Planning for Happiness and Productivity in the Office

Happiness and Productivity in the Office OFS Heya Table
Cultivate strong morale and you’ll have more employees who are happy and engaged in their work. But is happiness in the office really important? Shouldn’t people just buckle down and do their work?  Read on to learn how to plan for happiness and productivity in the office.

Let’s think it through and see how to turn happiness into something that’ll fuel a competitive advantage in your company.

What would you rather have?

An employee constantly daydreaming of splashing in the surf off Malibu or skiing in Big Bear while wondering how they can rage apply for jobs at other companies? Or an employee who’s happily focused on finishing their tasks to the best of their abilities?

Happiness matters. Employees who are upbeat and positive will deliver.

In the book, The Happiness Advantage, author Shawn Achor concludes, “A decade of research proves that happiness raises nearly every business and educational outcome: raising sales by 37%, productivity by 31%, and accuracy on tasks by 19%, as well as a myriad of health and quality of life improvements.”

Think of high job satisfaction as a competitive advantage.

But can companies do anything to affect an employee’s happiness?

Create a Destination Place for Happiness and Productivity in the Office

In September 2022, a discussion on the social media platform Reddit surveyed what makes people happy in Los Angeles. Attractions like the Greek Theater, Hollywood Bowl, and Sunset Strip ranked high as did food, like the variety of ethnic foods—from Mexican and Peruvian to Thai and Ethiopian.

You’re not expected to turn the workplace into a resort, but you’re making the office a desired place to settle in and work. In the age of hybrid work schedules and remote work possibilities, create an upbeat atmosphere where people want to be. Make it part of your internal branding.

And as far as food, once or twice a year have entrees brought in that reflect the diverse tastes of Los Angeles.

Here’s what matters.

Plan Spaces

An office with an effective workflow isn’t just a random collection of desks. You need to think of who the users are and how they need unique spaces:

  • Executive decision-makers
  • Managers
  • Full-time in-house employees with specific functions
  • Remote workers
  • Temporary employees


Photo: Enwork Cayman Height Adjustable Desk

An executive may spend hours at her desk, but could her office, or the area just outside the office, also serve as a strategic planning center?


Photo: Friant Anza Lounge Chair

How about creating touchdown spaces? These are more informal lounge areas where remote workers coming into the office for a meeting can sit and prepare. They also serve as meeting areas for in-office workers with an atmosphere that’s more relaxed than conference rooms.

Use Supportive Equipment

Ergonomics is key to achieve happiness and productivity in the office. Keep in mind the benefits of ergonomics and that they set the tone for happy employees. A range of products can help you achieve your goals.


Photo: AMQ Tizu Work Chair

Quality ergonomic chairs that adjust to support the lower back, elbows, and knees reduce the stress of sitting.


Photo: DeskMakers Hover Workstations

Height-adjustable desks make it possible for computer monitors to be at a comfortable eye level so any strain on the neck and shoulders is minimized.


Photo: Snowsound Corner Desk Panels

Ergonomic accessories like proper lighting are a necessity to reduce eye strain. Good lighting is more than lamps. Maximize natural light since it’s proven to boost moods and aid in a person’s natural cycle of waking and sleeping.

Physical discomfort is a distraction and results in much higher rates of absenteeism. Supporting your workers with ergonomic solutions is part of an overall wellness strategy.

Make Clear Communication A Priority

When people know what’s expected of them, then they can handle their work confidently and feel like they’re moving forward with work that matters.

Clarify your vision, mission, and goals.

Listen and address the challenges that arise.

What you’re doing is building a community where people trust each other and believe that management values them.  This will lead to happiness and productivity in the office

This effort “improves processes and procedures and ultimately creates greater efficiencies and reduces costs,” as described by the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM) in an article, “Managing Organizational Communication.”


Photo: Friant System2 Workstation

Make communication areas part of your office design. Managers can use cubicles like the Friant System 2 Workstation which can accommodate one to three people for meetings.

Use videoconferencing with remote workers. Everyone can hop on a call using their own laptops, but there could be advantages to having a media space with architectural walls.

Or, use a media table in a compact area. 2010 Office Furniture carries several models.

The Scale 1:1 TeleMeet Connect Table can be expanded to accommodate anywhere from six people to a few dozen staff gathered.

Install a “designated island of productivity” with the OFS Intermix Collaborative Table.

Get Help on Boosting Happiness and Productivity in the Office

Plan for a sustainable and profitable future by fostering happiness and productivity in the office. Trust input from the team at 2010 Office Furniture who have a combined half-century of helping notable clients throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Inland Empire.

Planning your office space and using furnishings that bring out the best in your team will give you an edge in retaining employees who are engaged in their work.

Contact 2010 Office Furniture with your project needs and questions.

Read Also: The Best Office Spaces are Responsive to Employee Needs
Main Photo: OFS Heya Table
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: AMQ, DeskMakers, Enwork, Friant, OFS & Snowsound

Choosing the SitOnIt Chair That’s Best for Your Office Needs

Looking for the perfect seating to furnish your office space? A SitOnIt chair just may be what you need!

Office chairs deserve attention and you need to choose one that works best in your office. These commonplace pieces of furniture are unsung heroes in the corporate environment and also for remote workers at home.  

Chairs have different functions and provide varying levels of comfort and support.

As one of the leading manufacturer of office chairs, SitOnIt Seating provides an entire line of chairs to fit every office need and support employees of every body type.

Choosing the SitOnIt Chair That’s Best ReAlign Chair
Photo: SitOnIt Seating ReAlign Chairs

Get input on how you can choose what’s right for you, by understanding why choosing the right chair is important for your personal well-being.

Sitting is Physically Demanding

Sitting looks like a passive activity, but it’s not. Pressure builds on your spine and lower back while extra stress is placed on your joints. Sitting for long periods of time without taking a stretch break or moving around wears you down.

Research highlighted by the Mayo Clinic, What Are the Risks of Sitting Too Much?, shows that sitting for eight hours a day with no physical activity poses the same health risks as smoking and obesity.

Think of an RV sitting in a driveway for months and months. Do you know what happens if it’s not placed on blocks or driven?

Air in the tires doesn’t circulate and the wheels eventually go flat.

Think of a patient in the hospital. What happens if they only lie in one position and aren’t turned? They develop bed sores.

The same phenomenon happens with chairs, especially ones that don’t align with your body weight.

Now use this to choose the right chairs for the right tasks—and physical shapes.

SitOnIt Chairs For Full-Time In-House Workers

Start with versatility.

Choosing the SitOnIt Chair That’s Best Sona Chair
Photo: SitOnIt Seating Sona Conference Chairs

A smart selection is a chair that adapts to different tasks and a user’s weight and movements. The SitOnIt Seating Sona Chair can be customized for executive desks or for use around conference tables. Choose from different designs for armrests, back support, and knit material finishes.

Choose for dedicated tasks.

Choosing the SitOnIt Chair That’s Best Torsa Chair
Photo: SitOnIt Seating Torsa Chairs

Someone who’s focused at a workstation or executive desk and is working full-time at the same desk can benefit from the SitOnIt Seating Torsa Chair, a fully adjustable chair with excellent lumbar support.

Choosing the SitOnIt Chair That’s Best Glove Chair
Photo: SitOnIt Seating Glove Chairs

Executives who need to recline and think in between office emails and strategic planning sessions will find comfort in the SitOnItSeating Glove Chair.

Select a SitOnIt Chair for Up-and-Down Moments

Put thought into chairs needed for training sessions, temporary workers, and guests needing accommodations for brief periods of time.

You want durability and comfort so people can think clearly.

Got a temporary worker stopping in for a few days or longer? The SitOnIt Seating Freelance Chair is welcoming and professional while lightweight and easy to stack.

Here’s another stackable option: the SitOnIt Seating InFlex chair. It’s stylish and fits well in either conference-type settings or breakrooms.

Choosing the SitOnIt Chair That’s Best Focus Chair and Stool
Photo: SitOnIt Seating Focus Side Chairs and Stools

How about a chair that works well for an impromptu meeting alongside a cubicle workstation or in the breakroom? Try the SitOnIt Seating Focus Side Chair and Stool.

Now You See Them—Until They’re Put Away

Choosing the SitOnIt Chair That’s Best Relay Chair
Photo: SitOnIt Seating Relay Nesting Chairs

Need to pull chairs from storage for a specific event and then put them away? You can browse the stackable options above along with the SitOnIt Seating Nesting Chairs. It’s a clever way to store chairs. Check the SitOnIt product line on 2010officefurniture.com for the availability of used chairs with special pricing.

Another Way to Select Chairs is to Select Your Desks

The types of workstation or desk you use can determine the best SitOnIt chair for your situation. Will the chair fit well with a height-adjustable desk or within a cubicle?

Just don’t take your chair for granted. It’s an invaluable piece of equipment to support every part of your body. And when your body is comfortable, your blood is circulating well and plenty of oxygen is flowing to the brain.

Your chair should be strategic.

Ask 2010 Office Furniture for the Right SitOnIt Chair

If you need advice with planning your office space and furnishing it well, the team at 2010 Office Furniture can help based on a combined 50 years of experience.

2010 Office has worked with clients who are among Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, nonprofits, and small businesses.

Contact them with your office furnishing and space planning needs.

Read Also: Choosing the Best Office Dividers and Filing System
Main Photo:
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: SitOnIt Seating

5 Ways of Developing a Positive Office Environment for Being Happy at the Office

Being Happy at the Office Trendway VoloWall

Finding content and being happy at the office is possible and it doesn’t mean you have to give up on your entrepreneurial dreams or other aspirations. Regardless of anyone’s circumstances, there are plenty of reasons to be upbeat and happy. Create a supportive environment and see how a happy office has a competitive edge.

Develop Your Goals & Mission for Being Happy at the Office

Skilled leaders know how to set a tone that others want to follow by investing on their talents and getting engaged in the tasks at hand. Setting clear corporate goals, reminding people of the mission, and rewarding them leads to employee buy-in.

Make it clear where the company is now and chart the path forward with realistic goals.

Support everyone in their tasks by using furnishings that inspire them to do their best.

Being Happy at the Office HON Astir Chairs
Photo: HON Astir Chairs

Develop an Atmosphere of Inspiration

An atmosphere, or ambiance, is an intangible element but it’s quite real. Walk into a setting that’s either friendly or filled with tension, and you can immediately sense that something is happening—either good or bad.  You can feel right away if particular environment prioritizes their employees being happy at the office.  There are creative number of ways to do this.

Lay a good foundation by planning and designing your office with colors, fabrics, and furnishings that support your brand and mission.

The 2010 Office Inspirations web page lays out ideas to choose from.

What style of office design fits the personality of your company?

Being Happy at the Office 9to5 Lilly Chairs
Photo: 9to5 Seating Lilly Chairs

See how the Modern Industrial Office looks so different from the Upbeat Contemporary Office.

Being Happy at the Office Stylex Verve Chairs
Photo: Stylex Verve Chairs

Either one can set the mood and vibe you want and any design can provide an ambiance that assists your team in being happy at the office and doing their best. This is one part in developing a strong brand internally.

Setting expectations is another part.

Develop Attitudes of Expectation

Expect people to perform and deliver. Lay out and communicate goals, and encourage feedback, and adjust as necessary. Trust them.

This is important, especially in times of hybrid work environments where some employees are in the office for part of their time and then for the remainder of their schedule they’re working out of the home or another remote location.

Expect the best from them.

And in doing so, equip them to carry out their goals. This means planning the workflow and being concerned about their well-being through ergonomics.

Being Happy at the Office OFS Aptos Open Plan
Photo: OFS Aptos Open Plan Workstation

Quality seating, workstations, and proper desks contribute to setting the right expectations. Lighting and other accessories enhance the employee experience, and lead to them being happy at the office.

Develop Wellness to Promote Being Happy at the Office

Our professional and personal lives often overlap and that’s fine when everything’s going well.

But what happens when a crisis strikes like when an employee goes through personal loss or injury, or the company is hit with a shakeup due to external factors?

An atmosphere of wellness can mean discounted memberships to local gyms or even health plans with counseling options available. Personal issues often need to be handled outside of the work setting.

What happens if you need to talk in-house, though?

Being Happy at the Office Trendway Clear Wall
Photo: Trendway Clear Wall

Define a space either with architectural walls or conversation pods for greater privacy. Plan an informal setting using the Encore Clipse Lounge Seating arrangement.

Being Happy at the Office Encore Clipse Lounge Seating
Photo: Encore Clipse Lounge Seating

Group chats and debriefings don’t have to happen in a formal conference room. Modular furniture solutions can give a relaxed feel.

Develop a System of Small Rewards

Cash bonuses are great incentives, of course, and help for being happy at the office. But so are other perks like letting plenty of natural light flow through the office and providing free coffee and other drinks in the break room.

Being Happy at the Office ERG International Gobi Chair

Have plenty of bottled water and healthy snacks on hand. Fatty, high sugar treats like doughnuts can bog down the digestive system. Eating well is one of the key ways of staying healthy and being happy at the office, as noted by job placement agency Monster.com in 10 Tips for Staying Happy at Work.

Small rewards can help the office become a desired destination instead of a place where you have to go or else you’ll get in trouble.

Develop Ideas With Expertise for Being Happy at the Office

Need to refresh your existing office space or plan an entirely new office environment? The team at 2010 Office Furniture has more than 50 years of knowledge and expertise in helping corporate clients, leading nonprofits, and small businesses in Southern California.

Stay up to date on current office trends.

Get the input needed for effective workflow and contact 2010 Office Furniture with your potential project needs.

Read Also: Designing a Healthy Office
Main Photo:
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: 9to5 Seating, Encore Seating, ERG International, HON, OFS, Stylex Seating & Trendway

A Successful Work-From-Home Strategy to Adapt

Stepping out of the corporate office and into a successful work-from-home scenario seems to have plenty of advantages like reduced commute times and being available for family needs as they arise.

Corporate offices can have plenty of distractions like conversations in the break rooms, last-minute meetings, and reports needing to be turned in. But home offices have their own distractions.

Successful Work-From-Home Strategy HON Ignition Chair
Photo: HON Ignition Chair

Dogs barking at delivery people can disrupt a train of thought. A comfy sofa is a great place to sit, but you might end up reading or watching TV for longer than you planned.

Since no one’s looking over your shoulder, you might spend more time on social media than you had wanted. Running to the store to get what you need for lunch is an interruption, usually taking longer than expected. Traffic, chatty cashiers, and long wait lines can cause delays.

So, what does it take to work from home?

Discipline and the right equipment in a focused space.

Use these tips to develop your successful work-from-home strategy.

Choose Your Work-From Home Space

You might not have many choices depending on the size of your home or apartment. You may only have a corner or a small room. Either way, try to make it near a window for natural light and then make it as pleasant and focused as you can. Keep it clutter-free.  These are essential for a successful work-from-home office space.

If your area for your laptop and phone is crowded then set up a storage area in another room or the garage for keeping files and other materials.


Photo: OFS Beck Credenza Storage

Define Your Space

If you’re in a pathway where others will walk by then make sure you set boundaries around your desk so there’s a physical separation between household busyness and your work. Use broad leafy plants in containers and set them on chairs or bookcases so you’re not in the direct line of sight of kids or roommates.


Photo: Darran Cameleon Shelf Storage

The DARRAN Chameleon Storage unit is a good option. It’s lightweight with a minimalist design so it enhances an area but doesn’t overwhelm compact spaces.

Another way to create a boundary between personal and professional pursuits is installing acoustic sound panels or divider panels to deaden sound waves.


Photo: Snowsound PLI Acoustic Panels & Space Dividers

Translucent dividers allow light to flow through space while providing privacy, and are thus conducive to a successful work-from-home strategy.


Photo: Loftwall Hitch Privacy Panels & Space Dividers

The Loftwall Hitch Space Divider fits neatly in an L-shape with a larger panel resting on the floor, and a smaller panel fitting on the desktop surface to the wall. The Loftwall Split Space Divider blends into the surroundings and is a panel divider on casters or wheels that’s portable.


Photo: Loftwall Split Privacy Panels & Space Dividers

Equip Your Space

What do you need in order to do your best and present yourself as a highly regarded professional?

Choose the right kind of desk whether it’s a height-adjustable desk or an L-shaped surface like the ODS Artiv Desk that allows you to spread out. Accessories are important. Remember to think ergonomics so you have a supportive and successful work-from-home working environment:

  • Proper lighting reduces eye strain and the chance of headaches
  • Use keyboard trays to support the wrists
  • Ergonomic chairs promote good posture and reduce strain on the lower back and knees

Photo: Snowsound Flap Grande Acoustic Panels

Don’t get lost in the clutter.

Choose storage containers and filing cabinets since orderly surroundings contribute to clear thinking.

You’re the Key to a Successful Work-From Home Lifestyle

But there’s something else you must have for a successful work-from-home environment and that’s personal discipline.

If you don’t have to commute to the office, then start your morning with a brisk walk or another form of exercise to clear your mind and get your focus.

Do advance planning and take a few moments on a Sunday afternoon or evening to plan the most important tasks you need to complete for the week.

Each day, tackle the things you don’t want to do first and get those items out of the way.

Do your most focused work in one large block of time and try to hold phone calls or meetings in the afternoons.

Be realistic about your daily and weekly goals.

Communicate, communicate, and communicate to let others know if you’re falling behind on deadlines or if you’re on track. According to research in the Harvard Business Review, The Realities of Remote Work (Oct 29, 2021), managers often question if employees are productive at home.

You might be out of sight of a corporate office, but you don’t want others wondering if you’re thinking about them. You may be out of sight. But let your managers know that they’re not out of your mind.

Check emails at set times of the day like 9am, noon, and 3pm. Don’t try and email back and forth on complex subjects. Instead, make a phone call or arrange a time on Zoom to discuss details.

Finally, eat properly and get the rest you need. You don’t have the stress of a morning or evening commute but rolling out of bed feeling groggy and trying to work is its own stress.

Lay the foundation for your success with a well-equipped and well-planned space, just like you would have at a corporate office.

Trust Experience

The team at 2010 Office Furniture can help you plan successful work-from-home or corporate offices for employees who work remotely full-time or on a hybrid schedule.

Contact 2010 Office and let them know about your project needs.

2010 Office Furniture staff members have over a half-century of combined experience in planning and furnishing offices for Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, nonprofits, and small businesses.

Read Also: Using Resimercial Office Design as an Employee Retention Strategy
Main Photo: SitOnIt Seating Reya Desk
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Darran, HON, Loftwall OFS & Snowsound

Best Uses of Flexible Office Spaces

Flexible Office Spaces OFS Hex Seating Ottomans and Tables

Flexible office spaces are necessary for today’s office environment and they have benefits that help employees get the work done while keeping them engaged. Flexible office spaces are orderly and structured—not scattered, chaotic, or haphazard.

Plan the areas needed for focused work and spontaneous interactions since both are needed.

Modular office furniture solutions make it easier to meet the needs of your employees and show them that you’re committed to supporting their efforts.

You’ll also see advantages to using modular office furniture, especially in contemporary office designs.

The Need For Flexible Office Spaces

In recent decades, thinking has switched from “workers must produce no matter how tough the environment” to an emphasis on ergonomics and supporting employees with the best possible tools. Productive offices with good morale have the equipment and well-planned spaces that support employees.  

Companies face the challenges of accommodating staff with different types of needs in today’s hybrid workforce. Employees can accomplish their tasks in different locations thanks to communication technologies.

In past decades, outside salespeople were the ones coming and going from the office. Now, members of finance teams and production teams can do their work remotely or in the corporate office.

Today’s flexible office spaces accommodate ever-changing needs. A variety of furnishings are made to be completely mobile in multi-use spaces.

Flexible Office Spaces Stylex Verve Chairs
Photo: Stylex Verve Chairs

Flexible Office Space Planning

Planning your space well is essential. Here’s what’s happening:

You’re laying out the office so the workflow moves logically and your employees feel supported.

No easy task, but 2010 Office Furniture has over a half-century of experience helping clients determine the best office layouts for productivity.

Each client receives custom solutions depending on their size and how many employees are full-time on-site; remote; or temporary.

The hybrid office is an ongoing reality where you can create flexible office spaces clearly defined by tasks and departments, and other spaces that can be arranged to meet any specific need.

Who Are Flexible Spaces For?

Full-Time Staff

Your full-time, in-house staff who endure commutes along freeways like the 405, or the 55 in Orange County, need their dedicated workspace. Flexible office spaces for them mean giving them the freedom to move from one place and relocate with their laptops and cell phones, or pen and paper pads, to a comfortable area where they can get away from the confines of a workstation.

Give your team the freedom to move around the office with:

Photo: Source International Repeat Seating

Remote Workers

Team members who work from home or other remote locations need to stop in periodically for briefings and other types of updates with in-house staff.  This is where flexible office spaces are extremely useful and beneficial.


Photo: ERG International Brighton Modular Lounge Seating

Architectural walls provide flexible office spaces for meetings and so do certain types of lounge furniture like the ERG Brighton International Modular Lounge Seating, designed so users can make multiple configurations.

You can also provide workstations for remote workers, especially those on a hybrid schedule.

If your area is sectioned off by departments, then each department can have a specific place for the employees who stop in two or three days per week.

Temporary Workers

Modular cubicles help with flexible office spaces.  Thanks to modular cubicles, you can easily put workstations and certain models of tables in storage until you need them.

Maybe you need to hire a temporary worker for a month or more to catch up on data entry or create new marketing materials.

It’s easy to take cubicles out of storage, set them up, and then take them down again as needed. Choose from traditional-looking cubicles like the HON Accelerate Workstation or a unique design like the DARRAN Honey Workspace.


Photo: HON Accelerate Cubicle Workstations


Photo: Darran Honey Workstations

Clients

Flexible spaces accommodate clients as well.  You don’t need a conference room for a meeting area. An enclosed conference room may seem too constricted. Create a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere using modular furniture that has color schemes and fabrics with a homey feel.


Photo: ERG International Laguna Lounge Seating

Consider the ERG International Laguna Lounge Seating which has numerous customizable options and fits in personal and public spaces such as common areas, cafes, and lobbies.

Nesting tables can be used for a pop-up workspace and returned when finished.

Vendors

People who you contract with will occasionally want to stop in and show you new product lines or give you ideas on how you can improve some part of your operation. So now, you’re the client and they’re the supplier.

Arrange modular and acoustic furniture for flexible office spaces as a solution or take them inside a space that’s defined by architectural walls.


Photo: Trendway Volo Architectural Walls

Plan Your Office With 2010 Office Furniture

Refresh your office and create flexible office spaces to meet your existing needs. The team at 2010 Office Furniture has helped Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, nonprofits, and small businesses function more effectively with customized and modular furniture solutions.

Contact 2010 Office Furniture with questions related to your needs and possible projects.

Read Also: Using Mobile and Nesting Desks for Your Office
Main Photo: OFS Hex Seating & Ottomans
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Darran, ERG International, HON, Source International, Stylex & Trendway

The Quest for Best Ergonomic Chairs 2023

Best Ergonomic Chairs 2023 SitOnIt Wit Chair

Looking for the best ergonomic chairs in 2023 makes sense. You’re equipping your office to meet the physical needs of your employees so they’re more productive and have better overall well-being.

It’s the opposite of telling them to sit on whatever chair is available, no matter how rigid and uncomfortable it is.

Why Ergonomics is Important

Ergonomics is a study of how people relate to their surrounding environment while they’re working. It doesn’t just deal with how we sit but uses a holistic approach.

For office workers, this can mean how well the chair supports your body and allows you to sit at an angle that is gentle on the lower back and knees. When you’re typing on your computer your elbows and wrists should be in a comfortable position, as well as your eyes so that your head doesn’t tilt too far forward.


Photo: Friant Tango Chairs

Ergonomics gives us a standard to adhere to. As you go on your quest for the best ergonomic chairs you can do so confidently, knowing that the investment is in the best interests of your team and the company.

Fewer aches and pains mean a greater focus on the tasks at hand and reduced absenteeism.

How Ergonomic Chairs Benefit Users

Just how do quality ergonomic chairs help users?

The chairs assist in keeping proper posture by adjusting to the user’s preferred height. That’s important because poor posture where a person is bent over will reduce lung capacity by as much as 30 percent.

And what does that mean?

It means less oxygen is flowing to the brain which decreases mental alertness throughout the day.


Photo: 9 to 5 Seating Neo Chairs

So go on your quest to procure the best ergonomic chairs for 2023 because it’s an investment in your workers—and they are working to support the company’s goals and profitability.

Remember that sitting is not a passive activity. We’re moving when we’re sitting, even if the movements are subtle. We’re reaching for phones, keyboards, paper, and fun things like snacks.


Photo: Humanscale Liberty Task Chair

Quality ergonomic chairs like the Humanscale Liberty Task Chair, which has a mechanism-free reclining system, support a person’s natural movement. So instead of facing resistance, your ergonomic chair works with you.

What to Look For in an Ergonomic Chair

Many chairs adjust to a comfortable height where you can comfortably keep your feet flat on the floor and have your computer screen at eye level.

Lumbar support is absolutely necessary. The lumbar spine curves inward and sitting for prolonged periods will stress the structure and lead to slouching, which flattens the natural curve of the body. A quality ergonomic chair will have a lumbar adjustment so each user gets a proper fit.


Photo: Rouillard Lead Chair

The Rouillard Lead Chair is a good example of an ergonomic chair with excellent lumbar support.

The chair’s backrest should also be able to support the spine’s curve. If the back and seat are separate then the height and angle should be adjustable. If the backrest and seat are one unit the backrest should be adjustable in forward and back angles.

The materials should be comfortable, and it helps if they’re breathable as well. Some users prefer a cloth or mesh material.

Armrests should be easy to adjust so that the chair is customized to the user.

Who Needs Ergonomic Chairs?


Photo: AMQ Tizu Work Chairs

Employees who spend several hours a day in the office at their desks will certainly benefit from the best ergonomic chairs. It makes sense. Those on a hybrid work schedule or outside sales staff will have less of a need.

Executives, mid-level managers, and receptionists who are multi-tasking can definitely benefit. So keep those positions in mind when you’re buying chairs like the iDesk Eon Chair, built with tilt and slider adjustments.

The chairs can be used around conference tables, too. They can help people stay attentive during prolonged meetings.

Best Ergonomic Chairs Friant Ignite Chair
Photo: Friant Ignite Chair

Get the Right Equipment for the Right Tasks

Using the right equipment for the right tasks pays in productivity and the well-being of employees. Chairs may seem like a commodity and not as important as our electronic devices. But bad backs, sore knees, and hurting wrists have adverse effects that take the mind off the task at hand.


Photo: 9 to 5 Seating Core Chairs

Select the best ergonomic chairs for a healthy workplace and a productive year in 2023.

Trust Experience

The team at 2010 Office Furniture has more than 50 years of combined experience providing space planning solutions and furnishings for clients that are among the most recognizable corporations, universities, and small businesses in Southern California.

Contact 2010 Office Furniture with your project needs and questions.

Read Also: 7 Ergonomic Seating Solutions to Elevate Your Office Seating
Main Photo: SitOnIt Seating Wit Chair
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: 9 to 5 Seating, AMQ, Friant, Humanscale, Rouillard & SitOnIt Seating

7 Ergonomic Seating Solutions to Elevate Your Office Seating

Ergonomic Seating SitOnIt Wit Side Chair

Your team spends precious time sitting in cars or ride-share vans while commuting on Southern California’s crowded freeways, then up to several hours sitting in the office each day.  How do you reduce the stress of sitting? Read on and discover ergonomic seating furniture solutions that promote overall well-being and productivity.

Sitting stresses people physically when they’re not properly supported. A quality ergonomic office chair supports the lower back and reduces chronic back and leg pain when it’s adjusted to the right height. Ergonomic seating solutions fit a variety of needs from workstations to guest chairs and conference rooms for training sessions.


Photo: 9to5 Seating @nce Chairs

It’s an important lesson in office ergonomics—planning and equipping the office environment to meet the needs of your employees.

Here are seven types of ergonomic seating that are worth referring to time and again.

Workstation Ergonomic Seating

When people are comfortable in their seats then they’re productive at work. And they’re healthier with fewer absentees due to strained backs and joints. Think about how much movement occurs when you’re sitting. Shifting from one side to another. Leaning back to stretch and leaning forward to type on a keyboard or read reports.

Sitting is not a passive activity so chairs need to support a person’s weight and how they move.

Seating possibilities for workstations range from shared bench seating solutions to individual chairs in a cubicle or desk.

The Via Seating Genie Chair is height-adjustable, supports posture, allows for a comfortable range of motion, and it’s built to last for several years.


Photo: Via Seating Genie Chairs

For versatility, the Wit Side Chair from SitonIt Seating features a lightweight frame, built-in pull handle, and is an option as primary seating at desks or shared workstations. It’s also useful as accessory seating in cubicles.

For shared surface areas in an office with a minimalist style, the Encore Nexxt Chair and Stool is an impressive furniture solution to use.


Photo: Encore Nexxt Seating

Executive Desk Ergonomic Seating

Seating should be comfortable enough to support the thinking process and many decisions that go into running a company.

Can sitting straight with good posture actually promote clear thinking?

Slouching reduces lung capacity by up to 30 percent, as described in an article in Inc. Magazine so sitting in a quality ergonomic chair can maximize the supply of oxygen to the brain.

Support the head and neck movement with the dynamic Humanscale Freedom Headrest Chair. Designed with foundational physics, the chair easily reclines for maximum comfort.

Executive desk seating options come in traditional styles like the 9 to 5 Seating Mila Chair that supports the user’s weight and natural body motions.

Capture a more exclusive look and feel with Via Seating’s Vero Chair. Angling cushions give a pleasant appearance and have luxe ergonomic seating support.


Photo: Via Seating Vero Chairs

The OFS Madrid Executive Chair fits well in executive suites and conference rooms. The chair can be customized with a wood finish or aluminum for the arms and control functions.

Receptionist Ergonomic Seating

A receptionist who’s answering phones, greeting visitors, and completing a variety of tasks throughout the day is often in constant motion. Sitting really means swiveling in the chair and constantly shifting weight. Keep your receptionist comfortable and healthy with quality furniture solutions that are ergonomically designed and manufactured.

The Focus Chair by SitonIt Seating and the Friant Amenity Chair are styles of ergonomic chairs that are supportive and durable.


Photo: SitOnIt Seating Focus Chairs

Guest Seating Lobby

The reception area is the first impression that visitors have of your office—and so do employees when they arrive for work. Whether it’s an office for a professional firm or a creative company specializing in some type of marketing or entertainment, create a comfortable space for those who may have to wait.

Choose guest chairs that complement the look and feel of your office design and theme.

A comfortable option for health professionals and waiting rooms is the SitOnIt Seating Anytime Chair that can be customized for use in training rooms and break rooms.

Go a bit retro with the iDesk Crazy Horse Chair that showcases both style and fashion.


Photo: SitOnIt Seating Anytime Chairs

Lounge Seating for Individuals

Offices need touchdown spaces, places where employees can catch a breather and take a personal phone call or step away from their workstation and work in a living room style setting. It’s the type of furniture that’s becoming a fixture in current office design trends.

Lounge seating is also important for employees on a hybrid work arrangement. If they come into the office, then offer comfortable ergonomic seating where they can also be productive before or after the meeting session.

The Friant Anza Chair offers a timeless look of quality and is cushioned for the best in relaxing comfort. Or go with a calming feeling with the Krug Avatar Lounge Chair.

Lounge Seating for Groups

Lounges can also be rooms where small groups can meet comfortably in a setting that has a casual feel. Modular lounge furniture can serve individuals or groups. The Krug Zola Modular Lounge Seating allows for numerous configurations.

Step away from routines and the traditional conference room space to more home-like settings. Use accessories like moveable white boards and sleek tables to create the right environment.

Conference Room / Training Room

Conference room and training room ergonomic seating is a popular furniture need. If you’re bringing associates in to a central training facility or your working with local staff then use the chairs that help people remain attentive.

The Allermuir Axyl Chair, Stool and Bench is available as a stacking chair, a stool for use in breakrooms or in shared workspaces, and as a bench that fits in a variety of office settings.

The ERG International Carlton Chair and Stool fits many office environments, including lobbies and break rooms.

Finding the Right Ergonomic Seating

Turn to 2010 Office Furniture as your trusted solution in office space planning and sourcing the right ergonomic seating and furniture you need in your office environment. Rely on the 2010 Office team’s 50 years of working with clients who are among the leading corporations, universities, and small businesses in Southern California.

Contact them with your project needs.

Read Also: Make Office Ergonomics Your Next Smart Move
Main Photo: SitOnIt Seating Wit Side Chairs
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: 9to5 Seating, Encore & SitOnIt Seating & Via Seating

Leveraging the Benefits of Informal Workspaces in Office Planning and Design

Informal Workspaces Edge Collaboration Spaces

Informal workspaces are a strategic use of your existing office space.  They are much more than having a ping-pong table available for team-building exercises.

It’s an important step in ergonomics.  Furniture equipment should meet the needs of the worker instead of making the worker use the equipment at personal expense.

Planning and designing informal office workspaces will:

  • Accommodate remote workers and accommodate staff who work full-time in the office
  • Encourage collaboration among a diverse workforce
  • Promote transparency
  • Utilize spaces that would otherwise sit empty for hours on end

Why should you refresh your work environment and plan to use informal spaces?

With informal workspaces, you can make your office a welcome destination by using space that “will reflect the organization’s purpose, vision and culture … and inspire a workforce,” as Blake Searles, senior managing director for Jones Lang LaSalle in Los Angeles, said.  Jean was addressing attendees during a panel discussion of Navigating Workplace Needs, hosted by the LA Business Journal in 2021.

How Informal Workspaces Emerged

Google and tech startups in the early 2000s did more than change how we access information. They changed the standards of a professional office setting. Programmers and other tech creatives, who were often recent college grads, showed up in jeans and T-shirts.

The idea fit into the California lifestyle of beaches and mountains, and led the way for informal workspaces.

Informal offices turned into beanbag chairs with programmers glued to their laptops.  They played foosball or ping pong during break times or problem-solving discussions.

Tables like these are fun—and can help reduce workplace tension which is why 2010 Office Furniture carries the Scale 1:1 Nomad Conference Table. You can gather a team around it for planning, use the surface as a whiteboard, or have a robust ping-pong match during breaks.


Photo: Scale 1:1 Nomad Conference Table

Many white-collar companies never adopted the hip tech approach, and many stayed with the traditional, closed-wall settings of individual executive offices. That is, until open office plans with freshly designed cubicles and bench seating became the go-to trend, a nod and step toward informal workspaces.


Photo: DARRAN Honey Workstation

The need for privacy and personal space remained and thanks to the widespread use of laptops and cell phones, companies began setting aside dedicated areas like lounges for employees who wanted time away from being elbow-to-elbow with others.


Photo: ERG International Hetfield Table

Ideas for Office Informal Workspaces

See how a variety of office settings are arranged on the 2010 Office Inspiration page.

Here are a few ideas for creating an atmosphere that’s unique to your company’s brand and workflow—allowing for both structured and informal workspaces:

Each of the many office plans meets specific needs and builds on trends of earlier years like open office floor plans. Critics said one of the downsides was that concentration was impaired. 2010 Office Furniture provides Open Plan solutions with many open plan desking options that also allows for personal space.


Photo: Friant Dash Workstation

When COVID-19 led to mandatory remote working then employees found they could be in an informal setting of their homes or coffee shops yet remain productive. Virtual meetings kept staff tuned into the corporate office.

Getting employees back into an office that truly supports their work was a concern.

The colorful Upbeat Office, or the minimalist office in the Scandinavian style, and the use of nature in the Green Office show how the work environment can be pleasing and even preferred over remote locations.

But nothing truly replaces face-to-face interactions.

So it’s out with walled individual office space, all-day tasks done only at the cubicle or workstation, and in with informal workspaces. A key benefit is that more office space is used throughout the day.


Photo: Stylex Free Address Tables

How Informal Workspaces Maximize Office Usage

When workers were expected to stay at their desks several hours a day, portions of offices, like breakrooms and conference rooms, sat empty for hours at a time. Spur of the moment or planned meetings were held at desks, which could be intimidating in certain work relationships. And other times, important meetings might be postponed while employees waited for a conference room to be available.

There’s less need to step into a designated conference room. Common areas can be used for small group meetings away from workstations. And minimal tables for monitors and online meetings can be set up so they remain unobtrusive.

Informal Workspaces Source International Scape Seating
Photo: Source International Scape Lounge Seating

Stepping out for a working lunch can be a nice change of scenery, or a meeting at a coffee shop can meet the same need. But a breakroom where lunch and coffee are available can serve a similar purpose in the mornings, during lunch, or in the afternoons.

Encouraging mobility makes the office more functional and dynamic than only having specific desks where all the work is expected to be handled.  This is why informal workspaces accessible to everyone works, and make good use of otherwise unoccupied office spaces.

Informal Spaces are Professional Spaces

Informal spaces can certainly serve collaborative efforts and meet the needs of individual employees. Planning your space is essential so your team has room for those important spur-of-the-moment ideas that lead to greater productivity and professional satisfaction.


Photo: Scale 1:1 Nomad Conference Table

In today’s world, boundaries are blurred between personal lives and professional careers.  Informal spaces help employees relate to each other and meet the need for social interactions.

Rely on Expertise and Experience

Contact the team at 2010 Office Furniture for help to create your informal workspaces.  Get trusted advice from their combined half-century.  They’ve provided solutions for distinguished clients throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Inland Empire.

Read Also: Design and Plan Your Office for Collaboration and Inspiration
Main Photo: OFS Edge Collaboration Spaces
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: DARRAN, ERG International, Friant, Scale 1:1, OFS, Source and Stylex

How to Decide if You Should Buy Used or New Office Furniture in Orange County

Orange County Used Office Furniture Senator Group SetMe Workstations

Businesses in all industries face the same question: is It better to buy office furniture new or used?

No matter the company, from a digital marketing agency in Mission Viejo, a professional health practice in Fullerton, to a startup tech company in Irvine, one may wonder if you should invest in new or used furniture.

Read on to clarify your decision-making process.

Supporting the Well-Being of Employees and Visitors

Our physical and emotional health is a priority. The purpose of office furniture is to properly support your employees so they’re physically comfortable in handling their tasks.

Clunky chairs, tables that wobble, and height-adjustable desks with worn-out gears are a distraction and they can impact how you sit or stand.

Let’s look closely at office chairs. A chair that’s made well assists in good posture and has the necessary lumbar support to reduce strain on the lower back, knees, and elbows.


Photo: Friant Amenity Seating

Can the quality of used furniture match the quality of new?

You have to make similar comparisons. Not all office chairs that are branded as ergonomic are comparable in quality. 2010 Office Furniture will only sell quality new or used furnishings.

An office chair with an ergonomic design like one from Boss that’s on clearance is built to last and serves executives, mid-level managers, and freelance team members.


Photo: Boss B9471-GY Chair

The Herman Miller Aeron Chair that’s pre-owned is another example of quality used furniture that’s worth purchasing for startup firms or established corporations.

Quality chairs affect employee performance. If you can’t get good quality in a used model, then it’s worth purchasing new ergonomic chairs.


Photo: Rouillard Lead X Chairs

Guest chairs should be comfortable and supportive for a visitor waiting in a lobby or sitting in a conference room. Since a guest may only use the chairs for minutes or perhaps a couple of hours, then the impact on the body isn’t as profound as it is on employees.

The chair should look stylish and have a pleasant appearance to reflect your company’s brand and expertise.

Purchasing used guest or multi-purpose chairs can work just as well as purchasing new ones. See the available choices on the 2010 Office Furniture’s Used Office Chairs page.

Brands like 9 to 5 Seating Used Cydia Guest Chair with a cool, mesh finish fit well in offices for professional consultants, universities, or health offices.

Add a dash of color and a unique style to your office lobby or meeting room with the Cherryman Used Jade Guest Chair.

Sitting stresses our bodies. Purchase office chairs and guest chairs that benefit a person’s well-being.

Supporting Form and Office Functionality

Choosing a workstation, desk, cubicle, and other standard office items has less impact on the body than selecting the correct chair. However, they should fit with the overall style and function well.


Photo: Krug Latitude Height Adjustable Desk

Desks support work by offering enough surface area for reviewing papers or hosting meetings. Workstations and cubicles should be comfortable and welcoming in appearance.

Used desks, workstations, and cubicles come in a variety of styles and colors. If there’s a brand or model you’re interested in, but don’t see on our pages then the 2010 Office Furniture Team will make every effort to procure the item you’d prefer.


Photo: Chessman Emerald Desk

Is buying used worth it? Yes, when the quality exists and the price is a substantial discount.

The AMQ Used Dual Height Adjustable Workstation is an example of a used product that was used on display in a showroom and is about 75% off the cost of the original price.

A conference table is another item that’s often worth buying used.

The Maverick Used Pacifica Conference Table is styled for any professional conference room setting at a fraction of the new retail price.


Photo: Maverick Pacifica Table

Plan Your Space Well

The furnishings you choose, how you arrange them, and the atmosphere you create will impact overall productivity and the employee mindset.

The team at 2010 Office Furniture offers space planning as a service because they’re passionate that a well-planned space will make your employees and visitors feel that you operate in a cohesive manner.

Once you’ve settled on the layout, then it becomes easier to choose the used or new furniture and storage solutions that will meet your needs.

This gives you a competitive edge among the many entrepreneurs and established professionals in Orange County while boosting your own confidence that your organization is run efficiently.

Rely on Our Experience

Trust 2010 Office Furniture to plan your space and meet your furnishing requirements based on our half-century of experience working with the most distinguished brands as our clients in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire.

Contact us with your needs and we’ll gladly be of service.

Read Also: Plan Your Office Branding for the Employee Experience
Main Photo: Senator Group SetMe Workstations
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Boss, Cherryman, Friant, Krug, Maverick, Rouillard & Senator Group

Designing for Comfort and Employee Well-Being with the Resimercial Office Trend

Resimercial Office Trend HON Westhill Lounge

Lines between our personal and professional lives have blurred with instant communication and cloud storage. Kids and colleagues can get in touch as needed. There are boundaries, of course. But the 2020 stay-at-home orders showed that many companies found a way to keep operating with nearly all of their employees at home.  Enter the Resimercial office trend.

Now that the focus is once again on the corporate setting, the Resimercial office trend is more popular than ever.

Create an inviting office where home-style comforts are mixed with commercial durability. The benefits of resimercial design include increased comfort with a boost in productivity.


Photo: Snowsound Perline Acoustic Panel

Why can’t a corporate office have the needed functionality plus personality?

This type of office bridges the settings of home and work—while being flexible enough to incorporate the best of both residential and commercial.

A well-planned resimercial office space following the resimercial office trend will have the furnishings that are needed with intangible elements that can make your office a welcome destination.  The addition of biophilic design (bringing elements of nature indoors) also is a huge benefits as it helps improve overall office wellbeing and positivity.

Resimercial Office Trend: Attitude and Atmosphere

Use as many large windows as possible to get rid of stuffy feelings inside. Southern California has a diverse landscape of beaches and mountains, plenty of sunshine, and some of the best weather in the U.S.

Office settings that incorporate natural elements create a pleasant atmosphere—especially when maximizing natural light and using colors that represent the surrounding environment.

Offices in Pasadena or Monrovia can use as much window space possible to capture the red and purple hues of the afternoon sun on the San Gabriel Mountains.

In Playa Vista or Culver City, an office can make use of ocean scenes and equip an outdoor space to experience the ocean breezes.

Use green on your walls strategically with the Nevins Bio Canvas Frame. Bark, moss, and stone panels are tastefully arranged in this no-maintenance option.

These touches make an office personable while getting rid of a sterile feeling.

Work is demanding, but these familiar connections can reduce stress and show employees that they don’t have to be separated from the soothing elements of the world.

Resimercial Office Trend: Furnishings and Fabrics

Office spaces that are planned effectively have a clear purpose. Visit 2010 Office Furniture’s resimercial office trend page to stir your own creativity.

Don’t wall people off from each other. Use furnishings that allow for a flow of open interaction yet provide private spaces. Placement, look, and feel are factors that the team at 2010 Office Furniture considers when assisting clients in planning their spaces.


Photo: Maverick Apex Desk Workstations

You’ve got many choices ranging from the inventive DARRAN Chameleon Workspace to the Maverick Apex Open Plan Desking and the Global Zira Desking Workstation.


Photo: Darran Chameleon Workspace

Each solution is unique with finishes that look pleasant, has comfortable seating, and can be incorporated into a soft, office design.

In a home office, you should have a dedicated workspace, but you’re free to move around and work on the sofa or at the kitchen table. Design that same freedom into your office setting.

Make your breakroom personally stylish using items like the Arcadia Betwixt Table.


Photo: Arcadia Betwixt Table

Consider the DARRAN Honey Lounge Seating. It’s a seating solution that incorporates nature, provides ergonomic comfort, and has been proven to help reduce stress, bolster productivity and enhance well-being.


Photo: Darran Honey Lounge

Storage space is important in both the residential and commercial worlds. Step away from gray metal with the OFS Hitch Shelf and Storage, a unique, modular storage system available in a range of wood veneer finishes.

Resimercial design has a range of ergonomic benefits when quality furnishings are used.

Expect durability. Commercial grade furniture is meant for heavy use, several hours a day, while a sofa in your home is meant for much lighter use. You can still have comfort with quality seating and workspaces.

People and Productivity

The Resimercial office trend isn’t just about furnishings. It’s about letting your employees work in comfort while maintaining high levels of productivity.

Promote well-being.

Quality office chairs are a good place to begin.

The OFS Pret Chair is the type of ergonomic seating solution that’s pleasant to look at while supporting an individual’s body weight and shape.


Photo: HON Solve Chair

Lighting matters, too. Forget big and bulky lamps. Sleek is in for corporate settings and home offices. The Workrite Fundamentals 2 Desktop Light focuses light as needed without getting in the way. It’s one of many ergonomic lighting options.

Channeling sound is another way to make the office pleasant and comfortable. Use acoustic panels of all shapes and colors to deflect and absorb potentially distracting conversations and clacking keyboards.


Photo: Nevins Bio Canvas Panels

As you make the office comfortable, employees will find it a desirable setting to work in. It could become their home away from home.

Rely on 2010 Office Furniture for Resimercial Office Trend

The team at 2010 Office Furniture has more than 50 years of combined experience working with clientele that are among Southern California’s most notable corporations, universities, and other not-for-profits, and small businesses in all industries.

Contact them with your office needs and questions.

Read Also: 6 Reasons to Use a Resimercial Design for Your Office
Main Photo: HON Westhill Lounge
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Arcadia, Darran, HON, Maverick, Nevins & Snowsound