Resources for Office Furniture

When it comes to setting up an office, you’ll want everything to be as you envisioned: perfect. And, according to MakeYourBuildingsWork.com, “Comfortable, well-ventilated and well-lit, safe workplaces increase productivity as much as 16 percent and job satisfaction as much as 24% while reducing absenteeism.”

But before you go design-crazy, you need to know the office furniture basics that will help you balance style and function. While this can be overwhelming when you start to think about price and options, consider some of our tips.

Furniture Factors to Consider

Office furniture can have a very subtle effect on the overall tone of your business. Though it might not be the face of your company to customers, the atmosphere will still affect your employees and potential business partners who come visit your office space.

• What kind of tone do you want to set? Certain colors and hues project different moods into the office. For instance blues and greens are calming whereas yellows and oranges are energetic.

• How important is image in your office? Purchasing high-end office furniture can make your space seem more impressive and professional, whereas basic office furniture often provides the same functions.

• How comfortable should it be? Remember that people will be using the furniture. Make sure you can provide your employees with comfortable spaces to eat, take breaks, and work in order to promote productivity. According to Business Insider, 1 in 3 people say they’d be friendlier in the office if they had ergonomic chairs.

• Will it fit?  Just like you wouldn’t want to clutter a small space with a lot of furniture, you also don’t want to leave your office so bare that there is nowhere to sit. As with everything- be sure to find a balance.

Furnishing Reception and Conference Areas

If clients will be visiting your office, it is important that you make a good first impression by furnishing your reception area in a professional and pleasant manner. Even if you don’t have a separate waiting room, be sure you have some sort of seating by the reception desk so that potential employees or visitors will have a place to sit.

Conference or meeting rooms are essential spaces in any workplace. They provide employees space to hold meetings, demonstrations, or give talks without distracting other employees in the office. Be sure your meeting room has adequate table space and chairs to accommodate different departments, and consider an oval-shaped table that promotes a sense of inclusion.

Be sure to take a look at our vendors for lecturns, if you often host medium to large conferences or meetings in your office. 

Creating the Employee Workspace

One of the most important functions of office furniture is keeping your employees comfortable while at work. Don’t cut corners when it comes to the comfort of your employees, as you could be putting their productivity and their health at risk.

• Since many employees will be spending 8 hours of more in their chair, be sure your office chairs provide proper lumbar spine support and arm rests. Chairs should also be able to adjust up and down and incline backward and forward.

• When choosing chairs and desks for your employees, make sure they are all cohesive. Having mix-matched desks and chairs takes away from the professional demeanor you should be looking to display to both customers and your employees.

• Be sure employee work-atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Try not to shut your employees into tight cubicles that they might find claustrophobic. Allow them to customize their workspace, or consider placing plants around the office.

Your choice in office furniture may have more of an effect on your business productivity than you think. Be sure to do some brainstorming about the tone you wish to create in your office, and shop around to get the best price without compromising quality.

If you're looking for office furniture, you may also want to consider office supplies and cubicles.