Spending well over 8-hours a day sitting on an uncomfortable chair staring at a computer on a small, cluttered desk can considerably affect one’s productivity. Since the office is a place where most of us spend a considerable amount of time 5 or 6 days a week, it is advisable that you make it as conducive and comfortable as possible.
When employees are comfortable and relaxed, their productivity and morale will automatically increase. And choosing and using the right office furniture will play a major role in ensuring that the office environment is favorable for both you and your workers.
If you are just opening up an office or it is time to replace the old furniture in your current one, getting the correct furniture should be your top priority. Creating a functional workspace will inspire higher levels of productivity, which is crucial to how your business functions. With that being said, here is a look at some of the most important aspects to consider when selecting office furniture.
Cost
Every single penny counts when buying or replacing office items. You have to make sure that the items you get are within budget to avoid spending on unnecessary things. With that being said, it is advisable that you, first of all, consider how much money you are willing to spend on acquiring the new furniture, the kind and quality of furniture you want, and the quantity you want to buy. Having a budget and a list of items you want will make it easier for you to get everything you want without overspending or compromising on quality.
Usage
Another thing to consider is how the furniture will be used. Your profession should be a determining factor when it comes to this because you want furniture that suits the nature of work your business handles.
Paperwork: For professions that handle a lot of paperwork, the two main things to consider are ample storage and tabletop surface area. As such, you want furniture that offers users sufficient space to layout or store the files, books, spreadsheets and the different materials they use on a daily basis.
Computer Work: If your employees work a lot on computers, then consider going for furniture designed specifically for computer use like desks with electrical connection channels or wiring holes that keep all the cords away from sight and the user and ergonomic chairs for improved comfort.
Both Computer and Paper Work: If your business handles a lot of paperwork and computer tasks, then U or L-shaped desks are the most convenient.
Comfort
Comfort is crucial for workers since they spend a majority of their daytime in the workplace. The wrong furniture may have an impact on people and is probably why most workers feel exhausted after a long day at work and could negatively influence their health over time. You can help mitigate some of the health risks that could affect your team like lower back pain, fatigue, muscle tension and carpal tunnel syndrome by getting them the right office furniture.
Chairs: For people who spend a majority of their time seated, consider getting ergonomic chairs that support the back’s natural curve at all times.
Desk: Go for Desk View standing desk which provides ample space above and below the surface. Alternatively, if you are a more open-minded business that doesn’t mind how employees work as long as they deliver, consider going for a sit-stand desk as they promote proper circulation.
Brand Identity
When getting new office furniture for your office or startup, take the time to consider the message that you want the furniture to convey to both your employees and external parties. Reflecting your business’ values and culture within the workspace can leave your team feeling appreciated and motivated by their environment. Therefore, do everything you can to go for options that reflect on you well. If possible, go for furniture that you can have branded to compliment your business. Alternatively, you can opt to buy furniture with color palettes that merge well with your brand or identity.
Quality
When choosing office furniture, go for options that go beyond just providing comfort and aesthetics. Buying high-quality materials/items from a reputable supplier will allow you to secure the kind of assets you want and may keep you from spending thousands of dollars on replacements or repairs in the near future. Therefore, take the time to consider the quality of the different furniture you want to get to see if they are up to par.
Size
It makes sense to invest in furniture that is proportionate to the size of your office space. Bringing bulky desks and drawers will consume huge chunks of precious office space, leaving the space looking cramped and will make it hard for people to move about freely. It is, therefore, advisable that you, first of all, consider your office’s dimensions then work out ways you can maximize it.
Once you’ve known the amount of space you have to work with, make sure that you consider the sizes of the different furniture you purchase to make sure that you get items that will fit in your space snugly. Arrange your furniture in a way that will help make your workspace look spacious. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you get the right furniture for your office and to ensure that you leave enough room for your employees to comfortably go about their business.
Truth be told, the search for the right office furniture for use in your business isn’t a walk in the park. Nevertheless, it is something that you must do for the wellbeing of your employees and business at large. The great thing is that there are many office furniture and equipment suppliers out there offering quality products and solutions. Just take the time to do some research, and you should be able to find a supplier that you can work with.
While you could get the different furniture, you need from different suppliers, it is advisable that you consider getting everything from a single supplier, if they have everything you need. That way, it will be easier to source everything you need, and it also increases your chances of enjoying some great deals and discounts.
Well, that’s all for now. Just consider the tips mentioned above when selecting office furniture and you shouldn’t have that hard a time finding the right items for your workspace. All the best!