Many companies underestimate the importance of office furniture in getting a business up and running and reaching the ideal efficiency needed for growth. To be productive at work, comfort, ergonomic health and mood are all essential for employees’ performance and long-term health. An average employee spends at least 160 hours per month within the office space, 33% of his conscious time per month. Below are 5 things to consider when selecting your office furniture:
Functionality
Every company has its own functional departments. Does your company operate in a collaboration set up, where brainstorming and meetings are the main drivers of what the company serve? Does your company have to handle sensitive information that require employees to work in private set ups? Does your company have a clear-cut C-level and managerial DNA that require executive rooms and board/ conference rooms? The operational needs of your company determine the selection of your office furniture. Your organization should provide the right space for employees to shine, whether classic meeting tables for operational review, more casual meeting rooms for brainstorming, cool break-out areas to unwind of stressful operations, acoustic solutions for departments that need more controlled acoustics during the day, efficient workstations for employees who work in open spaces and managers rooms for more clear-cut C-level set ups.
The office furniture you select must also be flexible enough to accommodate the needs of each individual in your office. A good example is having desks and table solutions that can be adjusted in height so that employees can work productively while keeping correct posture. Similarly, adjustable arm, head, and backrests are extremely important features to consider in the office chairs you select. Employees’ preferences are different, so investing in furniture that can be customized to fit their needs will help keep everyone in the workplace comfortable and focused.
Brand aesthetics
Now is your chance to get creative, choosing furniture that reflects your brand aesthetics is a very important step to consider in your furniture selecting process. A brand’s aesthetic is the mood and style that demonstrates your brand’s personality. Brand aesthetics include the colors, shapes and creative messages that differentiates one company from the other. If your company’s brand color is apple green, don’t just use black branding. Ensure that you introduce the brand colors in various elements of the office space, such as the chairs, the set of drawers or the wall mount branding.
Also consider materials. Furniture made of wood has a more traditional vibe, while steel and glass furniture have a more modern and industrial look and feel. Choosing a consistent aesthetic for your desks, storage cabinets, seats, and other conspicuous aspects in your office can have a significant impact on your company’s success as having a visually appealing office might help you attract clients and keep great employees who represent your company’s DNA. Matching your office’s look and feel will be easier if you pay attention to the finishes and textiles used in your furniture. Every little detail in your office contributes to its overall aesthetic.
Brand persona
A brand persona is just a set of personality traits, attitudes, and values that allows your audience to recognize and connect with your company. Something that reflects your individuality, style and brand image should be considered when furnishing your office. Concentrate on choosing office furniture that reflects the company’s mission, don’t be hesitant to choose trendy or out-of-the-box products if you’re a bright firm that caters to a younger clientele. If you’re catering to an older or more suit-style audience, though, aim for more sophisticated, high-end pieces. Your office reveals a lot about who you are as a company to your customers. As a result, it’s critical to find something that can help you keep your brand’s image and reputation.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the study of how to build or arrange workplaces so that they are comfortable for employees who use them. You should get ergonomic and comfortable furnishings for your office as your health, as well as the health of your staff, highly depend on it.
Every item of workplace furniture you select should take ergonomics into consideration, as ergonomics can highly affect your employees’ productivity, health, and satisfaction in a variety of ways. From footrests to adjustable monitor arms to chairs that correctly support their lower backs, Ergonomic furniture adds value to a company in a variety of ways. Employees who are healthy and comfortable are happier, more engaged, more productive than those who are distracted by a poorly constructed workplace or suffer from chronic discomfort. Choosing the right ergonomic set ups also sends one very important message to your employees: We care for you.
Aftercare
Once your furniture is delivered and installed, you want to make sure that the pieces you purchase are backed by a reputable company because office furniture is a significant investment. Make sure to invest in aftercare services that guarantee if you were to face an issue with your office furniture, you’ll be able to get it fixed promptly and affordably. Because after all, no company wants to compromise an uninterrupted business operation.