Designing Productivity And Efficiency: How To Choose The Perfect Office Furniture

When was the last time you thought about what you get for your office?

A workplace is useless without its workers. But it’s almost impossible for them to use it if it’s not designed with them in mind. 

That’s why choosing the right office furniture must be prioritized by employers. Otherwise, the workforce’s productivity might tank as their well-being and satisfaction get affected.

Here are some tips on what you must consider before purchasing office furniture:

• Examine The Office

No two office spaces are exactly the same. Even if they were made with a single scheme, they could still differ in terms of dimensions and use. 

The bottom line is every office design and layout must be created to accommodate the workforce above all else. Whatever office furniture you procure must fit that goal.

Start by getting the measurements of the office down to every corner. Once you have them, use them as references while browsing furniture catalogs, like those at Freedman’s Office Furniture and similar retailers.

Ensure that each piece is categorized accordingly, from the office desks to the couches you plan to add to the lounge. Include an allowance in every space designated to a team member’s workspace so there’s no crowding.

• Make A List

After measuring, browsing, and sorting, you can move on to getting everything you need in the workplace.

But before that, use this moment to assess what your team members might need in each room. Deduce how many chairs or tables can accommodate them in the communal space while considering the layout. See how many shelves are needed to store office supplies, for example. List them all so it’s much easier to track.

Once you’re done, share the plans you drew up with the rest of management. Make sure every item aligns with the workers’ needs and preferences. After all, they’ll frequent the space the most, so you must secure their comfort and convenience.

• Maximize Functionality

Creating visually appealing work environments is worth the trouble of making a good impression on clients. 

But while using your office layout to set the atmosphere is great, getting fanciful furniture without support will only make your team members miserable. Plus, some of these pieces tend to occupy more space and cause crowding.

Instead of only focusing on aesthetics, consider how practical each piece of furniture is. For example, see if the desks have enough drawers and storage space for holding paperwork and other office supplies. You can also consider investing in adjustable tables for those who want to stand while they work.

• Go Ergonomic

While functionality is vital, so is comfort. Despite how ‘efficient’ some pieces are at doing their job, many are just not amenable to long-term use. Workers who spend most of their time with such furniture may experience health problems down the road, like chronic pain.

Try out the pieces of furniture you’re eyeing before bringing them in, especially desks and chairs. Look into ergonomic designs; these are designed for long-term use. 

For example, ergonomic chairs offer adequate back and neck support for people who must sit in cubicles. Likewise, ergonomic desks are usually adjustable according to the team member’s height, preventing strain. Check if they work together to guarantee a comfortable time for employees.

• Stick With A Theme

Of course, satisfying the office’s aesthetic side doesn’t hurt. Most workers are unlikely to stay motivated if they’re left staring at blank walls or bland setups. 

Consider adding the office furniture’s design to the mix while you draw up plans. Ensure it suits the overall aesthetic you’re going for. Otherwise, each piece might stand out like a sore thumb.

• Watch Out For Deals

A higher price tag doesn’t always equate with high quality. Instead of focusing on how pricy the furniture is, consider looking at affordable furniture first before going up. Be thorough when examining each to see if you’ll get your money’s worth.

You should also be on the lookout for deals and discounts to invest in quality at a low price.

• Collect Feedback

Although you’ve worked on the formula for the ideal office layout, there’s always room for improvement.

Distribute surveys regularly to know how your team members are taking your office furniture choices. Get suggestions to know what additions or changes they’d like to see, be it different storage ideas or more furniture catered to people with disabilities.

Pay Attention To Your Picks

The workplace plays a huge role in everyone’s work performance. Without including user preferences, you’re bound to break the bank in finding the perfect office furniture.

By following these tips, you can find the perfect office furniture for your workplace. This will help your employees be more productive, creative, and engaged, which can lead to improved business results.

Kenneth

Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].