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Allsteel Cubes Can Be the Answer for More Office Privacy

Not every good idea that seems right is right. Sometimes this is because human nature is not taken into account. Or we have assumptions on human nature, like people like working as close to friends or coworkers as much as possible, so that an idea can take off that doesn’t always work. This may be the problem that can happen with the open office.

Because there are some studies which show that the open office isn’t as popular with many office employees as the traditional style of office. The open office does give a sense of purpose to the employees. With the right employees, it can be a wonderful idea, but the design of it can be harmful as well. It can cause interruptions in attention spans, decreases productivity and creativity; and even affect workers’ health.

Allsteel 6x4 CubicleOne of the problems is that the worker’s personal space is cut down considerably. Instead of having a personal area, they may just have part of a desk. This is because the traditional cubicle is replaced with open spaces. You have the same idea of having your own desk, but they are joined to other desks. You may even share a work table with other employees.

The thought is that if you can get workers together at the same table, they will be better able to share information. It promotes brainstorming sessions as well when working on projects. It can also lead to employees bonding together. It can be an important part of corporate culture where all employees are placed on the same level of importance because everyone is needed; where the boss is more of a mentor and where people are made to feel like a close-knit family.

But this kind of environment can affect a person who has claustrophobe because they feel that they are being pinned in all around by other people. This can affect the health of people like this, both physically and mentally. Plus; there’s all the noises of other people working, talking, opening and closing folders and having earphones set at perhaps too high a volume.

Some companies have made compensation for all these distractions by offering spaces that are quiet that so employees can work undisturbed when it is needed. But in most places, this is considered a waste of space because some people may be less productive. Others may just use it with the excuse that they need quiet, though what they really want is a space for a little relaxation above the time allotted for the normal break. When quiet spaces are made available then, it may become an option to be productive in these spaces rather than the productivity that’s expected in the open office.

Allsteel Cubicle Corner Top CapWhen working in open spaces, it can be irritating, noisy and distracting too. It can take away the worker’s psychological privacy which is a crucial part of focus and creativity. The open workspace can erode morale and cause more absenteeism. Human nature is to be social, but it’s also to have personal space even on the job. Because with open space offices, instead of seeing just a pair of feet under a partition, a person might be at someone’s elbow all day with other people always being in the corner of both their eyes.

It’s not just like the old-fashioned secretarial pools in some open space offices. In some, employees may be inches from each other all day long.

So, if you, as a business owner are having any of these difficulties with your employees, you may want to consider installing a few cubicles instead. Allsteel cubicles can be the solution to this issue. 6×4 used cubicles are sold in pods, but they can be customized into rows or be sold as standalones for an additional fee.

They have a one box file pedestal with a laminated work surface. Power whips are available for extra cost. The dimensions they have are a 6’ spine with a 4’ wing. They should be professionally installed though since they don’t come with instructions for installation. They may not come with keys. You can purchase keys at your local locksmith though, or at Easykeys.com  The 6×4 Used Cubicle by Allsteel – Sold In Pods can be found at this link.

If you would like a cost-effective way to keep your employees happy and give them privacy, then check out the Allsteel pods today.

References:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/6×4-used-cubicle-by-allsteel-sold-in-pods/

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How to Create Privacy in a Shared Office

With the open office workplace, privacy is not always easy to find. Some employees may not mind the bustle and noise, but other people may find it difficult to concentrate. The work output can be compromised as well as having some unhappy employees without some kind of privacy available.

Plus, there are four types of privacy which are sought after by employees.

  • office environmentAcoustic privacy is from noise invasion. Noise levels can affect concentration. Some people can’t think when phones are ringing, coworkers are laughing or talking loudly, or even everyone is printing off copies of something.
  • Next, is visual privacy. Visual privacy invasion is caused by something which interrupts the eye and distracts a person from work being done. It could be, for example, a constant flow of foot traffic or the feeling that everyone is watching. Or even, if colleagues are getting up and down from their seats, or everything seem to be at eye level in an office.
  • Spatial privacy is where people feel that they have workspace privacy. Feeling closed in because there isn’t enough room to work or not having a personal work space to even turn around in is the invasion here. Also, if there are too many coworkers crammed into one area, it can feel overcrowded.
  • Finally, personal privacy is having a place that is one’s own without anyone else involved on the job. This could deal with having the privacy to talk on the phone to a spouse about something personal. This is invaded when you feel like you can’t even get a drink of water by yourself to take some medicine as an example.

So, what’s the solution for the privacy factor?

Solutions to give your employees privacy when needed vary and can be used separately or together. So, glass walls provide acoustic privacy, but the visual invasion is still there because the employee can see what’s going on. Frosted glass can give optical privacy, visual and personal space privacy. Double glazed units, laminated glass, or monolithic glass are all options to eliminate and dampen noise if an area which needs to be quiet while giving the other kinds of privacy.

Glass partitions can also be used in conference rooms, as partitions, and in doorways. They can be used as room dividers, which will give privacy but still let in natural light. Glass can come in color or be colorless, brand-specific or generic.

What about fabric panels?

Mobile Panel Divider Wall in Gray FabricSome employees prefer the fabric panels of a cubicle. It creates an individual workspace which is less noisy and offers more of personal space. It can help with productivity, even though it’s just a fabric wall. It blocks out the visual distractions and brings down the acoustic levels. Also, their walls can be arranged or configured in different ways, so there is flexibility in an office layout.

Choosing the right fabric walls for use in the workplace is a decision which needs to be thought about carefully though. The style needs to fit the brand of the company and benefit the work environment. The layout needs to be laid out for the most efficiency. All this will contribute to how the employees perform and whether it increases production.

If the issues of acoustic invasion, visual disruption, feeling closed in or not having personal privacy, then something needs to be done about it. With the choice of glass partitions or fabric panels, either of these two options will work. For some employees, open workplace areas aren’t productive, they need quiet and privacy to concentrate.

Another option if an open workspace is the layout of the business, is to install areas where privacy can be found. Spaces can be made to promote quiet and confidentiality. It could be a glass panel area where an employee can sit and work if they wish too. Glass panels can be on wheels for mobility if needed.

Or, individual cubicles with fabric panels for an employees looking to get away from the bustle of the office. These can also be one on wheels which can be moved from area to area.

Not all employees can work in a busy, noisy office; areas should be allotted for those who need privacy and quiet to work.

References:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/6-x-6-equity-work-stations-by-knoll-dark-gray-599-each/

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/herman-miller-my-studio-environments-used-cubicles-pod-of-3-1700-each-station/

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/?s=fabric+panels

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/?s=glass+panels

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Why Should You Purchase Steelcase Avenir Cubicles?

Office cubicles are used in most offices and have benefits for both the employees and the employers. One of the benefits for the employees is that they can exchange ideas back and forth more readily because there are cubicles designed with lower walls between the divides of the cubicles. Another key benefit is that the separate cubicles also can have doors that can be closed when employees want privacy and they don’t want to be interrupted. This is important if employees need time for deep concentration on important projects.Steelcase Avenir Cubicle Workstation

The benefits for the employer is that a well-designed office where employers welcome employees making workspaces extensions of the employees’ personal tastes is a welcoming place to work in. This leads to higher productivity and a happier workforce. This means greater profits and less employee turnover. All this can be accomplished with cubicles since the employees have walls and individual spaces that they can decorate.

Also, if your office has an open floor plan without walls, employees can become too easily distracted by other employees’ conversations, phones which are ringing and other distractions. Cubicles with walls help to eliminate the distractions.

So, with cubicles, there is a proper balance between openness for collaboration with other employees and privacy. It’s provides for work areas that are private enough for employees to work in, but not too private so that they can get lost in unproductive time. In addition, cubicles help keep work contained in the area it needs to be done in so that it isn’t spread out everywhere. There are file drawers, shelves and laminated work surfaces to keep everything under control in cubicles too.

Cubicles also give a professional appearance to your office layout; this improves cooperation and interaction among your employees. When your employees want to have privacy without interruptions they can simply close their doors then. If they want collaboration and interaction with fellow colleagues, then the door can be opened. It’s so simple. So, you will find that your employees will get more work completed faster.

The Steelcase Avenir Cubicles

The Steelcase Avenir furniture system has the reputation for unmistakable value and high performance ratings in businesses around the world. The Steelcase Avenir Cubicles are an extremely popular cubicle system. Installing one of these cubicles, either singularly or in pods, is a great way to improve your office environment. With these cubicles, your office will have a quality air that will project professionalism to your customers and clients.

On top of that, Steelcase is one of the leading manufacturers of office cubicles and has been in business for 50 years. Their brand of cubicle is one to be trusted. Below is where you can purchase these cubicles for your office.

7 x 6.5 Avenir Used Work Stations by Steelcase – Sold in Pods

Steelcase Avenir CubeThese 7 x6.5 Avenir Used Work Station by Steelcase are only sold in Pods. The pod has a laminated work surface and a 1-2 drawer lateral file. The upholstered panels have glass tops with power whips available for an extra cost.

These pods come in:

  • Blue fabric which is Guilford Open House Lapis 2334
  • Silver fabric which is Burch Metallation, Stainless Steel
  • Laminate which is Wilsonart Frosty White
  • White Paint which is Appliance White
  • Peds/Lats: 4799 Platinum

The dimensions are Depth 6.5’x x Width 7’ x Height 7’ x Height 54”

The keys may not be available, but can be purchased from a local locksmith or from EasyKeys.com

7 x 13 Avenir Used Work Stations by Steelcase – Sold in Pods

These 7 x 13 Avenir Used Work Stations by Steelcase are sold only in pods. The work surface is laminated and has a 1-2 drawer lateral file. It also includes a 1-Box, box, file pedestal and 1 shelf. The upholstered panels have glass tops and power whips are available, if needed, at an extra cost.

Large Steelcase Avenir StationThe colors the cubicles can be bought in are:

  • Silver fabric which is Burch Metallation, Stainless Steel 7476
  • Blue fabric which is Guilford Open House Lapis 2334
  • White paint which is Appliance White
  • Laminate which is Wilsonart Frosty White
  • Peds/Lats: 4799 Platinum

The dimensions are: Depth 13’ x Width 7’ x Height 54”

These cubicles don’t come with instructions so professional installers will have to be used.

Keys may not be available, but can be purchased from the local locksmith or from EasyKeys.com

The best cubicles are made by the best company, Steelcase; so buy the best.

References

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/7-x-13-avenir-used-work-stations-by-steelcase-sold-in-pods/

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/7-x-6-5-avenir-used-work-stations-by-steelcase-sold-in-pods/

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Reasons to Purchase a Locking Fireproof Filing Cabinet

There are many reasons for you to purchase a locking fireproof filing cabinet. They may not compliment much as an office décor, but they are really important when it comes to protecting valuable company documents. While having documents on the computer is handy, they can be accessed by the wrong person or accidentally erased. Sometimes, having documents physically on hand can be especially important to a business.

Reasons for locking fireproof filing cabinets in your office

A locking fireproof filing cabinet has many benefits. With the many different types and styles of filing cabinets, finding one to suit your office needs shouldn’t be difficult either. Still, you will need to find a filing cabinet based on the features which will work for what you need. Now these cabinets are designed to withstand the heat from a fire and to protect files from damage. Below are some other reasons for purchasing a locking fireproof filing cabinet for an office’s needs:

  • Fire Proof Two Drawer File CabinetTo prevent important documents from being stolen: Having a locked filing cabinet prevents theft of valuable documents and papers. Different documents can even have monetary value, or contain pertinent information to a company that has a monetary value to someone other than the person intended to receive the information. If the papers are important enough, thieves can even sell them to competitors. Additionally, some documents are necessary for obtaining permits and licenses to run businesses. Even though these documents may not be of any worth to anyone else; the time, stress and effort to replace them can be a major inconvenience.
  • Protection for business information: Most businesses have general information on paper and sensitive data. Being sure that these papers are in a safe and secure place is of the upmost importance. With a locking fireproof filing cabinet; however, business processes, data on customers and even product designs can be locked away. Another thought for you is that if a disgruntled employee obtains information which is detrimental to the running of a business, that business could be ruined. Espionage is common in the business world. A cabinet of this type will protect a business from this.
  • Privacy issues: There are many professions and businesses where the privacy of the client is of high priority. Law offices maintain files on clients, and records of clients are used by businesses. Because many of the documents will be sensitive information based, reassuring clients that their information is safe is important. A leak of information will not only harm clients, but will harm the professional image and reputation as well of professions and businesses of this nature.

Choosing the right filing cabinet

To make the right choice in choosing a filing cabinet for your needs, you should consider different options. Here, each locking filing cabinet has different dimensions, forms, features and are made from an assortment of materials. Below is a list of options for you to consider:

  • Fire Proof Four Drawer File CabinetIf you want security in your filing cabinet, then having a locking mechanism is a very important feature. Now one type of cabinet may have a lock that locks all the drawers. This is important if all the files contain information which is sensitive. Another one may have individual locks for each drawer. This type of file cabinet is good for storing mixed information of sensitive files and those which are not. This type of cabinet is also excellent for information which is used often, but needs to be kept.
  • The form of the filing cabinet is also something to think about. There are two main forms, one is lateral and the other vertical. It all depends on what fits in your space better or what your filing needs are.

Vertical cabinets have many cabinets which are stacked one on top of the other. The cabinets are usually deep, but also narrow and short. The drawers open towards the person who is opening the drawer in front of the cabinet. These take up little floor space, and you can separate files by each drawer.

Lateral drawers aren’t as deep, but are wider. These can hold many files in one drawer, but the file cabinet is usually lower to the floor than the vertical cabinets. These cabinets are great for offices which have limited space to walk in.

Protecting your files is the same as protecting your business.

References:

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

http://www.ebay.com/gds/5-Reasons-Locking-File-Cabinets-Are-a-Wise-Choice-/10000000177634155/g.html

http://www.youngmontana.com/5-reasons-need-fireproof-filing-cabinets-sydney

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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 coworkers: 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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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.