Which Type of Furniture is Most Desirable for a Productive Office Environment?
The right office furniture isn’t just pleasing to the eye, it can make the difference between productivity and procrastination, satisfied staff or those hampered by aches and pains. Think about where you’re reading this paragraph. Is your chair comfortable? How does your back feel? If you’ve ever tried to work in an uncomfortable chair or desk that didn’t fit your needs, you already understand how big a role furniture can play in the success of an office.
Beyond Aesthetics: Office Furniture Functionality Matters
Although many people understand the utility of office furniture, few of us fully grasp the full extent of its impact. For instance, not only does proper office furniture provide a setting for work to get done more effectively, but it also provides additional support which helps maintain the energy of your staff and their levels of satisfaction. Whether consciously or subconsciously, staff will feel more valued in a setting that enhances their office experience.
The furniture you choose sends a subtle message on your brand’s standing within your industry. Finally, the importance of supporting employee health and wellness cannot be ignored. Innovative ergonomic designs proactively help support preventative measures to minimize the risk of repetitive stress conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tech neck.
The Essential Qualities of Great Office Furniture
It’s easy to understand how important high-quality office furniture is. But what are the key qualities to look for when choosing good, versatile office pieces? We have some key qualities to look for:
- Ergonomics: Make sure chairs are adjustable chairs, desks can be moved to the proper heights, pieces offer lumbar support.
Storage Capabilities: Great office furniture offers storage spaces that help keep workspaces organized and free of distracting clutter.
Supports Collaboration: Furniture that facilitates teamwork and brainstorming are always necessary.
Versatility and Adaptability: Look for pieces which can accommodate your business’s changing needs and work styles.
- Aesthetics and Ambiance: While functionality needs to always be a top priority, don’t overlook the power of style to promote a positive and inspiring work environment.
An Eye Toward Style and Durability
When selecting the pieces that will provide the best long-term investment, it’s important to balance timely trends with durability and a future-focused perspective. No one wants to invest significant resources in a decor that looks dated next year. That’s why it’s better to focus on classic pieces which have already stood the test of time, rather than dive too deep into fleeting fads. Choosing the correct materials can go a long way to ensuring longevity, both in terms of style and sustainability. Here are some suggestions:
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- Sustainable Materials: Bamboo, recycled plastic, and certified wood make an eco-friendly statement. They are also all incredibly durable.
Mesh Fabrics: Breathable and comfortable for chairs, promoting good posture and air circulation. Consider these for comfort, but remember they may require replacement in a few years with heavy use.
Laminates and Quartz Countertops: Opt for durable, easy-to-clean surfaces for desks and workstations. These natural materials typically have a classic look that never goes out of style.
High-Quality Metals: Stainless steel and powder-coated finishes offer a sleek and modern look. While gold metal might be trending at the moment, be cautious about diving too deep into flashy metal finishes which may look dated quickly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Office Furniture
As office workspace designers, we’re often called in to correct mistakes that have occurred when office managers attempt to DIY the process themselves. Having witnessed these missteps, we’re happy to share some of the most common steps to avoid when choosing your office furniture.
- Focusing too much on price: Just like any major investment, you’ll get what you pay for when it comes to office furniture. But similarly to cars and other significant purchases, a large price tag doesn’t guarantee the biggest return. That’s why it’s important to have someone Invest in quality furniture for long-term durability and employee well-being.
- Keeping worn and outdated furniture past its expiration date: Office furniture that shows visible signs of wear can send a message to clients and employees that the business doesn’t care, isn’t growing, and isn’t sustaining a polished image. Those are all messages you’ll want to avoid, so it’s important to factor in the lifespan of office furniture so you can plan to replace it in a predictable schedule every so often.
Not keeping up with workplace changes: Have you ever worked in an office with unused filing cabinets, outdated technology that collects dust, or other pieces that no one ever uses? It’s important from time to time to do an audit of your workspaces to see what isn’t useful and what needs to be replaced. You may free up space for more useful items in the process.
The Best Office Furniture Fits Your Company Culture
When it comes to workspace furniture, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it’s a more customized process which requires a deeper understanding of how your employees work, what your brand stands for, and what goals you’re trying to achieve in the workspaces. With this knowledge, you’ll have a better vision for what style of furniture would work best.
Does your office have an open-concept plan or is it mostly private offices? Does your team meet for collaborative brainstorming in free-flowing gatherings or are they primarily all working independently? Answering these questions will guide much of your decision-making and better support the needs of your team.
Trust the Pros at Everyday Office Interiors to Choose the Best Office Furniture for Your Needs
If this all sounds overwhelming, particularly when you take a look at the nearly limitless options available in office furniture, there is a better way to shop. Extra Office Interiors has the experience and interior design know-how to bring the many essential workspace elements together to create a cohesive look that uniquely supports your needs. And the best part of this process is that it saves you the time and stress of shopping and selecting items. No one wants to purchase office furniture only to find out they made an enormous mistake. Such a wrong turn can majorly impact productivity and set back business growth.
From lighting and flooring to office chairs and desks, there are many decisions to be made when choosing new office furniture. We’ll help you take the guesswork out so your office looks unforgettable and operates at peak performance level. If your business is located in New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania, reach out to get the process started today.