available with sewn vinyl making it easier to keep free from stains and marks. Weight tested up to 300 pounds.

Stool – Everything mentioned above, but with an adjustable height from 45″ – 53″ and adjustable foot ring.

Plus sized version – Everything the standard version offers, but tested up to 500 pounds. Also comes with a 20% larger back and seat, more back support, a reinforced frame and higher density foam.

Leap

The Leap is built as a high performance chair with ergonomics in mind. It offers a flexible back rest to offer full support while sitting or reclining and separate controls for the back and seat. The leap comes in five versions:Steelcase Leap V1 Used PU Leather Task Chair, Snow White

Task chair – Made to adjust with your individual body as you move with a cut out ribbon back frame. Adjustable features include – Lumbar support,  adjustable seat depth, Seat height, lower back firmness, upper back force, variable back stop, and arms that adjust up and down, as well as swivel. The Leap also comes in a stool and plus sized version. Optional headrest is also available. 300 pound capacity.

Leap Chair – Comes with added headrest

Leap Plus – Everything mentioned, but with an added 1″ in seat depth, 4.75″ in width and 1″ extra of seat depth adjustability. The back width adds 2″ and the weight capacity is 500 pounds.

Stool – Everything mentioned in the task, but with an adjustable foot ring and an 8″ height range.

Work Lounge – A bit of a different look from the basic style. A fully upholstered back and ribbon back frame with fixed arms. Comes with the standard adjustments mentioned, plus a headrest and flip up pillow for head and neck support. It also has a lumbar pillow, extra thick seat cushion and optional mobile footstool.

Think

Steelcase Think Used Mesh Task Chair with Headrest, Jewel BlueThe Think chair is Steelcase’s answer to comfort. Its plastic frame also means the Think chair is lightweight and easy to move. Made with 3D knit back upholstery that is designed to move with the user’s body with what they call the integrated “LiveBack System”. It conforms to the user’s weight, so that they can settle in quickly with only a few manual adjustments. The Leap comes in two versions:

Task chair – Strong environmental attributes and aesthetically progressive design. Soil retardant fabric or leather or vinyl. Adjustable features include – Lumbar height, pivoting arm caps, arm depth, Dial with four settings for back control, and seat height. The front edge of the seat also flexes up to 1.5″ to adapt to the user and relieve pressure.

Stool – Same features, but with a 44″ to 53.75″ height adjustment.