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Using Dividers and Panels for Privacy

The good thing about using dividers and panels is that you can create private rooms without having to remodel your office. These dividers and panels are flexible and can be used about anywhere. They give you the feel and the look of a wall without having to modify any physical structures. When you’re finished with them, you just put them away too until they’re needed the next time.

Uses for room dividers and panels

  • Use the dividers and panels to divide rooms. This will mean that you can be more creative in how you use and divide up space.
  • To add character to room space, dividers and panels can be used as accent pieces.
  • To disguise areas that you don’t want to be readily seen, use dividers and panels.
  • For privacy use dividers and panels.
  • Dividers can be used as sliding partitions in offices when built in.
  • Use them to build barriers depending upon how much worker space is needed.

Other uses

Mobile Divider PanelsSometimes, according to your business needs, you may have to have extra office space that you only need for a few weeks. By using mobile dividers and panels though, you can roll everything into a storage area when the job at hand is completed. When they are needed again, just roll them back out and set up your work space. In addition, with dividers and panels, you can make the exact shape which is needed for a meeting. You can make different set ups for the use of space too.

Another use is to designate foot traffic in the direction you want it to flow. If you have a work area where you don’t want interruptions to occur, use the dividers and panels. This way foot traffic can be directed to the receptionist or proper administrator. Then your other working staff isn’t interrupted constantly with questions better answered by the right person. You can even incorporate your business logo on the frontside for a professional look, and employees can use the other side for tacking charts and needed paperwork. Some dividers and panels can be customized with dry erase features also so that a whiteboard is on hand for meetings. Managers will then have a place to explain about upcoming projects with the right tools right at their fingertips.

In addition, with using dividers and panels, it’s more affordable then remodeling your offices permanently. This is especially true when you then have to remodel your office again after the first expensive permanent remodeling. If you’re renting your office space too, then it’s more feasible and less costly to have rooms which can be made portable instead of having your landlord modifying the space that you’re in. Dividers and panels are not only affordable, but a practical choice as well for your workspace.

Steelcase Answer Panel Metallic FabricAlso, if you do want something a little more permanent, dividers can be attached to the floor. The good thing is that the dividers aren’t permanent the same way walls are. This will allow you to take one large office space and make it into subdivided offices. This gives your employees a quieter place to work where they can be more focused on the job at hand because the dividers and panels can be soundproofed ones. In addition, this kind of setup saves on the expense of remodeling the workspace, yet there’s still privacy. Some of the dividers and panels have glass windows at the top for light if that’s something that you’d like to think about as well.

When concerned about more privacy, business space and personal space; you don’t have to go through the cost of expensive remodeling. The options explained above can be used so that your office really fits your needs.

References:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product-category/cubicles/dividers-panels/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Room-divider

http://www.roomdividersny.com/room-dividers.htm

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The Best Reception Desk for Your Area

A reception desk is more than just a desk; it’s usually the first thing that new clients see when they walk in the door. An attractive, professional desk helps your receptionist make a good first impression with a prospective client. So, the reception desk is a pretty important piece of furniture. A nice reception desk will portray the success of your business, say a lot about your professionalism and your attitude towards customer relations. Investing in a desk that suits your business is a wise idea.

What is your type of business?

The type of business that you have will determine the type of reception desk that you’ll need. So, a desk for a business office will look different than a desk for a hair salon. Therefore, your desk decision will be based upon what you decide achieves the best result for client relations. You’ll also need to decide what the function of the desk will be. Will it only be used when greeting customers and having the phone answered? Or will it be a desk that is additionally used for filing and office work. What the desk is used for will help you then to make the decision on what kind of desk to choose.

Other questions

Some other questions that you may want to ask yourself before purchasing your desk are:

  • Morgan Reception-Black and White-Left Return-01-01How large is the space it’s fitting into? This is important because how large the space is that the desk is going to be put into in relation to the desk size is important. So, if you have a large space and install a small desk, then the desk will look overwhelmed. If you have a large reception desk and place it in a small area, then the room will be overwhelmed by the desk. You want your reception area to have a balanced look, so measure your space accordingly.
  • Will it match the décor and style of the office? Your reception desk should match the décor and style of the rest of your office. So does your office look classic, modern or eclectic? If your office is modern, then adding something with a Victorian flare will probably clash. A reception desk which blends in with the rest of your reception area will also make the office look larger.
  • Where to buy your reception desk? There are different options for buying your reception desk. Looking for a good deal goes without saying, and sometimes you can find a decent desk at a furniture store. However, the best bet is to purchase your desk online. You can save a good deal of money when shopping online. You can also look in more places online to find something that you like. You could then then look around for something similar at a furniture store to see how it fits your office. Then go back and order it online for less money unless you find something that really works there. If you have a reception area which is oddly shaped, however, you may have to have your desk custom made to fit properly.

What to look for in a reception desk

Morgan Reception-Black and White-Left Return-02There are many types of office reception desks for you to choose from. Reception desks can be different shapes, sizes or dimensions and made from many different materials too. The typical reception desk will also have a counter to do transactions on. This allows enough space for a client to hand in any necessary forms, fill out paperwork and still have the receptionist close by to answer any questions. The desk should additionally have space for a computer, phone, keyboard and a grommet hole to contain all the wires and cables of devices that you can port them through. In addition, there should be enough space for organizers, files and necessary papers.

Also, there should be a front panel which serves as a privacy screen for the receptionist. This way the receptionist can stay focused when working and not be stared at by clients or people in the waiting room. A lot of times this type of desk doesn’t include file drawers under the desk. This is to give the receptionist more leg room for swiveling and moving around on the desk chair to deal with customers.

Purchasing a new reception desk for your office is just a matter of what works for your business.

References:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product-category/reception/reception-desks/

http://www.yourdeskguide.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-reception-desks/

https://www.officespacesoftware.com/blog/office-layout-tricks-for-an-impressive-reception-area

https://www.btod.com/blog/2015/07/08/how-to-layout-and-design-the-perfect-waiting-room/

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How to Personalize Your Cubicle

If you work in a cubicle, the blandness of it can sometimes be counterproductive. Looking at gray walls and the other dim color schemes can take your creative ideas and dull them down. So, what can you do to change the décor in your cubicle to make it more of an extension of yourself? Below are some suggestions; just keep in mind what the office policies are about decorating upgrades allowed in a workspace.

  1. Steelcase Leap V2 in Electric Blue FabricWalls: If your walls are made from panels that look like bulletin board material, tacking up your choice of fabric can go a long way to brightening up your space. If your walls won’t take easily to tacks, you can put up removable wall coverings. Motivational posters are another way to add a personal touch, as well as photos and post cards.
  2. Floor: If you floor is a uniform boring color, then you could liven it up with a colorful area rug. However, if you chair has casters on it, you may want to put down a vibrant chair mat instead. So, adding few colorful throw rugs with rubber backing will add a touch of pizazz. Just make sure that they don’t interfere with your chair moving about if that is your style of working.
  3. Lighting: Lighting can affect both mood and productivity. Overhead fluorescent lighting can cast harsh shadows and cause eyestrain. To help solve that problem, spot lighting can help. So, you could add a small accent light to help reduce the glare. Consider hanging a string of miniature colored lights or even a full spectrum light too. A spectrum light gives the same effect as sunlight so it will improve your mood.
  4. Temperature: If your cubicle is in the frigid zone, a small portable heater may be the answer to a more comfortable temperature when you are working. However, if your cubicle is the furthest from the air conditioning, a desk fan may be a good idea to circulate the air to keep you cool.
  5. Furniture: If it can be done, see if your office manager will order an ergonomic comfortable chair. You sit in a chair for most of your working day and sitting comfortably will make you more productive. If not, maybe you could order a replacement chair with your boss’s permission that you pay for, just make sure that it can be delivered to your cubicle.
  6. close-up of stylish desk with designed equipmentAccessories: Think about adding one or two live plants or maybe a betta in a bowl. Some of the bowls have a betta with a live plant in the bowl. If you aren’t good at keeping either of them alive, then a silk arrangement could do the trick. A good quality silk arrangement looks very much like the real thing. Another idea is to invest in a tabletop biosphere or an air fern. Neither requires much upkeep or fussing with. Another thought is to place a few fun items such as stuffed animals or a small collection of personal decorative things. But keep in mind that this is work cubicle, so don’t over clutter or bring in something which would be deemed inappropriate.
  7. Privacy: Being in a cubicle and having your co-workers right beside you can cause privacy issues. Additionally, sometimes a co-worker walking by may want to stop and chat when you’re in the middle of an important piece of work. One way to stop this is to put up a folding screen if permitted or, at a last resort, you could wear headphones so that you can slip them on when you don’t want to be disturbed. Make sure you get a supervisor’s permission.
  8. Clutter: Keeping clutter down in a cubicle can take some work, but it will brighten the atmosphere when things are neat. So be sure to discard or file any papers when they aren’t needed anymore. Decorations in a large office and decorations for your cubicle are two different things too. So too many pictures or mementos in a small cubicle can give a feeling of being overwhelmed and crowded. It can be as distracting and busy as an overload of noise

Decorating your cubicle can be fun as long as it doesn’t get out of hand.

References:

https://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicaprobus/make-your-cubile-suck-less

http://lifehacker.com/5987607/how-cani-make-my-cubicle-more-comfortable-and-less-boring

http://onecentatatime.com/be-abetter-employee-how-to-decorate-your-office-cubicle/

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Mixed Material Trends in Office Furniture

The trend to use mixed material in office furniture is catching on. When you use texture and color in your business office, it gives it a more personalized and inspired look. The old “everything has to match” look is out and a more eclectic look is in. The idea is to make the office feel unique by not repeating the same furniture pieces over and over, as well as by using the same materials and colors. The most common trend is to mix metal and wood elements together for a subtle, but workable look. An office which appeals to the senses too helps with productivity.

Some ideas for your office

When you think about it, there’s a lot of space in many businesses. So, you may have a room for training, a conference room, a break room plus the assorted offices. So below are some furniture ideas for those rooms and what might work for you:

  • goSIT New Mobile Nesting Table 59 Inch with White Base, MahoganyThe training room: In a training room, you don’t want a lot of distractions because you want your employees to focus on what is being said or taught. Modern furniture may be the perfect choice for you then for this kind of business setting. You may want to choose tables which are lightweight and easy to move also. Being able to move the table around into various positions is an option which is good because of the different number of employees and topics discussed when training is in session. You may want to consider a table with a basic work surface additionally with a sleek profile and a metal base which is functional, but still looks good.
  • The conference room: In the conference room, Mahogany Round Veneer tables could be used for round table discussions. This particular kind of table has a wood veneer table surface and a metal base. It is 54 inches in diameter and 29 inches tall. You could add the Steelcase Think Chair for the office which shifts into three comfortable reclining positions too with a push of a button. It rolls smoothly on five casters. It additionally comes in a yellow line pattern with black frame. This type of furniture gives a professional vibe while leaving a good impression on any visitors.
  • The break room: The break room is where your employees go to eat lunch or take 15-minute breaks. So instead of the dreary cafeteria look, you could make it cheerier with a few 36-inch café tables. A table which has a metal base with a laminated top and a wood veneer top is sure to brighten things up. If the tabletop is white with maple trim, you add blue vinyl chairs also with silver frame; it will make the breakroom a relaxing place.

Tree Truck Table GlassOther colors used in office furniture


Office furniture is being lightened up from the black walnut and dark wood tones which have been used so frequently up to now. Blonde wood tables, shelving which is light oak and wood furnishings which are mixed are being used more and more. In addition, the colors of sky-blue, peach and white are showing up more offices. More of a relaxed beach theme then than the Wall Street look in the office is being used. Also, marble and bronze are being mixed with bleached wood surfaces, which sends the message of elegance rather than stuffiness.

Reflective surfaces and offices

Another material trend in the office is the use of frosted glass and marker board. When glass is incorporated, sometimes using reclaimed wood as the material for the storage unit doors and hutches, it reflects light in a space which otherwise would be dark. Additionally, surfaces which are writable are being used for the work surfaces. In some desk designs, a writable work surface is made over the entire desk, or fabric tiles are replaced by marker board. The surfaces are erasable.

The thing in all of this is that an office that is friendlier adds to productivity. It is not done just to be modern. The office also must be functional.

To close, to update and modernize your office, look into purchasing furniture that uses mixed materials.

Furniture links:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/nienkamper-vox-used-54-inch-round-veneer-table-mahogany/

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/basyx-vl887-lounge-seating-series-club-chair-black-leather/

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/steelcase-think-used-task-chair-yellow-line-pattern/

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/hon-deluxe-1082ab10-new-stack-chair-blue/

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/used-squared-36-inch-cafe-table-white-maple/

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Conference Tables and Storage Credenzas

Choosing a conference table

Morgan 10ft Conference Table StagedA conference table can be many sizes; having different shapes. It can also be made from an assortment of materials such as wood, marble, glass, synthetic materials or any combination of these elements. Additionally, when deciding upon what kind of table to use, how the table will be used and who will use it are important factors. So, for corporate meetings, a long solid wood table may be the best choice. If you’re planning on having small discussion groups, then a modular table may be the choice that you want.

One of the things to keep in mind though is that the conference table is the main focus of the conference room. You don’t want a table that is too big then for the room which would overwhelm it or one that is too small which would make it insignificant. So, take measurements to be sure that your table choice will fill the center of the room to the right proportions. You also need to consider what other equipment you’re going to have in the conference room to be sure that you have the right amount of space that you’re going to need. In addition, when measuring, you need to take into account the door and ceiling heights as well as the window placements.

So, make a mental checklist. On your checklist put the equipment needed in the conference room.  You will need to know too on your list where the power sources are and where the furniture and equipment is going to be placed in relation to the power sources. So, if AV and teleconferencing equipment is going to be used on a regular basis, you may want to think about a conference table which has wire management touch or data/power access ports. No matter how big or small the space is that you have for your conference room, there will be a table which fits. The Associate Series offers wood conference tables of all kinds for this. What sets this series apart is the ability to seat two people at each end on of 5′ wide tables as well as the quality of the furniture.

Once you have chosen your table, then you will need to position the rest of the furniture in your conference room. Below is a general chart for furniture spacing:

  • When placing each chair around the table, there needs to be 30” between chairs.
  • Between the wall and the table there needs to be between 48-56” for clearance.
  • Between the table and one wall there needs to be 60” for main aisle space.
  • Between the back of the chair and the wall, there needs to be 16” when the chair is pushed in so that there is the ability to walk along the table when the chairs are being used.
  • There should be 24” between the wall and the back of the chair without having to turn the chair sideways to get out of the chair if this is not a walking area during presentations.
  • Between the easel/visual display board and the table there needs to be 56”.
  • To present material on the wall, there needs to be 30” of free space for standing at the head of the table.

Choosing a Storage Credenzas

Everyday Gray Storage CabinetA storage credenza can store many different types of office necessities. A credenza usually has cabinets, filing compartments and drawers with a long top that makes a good work surface. A storage credenza comes in traditional and modern styles as well as being made from materials like wood or hard plastic.

Another thing is that your desk and the finish on your credenza don’t have to exactly match. If you want to be a little eclectic, purchase a light wood credenza against the dark wood of a desk. Then repeat the light wood tones with perhaps some dark wood throughout your office in other wood pieces and even with the lamps. In addition, small spaces aren’t an issue with a credenza because it doesn’t have to be deep. These will also work under a window if you’re short of wall space.

The right conference table will give your conference room the look that you’re aiming for. The right credenza will give you extra work space, plus room for office supplies hidden and out of sight. With the correct choices, you can have a well-made conference room

References:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product-category/office-collections/associate/

http://www.custom-handmade-furniture.com/pdfs/aa howtobuyaconfrence.pdf

https://www.cymax.com/conference-table-guide–P1.htm

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Privacy and Team Stations

One of the problems with working in an office is that people who don’t like being crowded can become stressed as more people enter a room. Now people’s idea of space and how they feel about being crowded comes from individual preferences, gender and cultural background. As examples below:

  • If a room has high ceilings or mirrors on the wall, as well being brighter and lighter, people will   feel less crowded in it as people come into the room. But in those conditions, men will feel more crowded than women because men tend to have better peripheral vision.
  • If a person works in a high-rise building on the lower floors, they are more likely to feel crowded then someone who works on the upper stories and has better access to daylight and better views.

To reduce these feelings of being crowded, furniture is used along with pillars, decorative items or plants. This can prevent people from becoming distracted in a room or feeling crowded as more people come into a room. Also, to prevent this feeling among employees, they can be assigned to individual Team Stations with their own private spots to do that which is needed of them too.

Why Team Stations by Teknion

Teknion Leverage Cubicle StationTo help reduce the effect that having too many people in too small of a space creates, you can have the openings of your employees’ work stations positioned so that their view of other co-workers is minimized. Because when working in an office today, an employee needs to be able to concentrate as well collaborate without distractions as life is faster paced today. With a private work station though, this allows employee a choice of when to concentrate and when to talk with other co-workers.

Teknion sells these kinds of work stations called team stations. With these Team Stations by Teknion there is a file pedestal per each station. They have upholstered wall panels which makes things a little quieter with noise, as well as laminated work surfaces and a monitor arm to hold screens in each station. These stations are sold in pods of four with dimensions of 5’x5’x51” tall for seating privacy. A choice of fabrics is offered such as India Poona Fabric and Peru Casma Accent Fabric with white Matrix laminate and platinum paint.

Now everyone of your employees is different, and the perfect working environment is one which gives employees the choice dealing with how much stimulation they are subjected to. Also, having an office that still has places for employees to take breaks to either socialize or take 5-minute breathers is optimal. The 5-minute breather is not a traditional break. It is when team members can go off by themselves to think about the next step in a private setting.

Strategies in the workplace

Not all your employees are alike, some can work in a lot of busy confusion and some can’t. So, the proper work setting will help to support the many work functions your employees do and the environment that they can do their work in. So, providing different zones for different work functions can be helpful for your employees:

  • Teknion Leverage Workstations DrawingIf the work is focused: Have spaces for concentrated work such as the Team Stations, or provide quiet zones for employees who are concentrating.
  • Collaboration among employees: Provide settings which are diverse for small group collaborations on projects and tasks.
  • Learning always: You can make your business an educational environment which supports mentoring and learning. This can be done by providing in-person, one-on-one learning and e-learning.
  • Socializing spaces for co–workers: If you provide informal spaces which can be used for both work as well as casual conversation, this will also foster innovation and informal collaboration.
  • Provide the technology: When employees are in their Team Stations, provide headsets that have white noise or sound masking options so that employees can focus on important work
  • Have teams: By using the Team Stations of four pods or more, you can create a team neighborhood, giving the feeling of team unity and a sense of place. This reinforces among your workers employee engagement and fosters the exchanging of ideas.

By giving your employees their own personal spaces as well as an area to collaborate when needed, you will have a better functioning team or teams of employees in your organization.

Reference:

http://www.hok.com/thought-leadership/workplace-strategies-that-enhance-human-performance-health-and-wellness/

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/5-x-5-leverage-team-stations-by-teknion-sold-in-pods/

https://www.wbdg.org/resources/changing-nature-organizations-work-and-workplace

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How to Keep Your Desk Professional Looking

Did you know that you can lose up to an hour a day because your desk is disorganized? But if your desk is well organized and everything is in its place, this can help with work productivity and set the tone for your day. This is because when you can’t find something, not only does it take extra time to find it, but it causes stress.

Getting your desk organized
It’s easier to maintain your desk once it’s organized and when everything has its own a place. This is especially true for the mess that happens when you just toss something on your desk thinking that you’ll tend to it later. So, you’re better off to just take that extra minute and put everything back in place. But organize first if you haven’t done so because then you’ll have a home for everything. All this will save you time when it’s time to find something again, and your desk won’t be three folders thick with papers. For more organizational tips, below are some suggestions on how to keep your desk looking professional:

  • Denmark Staged U-Shape with Right Return in American Walnut LaminateOffice supplies: There are different places to put office supplies in an organized way. If the supplies are used every day, then they can go on a desk or on a small file cabinet by your desk. If the item is only used once or twice a week then it can go in a drawer either at the side of your desk, or under your desk. Also, keeping like items together instead of having them in different drawers is another tip.
  • Sticky notes: Sticky notes are wonderful. Sticky notes can easily spread before you know it though. A few on your desk or monitor and the next thing you know, they’re all over everything. Sticky notes are good for short-term reminders only. If you have a lot of reminders, put them on an electronic document device or in a binder just for that purpose.
  • Personal knickknacks: A few personal photos or maybe a souvenir from the beach can give your eyes a pleasant break from work. However, cluttering the top of your desk with too many mementos can be distracting and messy. Three personal items on your desk in sufficient.
  • Keep your e-mail inbox under control: Communication by email is a great way to get things done, but it can also be a distraction as well. So, you should designate certain periods of time only to check emails throughout the day.
  • Make a space for incoming papers: You need to have a place for incoming papers otherwise they will be all over your desk. If you control your paper flow, then you’ll know what needs finished and what is already completed.
  • Make sure trash makes it to the garbage can: When you have something in your hand that’s trash, don’t put it down for later to put it in the trash. Otherwise, it will most likely end up on your desk. Nothing is worse than a cold half-empty drink cup that spills over those important papers because you didn’t put it in the trashcan.

Other helpful tips

green apple on desk

Some other helpful tips to keep on track. For example, prioritize what’s important on your desk to keep the work flow moving. If your work becomes backed up, it’s easy to kill productivity and get mired down. By prioritizing and keeping only active projects, documents and what’s relevant on your desk though, then the flow will keep moving. One way to do this is to group projects according to priority.

In one pile, stack what’s important and urgently needs completed. In the second pile, stack what’s urgent, but not as important when compared to what’s urgent and needs completed. In a third pile, put what’s important, but not necessarily urgent to do now. In the fourth pile, stack what’s not very important and non-urgent. Have a vertical file folder too so that the folders can be stacked side-by-side. This way, files aren’t stacked on top of each other where one may then become overlooked.

Finally, keep your desk clean by using disinfectant wipes. With all the germs which are spread around an office, wiping off your desk, phones and keyboard throughout the day can keep you healthier. Then at the end of the day, give everything one last wipe so that the next day you start out with a clean desk space.

A cleared off desk will also help you to clear your mind so that you can work efficiently.

References:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product-category/storage-filing/

https://www.roberthalf.com/officeteam/blog/how-to-organize-your-desk-7-tips

http://money.cnn.com/2015/01/30/pf/jobs/desk-organized-tips/

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How to Have Both Style and Comfort in Your Office

When you and your employees spend 8 hours a day working in an office at your business, sitting comfortably can be an issue. Also, if the furniture is comfortable, employees will work more efficiently. Additionally, style is important because the furniture in your office can be one of the first things your clients notice.

Now one of the primary pieces of furniture in an office is the chair. The other piece is the desk. Both of these pieces need to be comfortable, and design and style both play a big part in this. Also, good stylish comfortable office furniture can go a long way in maintaining the morale among your employees.

Herman Miller Aeron QuartzWhy comfort should be important

The number one reason comfort is important in office furniture is that you and your employees won’t be able to work to your full capacities if you’re not comfortable. Being in an uncomfortable chair can cause health issues such as fatigue, headaches or back pain too. So, if the desks and chairs are comfortable, the people using them will be able to work for longer periods of time productively. In addition, the desk needs to be aligned correctly with the chair so that there is less stress on the shoulders.

There are many kinds of desks and chairs on the market now that help aid employee health, comfort and safety too. It’s easier today additionally to purchase what you need for your employees. Also, if several people are using the same desk and chair, then ergonomic furniture could be a perfect fit. This type of furniture is designed to reduce chronic health risks and fatigue. It allows for retaining your proper posture no matter what your body’s size and shape is. This means that you are more likely to have happy, healthy and comfortable employees.

Why style should be important

A workplace that is stylish does produce a positive effect on employees. An office that is beautifully furnished also will make the workplace more efficient. The dark traditional style of furniture is outdated too and individual tastes are what’s in style. Designs and colors are now the trend and should complement your style, personality and what you want your business to say about you and your employees.

Now it’s true that some businesses never have anyone from the outside in them, but the employees see the business offices. However, it’s important to have a professional appearance which matches the business which you are in regardless. A potential client could come in to talk to you in your office. Plus, having a stylish workplace will attract new employee hires, and it is an extra incentive to have them work for you.

It all comes down to this

Haworth Zody White and Gray Adjustable ArmsWhat is all comes down to is this. Redesigning a workspace is almost like redoing the face of your company even if the only people who spend a large amount of time there are your employees. Basically, your office design is actually for your employees benefit then, and their well-being is one of your top priorities. So, when you’re redesigning the workspace, put yourself in their places and imagine what it would be like to spend 40 hours per week in the workspace. Just remember that the key to a happier employee workspace is comfort and style.

Another thing to keep in mind is that productively is directly related to employee comfort and the satisfaction that they have with their jobs. An employee will achieve more if they’re in a comfortable environment in less time than if they are in an uncomfortable environment.

In addition, instead of going to an office supply store to purchase your desks and chairs, you may want to buy from a quality retailer which has different furniture styles. When looking at desks also, be sure that there’s enough space on a desk to spread work out if needed. Be sure the chairs that you choose are of good quality too. Office chairs that are adjustable and comfortable will be money well invested.

A big key to a successful workspace is style and comfort which helps in job satisfaction.

References

http://www.profineworld.com/office-furniture-what-to-prefer-comfort-or-style/

http://www.noobpreneur.com/2016/05/27taking-comfort-and style-into-account-for-your-new-office-design/

http://www.heraldnet.com/uncategorized/dont-scrimp-on-style-or-comfort-when-buying-furniture/

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/?s=ergonomic+furniture+

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How to Buy a New Office Chair

There are certain things to consider when buying a new office chair when you run a business. It should have features which adjust such as seat height because your office desk’s leg room may be different than the ones in the display room. It should also be comfortable as well as durable; allow for airflow and have seams which aren’t put together where they irritate the skin. So, to help with your chair choice, below are some other ideas to think about before you go out and pick your new chair for the office:

  • Steelcase Leap Electric BlueWill the chair be used often? If you sit in your chair for long hours and don’t take frequent breaks, you may want to do some splurging on your chair. So, since you put in long hours, you may want to consider a chair with ergonomic adjustments. If you are only in your chair for a few hours daily though, then other considerations here such as style and budget could influence your decision.
  • What is the kind of work that you do? If you’re the type of person who moves around a lot while working in an office, or are in a space with other people who are at their desks a lot, you may want a chair with rollers. Then you could help your employees without getting up and down, up and down. So a chair with scuff resistant rollers which allows the chair to roll smoothly may be perfect here. Or if you don’t sit for long periods, you may not need a chair with padding or arms. But if you’re at your computer for long periods of time, a chair with a higher back and deeper seat will help to support lumbar muscles.
  • How do you sit? If you find that you lean forward often when in a chair, there are task chairs which have a more forward tilt. But if you recline when you’re working, for example when talking on the phone, you may need a chair that tilts and allows for the range of motion that you use. If you are a bit on the unconventional side though, perhaps you enjoy sitting with a leg slung over an arm of a chair at times, then you may want to choose a chair with width and depth adjustable armrests.
  • Preexisting aches and pains: If your back acts up, purchase a chair with lumbar support. If you’re legs ache when in one position for too long, then a chair with a sloped front to encourage better circulation is the best chair to use. However, even if buy a good chair, you should still get up and walk around every so often to help prevent muscle pain.
  • The type of flooring in your office? Casters on chairs generally roll smoothly if the floor is smooth. But if your floor is carpet, that could be another matter. A new chair mat with the new chair may work best in this instance because it would also preserve your carpet.
  • Haworth Zody Black Leather with Gray FrameChoosing upholstery: There are several options to choose from when thinking about upholstery on a chair. For example, for airflow, mesh is an excellent choice and it helps keep you cool if you sit for long hours. Mesh works good too at keeping moisture and heat from building up. For a luxurious plush feel, leather is wonderful, but it will retain your body’s heat. For easier cleaning, vinyl is a great choice, but it will retain body heat also. A fabric chair is prone to staining, but it’s comfortable. You can buy chairs with fabric though that are stain repellent as well as having breathable fabric. Additionally, molded foam chairs are the most commonly used office chairs. Molded foam will contour to the shape of a person’s body too.
  • Weight capacity and seat size: Many office chairs will adjust enough so that they accommodate the assorted shapes and sizes of people. But if you have a large frame or a small frame, there are special chairs that will fit you better.
  • A warranty: An office chair must stand up to abuse every day. The company you buy your office chair from should also have a straightforward and fair warranty then which they stand behind. For the higher-end model of office chair, the more inclusive and longer the warranty the better. There are some warranties though which won’t cover standard wear and tear, but other warranties may.

Deciding what office chair to buy for your office should be based on your personal comfort and the amount the chair will be used.

Reference

http://www.consumersearch.com/office-chairs/how-to-buy-an-office-chair

http://www.overstock.com/guides/ofice-chair-buying-guide

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We’re a 9 to 5 Seating Dealer

9 to 5 Seating specializes in office seating. They use ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing techniques to make comfortable and supportive chairs for today’s office. They excel at meeting the demands put upon them by today’s office environment. We are an authorized dealer of new 9 to 5 Seating.

3310-K3-A35-GF-M36-UP-B-C6-95S-019 to 5 Seating has been in business for many years in the manufacturing of seating for offices. The company offers their customers a wide range of upholstered material to choose from too dealing with the chairs that they sell. The chairs are manufactured in the United States, but the innovative company competes and thrives against foreign products manufactured outside of the United States. So, 9 to 5 Seating believes in bringing manufacturing jobs back to the United States and has opened their third manufacturing facility in Union City, Tenn. Because of the driving force of work ethics and the knowhow of the American workforce, bringing the products closer to where they’re used means that 9 to 5 Seating is a growing rival to the imported competition from overseas.

Some of the chairs 9 to 5 Seating manufacturer

On top of the molded office chairs that this company makes which are used in offices, reception areas and other places; they make other types of chairs. So below is a sample list of their selections:

  • 9 to 5 Seating Corten High-Back Leather Executive Chair: This chair has a pneumatic lift with tilt tension control knobs. It also has a tilt lock so that it stays in the position that’s been selected. The arms are polished aluminum cantilever. The chair is a mahogany color. This is a chair for the boss!
  • Cydia-Lounge-Cardinal-049 to 5 Seating Cydia Ottoman OT: This Ottoman has a metal base and is made with a mesh material for the upholstery. It’s cardinal red with a white frame and a chrome base. You can buy a matching Seating Cydia Mesh Lounge Chair in cardinal red separately, and these would be a good combo for the breakroom.
  • 9 to 5 Seating Cydia Mesh Conference Chair: This chair has a pneumatic lift with a tilt tension control knob. The tilt lock makes sure that the chair stays in the position that you put it in. It additionally has molded nylon fixed arm loops and comes in the color of slate.
  • 9 to 5 Seating Cydia Task Chair: This chair comes with a pneumatic lift too and a tilt tension control knob. The tilt lock keeps you safe when the chair is in the position that you chose for it. It also has a 6-way adjustable T-Arm.

Explanation of pneumatic lift, tilt tension and tilt locks

The terms used for office chair functions can be confusing so below is an explanation of the most common terns:

  • 1535-Y1-A8S-M-C4-95S-01Pneumatic lift: This term is given to any office chair that you can adjust the height on it by using a lever that’s underneath the seat. There’s several components which make up the chair. These include the base of three or more wheels, a gas cylinder which has the compressed air stored inside it of it that has been fitted with a telescopic cover; the seat has a plate fitted that holds the lever which is adjustable. When adjusting your chair, pay attention to how it lifts you up and down. If the chair is having trouble lifting you or is grinding on the way back down, it may need to be oiled.
  • Tilt with adjustable tilt tension: Tilt is what lets you recline backwards or rock to a limit that’s set by the chair’s control plate. The tilt tension is adjusted by reaching under the seat and turning the large knob there. This knob will either increase or decrease what the force is needed to make the chair recline or rock forward. Usually you have to turn the knob several times to either loosen or tighten the tension.
  • Tilt lock: Sometimes it’s difficult to find where the tilt lock is located, and you may have to check your manual. Also, once the chair is locked into a tilt position, it can’t be unlocked until the chair is tilted back a few degrees or relined. Then the chair can be set back into its regular position. This lock is additionally used to lockout the tilt when the chair is upright.

9 to 5 Seating has many good chair options which makes your 9 to 5 go a little smoother.

References:
https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/?s=9+to+5+seating
http://www.9to5seating.com/aboutus.php