On average,
employees spend 8 hours a day, 5 days a week in the office. This totals over
1900 hours every year spent at work. The atmosphere you create within your
workspace, can either have a positive or negative influence on your team. Therefore,
the office furniture you choose to fill your space, is an integral part of producing
a functional workspace that inspires high levels of productivity. Whether
you’re upgrading an existing workspace or building from the ground up, here are
4 things you need to consider when selecting the right office furniture for
your team:
1. Usage
- Paperwork
Professions that are paper heavy require two main things, a
large tabletop surface area and ample storage. Choose a desk that offers the
user sufficient space to layout spreadsheets, books, files and any other
materials that are used on a daily basis. Desk shelving or under table cabinets
provide file storage that is easy to access at any given time.
- Computer
work
Select a desk that is specifically designed for computer use. For safety
purposes, look for built-in wiring holes or channels for electrical connections
that keep cords away from the user. If using a PC, ensure the workstation
offers a compartment to house the CPU.
-
A
combination of both paper and computer work
In cases where the individual requires both, an L shaped or U shaped desk
setup will be the most convenient. This model is great for executive office
spaces.
2. Comfort
When speaking about comfort in the
workplace, Ergonomic designs must be considered. You can help mitigate health risks
such as carpal tunnel syndrome; lower back pain; muscle tension and fatigue across your team.
Task chairs:
While seated, your chair should support the natural curve of
your back at all times. The backrests and armrests of the chairs should also be
adjustable to suit multiple users. The
Fern Task chair by Haworth Design Studio, is a great option for a sleek and stylish chair that
supports your work life. This chair provides total back support and adjusts to
your every move.
Desks:
Your desk should provide ample space both above and below the
surface. Ergonomic studies have shown that prolonged seating can cause back problems,
as well as, leg disorders due to poor circulation. To counteract this a sit/stand
desks such as the Float by Humanscale should be considered. The Float
seamlessly adjusts between sitting and standing postures without interrupting workflow
or the use of power-sapping motors.
Our FREE E-guide breaks down all you need to know
about creating an Ergonomic work environment for your team.
3. Brand Identity
When designing your office space, it’s important to think about the
message you hope to convey to your team as well as external parties. Reflecting
your company’s culture and values within the workspace can make your team feel
appreciated and inspired by their environment. Consider incorporating bold colour
palettes; interesting design elements or casual zones where team members can
interact. Reflecting your brand identity within your workspace also intrigues
potential clients and employees.
- Quality
The right office furniture should go beyond aesthetic and comfort.
Choosing high quality materials and a reputable supplier, will secure your
investment and can save you thousands of dollars on furniture repairs and
replacements. Here’s what to look for:
- Drawers
should open to their full length and close easily while bearing weight.
- High
quality wooden drawers should be assembled with an interlocking construction
versus using staples or glue
- Laminate
is a great option for both an affordable and durable workstation. Quality
laminate surfaces are thick and made of high pressure laminate.
- The
corners and edge of the workstation should be neat and there should be no signs
of fraying or separation between adjoining pieces.
- Choose
a well-known supplier that has a proven track-record for providing high-quality
products.