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

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

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

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

Energize Your Office with Movement

Energize Your Office with Movement AMQ Kinex

A productive office emphasizes smart movement over a sedentary lifestyle. It’s important to learn how to energize your office with movement that’s good for the body, mind and overall well-being of employees. Moving comes in many ways that are beneficial.

The Problem with Not Moving

Sitting during the workday begins before you arrive at the office. Once you leave home, you may be sitting in the car for thirty minutes and up to an hour on freeways and streets.

Guess what’s happening during that time?

Stress is building. Yesterday’s troubles may still on your mind, or you may have to change routes because of an accident. Anxiousness can kick in while you wonder if you’re going to make it into the office in time for that important meeting or call.

Your mind is active, but you’re physically confined.

So when you get to the office and make it to your workstation, you may be buzzing inside and all fidgety when you’re confined at your desk again.

Sound familiar?


Photo: OFS Genus Chair and Heya Lounge

In recent office history, employees were considered productive when they were sitting at desks and quietly absorbed in their work. The longer they sat still, the better. Those who stretched or got up often for a drink of water or trip to the bathroom were suspected of not focusing or working hard.

In the modern office, that attitude is changing with plenty of studies showing the benefits of moving instead of remaining in one physical place or posture.

Why?

Sitting or standing in one position stresses knees, elbows and ligaments. Posture suffers as well, and parts of the body like the neck and shoulders and lower back muscles get strained and sore. It’s a physics principal that works on inanimate objects, too, like recreational vehicles (RVs).

RVs that aren’t driven need to be on blocks so weight is taken off the tires. The air in the tires won’t circulate and the vehicle’s pressure will ultimately ruin the treads. Our bodies are similar.

Sitting at a desk for a few hours at a time makes you like that RV stuck in the driveway, especially if you’re at a workstation that doesn’t support your natural body movements.

Wonder why your brain gets foggy?
Photo: Maverick Height Adjustable Table 

When your blood isn’t circulating well then you have less oxygen flowing to where your thinking occurs.

Movement helps you maximize personal productivity.  That’s why it’s important to remember to energize your office with movement.

The Benefits of Movement in the Office

Moving is essential for learning because it ignites our mental functions. When you’re moving, blood is flowing to the brain.

Changing positions reduces weight on specific points of the body and minimizes stress on your joints.

A study advising ‘sit less, move more,’ available as an abstract by the National Institutes of Health, notes that the use of active work stations reduces fatigue levels and lower back discomfort.

The study, focused on six universities in Spain, concluded that simply reducing “insufficient physical activity” by 10 minutes had health benefits. Ratcheting movement up to two hours a day was highly recommended.


Photo: Energize your office with movement with Humanscale Office Ergonomics

Here are simple ways to add movement in the office and promote employee wellness.

  • Supply ergonomic chairs that support a person’s weight and allow natural movements
  • Use height adjustable desks
  • Think of “90/10” – 90 minutes in one position, followed by 10 minutes of movement
  • Encourage stretching exercises at workstations
  • Use good posture while on phone calls
  • Allow working in different areas, including out of the office
  • Take brief walks at lunchtime
  • Make water breaks part of the day
  • Install a treadmill or two if space allows
  • Bring in a masseuse once or twice a month to give chair massages

Quality ergonomic chairs like the Humanscale Freedom Task Chair are engineered for movement. A chair like this adjusts to the user’s weight automatically, including a “weight-sensitive recline system.” Armrests are adjustable allowing for a comfortable posture when typing on a keyboard and looking at a monitor.

Photo: Humanscale Freedom Chair

Desks like the Maverick Height Adjustable Desk are useful for executive offices, reception areas or for shared work surfaces. An employee can sit with a desk surface that’s just right for them or raise the desktop and stand to change positions.

Make Movement Part of the Office Culture

Moving more in the office means you’ll also have to trust employees for acting responsibly and to take charge of accomplishing their goals. Don’t expect to look over their shoulders and micro-manage their work.

Stay in communication. Set deadlines they have to meet, no matter the location they’re in.

Photo: AIS Height Adjustable Table

The Covid-19 pandemic tossed the office environment into chaos when stay-at-home orders were issued and the familiar workplace suddenly changed. Virtual meetings became normal and expected.

If you have employees who want to sit at their workstations and then switch locations to another part of the office temporarily that form of movement can be healthy. If someone wants to go home early and finish the workday there, or even in a park, then that could a helpful way to minimize stress.

A smartphone itself is an amazing communication tool with its access to social media platforms that allow video and text messaging for updates and progress reports from anywhere with a wi-fi signal.

Movement doesn’t mean a lack of productivity or skipping out on work.

Space Planning is Essential


Photo: AIS Day to Day Powerbeam

The team at 2010 Office Furniture knows that an office isn’t just a collection of useful furniture. They’ll help you arrange your workspace to help energize your office with movement, to promote office health, productivity and effective communication.

Share your office design and space planning needs with 2010 Office to get the layout that addresses your needs most effectively.

2010 Office Furniture supplies Southern California’s most distinguished companies, from large corporations and prestigious universities to leading nonprofits in Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Inland Empire.

Contact 2010 Office Furniture and share your thoughts.

Read Also: Social Distancing Tips and Adjusting to the Realities of Covid-19 in the Office
Main Photo: AMQ Kinex Workstations
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: AMQ Solutions, OFS, Maverick Desk, Humanscale & AIS

 

Use Benching Cubicles to Boost Productivity in Orange County

Use Benching Cubicles to Boost Productivity in Orange County

The Role of the Benching Cubicle

Orange County, California is a dynamic region that’s conveniently connected to Los Angeles and San Diego. Tech offices, gaming firms, and professional innovators seek the competitive edge.  A well-planned office layout contributes to productivity and, therefore, profitability. See how benching cubicle workstations play a role.

Staying Focused

In open office layouts, benching cubicles offer individuals the chance to focus without walling off co-workers. The partitions come in different styles and help absorb sound.  Workers in the same department can stay on-target together by working alongside each other. Benching cubicles have enough flexibility to create temporary project sites where employees from different departments and skill sets can come together as needed to work on the same project.

Allowing Communication

Benching cubicles aid in office communication since the dividers are less obtrusive than solid walls. Flexibility is key and the systems can be customized to match individual personalities. Openness promotes organic collaboration and creates an atmosphere of people being able to approach one another.  Benching cubicles also integrate well with technology so employees can plug in easily without disturbing those around them.

Aligning Teams with the Benching Cubicle

The cubicles with adjustable partitions make it easy to bring teams together from either the same department or leverage different skill sets to tackle one main project. Creative solutions can flow more readily than if workers were isolated.

Cubicles styles are also available to match the different functions of a company’s teams. An administrative team of a few people may find the Accelerate Workstation by Hon to be useful.  A sales team making calls or having prospective clients stop in may prefer the EO+ Workstation by Global or the Initiate Workstation by Hon.

Supporting a Brand

The clean look and space optimization that benching cubicles provide reflect well on the brand for employees, clients and vendors. The elements of look, function and style combine to create a workplace that has a high quality and attracts the talent a company needs to succeed.  All in all, a well-planned office environment that’s attractive shows that the employees are worth investing in and that they’re being supported.

Image Source: HON Open Spaces