How to Arrange Office Furniture for Comfort and Productivity
Comfortable and efficient office spaces happen with proper planning. Ones arranged most effectively are adaptable for the future. Facility managers tasked with office space set up or reconfiguring a floor space can follow these steps to choose the furniture that meets the needs of staff and serves the company’s goals.
Plan for the Right Amount of Public and Private Space
An open office plan compared to spaces divided by cubicles and individual desks changes the type of furnishings used. It’s possible to strike a balance between the two and that means choosing a third option.
Open plan benching gives employees the chance to communicate and share ideas while giving an office an open and airy look. However, private spaces can’t be ignored or forgotten. Those can be created with private enclaves such as co-op lounges or can be configured by putting together individual lounge chairs for the appropriate office space set up.
Dividing the office into work areas using cubicles allows for greater personal focus on tasks. Distractions are reduced or removed and allow for a feeling of ownership of spaces. Cubicles today don’t have to be the same traditional shade of gray. Translucent panes of glass and panels with a myriad of earth tones allow for many inviting options. Employees can then feel like they’re walking into an area that has personality.
Desks that are clustered in sizes of about four users can have privacy panels that provide a mix between totally open benching and the cloistered look of cubicles. An office area still has a light and open appearance while each worker has their clearly defined work and personal space.
Offices can also be divided up among small teams, so that four people are together in one area and perhaps six or seven in another with cubicles creating boundaries.
Modular desk systems make future adjustments easy and minimize disruption.
Plan for Health and Wellness
Ergonomics should rank high as a consideration for choosing furniture. Employees who use chairs that adjust to the body’s natural weight and movements are less prone to aggravate lower back muscles and hips.
When desk surfaces are at height that allow for computers to be at proper eye level then strain is reduced on shoulder and neck muscles.
Its important to note that ergonomics isn’t just a passing fad. A guide from the Mayo Clinic details the importance of the office environment on the health. For sitting, a person’s neck shouldn’t be bending forward to see the computer screen. A monitor should be about an arm’s length away while hands should be at or just below elbow level.
Keeping furniture clean should be a priority. Purchase items that don’t have small cracks and tiny places for bacteria to build.
Plan for Adaptability
The days of one desk size fits all is long gone. Now it’s realistic to give employees the option for sitting, standing, and adjusting surfaces for someone’s height and comfort. Look for height-adjustable tables to use with teams and height adjustable desks for single users.
Knowing these preferences shows the staff that the company is invested in them and can result in a nicely productive atmosphere. The little things that keep people happy can add up to offer a large competitive advantage.
Finding Help for Your Office Space Set Up
Don’t go it alone when setting up an office. 2010 Office Furniture can provide expert guidance based on over four decades working with executives, managers, and purchasing agents in a variety of industries throughout Southern California.
Have particular ideas and want a quote? Click here to call in, email, or submit your needs online.
Read Also: Leveraging a Professionally Designed Workspace for Long-Term Gain
Main Photo: AMQ 3F Hanging Panels
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: AMQ
