Your office environment can be the difference between retaining and losing key employees. So what can you do to promote an office atmosphere that boosts morale? You can start by thinking about furniture. Not as an accessory to your office, but as an important tool in maintaining productivity and wellbeing. Here are some important things to consider when purchasing office furniture that will work to instill vitality into your workplace.
Employee Wellbeing
The holistic health of work environment is a critical consideration in the design and development of the modern office. Workplace health and wellbeing is complicated and multi-faceted, being impacted by colors and decoration, comfort, and even air quality. When selecting office furniture you shouldn’t have to make compromises that hurt the health of your office. In recent years it has become very attainable to find comfortable furniture that doesn’t hurt air quality, is eco-friendly, and maintains a modern design.
Ergonomics
There are few things that have as much impact on your office as ergonomics. By adding properly adjustable chairs and office furniture, you are making a commitment to the long term health of your workers. Ergonomic furniture is an investment that always pays off by reducing stress-induced injuries.
Adjustability is key in insuring ergonomics. A great way to promote this is by offering high adjustable desks, allowing you to set your desk to the height that works best for you or even converting it to a standing desk.
Check out our article to learn more about good ergonomics in the office.
Technology
The modern office requires seamless integration with technology, and you furniture should reflect this. Things like space for outlets, adjustability, and room to place full-sized monitors are essential. When selecting desks always make sure you are considering the technology that will be used there and make sure you have plenty of room.
High-quality office furniture should be positioned to augment access to technology and evolve with your needs. Further, most trend-savvy workspaces are including pods, break rooms, phone rooms, lofts, and lounges integrated with the most health and comfort-conscious technology.
Flexibility
Workspaces are always changing to the needs of the workers. Different workers thrive in different office setups, making it important to choose office desks and environments with the shifting priorities of a flexible workspace in mind.
For example, many workers are opting to work from home or work in the office part-time, and office desks and office furniture should adapt to this fluid workforce. Workstations instead of assigned desks work very well for fluid workforces, giving people flexible work areas to match their needs.
Authenticity
Taking a cue in innovations in ergonomics, health, and technology is critical. Yet, this needs to be coupled with authenticity and purpose. How does your workspace reflect the unique mission and personality of your organization?
Google is famous for its collection of common spaces and pods. You don’t have to be as imaginative as Google to know that leveraging your brand and creating broad spaces that expand the mind and consciousness are critical to productivity.
Your office style should reflect the personality and culture you want your office to have. Bland office spaces lead to bland culture, so plan ahead and make it your own!
Creating the ultimate office culture starts with the furniture, amenities, and décor you choose, and then bleeds into the core of unified, healthy, and vital workspace. Making the decision to promote longevity for your workers- physical and mental- is the critical step to promoting career longevity within your corporation. How will you create a workplace that propels a thriving community forward?