Office Furniture and Design

Whether creating a new office space or revitalizing an existing one, it takes design knowledge and strategic planning to compose a successful work environment. Every detail from paint color to furniture selection can impact employee productivity and morale in companies across industries, and can even affect customer satisfaction. With thoughtful preparation and the right tools, an office design project can lead to increased efficiency and a higher level of customer comfort - producing a positive experience for all involved.

So, how do you make sure your design is "done right"? The following are five trends and considerations that have become increasingly popular - and successful - and can turn an outmoded office into one that's 21st-century savvy.

 

• The Marriage of Aesthetics and Functionality - Even now, it is a common practice for organizations to plan their office design around either aesthetics or functionality - but not both. The problem with this is twofold. An office that looks nice but is not functional could result in decreased efficiency and increased overhead costs. On the other hand, an office that is functional but not aesthetically pleasing could decrease employee morale and turn away customers. In the world of 21st century design, aesthetics and functionality are no longer mutually exclusive. Organizations now have a variety of furniture and design options - such as adjustable height tables that enable employees to work sitting or standing, monitor arms that permit the movement of previously-stationary objects and ergonomic chairs that include active and passive options to adapt to individuals' size and shape - that offer variety, flexibility and functionality while remaining fashion-forward and pleasing to the eye.

 

• Adopting an Eco-conscious Design - Sustainability continues to be a hot topic in the corporate world and beyond, and the demand for "green" products continues to grow. Perhaps the most common example of this trend is organizations replacing traditional fluorescent bulbs with low-wattage LED lighting. However, for companies looking to design an eco-friendly environment, there are even more options available today than ever before. Many furniture and design providers now offer eco-friendly fabrics, product lines and office panel systems made from recyclable and renewable materials. In particular, products with GREENGUARD and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications improve indoor air quality and promote healthier work and living environments. Using these green products in office design not only helps protect the environment, but also often proves a cost-effective solution.

 

• Larger Collaboration and Teaming Areas - To combat rising real estate costs and economic downsizing due to the recession, organizations today are designing their offices to get maximum impact out of smaller spaces by including fewer private offices, taking down walls and adding more conference spaces that accommodate multiple work functions to their layout. This open-plan concept - while very different from traditional corporate office layouts - fosters collaboration among employees, increases flex space and allows companies to do more with less. Hotelling, the practice of including workstations in the office environment, is also increasing as the workforce becomes increasingly mobile.

 

• Personalizing Office Space - Whether or not we like to admit it, employees today are working longer hours than ever before. In any given work week, employees may even spend more time at the office than at home. To ease these long hours and brighten their "home away from home," many employers are bringing a bit of home to the office. Free-thinking lounge areas, coffee bars or designated outdoor spaces ease the long hours and dedication that today's workforce must possess to be effective. Many organizations have found that providing employees with these amenities within their work environment has enhanced their comfort level, reduced stress and increased productivity.

 

• Infection Control - It seems like nowadays, germs are spreading at an increased rate. Whether designing a doctor's office, a classroom or a corporate conference room, more organizations are using anti-microbial finishes and fabrics to decrease the spread of bacteria and, in some cases, kill bacteria completely. Many manufacturers offer wood and metal seating with this technology. Other fabric options include moisture barrier protection, gore finishes and cryptons for durability.

In Conclusion

While there are many ways to boost office productivity, morale and efficiency - from implementing technology solutions to teambuilding activities - evaluating the efficiency of office furniture and design also plays a critical role. Whether going for an office facelift or full-fledged makeover, the above considerations can help modernize and enhance a workspace. So take a seat - an ergonomic, aesthetic and infection-free one, that is - and get ready to discuss and implement new ways to improve your office environment.