Reap the Benefits of Remote Work and Corporate Office Settings

Remote work can gradually impair your well-being, say proponents of working full-time in the office. Working from a home office or other remote location eliminates a work-life balance.  But there may be benefits of remote work.

Those who support working at home say it’s not much different from working in a corporate office setting. Both can have quality furnishings that create a supportive environment.

Plus, one of the advantages of working remotely is not having a tough commute. Look at how many freeways in greater Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire make commuting a nail-biting endeavor.

Let’s take a look and see how to make both remote settings and in-office staffing work in your company’s favor.

What is Work-Life Balance?

Companies and consultants have touted finding a balance between one’s professional life and personal life for decades. But is a 50-50 solution realistic? If quarterly goals are looming, then work becomes the priority. If children are sick or struggling in school, then home life takes precedence.

Then there are elderly parents needing help … or pets … or the district manager making demands of employees.

What about those workers who don’t have children or spouses? What are their work-life balance needs? The pendulum is constantly in motion, swinging one way and then the other.

Let’s get a grasp on understanding work-life balance.

A work-life balance is more about having flexibility than dividing hours equally, says Chris Chancey, career expert and CEO of Amplio Recruiting in an article for Business News Daily, “How to Improve Your Work-Life Balance Daily.”

So, the solution may be more on making flexible environments where employees feel like they have a choice or comfortable options than saying working in the office or working remotely is better.  Because in truth, there benefits of remote work as well as in the corporate office.

Similar Challenges Between Remote Work and Corporate Settings

Work-life balance is an ongoing cycle, and it’s something that “we must engage in continuously as our circumstances and priorities evolve” as described in the Harvard Business Review.

Isolation

Employees who are solo entrepreneurs and who only work remotely can feel isolated, and there’s plenty of evidence that loneliness becomes a strain, as described in a USA Today write-up titled “Work From Home Leaves Americans Feeling Lonely and Isolated.”

Zoom calls don’t provide needed socialization. People are social creatures and need community.

The USA Today article, though, was looking back on life after the Covid shutdowns and pointed out that 47 million people had resigned from their jobs. So, they became unattached and lonely.

Working remotely may not feel too lonely if you’re connected to a company and you know you’re contributing to their success.

Plus, is being social always a good thing?

Socialization

Camaraderie is a benefit of being in the corporate office and tackling challenges. Coming up with solutions in a team effort leads to a sense of taking part in a victory. But people also clash, don’t they? Certain personalities can turn a productive office setting into a place to be avoided.

Too much socialization can drive a wedge between colleagues. Instead of collaboration, people will seek more personal space and privacy. That’s why the open office floor plan has become sectioned off with stylish workstations and modular lounge furniture.

If employees are totally immersed in conversations and intense working relationships at the office, do they get downtime at home? They might not, depending on the ages and needs of children and spouses.

Let’s look at ways to offer the flexibility they need.

Equipping Both Remote and Corporate Settings


Photo: OFS Yelly Chairs

Design an office environment that’s pleasant and has a unifying theme. Get ideas from the 2010 Office Furniture Inspirations page. You can see how to equip your staff that’s either full-time in the office or working remotely the majority of the time.


Photo: 9 to 5 Seating Core Chair

Provide desirable basics like ergonomic chairs, comfortable workstations that are lit well and breakrooms with an array of beverages.


Photo: OFS Heya Desk 

Support benefits for remote work by providing workers home office equipment that infuses them with a professional attitude in a personal setting.


Photo: Snowbound Pli Divider Panels

A home office may need accessories like the PLI Snowsound Divider Panels or the Loftwell Split Space Divider.


Photo: Loftwall Split Space Divider

Encourage a Flexible Lifestyle that Benefits Remote Work and Corporate Offices

Both structure and flexibility are needed for our well-being, literally, and in a scheduling capacity.

Sitting in one position for long periods of time will ultimately stress the body and can hurt our lower back and joints. Stretching every hour or so and getting up to walk briefly is necessary. The movement also keeps the blood circulating.

You need to know the personalities of your employees.

Some people want to work in one place and not move unless they’re taking a brief break. That’s how they get into a productive flow.

You can encourage others to move from their desks to another setting if that helps them. Provide lounge areas or a breakroom where people can take their laptops.


Photo: ERG International Hetfield Table

At a remote office, like home, employees may find it easy to move around, or move from their home and drive to a coffee shop and then back again, depending on the type of work they’re engaged in.

Ultimately, remind your employees that it’s their responsibility to accomplish their tasks and that where they’re working is meant to support them. If personal needs arise, try to work with them as much as possible while maintaining the structure needed to keep corporate goals on track.

Turn to the Experts

Get input on planning your office space. Find the right furnishing to reap the benefits of remote work offices as well as corporate. The team at 2010 Office Furniture has more than 50 years of experience advising clients who are Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, nonprofits, and small businesses.

Contact 2010 Office Furniture with your questions.

Read Also: Essentials for the Corporate and Home Office Spaces
Main Photo: SitOnIt Switchback Desk
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: 9 to 5 Seating, ERG International, Loftwall, OFS, SitOnIt, Snowsound 

Indulge with Pantone 2025 Color of the Year Mocha Mousse

2025 Color of the Year Darran Mocha Mousse Fion Lounge Chairs

It’s that time of the year again!…to announce the 2025 Color of the the Year.

With the end of 2024 approaching, the Pantone Color of the Year program meets once again to bring the design community and color enthusiasts together in a discussion about the relationship between color and culture. At the conclusion of this conversation, Pantone selects a color that captures the ambience and expectations of the new year—the Color of the Year.

Pantone Color Institute has declared PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse the Color of the Year for 2025.

2025 Color of the Year Darran Mocha Mousse OFS Fleet Tables and Stools
Photo: OFS Fleet Tables and Stools

A Little Background

Before diving into why the 2025 Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse, a little more background on the selection process is needed.

Pantone Color of the Year originally started off as an educational program with the purpose of drawing attention to how current events in global culture can be expressed through color. Nowadays, a global team of color experts at the Pantone Color Institute look all over the world for inspiration. This includes places like the entertainment and film industry, art collections, fashion, lifestyles, travel destinations and even socio-economic conditions. Inspiration doesn’t just come from the arts; new technologies can also influence the Color of the Year.

2025 Color of the Year Darran Mocha Mousse Darran Central Park Private Office
Photo: DARRAN Central Park Executive Private Office Suite

After much research and analysis on color trend forecasting, the global team come together and lend their different perspectives and weigh factors like color psychology and the mood of the global zeitgeist to identify the right color.

So Why Mocha Mousse?

Mocha Mousse, like all Color of the Years past, are deliberately named to tell a story.

Mocha Mousse is a warm brown hue that evokes the rich, satisfying qualities of chocolate and coffee. This color answers our desire for comfort. It is a gentle continuation of the 2024 Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, which conjured feelings of kindness and tenderness.

2025 Color of the Year Darran Mocha Mousse OFS Heya Workstations
Photo: OFS Heya Mobile Workstations

And while Mocha Mousse is similar to Peach Fuzz in its peacefulness, this new shade represents a shift towards quiet luxury and sensorial richness. In Pantone’s Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman’s words, “…Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence… [and] extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.” The message Pantone hopes to convey is to enjoy the little things—to treat yourself to small indulgences that bring an overall sense of comfort and make the world seem softer and lighter. 

2025 Color of the Year Darran Mocha Mousse Global Corby Wood Storage
Photo: Global Corby Wood Storage Collection

How Are Industries Using 2025 Color of the Year Mocha Mousse?

We are already seeings signs of brands utilizing the new color of the year.

Motorola, a long time Pantone partner, showcased Mocha Mousse with their latest line of phones.

2025 Color of the Year Darran Mocha Mousse Global Collaborative Workspaces
Photo: Global Collaborative Spaces Meeting & Media Table

The beauty industry is forecasting a subtle, elegant Mocha Mousse trend. Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year is popping up in fashion in the form of Mocha Mousse hair, earthy brown lips, blush and more.

Renowned fashion houses like Bottega, Loewe and Tory Burch are embracing Mocha Mousse by incorporating it into everyday wear.

2025 Color of the Year Darran Mocha Mousse OFS Ramble Workstations and Riggs Dividers
Photo: OFS Ramble Mobile Workstations & Riggs Work-surface Dividers

Mocha Mousse in Interior Design

Mocha Mousse is endlessly adaptable to any occasion and situation.

Interior designers have been loving brown lately, and the 2025 Color of the Year fits right in with the latest trends. When used on walls, Mocha Mousse transforms the space into a warm and inviting open area. The mellow hue creates a sense of intimacy and gives an organic feel because of its earthy tone, echoing our commitment to eco-conscious practices.

2025 Color of the Year Darran Mocha Mousse OFS Blush Seating
Photo: OFS Blush Lounge Soft Seating

If you don’t want it to take center stage, this color can be incorporated in accents such as sofas, throw pillows, rugs, ceramics and more. 

2025 Color of the Year Darran Mocha Mousse Darran Nomi Poufs
Photo: DARRAN Nomi Poufs

As noted by Pantone, Mocha Mousse has diverse applications, capable of being used alone or as a versatile foundation. Because of this, they recommend pairing Mocha Mousse with bright white for a modern look and natural feel. If white is too stark, Pantone created five unique color palettes that harmonize with the 2025 Color of the Year. Each have their own distinct feeling and mood, making customization a breeze.

2025 Color of the Year Darran Mocha Mousse Darran Tea Liaison Tables and Seating
Photo: DARRAN Teo Liaison Tables & Seating

A New Era of Decadence

Remember: the message of this year’s color is to convey a move towards comfort and warmth, and this resonates in emerging design trends. Inspired by “little treat” culture, the Pantone 2025 Color of the Year encapsulates the global desire for contentment and connection. Unlike the other vibrant or deep colors chosen by other companies as color of the year, Mocha Mousse stands out because it bridges the gap between trends and timelessness with its rich, earthy hue. Indulge in the things that make you happy—this year is all about the simple pleasures.

 

Read Also: Life’s a Peach!…With Pantone 2024 Color of the Year
Main Photo: DARRAN Fion Wingback Lounge Chairs
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: DARRAN, Global & OFS

Office Acoustics: How to Soundproof Your Workspace

Office Acoustics Snowsound Baffle Ceiling Acoustic Panels

The challenge of office acoustics is something architects, interior designers and space planners and have been wrestling with since the office became a central place for work. What are office acoustics?  Office acoustics refer to the way sound behaves in the work environment, ranging from small background noises to regular speaking volume. Throughout the many forms and evolutions the office has taken, noise has been a consistent factor viewed in different ways, especially in recent decades when open-plan office layouts have become more popular.  Are workers distracted by poor acoustics and can’t concentrate? Or do they find themselves ready to sacrifice peace and quiet to be immersed in collaboration and desire to be surrounded by others?

How do we find the perfect balance?

Use office acoustic solutions.


Photo: Loftwall Parallel Desk Divider

The Great Variety of Office Acoustic Solutions


Photo: Nevins Ariel Acoustic Hanging Panel

Office acoustics solutions are products that absorb and diffuse sound waves and vibrations to reduce noise in a workspace. They can also improve sound quality and are typically made of lightweight materials such as polyester fibre, mineral wool, or biophilic elements like wood, cork or moss. These materials come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, and oftentimes may serve as decorative objects. There are various types of acoustic products. They can be integral parts of the office, like ceiling tiles, panels, carpeting, and double-paned windows.  They can also serve a combination of aesthetic and functional purpose like dividers, planters, and ancillary furniture and accessories.

The Hybrid Schedule 

Now that more people are coming back to the office, many businesses are turning to a hybrid work model that allows employees to work at a fixed schedule in-office and remotely for the sake of flexibility and better work-life balance. Harvard Business Review and Stanford’s research shows that the hybrid work scenario where workers go to the office for at least three days a week is 50% more effective at completing tasks, boosting motivation and increasing engagement with their work. Individuals are using this work model to their advantage; working remotely in privacy and isolation to concentrate on their assignments, and coming to the office in person to be immersed in the company culture, foster connection, and spark creativity through collaboration.

Office Acoustics in Open-Plan Spaces

The hybrid schedule led to the return of open-plan layout and industrial office lofts: environments known for being flexible with space and capable of supporting different work styles while encouraging communication and innovation. But the open office comes with potential issues too. Collaborating together creates noise that can serve as a distraction for others who needs to focus. Now, companies are very much invested in looking for a solution that would resolve their sound issues and help divide spaces into designated areas. That’s why with the reemergence of open-plan spaces, office acoustic panels that function as space dividers are now becoming increasingly popular.  Many are being used not only to dampen noise and optimize sound quality, but to divide spaces and create separate environments for different applications and purposes. 

The Right Balance of Sound

One should never underestimate the power of office acoustics, especially in the workplace. Office acoustics can have an enormous effect on the overall working environment, dictating how well people communicate and perform they daily tasks. It’s all about finding a good balance. Instead of swinging between two extremes of isolation and noise, acoustic solutions can restore equilibrium in the workplace and come with many benefits. By absorbing sound and reducing noise, these products can significantly improve the overall sound quality and help achieve the best acoustics for office environments with the additional perks of boosting concentration, effective communication and worker productivity.

Multi-Functional Office Acoustics


Photo: Nevins Bio Canvas Wall

Best of all, acoustic solutions can be multi-functional. Why clutter your office space with too many products that only serve one purpose when you can save space with just one? Today, there’s an endless array of products in the market ranging from space dividers, desk shields, wall panels, suspended ornaments, planters, shelving, soft furniture, cubbies, ceiling tiles and more.  It also comes with the added bonus of offering clients a strong, favorable impression the moment they walk through the company doors, especially now that corporations have taken more initiative to create and present stronger, identifiable brands.  All in all, office acoustics solutions not only optimize the overall sound quality of your office environments but also add immense value by elevating the look and feel of the entire office space, ultimately enhancing overall mood, productivity, creativity and employee well-being. 

As our needs in the office evolve, our offices evolve with them. And the key to answering the challenge of balancing collaboration and productivity with privacy and concentration: office acoustic solutions. 

Recommended Office Acoustic Solutions

MERGEWORKS ECHODECO BEAM BAFFLES – Office acoustic ceiling panels like the MergeWorks EchoDeco Beam Baffles can be hung horizontally and add a pop of fun texture and color while ensuring noise levels stay low. Acoustic baffles are great for controlling reverberation in spaces with high ceilings and give a sense of privacy in an open space. 


Photo: MergeWorks EchoDeco Beam Baffles

SNOWSOUND SI SBOCCIA – When sound bounces off hard surfaces and amplifies unwanted noise, wall panels are extremely helpful in office soundproofing and can even double as art pieces. The Snowsound Si Sboccia panel takes inspiration from rosebuds and can be wall-mounted or suspended from the ceilings as decorative design elements.

SCANDINAVIAN SPACES PIXEL AND PIXEL FRAMED – The Scandinavian Spaces Pixel and Pixel Framed panels are made of organic materials such as wood and moss.  They are excellent as office acoustic wall panels because they can absorb a range of frequencies with little-to-no maintenance, and provide great color and texture to your office walls. 

AMQ’S 3F WALL TILE – AMQ’s 3F Wall Tiles are another artistic office acoustic panels solution that can improve sound quality with its wide array of subtle and bold panels made from felt—a fibrous material with excellent sound-insulating properties. 


Photo: Snowsound Si Sboccia, Scandinavian Spaces Pixel and Pixel Framed, and AMQ’s 3F Wall Tiles

LOFTWALL ROOMS WALL SYSTEM – Office acoustic solutions can take other forms, too. The Loftwall Rooms Wall System is a quick and easy way to carve out your separate office spaces using a demountable partition system that has sound absorbing and sound dampening benefits.


Photo: Loftwall Rooms Wall System

MERGEWORKS URBAN WALLS ROOM DIVIDER – Similarly, the MergeWorks Urban Walls Room Divider makes perfect office acoustic partitions that can construct meeting rooms, huddle spaces, or private areas in a blink of an eye without the added expense. Its acrylic wall panels are an effective sound barrier that keeps noise contained where it needs to be, and also provides tack-boards and dry-erase boards for even more use and functionality.


Photo: MergeWorks Urban Walls Room Divider

MAVERICK PLANTERS – Maverick Planters reduce noise pollution because vegetation naturally absorbs and diffuses sound. Planters can also be used as partitions to divide the space in the office and come with additional benefits like providing privacy, increasing productivity and improving air quality. 


Photo: Maverick Planters

LOFTWALL SHIFT SHELF AND SPACE DIVIDER – Loftwall’s Shift Shelf and Space Divider combine necessity with privacy. Shelves are extremely useful for storage and organizing in the workplace, and Loftwall adds their own ingenious take on office essentials by creating a modern shelving solution that carves out spaces, offers storage, and uses stylishly clever panels to control acoustics.


Photo: Loftwall Shift Shelf and Space Divider

Read Also: Stylish Noise Reducing Office Furniture Trends for 2024
Main Photo: Snowsound Baffle Ceiling Panel
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: AMQ, Loftwall, Maverick, MergeWorks, Scandinavian Spaces, Snowsound

Life’s a Peach!…with Pantone 2024 Color of the Year

Pantone 2024 Color of The Year OFS Coact Lite Lounge Seating

Ring in the new year with Pantone’s pick for the color of 2024: “Peach Fuzz.”

Every year, Pantone chooses a color that they believe reflects the trends and sentiments of the upcoming months. The color of 2023 was “Viva Magenta,” a vibrant purple-red that forecasted a year of exuberance and empowerment. After a tense year of adjusting to life post-pandemic and social unrest, “Viva Magenta” heralded new beginnings and “celebrated coming out of the malaise of the last year,” according to Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.


Photo: OFS Coact Lounge in Peach Fuzz Drenched Reception

In contrast, Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year is more subtle and intimate. Pantone 13-1023 “Peach Fuzz” is a warm, cozy hue with a unique mixture of white, orange, and yellow, meant to evoke peace and mirror our desire to nurture ourselves and those around us. “Peach Fuzz” is a softer color than “Viva Magenta” because it serves as a reminder to slow down and get in touch with our compassionate side after a tumultuous year with stressors in multiple aspects of our lives. 


Photo: Global FreeFit Height Adjustable Tables for Semi-Private Workstations

“Peach Fuzz” encapsulates delicateness. It calls to mind the mellow shades of the sunrise, the cosiness of a warm blanket, velvety, ripe peaches, and luxurious silks. Eiseman points out that these impressions place an emphasis on health and wellness, telling TIME magazine, “It’s important we recognize the need to foster our inner selves and find moments of respite, creativity, and human connection.”


Photo: Arcadia TOOtheLOUNGE Banquette Seating

What is Pantone’s Color of the Year Program?

The Pantone Color Institute created the Color of the Year program in 1999 to engage the design community in a discussion of color and to unveil the relationship between culture and color. Experts look at many aspects before deciding on a defining color for the forthcoming year: color trends, fashion, marketing, social media and even politics and significant worldwide events. It’s not decided based off one isolated meeting at a specific time; it’s a continuous conversation among Pantone Color Institute team members that come from an extensive range of design, cultural, and geographic backgrounds. They discuss the results of their color trend research and color psychology to define the spirit of the upcoming year and narrow down the shade from there. The program has influenced the development and purchasing decisions of nearly every existing industry and country around the world with its acknowledged authority on color.


Photo: Allermuir Indoor/Outdoor Crop Chairs

With this program, Pantone determines the atmosphere of the year and sets the ball rolling for businesses everywhere.

How are Industries Using 2024 Color of the Year Peach Fuzz?

Because Pantone analyzes numerous facets of society before narrowing down the color of the year, they have the edge in predicting consumer trends. Once they announce it, brands will typically start designing products with the Color of the Year.

Pantone anticipates that “Peach Fuzz” will appear in apparel and accessories in the form of suede, velvet, quilted, and furry textures to highlight the snug, pleasant hue and convey the feeling of tangibility and affection. Keep an eye out for blankets, coats, scarves and more in muted coral; this Pantone 2024 Color is more approachable than last year’s vivid magenta and will be easier to style.


Photo: Global Noetic Ergonomic Task Chairs

If you’re worried that peach isn’t your color, don’t worry! Peach is versatile: if the orange-pink hue isn’t for you, companies are turning to peach-inspired graphics and subtle designs for shirts and jewelry.

Other industries are putting their own spin on “Peach Fuzz,” too. Tom Ford recently released their latest scent called Bitter Peach Eau de Parfum, while makeup companies are celebrating the shade as a soft, warm universal hue that is flattering on all skin tones. Motorola launched “Peach Fuzz” versions of their latest phones, the Razor 40 Ultra and Edge 40 Neo. Polaroid collaborated with Pantone to create exclusive peach-colored frames for their films. 

Peach Fuzz In The Office


Photo: Nevins Connor Occasional Table

The 2024 Pantone Color will fit right in with interior design. Current trends in this industry have been focusing on the comfort and wellness of employees by blending elements of the office and home. “Peach Fuzz” is the perfect addition to that as a message of community and collaboration; creating a welcoming ambiance by promoting gentle warmth. Peach will make an appearance on painted walls, accented furniture, decorated objects, or textiles. Try color-drenching, a technique that involves painting all aspects of a room—from the walls to ceilings to doors—with one color to give a space an airy and harmonious ambiance.

If color-drenching sounds intimidating, introduce a peachy pop of color as an area rug. That would serve as a focal point to your space without clashing with neutral tones like light browns or soft whites.


Photo: Nevins Peach-Infused Lounge with Stem Planters

Play with light using pastel peach curtains or other accent pieces of furniture in the form of sofas, chairs or cushions. Natural light is making a comeback as an essential part of interior design and subtle peach hues infuse a sense of coziness in the room.


Photo: OFS Kasura Chairs and Round Beck Table

2024 Color of The Year: Life’s A Peach!

Last year, “Viva Magenta” was a vibrant red shade rooted in strength that inspired us to live boldly after putting our lives on pause during the pandemic. Now, Pantone’s 2024 Color is calling for a change of pace, emphasizing human connection and kindness. Take a moment with your loved ones; we have a lot to look forward to this year.

Read Also: Easy Ways to Reduce Office Stress and Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
Main Photo: OFS Coact Lite Lounge
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Allermuir, Arcadia, Nevins, Global & OFS

2010 Office Furniture Wins El Monte/South El Monte Business Of The Year Award

South El Monte Business of the Year Award

2010 Office Furniture is proud to receive the 2020 South El Monte Business of the Year Award and its recognition as Southern California’s leading retailer of new and used commercial office furniture.

San Gabriel Water Company has also received the 2020 El Monte Business of the Year Award for providing safe, reliable water service to El Monte and South El Monte for over 80 years.

10 Years and Going Strong

Established for over 10 years, 2010 Office Furniture is a small business with over 45 collective years of experience and is partnered with over 100 distinguished manufacturers dedicated to satisfying its customers with its broad selection of the highest quality office furniture and exceptional customer service.

2010 Office Furniture joined the El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce in 2009. They’ve maintained a close relationship with the Chamber by sponsoring fundraisers and joining in on the efforts to support the community.

Praise for 2010 Office Furniture

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community. Today we honor 2010 Office Furniture, a valuable part of this community,” EMSEM states.

“I hope that you have many more years of success and thank you very much for all that you have done. It’s not easy to run a company during times like these, but you guys continue to succeed,” Mayor Gloria Olmos said.

El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce

EMSEM— the El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce — is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to represent the unified voice that advocates for strength in education, membership and government legislation in economic development.

It’s a community made up of local businesses in El Monte and South El Monte that works with the Chamber to keep tax dollars local, support local businesses, and encourage local employment.

EMSEM memberships come with many benefits: they gain easier access to authorities such as City Council Members, community organizations, schools, and local law enforcement. They also offer networking opportunities like internet exposure and newspaper mentions in the form of flyer inserts and membership rosters. They give an edge to competitors as a consequence of exclusive training opportunities on relevant topics.

Read the Full Article

Visit the EMSEM Chamber website and learn more about the organization: El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce

Read Also: Sophia Alexander Receives Greater Irvine Chamber Lifetime Membership
Main Photo: (From left to right)  Gloria Olmos, Mayor of South El Monte; Kenneth Chang, 2010 Office Furniture President/CEO; Alex Pons, 2010 Office Furniture General Manager; Rachel Barbosa, City Manager of South El Monte
Resources & Special Thanks to: El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce

Sophia Alexander Receives Greater Irvine Chamber Lifetime Membership

Sophia Alexander Receives Greater Irvine Chamber Awards Lifetime Membership

Former Vice President of Sales at 2010 Office Furniture, Sophia Rose Alexander receives a Greater Irvine Chamber Lifetime Membership.

Bryan Starr, the president and CEO of Greater Irvine Chamber, proclaims that, “The Greater Irvine Chamber is pleased to recognize Sophia Rose with a lifetime membership. She has been instrumental in growing the Chamber’s Leads Group program, helping to create a space for our membership to form quality relationships, and meet people they trust with their business.”

Greater Irvine Chamber Leads Group

For the past eight years, Rose Alexander has spent countless hours as a part of the Chamber doing various volunteer leadership roles and helped expand the Chamber’s esteemed Leads Groups program. The Leads Groups program dedicates itself to contributing to the economic development of the Irvine area by enhancing and growing the businesses of Greater Irvine Chamber members through networking.

Rose Alexander has an impressive list of accomplishments: within a year of her membership, she joined the Wednesday Leads Group and went from being the co-chair to chair of the Group. She also spent her time with the Ambassadors Committee as a co-chair. Their mission is to promote and represent the Greater Irvine Chamber in the business community. About two years later, Rose Alexander was appointed as a Leads Group Coordinator and helped form the 1st and 3rd Tuesday, 2nd and 4th Thursday, and 1st and 3rd Thursday Leads Groups. As the Coordinator, she was tasked with working with the Chamber’s membership to grow the networking referral group. The next year, she was named the 2014 Member of the Year and Ambassador of the Year.

From Dallas to Orange County

Rose Alexander began her journey to success in 2011 when she relocated from Dallas Texas to Orange County in an effort to broaden her contacts.

She says that, “It’s been such an honor to serve the Greater Irvine Chamber for the last eight years. When I first moved here, I didn’t know anyone other than my daughter. Joining the chamber in November of 2011 with 2010 Office Furniture was such a blessing. Not only did it jump-start my business in OC, but it afforded me the opportunity to grow professionally and personally. The Chamber staff and members became my family as I got to know them all. I’ve met so many wonderful people, created a huge circle of influence and made a lot of wonderful life-long friends along the way. It’s been a pleasure helping create the Leads Groups, improving and growing the groups, and mentoring members along the way.”

Read the Full Article

Read the full article on the Chamber website and learn more about the organization: Greater Irvine Chamber Awards Lifetime Membership to Sophia Alexander

Read Also: Use Benching Cubicles to Boost Productivity in Orange County
Main Photo provided by: Sophia Rose Alexander
Resources & Special Thanks to: Greater Irvine Chamber

Make Office Ergonomics Your Next Smart Move

Make Office Ergonomics Your Next Smart Move

What is Office Ergonomics

Keeping employees well and productive isn’t just about giving lectures on how to stop smoking or regulate blood pressure. Physical movement is one of the keys to keeping an office staff healthy.  It impacts work-related absenteeism (since prolonged sitting or standing stresses muscles and joints which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders or MSDs), and can overall affect a company’s performance.  Oftentimes, office movement is directly related to office design and the furniture utilized by the staff.  Conditions like unwieldy office chairs can cause ailments, and existing health problems to persist and worsen. That is why addressing the issue of office ergonomics come is so important.  Office ergonomics apply the science that lies behind the interactions people have with their environment, so personal well-being and office efficiency occur at a peak level.

Don’t Just Sit (or Stand) There

Sitting for long hours or standing for long periods of time will stress the body’s joints. Poor posture aggravates muscles and joints.  One very common example is an employee working in front of a computer screen.  Ever pick up a heavy bowling ball? A person’s head weighs between 10 pounds to 14 pounds. Leaning forward to glance at the computer screen with gravity pulling down on the head will gradually strain the upper two vertebrae out of alignment. This will pinch the nerves in the brainstem, an area located at the bottom of the neck and shoulders, which ultimately will cause health problems for the employee.  This risk, however, can be alleviated through regular movement, proper workstation arrangements and chairs that flex with the body.

Shake, Rattle, and Roll – or at Least Stretch

When the topic of movement in the office is brought up, most workers think the main reason is to burn calories. But that’s just one of the resulting benefits.  Moving, even small stretching exercises, maintains a healthy blood circulation and is important for the health of the muscles. You can also promote movement by adding some key types of furniture to your workspace.  Height adjustable desks (for both collaborative spaces and individual offices) as well as a conference table that can double as a ping-pong table are effective office additions that can help keep employees moving.  It’s important to note that the key is to avoid being in one position for too long. Standing while working, which helps with movement, should still be done in brief amounts of time, perhaps intervals of no more than 15 to 20 minutes.

Workstation Standards that Raise the Bar — For Best Office Ergonomics

Proper workstation set up is, according to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), “the first step in combating musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the office environment.”

OSHA standards are:

  • Aligning joints in the neutral position
  • Chairs adjusted correctly for the individual user
  • Backs supported
  • Computer monitors, keyboards, and accessories like a mouse are at the right height for the user

This is why adjustable office furniture is so important. Individual pieces can all be adjusted independently.

Sit On It with Confidence

Every office has people with a range of postures.  Chairs that don’t conform well to sitting positions can result in tight shoulders, breathing that’s constricted, and tightness in the thighs and throughout the legs.  That is why it’s important to have ergonomic chairs that allows users the freedom to move naturally while in a sitting position.  Ergonomically designed chairs like the Cherryman Eon Chair and 9 to 5 Seating’s Vesta Chair have lumbar support and an advanced tilt feature,  which helps these chairs to work well at conference tables and for individual office use.

Image Source: Humanscale

Top List of Office Furniture Manufacturers

Top List of Office Furniture Manufacturers

Office Furniture Manufacturers that are California Cool

Today’s leading office furniture manufacturers provide office furniture that is easy to customize to the needs of employees. Whether you have an animation studio in Burbank or an architectural firm near downtown Los Angeles, a solution like open-plan desking from a maker like Maverick can create a welcoming collaborative work space.

California is home to several excellent office furniture manufacturers that create innovative and durable products for a range of businesses. An entrepreneurial spirit runs through each one and that includes a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

Maverick Desk

In the early 90s, the founders of Maverick Desk were doing all the work of creating desks for customers, packing the items, and handling sales. The hands-on approach gave them the knowledge and understanding to meet customer demands. Today’s cutting-edge automation at their site in Los Angeles allows the company to manufacture custom desks, conference tables and other office products within 72 hours or less.

DeskMakers

Turn an ordinary reception area into an inviting space with a customizable reception desk that has a sleek appearance. Flexible office design for lobby furniture, conference tables, and case goods are a strength for DeskMakers.

From its beginnings in East Los Angeles in the mid-sixties, DeskMakers has grown to be one of the leading office manufacturers on the West Coast. Innovation, and laughter, are among the core values that guide their manufacturing process.

9 to 5 Seating

Ergonomically designed chairs that are manufactured well reduce muscle strain when sitting for long hours at a work station. 9 to 5 Seating in Hawthorne is a forward-thinking manufacturer crafting chairs to meet the needs of specific industries like healthcare, hospitality, and environments that demand heavy-duty seating.

In its 30 years, 9 to 5 Seating has developed an all-inclusive approach to manufacturing that handles an entire process from design to powder coating—like 10 factories in one facility.

Friant

Professional firms like credit unions and municipalities needing smart-looking office furniture are among the customers who appreciate products made by Friant. The San Leandro-based manufacturer also provides excellent storage solutions with free-standing cabinets.

Environmental awareness is built-in to Friant’s process, using LED lights in the factory that vary the amount of energy used according to the needs.

ERG International

Corporations, universities, and healthcare facilities needing soft seating in lounge areas or attractive and sturdy chairs for stacking can find what they need with ERG International. Based in Oxnard, the family-owned manufacturer that started in 1981 offers unlimited color selections for a range of tables, cabanas and chairs.

Its automated system results in high-quality products that meet rigorous environmental standards.

Via Seating

A chair is “the single most crucial factor that can impact your health and wellness at work,” according to Via Seating. Companies that want unique “motion seating” solutions can look closely at Via Seating’s product line, developed with more than 30 years of manufacturing experience.

Chairs are made for every possible task in an office including outdoor seating with an innovative design.

Our Trusted Office Furniture Manufacturers

Every supplier that 2010 Office Furniture selects is carefully vetted for quality and compliance to environmental needs and safe manufacturing processes. Start-up offices and corporations wanting to re-configure their arrangements should contact 2010 Office Furniture for input on space planning.

Visit the Specials page to see current sale prices.

Refer to 2010 Office Furniture’s Commercial Office Furniture Partners page

Read Also: Office Trends that Keep Employees Engaged and Productive
Main Photo: Friant Novo Panel System
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Maverick Desk, DeskMakers, 9to5 Seating, Friant, ERG International & Via Seating

 

Los Angeles Friant Showroom at 2010 Office Furniture

Los Angeles Friant Showroom

Friant’s complete collection of office cubicles, open-plan benching and workstations is now on display at the Friant Showroom at 2010 Office Furniture. 2010 Office Furniture is the only dealer in Southern California exclusively housing Friant’s comprehensive full line of products. From the versatile frame and tile system Interra, to the robust panel system System 2, to the ergonomically height adjustable My-Hite workstations—we have it all. All customers and guests are now welcome to visit and experience first hand Friant’s full line of industry-acclaimed products that have over the years solidified the brand’s prestigious reputation in commercial office furniture and equipment.

FRIANT SHOWROOM LOCATION

2227 N Merced Ave.
South El Monte, CA 91733
Telephone:  (626) 444-2010
Toll Free:  (888) 618-2010

FRIANT SHOWROOM HOURS

Monday – Friday:  8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday:  10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday:  Closed

All of Friant’s products are available to order and purchase through 2010 Office Furniture. While we feature only a select number of them on our website, we’ll be happy to assist you with anything specific you may be looking for. Please email or call us at 888.618.2010 and one of our specialists will contact you within 24 hours.

Read Also: Work From Home Office Furniture
Main Photo: Friant Novo System
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Friant

Los Angeles Maverick Desk Showroom at 2010 Office Furniture

Los Angeles Maverick Desk Showroom

Maverick Desk’s impressive full line of laminate desks, workstations, conference tables and more is now on display at the Maverick Desk Showroom at 2010 Office Furniture. 2010 Office Furniture is the only dealer in Southern California exclusively showcasing Maverick Desk’s comprehensive collection of products. From the incredibly modular Apex Series, to the beautifully innovative Napa Collection, to the ergonomically height adjustable Maverick Training Tables—we have it all. All customers and guests are now welcome to visit and experience first hand Maverick Desk’s complete line of industry-acclaimed products that have built their reputation as a top contender in commercial office furniture and equipment.

MAVERICK DESK SHOWROOM LOCATION

2227 N Merced Ave.
South El Monte, CA 91733
Telephone:  (626) 444-2010
Toll Free:  (888) 618-2010

MAVERICK DESK SHOWROOM HOURS

Monday – Friday:  8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday:  10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday:  Closed

All of Maverick Desk’s products are available to order and purchase through 2010 Office Furniture. While we feature only a select number of them on our website, we’ll be happy to assist you with anything specific you may be looking for. Please email or call us at 888.618.2010 and one of our specialists will contact you within 24 hours.

Read Also:  Maverick Reception Desk
Main Photo: Maverick Gravity Reception Desk
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Maverick