Is it Time For An Office Makeover?

A lot has changed in the past few years with regards to office lifestyle. Ergonomic studies are always happening, policies are always being implemented, so the workplace is ever changing all the time. It's important to stay up to date on any ideas that could potentially impact your workplace, but how do you know when it's time to redo everything? Well, for starters, asking yourself these questions and then taking the necessary steps to improve your office is a great place to start!

Are You Dealing With Back Pain At Work? 

While this isn't exactly the newest problem on the list, it still remains one of the most common. Back pain and muscle aches at work can take a huge toll on business. Employees in pain have reduced overall health, impaired activity, reduced productivity and efficiency, and often, a sour mood. If you or your employees are still suffering from back pain, perhaps it's time for an office makeover. There have been some truly astounding advances in the field of ergonomic study, and adding affordable ergonomic office chairs for computer users is the perfect way to chase the pain away. Almost all ergonomic office chairs are designed first and foremost to alleviate back pain as it's the most common office ailment. However, a new ergonomic chair may bring a host of bonus benefits like comfortable seating, reduced joint pain, better circulation, and a super affordable solution to many office problems!

Is Your Office Cluttered?

It's never a bad idea to examine behavior on this one before heading off to the furniture store. Cluttered offices can be just as much as result of habit as of not having the right storage space. However, if the latter is your problem, it might be time for an office makeover. Storage space is the key to maintaining an organized office environment. Even adding a few bookcases or small office cabinets for storage can have a huge impact on the efficiency and productivity of an office when everything is in it's place. In addition, making sure everyone takes a minute to wipe down their work area with disinfectant at the end of the day can drastically reduce the spread of germs. Combined, all of these things work together to produce a clean, healthy environment for employees and guests. Probably lemon-scented too!

How Old Is Your Current Desk?

The best part about switching an office desk is that it really only needs to be done every five to seven years. That leaves plenty of time for functional use and loads of time to regain your money's worth if you purchased brand new. However, as cool as a desk from the stone age may be, if you're using one, it may be time for an office makeover. The biggest hindrance to most people's buying office desks is definitely the price, and while desks can get expensive, we're here to tell you it's likely not as pocket gouging as you may think. There are plenty of discount modern computer desks for sale out there at reasonable prices if you're brave enough to look for them. Many computer desks by Flash Furniture and similar brands are some of the most affordable options you'll find anywhere. If you're straining to get work done at a desk that hasn't been upgraded since the '40s, it never hurts to save up in case you see a desk you like.

Is Your Furniture Layout Functional?

This problem may be a bit harder to recognize and solve than the others, but you've come to the right place! You may have the best guest furniture on the planet, but an inefficient layout can deeply hamper effectiveness and efficiency in the office. If this sounds like you, it's definitely time for an office makeover (or at least, some rearranging). In the work area, ergonomic workstations with modular design can have a huge impact on the way an office functions. Modular ergonomic design focuses on keeping everything at arm's reach for the user, so it limits the need to travel around the office for essentials, improving productivity and efficiency drastically. In the guest area, layout has a big impact on the way the business is perceived. Organizing the chairs in groups around a the room's perimeter or around stylish coffee tables for office use is both the most common and the most efficient layout. Just make sure the chairs don't block view of the entryway or the receptionist as it sets a bad impression.

Does Your Office Decor Match Your Style? 

Without a doubt the most fun question on our list for obvious reasons. If your decor doesn't match the theme of your office, it's definitely time for a makeover. It makes sense. It's hard to set an example of adult professionalism when white collar business executives are having to squeeze in colorful pediatric chairs designed for kids. If you want your business to exude polished modern style, bright primary colors and flashy plastic stars hanging from the ceiling probably isn't the way to go. When making over your office, decide the nature of your business and decorate from there. If you're aiming to impress executives, chrome, glass, and dark wood furniture with neutral or gray tones is an excellent decor style. If your main goal is to promote the business as much as possible, going with company colors is a great idea, as long as they don't clash too much. Never be afraid to try a new look, but seek the advice of interior designers and decorating professionals before implementing it, and always aim for a memorable look that shows the individuality of your business!

Read more »

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing a New Office Desk

Adding a stylish new office desk to any room can be a fun experience. Choosing the finish and the colors on the chair to match the room, and deciding where the desk could go gives many people the opportunity to use their creative side by playing interior designer. Unfortunately, while office decorating can be tons of fun, often the biggest mistake people can make is not hiring a professional to choose and install their desks. Amateurs often have a tendency to make the mistakes that people like interior designers have had drilled out of them through years and years of practice and repetition, but you don't have to fall victim too. Here are some helpful mistakes to avoid when purchasing a new office desk!

Don't Forget to Measure

Perhaps the biggest mistake any decorator can make is forgetting to measure. Inaccurate measurements can be disastrous letdowns, since most people typically don't find out their measurements were off until after their office desk arrives and is painstakingly assembled. The best way to avoid this is through careful reading of desk features and measurements. Once you've decided where to put your office desk, either in a home or business environment, use a tape measure or an electronic measuring tool to take account of the length of each wall that the desk could potentially touch. Never, ever forget to take into account how power outlets, doors, and windows function in the space so that you're aware of how the new piece of furniture may effect the room. Its never a bad idea to measure and sketch out the entire room on a piece of graph paper, making notes of where all the other furniture, doors, windows, and power outlets are and marking them to scale. Finally, read through all of the measurements of the desk you want to buy, including the measurements of its drawers and other extendable features. On another piece of graph paper, draw the desk to the same scale you used for the bedroom, then cut it out and see if it will fit in the space you want. Don't forget to leave a bit of extra space for yourself and the office chair.

Take Advantage of Deals

It's no secret that office desks can get expensive. Many executive desks for home and business use can easily exceed two-thousand dollars if you aren't careful. However, there are plenty of office desks at affordable prices available if you look for them in the right places, and looking in the right places begins by looking for coupons. Any office furniture retailer that cares about its customers will always have coupons floating around or sales going on, particularly on holidays. Never pay full price when you don't have to. Instead, wait around until for a holiday before you hit the internet to look for coupons and sales. While the best times to shop for office desks are usually around the bigger holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the big December days, it's still possible to find a few good sales and coupons on Mother's Day, Father's Day, Veteran's Day, and the Fourth of July. With all the deals going on, there's no excuse for mission out on all the goods when shopping for new office desks!

Don't Pay for Shipping

Don't ever pay for shipping when shopping for a new office desk. Even if the prices look lower on some websites, if it doesn't say "free shipping," know that you will definitely pay more than the difference if you buy from them. Most office furniture sites carry furniture from all the reputable names. Choosing affordable office furniture from top brands like Mayline, Cherryman Industries, or Global Total Office will ensure that your office desk is of the highest quality, since these some of the best office desk manufacturers out there today. Just the same, you should never have to pay the manufacturer's list price when buying quality furniture for office use. As we've said, office furniture can get expensive. Be sure to shop around a bit before buying. If you find a desk that you just can't live without on one website, write down its product code, then open a new tab and search for it to see if another site offers a larger discount with free shipping included. Not only will you have your dream desk, but your smart shopping may also leave you with enough money to buy a matching office chair as well!

Read more »