Optimizing Workstations for Productivity

Ah, the cubicle, the home away from home. If you want the best from your staff, do your part in ensuring they have a workstation that nurtures productivity. Consider the following aspects of your office and evaluate how the setup you’ve provided measures up.

FLEXIBLE FURNITURE

We know sitting for several hours a day, every day, for years and years, just isn’t healthy. By providing sit-stand desks, adjustable monitor arms, optional footrests and ergonomic chairs with armrests, you can help tailor every workstation to every person. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all here, so many sure everyone has what they need. Try hiring an ergonomist to run through the office and make sure everyone has the tools to take care of their body.

 

NOISE LEVELS

We’ve all had to work near a Chatty Cathy and a Talkative Tom, and sometimes their stories are all you can think about! Use noise reducing panels on workstations, desks, walls, even flooring to help everyone focus.

CLIMATE CONTROL

Different bodies run at different temperatures, and few things are as distracting as being too hot or too cold. Most people don’t want to impose on others by changing the temperature of the whole office. Make sure to have enough desk fans and space heaters on-hand so everyone can make themselves comfortable. Above all, don’t forget to regularly check in and see how everyone feels about the thermostat.

 

QUALITY

Don’t let your office fall into disrepair. Putting off replacing worn out chairs and chipped desks is a recipe for reduced morale. Your staff works hard for you, you owe it to them to have quality furnishings.

LIGHTING

Poor lighting leads to headaches, tension, eye strain, lack of focus, drowsiness and stress; not exactly helpful for productivity. If you’ve got windows, make sure the light they provide is accessible. Ensure your office has ambient lighting, overhead lighting and task lighting. Instead of fluorescent, opt for bright white or blue-enriched LEDs which increase alertness, performance and sleep quality.

PLANTS

While the visual aspect makes an office appealing, plants do much more than look nice. Noise absorption, air cleaning and stress reduction are just a few benefits having plants in the workplace can bring. Be sure to consider plants that will do well in an office; there are many which require less light, less water, and are hypoallergenic. Nature makes people feel good, so incorporate some into your workplace.

Furniture Talks – What’s It Saying About Your Brand?

Peek & Boo by Boss Design

What’s the first thing you notice about any new person you meet? For most people, it’s the clothes they’re wearing. The same could be said about your business and brand. The first thing anyone notices — employees and clients alike — is the statement your office furnishings are making about your brand.

Though we’re taught not to judge people by their looks, your office’s appearance can make or break the perception of your company. From the moment your employees enter the doors of your business, they can be inspired to reach new heights of creativity and productivity — or they can resign themselves to yet another ho-hum day at the office.

Potential and current clients undergo a similar transformation when entering your lobby. First impressions matter, so you want your culture and brand to come through in every aspect of the business. If you fail to communicate your intentions from the first second clients approach your building, you could very likely lose their business no matter how superior your services are.

Make a Statement That Matches Your Business and Your Brand

Bloom by RoomB

Successful businesses know who they are, and how to communicate that identity. Core beliefs should guide a design that makes sure to reflect your company’s culture. Creating a sense of collaboration and well-being makes your employees feel appreciated and valued. Collaborative spaces show clients that your team works well with others, is engaged, and gets things done. Chic, quiet spaces show clients you’re ready to focus on their needs. Bright colors and inviting furniture show staff that work should be pleasant and interesting. Think about what message you want people to receive when they enter your work-space.

While the layout of your business will differ depending on it’s culture, every company — from tech start-ups to established businesses — can benefit from the right statement pieces. Creative businesses can utilize modern, unique and inspiring furniture, while a traditional firm full of cubicles might include a few signature statement pieces to project their company culture.

There is no cookie cutter solution when it comes to choosing office furnishings that project the right image of your business. There are as many styles as there are people. Starting with your unique culture, and making sure your statement pieces reflect it, ensures that your business stands out from your competition while still remaining true to all that is important.

 

 

At Rose City Office Furnishings, our team designs and furnishes offices that reflect your company’s brand and culture. Working closely with our Portland clients, we make sure to create a space both your employees and clients will love. Send a message or give us a call at (503) 285-8100

 

Approaching a New Office Space

 

Making the Move

 

Finding and moving to a new office space can be an exciting process, as it typically means the company is growing with proven success in their ventures. Unfortunately, having to move can also mean extra work for the employees, as they have to maintain their primary roles in the company while working with the process of the move. An office moving company from Portland, OR can help relieve the burden and stress, making the move much more efficient.

Decorating and Design

There are as many ways to decorate office space as there are offices. Typically, the employer provides the furniture and sets parameters as to what appropriate customization each employee can contribute to their individual work space. There are different approaches as to providing private offices, cubicles, or open work spaces with individual desks. A move is the perfect time to determine which style will work best toward a company’s needs, and usually results in the need to buy new furniture, art, and decorations and store older items which might be needed in the future but not immediately.

Moving and Storage

The fact is, you can’t really expect office employees to conduct the move themselves. You need to hire a company that specializes in office moving and understands how to move computers and other office equipment. You’ll likely need storage space, whether you plan to sell the old furniture or reuse it at a later date with more company expansion. It is ideal to find a company who can take care of such needs and additionally offers equipment for sale. Working with one service provider instead of three makes a potentially difficult project much easier. With an experienced mover, you’ll keep employee downtime to a minimum and have your new office up and running as quickly as possible.