Work From Home Archives

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

Choreograph Your Space: Glide with Pantone Color of the Year 2026 Cloud Dancer

Via Seating Onda Chair and Orbit Chair for Pantone Color of the Year 2026 Cloud Dancer

Head in the clouds? Pantone’s Color of the Year 2026 suggests you may be on the right on trend.

In the ever-changing landscape of office design, we’re leaving behind the cold, industrial grays of yesteryear. As we glide into 2026, workspaces are craving a more “atmospheric” vibe—a sweet spot where productivity meets mental ease. Meet Cloud Dancer, Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year, ready to transform your office into a haven of creativity and calm.

Cloud Dancer isn’t merely a hue; it’s a revolution. This dreamy, off-white shade embodies a world yearning for clarity, fluidity, and that elusive “flow” state. In the realm of commercial office furniture and interior design, Cloud Dancer signals a shift from sterile to soulful, embracing a human-centric approach.

IN A NUTSHELL: As Pantone Color of the Year 2026, Cloud Dancer is a sophisticated neutral that reduces visual clutter. Ideal for reception areas, private offices, and conference rooms, the shade helps to enhance office environments and inspires serenity, creativity and groundbreaking ideas. Embrace simplicity and elevate your professional office space with Cloud Dancer.

Photo: Friant Novo Workstations

What is Cloud Dancer? Breaking Down the Pantone Color of the Year 2026 Aesthetic

Cloud Dancer might seem like just another off-white at first, but it truly shines when it meets light and texture. Unlike the flashy “millennial pinks” or “bold primaries” of yesteryears, Cloud Dancer stands as a sophisticated neutral with cool, rhythmic undertones. It captures the essence of high-altitude light—clean, crisp, and undeniably luxurious.

By 2026, “The Office” has transformed into more than just a workspace; it’s a destination that rivals the coziness of home while empowering top-tier teamwork. Pantone’s choice of Cloud Dancer captures a worldwide yearning for mental clarity. In an era drowning in digital alerts and intricate data, this hue serves as a refreshing “visual palate cleanser.”

Photo: Global Bridges II System Media Lounge with Seating in Cloud Dancer

Why “Cloud Dancer” is the Workplace’s New Best Friend

In the world of commercial design, color isn’t just about looking good—it’s about shaping behavior. Pantone Color of the Year 2026 Cloud Dancer isn’t merely a visual decor; it’s a calculated move in the art of influence.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CLOUD DANCER: Picture a workspace where movement is as natural as breathing. Enter Cloud Dancer, the design maestro that orchestrates a symphony of motion in modern offices. By weaving a subtle visual tapestry across desks, huddle rooms, and departments, it banishes the harsh contrasts of bold accent walls. This gentle flow state not only eases the mental load but also empowers employees to dive deep into their work, unlocking their full potential.

THE LIGHTING MAGIC OF CLOUD DANCER: In the world of commercial real estate, lighting is a tricky beast. You’re juggling natural sunlight streaming through windows with the brilliance of high-lumen LED overheads. Enter Cloud Dancer, the “chameleon” shade. It dances with the day, feeling fresh and invigorating under the morning sun. As evening approaches and the lights warm up, it stays cozy without losing its crispness, keeping your office looking sharp and professional around the clock.

Photo: Nevins Synk2 Seating

Choreographing the Modern Office: Your Room-by-Room Expert Instructor

Unlock the full potential of Cloud Dancer by seamlessly integrating it with your commercial furniture and architectural elements. Here’s your guide to infusing the 2026 aesthetic into your floor plan with flair and finesse.

RECEPTION & LOBBY SPACES:

Your lobby is the stage where your brand waltzes with the world. It’s the first handshake with clients and the gateway for fresh talent. With Cloud Dancer, transform grand architectural elements—like a sinuous reception desk or towering acoustic panels—into a symphony of openness that captivates instantly.

Cloud Dancer, when combined with sleek matte metallic touches like brushed champagne or soft silver, paints a picture of a company that’s both open and visionary. It ditches the daunting “fortress” vibe of darker lobbies, welcoming guests into a space that feels fresh and inviting.

Photo: Friant Willow Reception Desk

PRIVATE OFFICES:

Transform your executive suite with Pantone Color of the Year 2026 Cloud Dancer, the chic alternative to those old-school neutrals. This airy hue gives even the tiniest office the grandeur of a corner suite, making it the perfect setting for high-level decision-making.

Picture this: sleek Cloud Dancer leather chairs paired with matte-lacquered storage units, all resting on natural wood floors or light oak desks. It’s the color of a leader who stays cool under pressure—your sanctuary of style and sophistication.

Photo: OFS Slate Private Executive Office

CONFERENCE & MEETING ROOMS:

Conference rooms often resemble a tangled mess of screens, cables, microphones, and swivel chairs. Enter Cloud Dancer—your secret weapon for visual tranquility. By choosing this hue for your table surface or acoustic baffling, you transform chaos into calm, creating a serene space that speaks volumes.

By lessening the room’s background noise, the ideas on the screen or the whiteboard take center stage. Cloud Dancer alleviates the “glare” commonly associated with pure white tables, making extended strategy sessions more comfortable for the eyes.

“THIRD SPACES” & BREAKOUT ZONES:

In today’s dynamic workplaces, “soft” spaces are the new norm—think lounges and cafes where ideas flow freely. Enter Cloud Dancer, the perfect hue for these inviting areas. Picture bouclé-textured sofas or modular “pebble” seating in this airy shade, seamlessly blending professionalism with comfort. This “Human-Centric” design nudges employees to break away from their desks and spark collaboration.

Photo: Friant Raffe Coffee Table

Unlock Pantone Color of the Year 2026 Potential: Pairing Cloud Dancer with the Right Partner

Cloud Dancer is the chameleon of color palettes, effortlessly adapting to its surroundings. Its perfect balance allows it to sway between warm and cool tones, making it the ultimate team player in any design ensemble.

THE PROFESSIONAL:
Mood: Executive, Focused, Modern
Accent Pairing: Smoky Charcoal / Gunmetal Gray

THE HEALTH-CONSCIOUS:
Mood: Organic, Tranquil, Healing
Accent Pairing: Forest Greenery / Moss

THE INNOVATOR:
Mood: High-Tech, Dynamic, Cutting-Edge
Accent Pairing: Electric Ultramarine Blue

THE ROMANTIC:
Mood: Sensitive, Intimate, Amorous
Accent Pairing: Rosy Red / Blushing Pink

Photo: Global Bridges II System Open Plan Benching

Dance With Materials that Get You Moving

To avoid having a commercial space feeling monotonous, texture is your best ally. When selecting furniture in Cloud Dancer, opt for materials that interact and play with shadows and light.

ACOUSTIC FELT: Cloud Dancer felt panels can elevate your walls with a touch of modern elegance but also hush the hustle and bustle of office life, creating a tranquil oasis for productivity.

OBSCURED GLASS: Incorporate obscured or frosted glass partitions with Cloud Dancer frames to provide office privacy while maintaining the “airy” feeling of the open floor plan.

EARTHY CERAMICS: Use Cloud Dancer in ceramic pots, planters or other office accessories for tables or desks to add a tactile yet soft personal touch.

TEXTURED METAL: Perforated Cloud Dancer metals on storage cabinets and lockers or powder-coated steel on work surface legs add a cool, almost raw industrial element that softens the overall vibe

Photo: Global Bridges II System Open Plan Benching

Photo: Global Prime Lockers

The Final Step: A Victorious Leap into 2026

As we gaze into the future of work, one thing is crystal clear: the office should nurture the human spirit just as much as it boosts profits. Enter Pantone’s Cloud Dancer, the ideal hue to usher in this transformation. This vibrant color embodies optimism, clarity, and dynamic energy, setting the stage for a more inspiring workplace.

When you choreograph your office furniture and environment using this shade, you’re not just following a trend; you’re designing a space that breathes, inspires, and evolves. 2026 is the year to break free from the heavy aesthetics of the past and embrace a sense of freedom and movement. 2026 is here, and there’s no better time to dance among the clouds.

Get Expert Help: Infuse Pantone Color of the Year 2026 Into Your Office

Need professional help incorporating this year’s color into your office? You’ve come to the right place! Get expert guidance on Pantone Color of the Year 2026 Cloud Dancer and how to infuse this neutral, airy hue into your workrooms. The team at 2010 Office Furniture can assist you in planning all your professional work spaces, including providing work-from-home office solutions. We design environments that enhance employee engagement and boost overall productivity.

To get started, contact us today and share your project details and requirements. From large businesses, non-profits, government projects and small business, our office furniture experts are here to help!

Read Also: You Do Hue: Choosing the Best Office Color to Boost Productivity in Your Workspace
Main Photo: Via Seating Onda and Orbit Chairs
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Friant, Global, Nevins, OFS & Via Seating

2026 Color Trends Cloud Dancer Color Trends 2026 Neutral Office Neutral Office Colors Off White Office office colors office moods Pantone Cloud Dancer Pantone Color of the Year Pantone Color of the Year 2026 White Office

Choosing the Right Ergonomic Chair: Seating Tailored for You

Choosing the Right Ergonomic Chair Humanscale Collections of Chairs

Every office needs chairs. That is non-negotiable. But how easy is it when choosing the right ergonomic chair for your office?

In today’s age, people spend extensive amounts of time sitting at our desks. Studies show that ergonomic chairs and health are intrinsically linked: choosing the right ergonomic chair can impact posture, back pain, musculoskeletal health. For example, if a chair is so high that your feet dangle off the ground, it can lead to poor blood circulation and increased pressure on your knees. If a chair doesn’t align with the way your back is shaped, you will eventually have poor posture and potentially chronic back pain.

That’s why choosing the right ergonomic chairs are crucial for the office. Ergonomics in the context of the workplace are the study and design of equipment and tools aimed to suit the needs of the human body. Ergonomic chairs are a cut above all other office furniture because they are made with our health in mind. They should be able to accommodate diverse body types, improve posture, and enhance productivity.

What are some factors to consider when looking for an ergonomic chair?

Look for customization. Every aspect of an ergonomic chair is designed with purpose so it can be tailored to the individual’s needs.

Photo: Friant Zone Too Chair

Considering Seat Pan

Seat pans are the flat surface that you sit on. It is important that the seat pan is not too long or short for your legs; otherwise, it will prevent you from fully leaning back from the lumbar or will not properly support your knees and put pressure on them. If you cannot find a chair with adjustable seat pan, the general rule is to find one where there is a half-inch gap between the seat pan and the back of your knees.

Photo: HÅG SoFi Ergonomic Task Chair

The Right Lumbar Support

Lumbar support is the back of the chair that you lean on. Adjustable lumbar support is critical to an ergonomic chair because it helps you keep your lumbar region, the lower back, aligned and prevents slouching. Choosing the right ergonomic chair that supports the natural “S” curve of your spine is necessary; if it doesn’t, it’ll tilt the pelvis and jam the joints of our lower back.

Lumbar support must be both depth adjustable and height adjustable to cater to different people.

Photo: OFS Sladr Ergonomic Chair

Make Sure It’s Height-Adjustable

Your knees should bend at a 90-degree angle and your feet should always be flat on the floor to promote proper posture, better circulation, and rested legs. For this reason, even non-ergonomic chairs often come with height customization. The chair should height-adjust to accommodate people of various heights when choosing the right ergonomic chair.

The Addition of Headrests

Not all ergonomic chairs come with headrests, and that’s fine. It’s simply another aspect to consider. However, headrests are a common feature because they can keep your head and neck properly aligned with the spine.

When You Need Armrests

Armrests are an optional addition, but when ergonomic chairs do have them, they should be adjustable. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to chairs, and the same applies here. Adjusted accordingly, armrests provide crucial support for the arms and shoulders and reduce strain on the neck and back muscles.

Photo: Humanscale Freedom Ergonomic Chair

Choosing the Right Ergonomic Chair Recline

The ergonomic chair moves with your body, no matter how small that movement may be. That’s why options such as recline should be a factor to consider when choosing a chair. Not all work is done sitting straight up; the ability to lean back is necessary to support and relax the lower back.

Photo: OFS Butterfly Chair

Choosing the Right Ergonomic Chair Base

The base of the chair is an often overlooked, but crucial feature of seating. A good ergonomic chair has wheels and a swivel base to allow users to turn their whole body instead of just their neck, preventing strains and sprains.

Photo: Senator Circo Ergonomic Task Chair

Selection of Materials

The consideration you put into buying a chair should extend past ergonomics. Materials are another significant aspect to think about the choosing the right ergonomic chair. Materials can impact daily comfort and productivity.

Mesh is a popular lightweight fabric made with interwoven polyester or nylon fibers that promote airflow and prevent sweat. Their flexibility easily conforms to the user’s body for comfort.

Leather offers a premium experience and is durable and long-lasting. Cleaning takes minimal effort. However, cons include the high-cost of the material and possible discomfort when the weather gets hot.

High-density foam provides lasting comfort and retains their shape and supportive properties longer. They are a reliable choice for high-use environments. On the downside, they can feel too hard and rigid for some, lacking the flexibility that mesh has in spades.

Photo: Humanscale World Chair, Freedom Headrest Chair and Summa Chair

Wrapping Up

There are many factors to consider when buying a chair because they must be as unique as the person using them. The multitude of options can be overwhelming, but it’s all a matter of preference.

At the end of the day, there’s a chair for everyone. Ergonomics ensures it.

Get Expert Help in Choosing the Right Ergonomic Chair

Stay updated with the team at 2010 Office Furniture on the latest ergonomic chair trends, and let us assist you in planning all your professional work spaces, including providing work-from-home office solutions. We design environments that enhance employee engagement and boost overall productivity.

Read Also: Industry Wrap-Up! NeoCon 2025 Winners Highlights
Main Photo: Humanscale Collection of Chairs
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: HÅG, Friant, Humanscale, OFS & Senator

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How to Plan Virtual Meetings for Maximum Engagement

Planning and designing virtual office spaces means more than arranging a physical room. It means having a virtual meeting space that works for those attending from the corporate office and those logging on from remote locations.

Virtual meetings are now common, but you don’t want remote attendees wondering if anyone is listening and you don’t want those attending in person to appear anonymous.

Plan your space so you come across confidently and gain respect as a trusted resource.

Prepping for the Virtual Meeting

There’s a reason why lighting and sound design have their own separate categories at the Oscars and other award shows. Okay, you’re not a Hollywood type, but if you’re in finance in a city like Irvine or an analyst for a corporation in Burbank then you want your surroundings to boost your credibility and not detract from it.

If you come across as a shadow or you sound like you’ve got marbles in your cheeks then you’re going to have little impact when you comment or share vital information.

You don’t need sophisticated solutions, but make sure you have good ergonomic lighting and a microphone that serves you well.

See your environment as others see it—and that means the background.

Photo: Trendway Volo Wall

For the corporate office, use architectural walls or backdrops on existing walls for a pleasing view. This is especially important if you’re onboarding new employees.

Use structures like the Obeya Architectural wall or a cubicle like the Friant System 2 Workstation that comes in a variety of colors.

What about the home office?

Look like the talented professional you are without spending much money.

Photo: DARRAN Chameleon Screen

Desks are often against walls in home offices so make sure your background doesn’t have clunky-looking doors or flimsy curtains. You can easily install a cubicle partition or use a pleasing space divider that sits on the floor. Look into the DARRAN Chameleon Screen or the Snowsound PLI Divider Panels.

Remember to use task lighting to provide the right amount of light.

This simple fix will make your on-screen environment look great.

Photo: Snowsound PLI Acoustic Divider Panels

Virtual Platforms

In a PC Magazine survey, Zoom tops the list of Best Video Conferencing Software for 2023.

Why Zoom?

It has “rich features,” is easy to use, and is good for organizations of all sizes.

BlueJeans comes in second. The company was acquired by Verizon a few years ago and works well for organizations that use different operating systems. It gets ranked high for quality audio, too.

Intermedia AnyMeeting scores third place. It includes an AI-powered Virtual Assistant which “delivers reasonable high-quality transcriptions of video meetings.”

TechRadar ranks Zoom in 1^st place with Microsoft Teams coming in 2^nd, followed by Google Meet.

Virtual Meeting Communities

Now for a different look at virtual meetings.

Ever think of becoming a Spatian? You can be online and work with others on the same projects and documents.

Spatians are “a new generation of creators, ambassadors, educators and trailblazers” guiding users in “immersive experiences in the Metaverse.”

Look through the Spatial platform and see how “augmented and virtual reality” is used “to improve remote collaboration.”

The company was launched in 2016 and has a “long-term mission of accelerating a future where people can enjoy meaningful, productive interactions without sharing the same physical space.”

The design is meant to capture people’s creative expressions and gestures and make it easier to know how users interpret what’s in front of them.

Spatial co-founder Jinha Lee says Zoom fatigue set in because users had to be 200 percent focused, but they couldn’t work with each other to accomplish tasks.

Being only spectators got old.

Virtual spaces are also geared for events where “the future is hybrid,” according to a December 2022 write-up on BizBash, “The Future of Events: It’s About Flexibility and Choice.” The ultimate goal is establishing “parity” so there’s no difference in attending virtually or in person.

Quick Tips for Virtual Meetings

In a corporate office, you need a space to work from. Browse through the 2010 Office Inspiration page for ideas on furnishings and appearances for a videoconferencing space. You can also get ideas for planning a new space or refreshing an older one.

Need media tables?

Photo: Rouillard Zetti Fit Table

For compact areas, consider the Rouillard Zetti Fit Table or the Krug V2 Modular Table for larger spaces.

Photo: Krug V2 Modular Table

Ensure everyone’s comfort with quality, ergonomic chairs and media tables that offer plenty of surface area to work on.

Successful meetings of all kinds need objectives. Send out a simple agenda ahead of time and give people time to chat and greet each other before getting involved in the heart of the meeting’s details.

Be sure to let employees who work a hybrid schedule or fully remote schedule to occasionally facilitate the meeting times. Remote participants need to fully see the faces of in-room attendees, the shared presentations, and also have any of the documents handed out while seeing content created during the meeting.

Get Needed Input

Office environments continue evolving so plan your space with the team at 2010 Office Furniture. They’ve earned the respect of clients who are known among Southern California’s most respected large corporations, small businesses, and leading not-for-profits.

Contact them with your project needs.

Read Also: Liven Up Your Virtual Meeting Rooms and Physical Meeting Spaces
Main Photo: OFS Obeya Architectural Walls
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: DARRAN, Krug, OFS, Rouillard, Snowsound, Trendway

architectural walls ergonomic lighting flexible design home office inspiration page media tables office furnishings spatial platform virtual meetings virtual office spaces

Cultivating the Disciplines Needed to Work from Your Home Office Successfully

People who work from their work from home office around Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire have distinct advantages, but they face certain risks, depending on their circumstances.

Read on to see what those are and how to handle them so you can work at home successfully.

Working from Home’s Upward Trend in SoCal

In Southern California, working from home has been a trend that’s on the rise and tripled between 2019 and 2021. Clearly, the COVID-19 shutdown impacted working habits. The six-county Southern California Association of Governments reported the results of a research study from 2021.

In Los Angeles County, about 22% of employees work from home. That’s about one in every five employees.

Orange County has fewer work-from-home employees with 20.9% while San Bernardino County tallies in with 13.7% and Riverside County follows with 13.6%.

In 2006, only 4% of people identified as working from home, and that number only bumped slightly for the next 15 years when 6% of those surveyed said they worked from home.

Photo: SitOnIt Switchback Desk

Equipping and planning the work-from-home office and treating it like an extension of the corporate office is strategic.

Work From Home Office Trade-Offs

Rush hour.

Does any more need to be said?

If you have to commute more than 10 miles from your home to the office you know what you face each morning and each evening on most freeways and surface streets.

Working from home eliminates commuting time to the office, but your trade-off can mean less contact with other professionals.

The other issue to handle is blending work life and personal life. Are you caring for others? Kids or aging parents? Those needs may replace your commute and be more demanding.

Working from your home office or other remote spaces has pitfalls to watch for and guard against.

Home Office Boundaries

Defining your work-from-home space is essential to being productive and moving from a personal mindset to a professional point of view.

The morning and evening commute gets a bad rap because of traffic from the 405 in West LA to the 215 in the Inland Empire. But do you know the benefit of a commute? It provides a separation between work and personal life. You may be under pressure, but mentally you can move from one space and adjust to another.

Create those boundaries by planning an office space that’s just right for your needs. The space needed for a desk is often minimal. You need a surface area, some storage, power cords, and an online connection. And the types of desks available can be equal to a set-up in the company’s headquarters.

Look for what’s light and sleek like the iDesk M Series Desk with a storage panel and multiple configuration options.

The iDesk D Series Private Office Desk Workstation works well in either corporate spaces or home offices.

Photo: Loftwall Hitch Space Divider

Photo: Loftwall Split Space Divider

Use space dividers if you have others coming in and out of the home throughout the day. Check the Loftwell Hitch Space Divider and the Loftwall Split Space Divider for models that provide a boundary without making users feel closed in.

Photo: Friant System 2 Workstation

Consider a cubicle for your home office. A model like the Friant System 2 Workstation has plenty of customizable options to fit a small space or open area.

If you like to see your day and tasks visually then a whiteboard on a wall or a moveable whiteboard can also be used to separate work and personal life.

Structure is Key

You need structure to be as productive as possible at your work from home office. It’s not hard to envision what that may be, but develop a structure that’s workable and doesn’t cut into your most productive times.

Try not to deviate from your morning routine. Make those first few hours count. If you don’t have a morning commute then take a brisk walk before you begin working and take one again toward the end of the day. If you drive kids to school or have to care for aging parents then work mild exercise into your schedule. It can help settle your mind and any feelings of jumbled nerves or feeling like you’re in a mad rush.

Focused Time and Break Time

Try to eliminate multitasking. It may work as a parent who’s handling a couple of different children while cooking meals and doing laundry, but handling multiple work tasks at one time isn’t productive. You lose momentum and thought when switching from one task to another.

If you have 90 minutes, then make sure nothing else interrupts that time. Take a break and then come back for more focused time.

Work From Home Office Communication

If you’re an employee who works remotely or on a hybrid schedule and the arrangement is beneficial then be a good example by being an outstanding communicator.

Check-in regularly with your team at the office whether via email or virtual meetings.

Here’s an idea.

Photo: Scale 1:1 Telemeet Tables

Have a wall monitor for your virtual meeting space instead of using your laptop or phone. Use a separate media table and the corporate office can design its own videoconferencing space using attractive architectural walls.

Take initiative and suggest times you could drive in for updates. Many corporate executives fear that employees who are out of sight are also out of mind.

Eliminate those fears that the company has of losing accountability. Hold them accountable and communicate so they’re aware of your efforts, progress, and challenges.

Turn to Expertise

The team at 2010 Office stays up to date on trends to help clients plan their work areas as well as work from home office spaces. They help design environments to improve employee engagement, and equip companies for improved productivity. Get input on connecting home offices with corporate spaces.

Contact 2010 Office and let them know your project needs.

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

Read Also: Your Guide to Equipping Your Home Office
Main Photo: SitOnIt Switchback Desk
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Friant, Loftwall, Scale 1:1, and SitOnIt

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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.

Stylish Noise Reducing Office Furniture Trends for 2024

Noise Reducing Office Furniture OFS Intermix Table

Reduce office noise and boost employee engagement by incorporating noise reducing office furniture at the workplace.

That’s not an easy task because we’re immersed in noise.

During commutes, listening to an audiobook or the radio in your car is pleasant but there’s still noise. Think of the noises that you hear in your backyard. Or how about parking near your office, whether it’s in a downtown Los Angeles high-rise or an office near John Wayne Airport?

When you get into the office and settle at your desk, you won’t endure car horns or neighbors blasting music during backyard barbeques but you’ll have other distractions.

Take a look at this:

Even moderate noise in an office can result in high levels of stress and lower task motivation, according to a 2021 study from Cornell University:

“Workers in the noisy office experienced significantly higher levels of stress, made 40 percent fewer attempts to solve an unsolvable puzzle, and made only half as many ergonomic adjustments to their workstations as did their colleagues in quiet offices.”

Does that mean you have to put up solid walls?

No. Get fashionable.

You can use noise reducing office furniture that help with office acoustics with stylish designs that blend with your existing decor using some of the latest new fabrics.

Channeling and reducing sound helps make the office a desirable place for your employees.

Here’s a fabric that keeps the office looking stylish and absorbs noise: PET Felt.

What is PET Felt?

When you take the materials used to make plastic bottles and reuse it as fabrics — that’s Polyethylene Terephthalate, better known as PET Felt.

PET is especially well-suited for use in design-led acoustics since it’s lightweight, dense, durable, and rigid: all properties that make it ideal for acoustic design. Add to that it achieves a Class O fire rating, as noted by Sound Zero, an acoustic sound design firm in the U.K.

Let’s see a specific use of this recycled material.

Lamps with PET Felt

Reducing or channeling office noise doesn’t mean putting up barriers. Help can come from unexpected places using noise reducing office furniture with the right materials.

Like PET felt on office lamps.

Now, would you have thought an office lamp could absorb sound? Dutch designers did and showcased their products on Dezeen.com.

The lamps hang nicely above tables with a relatively low profile and act almost like an upside-down umbrella. They don’t call attention to themselves but blend in nicely with the surroundings.

Noise Reducing Office Furniture Absorb and Deflect Those Noises

Now let’s look at other ways to reduce noise in the office with accompanying noise reducing office furniture.

Photo: OFS Intermix Conference Table

Set up a welcoming type of conference room. Click on the 2010 Office Inspiration page and browse a modern conference room space. It doesn’t have to be completely enclosed. Imagine a space with one wall as a whiteboard, another wall being a clear architectural wall, and a monitor attached to a wall with a doorless opening to walk in and out of freely.

Photo: Snowsound Clasp Fiber Room Divider

Many lounge seating arrangements are attractive, comfortable, and are designed to keep conversations focused around a table so the noise doesn’t drift away. In fact they make great noise reducing office furniture because of the padding and fabric that they’re usually made from.

Photo: Arcadia Contract TOOtheLOUNGE Seating

Look at the Arcadia TOOtheLOUNGE Seating with practical configurations and colorful appearances to brighten any office environment. It can be an individual “oasis” or set up to accommodate a few people. Make it as closed or as open as you want.

Photo: Nevins Bio Canvas Frame

Green office panels help you control the acoustics while adding a touch of nature to your surroundings. The Nevins Bio Canvas Frame has a lightweight frame and uses bark, moss, and stone panels. No maintenance is required.

Bookcases are another way to absorb and deflect sounds and make great noise reducing office furniture. What do you put on them? Decorative pieces. Plants. Books. Trophies from the office softball team. Get creative.

You’ve got plenty of options to choose from. Look for an eye-catching design like the OFS Hitch Shelf and Storage. It’s a modular system to showcase your personality.

Photo: OFS Rowens Shelf and Credenza

The OFS Rowen Shelf and Credenza has a library feel while the DARRAN Chameleon Storage has a more boxy style.

Photo: DARRAN Chameleon Storage

Don’t forget green plants. Wider leaves deflect sound waves and all types of plants purify the air. Plus, they’re visually refreshing. Good Housekeeping compiled a listing of 15 plants including the spider plant and birds nest fern.

These ideas are relatively easy to implement and we didn’t even include cubicles or architectural walls. But all these are good options for noice reducing office furniture.

Office Space Planning and Design for Noise Reducing Office Furniture

Absorbing sound waves are one part of overall office planning.

What do you feel your greatest needs are? Ask the team at 2010 Office Furniture and they’ll bring more than 50 years of experience into your space planning and furniture sourcing solutions.

2010 Office’s clients are Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, universities, and small businesses.

Contact them with your potential project needs and when you’re ready to include noise reducing office furniture into your office space.

Read Also: Choosing the Best Office Dividers and Filing Systems
Main Photo: OFS Intermix Conference Table
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Arcadia Contract, DARRAN, Nevins, OFS and Snowsound

acoustic office acoustic panels architectural walls conference room design ergonomic furniture light accessories mobile office solutions modular furniture natural light office acoustics office greenery space planning

Liven Up Your Virtual Meeting Rooms and Physical Meeting Spaces

Virtual Meeting Room TOOtheLOUNGE Seating

Step away from the same old environments and change up both you virtual meeting room and physical meeting spaces to keep your team engaged. Freshen up your in-office environment and your online world.

Think about it this way.

Got Zoom fatigue from too many online meetings? You might not get it with in-house staff who are full-time because you’re often meeting face-to-face. But you might still need to have online meetings with remote workers, clients, and vendors.

Don’t forget that you’ll also have training sessions if you need to be updated on new technologies or brief your team on compliance issues for your industry.

When you’re meeting virtually with teams and addressing people who have different roles and functions, then you’ll benefit from having online meeting spaces that reflect an in-person experience.

The Virtual Meeting Room Environment

There are virtual meeting spaces designed to appear on-screen like an actual office environment. You’ll see avatars at open benching solutions or cubicles in bright colors and you can easily move from a general meeting space to one-on-one chats.

Use interactive elements like YouTube videos and virtual whiteboards for jotting notes. Your virtual meeting room should be designed to keep the attention of attendees.

Now let’s look at your physical meeting space, too.

Photo: OFS Intermix Collaborative Table

The Physical Meeting Space Environment

Host from a comfortable in-house office space designed for teleconferencing and then connect with remote workers using their mobile phones, laptops, or desktops. Use furniture with integrated technology and connection portals.

Get inspired by what your conferencing center can look like. Check the 2010 Office Furniture’s Inspiration Page for Modern Conference Room and Meeting Spaces.

Photo: Source Scape Lounge

Liven up the dreary and stiff meeting spaces and create an atmosphere that opens people up to collaboration. Who says meeting spaces need four physical walls?

Photo: OFS Obeya Architectural Structure

Imagine a meeting space with a large monitor on a wall for easy viewing of video presentations with another wall used as a whiteboard. Another side of the space has a translucent architectural wall that lets light flow in while keeping the sound within the meeting area.

Making the Virtual Meeting and Physical Space Work

A dedicated physical or virtual meeting room is only one part of having a successful meeting. Set the proper expectations.

Create a positive meeting experience using protocols and the right technologies that support your goals. Send out key points of an agenda and, if appropriate, have people pre-meet to discuss the points and suggest courses of action.

Open a meeting with a brief personal check-in, especially with remote workers who don’t get much “water cooler” time in the corporate office. This breaks the ice and can foster positive communication. A minute or two for personal sharing can build bonds.

Keep people focused on the agenda, so don’t allow multitasking.

A virtual meeting space that simulate a live office environment provide a sense of realism and depth. The way we interact online is still different than if we were in person since picking up cues from body language isn’t as noticeable on a computer monitor or smartphone screen.

So wait for others to finish, and speak slowly when it’s your turn. Use icons to signify that your hand is raised.

Photo: Arcadia Avelina Table

For training sessions, use a well-designed virtual meeting space on a large screen. A larger conference table is a solution, but don’t crowd people so they’re uncomfortable.

Photo: DARRAN Bota Table

Try using individual tables or small groups of a few people per table if the topic requires note-taking and interaction with co-workers.

Photo: OFS Applause Table

Use Different Space Sizes

Step out of the same old meeting room by varying the space sizes. Use huddle spaces for up-close conversations. A style like the Encore Hado Lounge Seating can provide comfort and keep you at ease. Use a nesting table that can be easily removed when not needed.

Put your breakroom to strategic use with booths and seating solutions that offer some privacy.

The ERG International Laguna Lounge Seating arrangement is perfect for meeting over coffee or lunch. It’s designed so the conversation is channeled and has power management tools so you can stay connected, especially for your virtual meeting room.

Design a Home-Style Meeting Space

Get the durability of commercial furnishings with the comfort of home-like fabrics and colors. Create a resimercial meeting space with the Arcadia TOOtheLOUNGE Seating. The TOOthe LOUNGE can be configured for one person or can accommodate several people.

Want more ideas on relaxed meeting and working spaces? Check the Resimercial Office design on 2010 Office Furniture’s Inspiration page.

Stay Current with 2010 Office Furniture

Stay up-to-date with trends in planning office spaces and furnishing the office environment. Connect with the team at 2010 Office Furniture for input on your project.

The 2010 Office Furniture team has more than 50 years of combined experience advising and sourcing furniture for clients who are among Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, nonprofits, and small businesses. Let their experts help you design and create your next virtual meeting room or physical meeting space!

Read Also: Staying Productive with an Effort for Holistic Office Wellness
Main Photo: Arcadia TOOtheLOUNGE Seating
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Arcadia, DARRAN, OFS & Source

adaptable office architectural walls conference table huddle spaces meeting environment office planning office technology office trends physical meeting spaces resimercial design virtual meeting spaces

Creating a Touchdown Space to Empower Your Employees

Creating a Touchdown Space OFS LeanTo Lounge

In recent years, a new trend has emerged in office design: touchdown spaces. A touchdown space provides employees with a flexible and versatile working environment. It allows them to work effectively, efficiently and dynamically. In this article, we’ll explore what touchdown spaces are, the different types, and how they benefit employees.

What is a Touchdown Space?

Because many wonder what the touchdown space meaning is, let’s break it down. A touchdown space describes a flexible workspace that’s typically laptop-centric and designed for short-term use. These spaces are usually located in high-traffic areas of an office, such as near the reception area or other central location. In some cases in a privately carved out space. Touchdown spaces are designed to be accessible and comfortable. They’re also designed to cater to employees who are typically on-the-go and need a space to work briefly for an an hour or so, right before their next scheduled task somewhere else. Functional, comfortable and convenient for everyone, they offer a range of benefits for workers, employers and even guests.

The LeanTo Lounge Seating by OFS is a great example of an informal touchdown setup that can be used by individuals or small group of people. With comfortable seating, an upholstered high back, and worsurface tablet, its perfect for a private/semi-private work oasis.

Photo: Darran Honey Workspace

Touchdown Space Types

There are several different types of touchdown spaces that can provide employees with a flexible workspace. A popular one are touchdown meeting spaces equipped with audio-visual equipment, whiteboards, and other tools for effective collaboration. Another type are private working nooks or pods to accommodate individuals to concentrate and work alone. A lounge, breakroom or cafe booth can also be a touchdown space for relaxed and less concentrated tasks. And designated reception spaces can be perfect for on the go workers and guests as a touchdown space to catch up on work.

Touchdown Workspaces Allow Flexibility

A great benefit of office touchdown spaces is that they provide employees a more flexible way of working that encourages them to be more productive at work. Unfortunately, many employees today spend almost all their time at work glued to their workstation or desk. Traditional office setups typically foster this type of sedentary culture and doesn’t facilitate much inter-office collaboration or movement. Touchdown spaces provide supplemental work spaces to encourage workers to get up, move around and interact with their peers throughout the day.

Photo: OFS Tangent Modular Lounge

Tangent by OFS is a modular lounge seating that can be configured many different ways in reception or lounge areas. It’s equipped with power and charging capabilities, as well as table tops and layover tables, to comfortably accommodate workers or guests seeking a touchdown space.

A Touchdown Co-Working Space Promotes Community

An additional benefit of touchdown spaces is that they promote a sense of camaraderie among different groups within an office community. In traditional office setups, departments are often very much separated and very rarely do they interact . A touchdown co-working space can help break down divisions among departments by providing common spaces where everyone can go to and work. This would allow workers to get to know each other better, interact and share ideas. For remote workers who are not regularly at the office, this is especially important to reconnect with with the company and their office peers.

Co-working spaces can be informal meeting areas, breakrooms and lounges, and sometimes offer amenities like a staff kitchen, juice bar, library or printing facilities.

Photo: ERG International Beta Table

The ERG International Beta Table is perfect for a touchdown co-working space, and can be equipped with a television screen for group presentations when collaborating with fellow employees.

Happier and More Productive Employees

Touchdown spaces can also help to improve employee well-being and satisfaction. These days especially, more and more workers report being burnt out from the stress and demands of their routine tasks. A comfortable and inviting touchdown area apart from their designated desk or workstation can help. By providing employees with alternate areas to collaborate with others and/or concentrate on work, a change of scenery and pace is provided, as well as physical movement. This helps to discourage a sedentary work culture, which in turn, foster happier and healthier employees.

Individual Touchdown Space for Concentrated Work

For many open-plan workspaces where employees work alongside each other in benching workstations, sometimes a touchdown space is necessary for some peace and quiet. It can be set up away from the busy main floor for individuals to momentarily escape and work with less noise and distraction.

Photo: Arcadia Co-Op Lounge & Workspace

Arcadia’s Co-Op Lounge Seating is designed as private booth, and can be configured to accommodate a group of people, as well as a single worker. With comfortable upholstered seating, a generous worksurface table, and great privacy and acoustics, it’s ideal for setting up touchdown stations for employees that need quiet and concentration.

Overall Benefits of Touchdown Space

To recap, there are many benefits of a touchdown space. These include:

1. Increased Flexibility and Productivity

Happier employees are productive employees. When you offer workers flexibility by providing them with spaces that cater to their needs, they’re likely to be more energetic, focused and get their tasks done.

2. Improved Collaboration

Touchdown spaces that are designed to be collaborative and flexible allow employees to work together on projects and tasks. This can improve communication and collaboration between different teams and departments.

3. Reduced Stress and Fatigue

By giving employees the freedom to move around and access comfortable and flexible alternate workspaces, they’re less likely to be stressed and fatigued. Workers who are able to move throughout their day can reduce their overall discomfort and anxiety, which makes them more satisfied, happy and productive.

4. Better Work/Life Balance

Employers should recognize that employees are people too, and that have personal lives they sometimes have to tend to while at work. In a lot of cases, they need to step out and give attention to a family situation or other personal matter that may suddenly arise. By providing workers a touchdown space that allows them to go to during their breaks, they’re able to focus on the personal situation at hand, and afterwards can resume work less distracted and more engaged.

Photo: Darran Room Divider Screens

Touchdown Space Design and Touchdown Office Furniture

The touchdown space is an office trend that is gaining more and more popularity in modern offices. This is especially so after the pandemic. By providing a flexible and versatile touchdown space design, companies can improve productivity, collaboration, and work-life balance. However, it’s important to note that choosing the right touchdown furniture is key when designing these spaces. Consult with the team at 2010 Office Furniture to help with your space planning goals and office furniture needs. 2010 Office Furniture has over a half-century of combined experience working with globally recognized corporations, universities, and small businesses throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County and the Inland Empire.

Read Also: The Benefits of Touchdown Spaces in Office Space Planning and Design
Main Photo: OFS LeanTo Lounge
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Arcadia, Darran, ERG International & OFS

flexible office happy employees hybrid schedule hybrid work hybrid workers office collaboration office community office flexibility office health office productivity office wellbeing remote schedule remote work remote workers touchdown co-working spaces touchdown furniture touchdown meeting spaces touchdown office furniture touchdown space touchdown space benefits touchdown space meaning touchdown space office furniture touchdown space types work-life balance

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

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Category: Work From Home