5 Rewarding Benefits of Ergonomics in the Workplace

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Tilt your head to the right, bringing your ear to your shoulder, now to the left. Doesn’t that feel better? Most of us know the feeling of having a crick in our neck after spending too long in an uncomfortable position. Oftentimes, we accept this as a normal part of our workday. 

But it doesn’t have to be. 

With ergonomics in the workplace, discomfort is a thing of the past. Read on to learn more about how ergonomics can transform your workplace.

What is Ergonomics?

One simple ergonomics definition is the study of creating a workplace that fits a worker’s needs. Ergonomics seeks to eliminate pain and discomfort at work by modifying workstations.

For example, imagine an office chair that is far lower than the height of the desk. In order to work on their computer, a worker has to lift their arms up to shoulder level and crane their neck up to see their screen properly. Over time, this office worker is going to feel discomfort in their neck and back.

On the other hand, an ergonomic chair will be height-adjustable. The worker can lift the chair to the right height so that they are staring head-on at their computer. They will likely also have armrests where they can rest their elbows while they are typing at their computer.

The Benefits of Ergonomics in the Workplace

The benefits of an ergonomic workplace extend beyond simply keeping employees comfortable. Read on to learn more about why your workplace should keep ergonomics front and center when choosing office furniture and layout.

1. Increased Productivity

Despite simply eliminating the fatigue and discomfort that comes from poor design, ergonomics can also increase productivity. With the proper setup, employees can actually decrease the amount of time it takes to do a task and are likely to be focused on completing that task.

2. Higher Quality Work Product

When ergonomics is front and center in your office design, employees are more likely to consistently deliver high-quality work. When employees are sitting on an ergonomic office chair, they are less likely to experience fatigue and discomfort that distracts them from consistently delivering the highest quality work product.

3. Improved Health and Safety

Ergonomics can help to keep employees safe and healthy while also contributing to company culture. Employee morale increases when they feel as though their health and safety are prioritized.

4. Optimized Worker Engagement

Job satisfaction is critical in keeping workers engaged and energized about their work. With an ergonomic desk setup, workers are less likely to feel frustration, fatigue, and discomfort that pose a risk to their engagement and satisfaction.

5. Reduces Cost

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for a third of all workplace injuries in the U.S. The indirect costs of these claims average over $32,000 per claim. With ergonomic design, workplaces can eliminate the discomfort that causes MSDs. Ultimately, this saves the business money and decreases employee downtime.

Transform Your Workplace Today

Ergonomics in the workplace can change the way that you do work. With happier and healthier employees, your business can thrive.

At Workplace Solutions, we do more than sell you furniture. Our team of experts will help you pick out the best furniture, create an efficient layout, and install all of the furniture for you.

Contact us today to learn how we can transform your office space.

Choosing Training Room Furniture: Top Tips to Keep In Mind

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training room furniture

The United States office furniture market was worth $14.9 billion in 2022.

The market continues to grow as businesses expand and need specialized furniture for their office spaces. One of the most crucial rooms to furnish is the training room.

The training room layout is vital for good communication and learning. Keep reading to learn what training room furniture your business needs.

Conference Tables

The conference table is the heart of the training room.

Training is most effective when there is a shared space for collaboration. A communal space where everyone can see everyone else and share materials in the center is ideal for this reason.

If you have a big enough space for it, you can arrange several smaller tables into a U-shape. This creates the same space for a central collaboration zone but allows for more people into the space.

Check out our meeting room table options here.

Chairs

It’s important that everyone is comfortable in the training space. Too often businesses buy the cheapest chairs available to them for the sake of saving money, but end up with chairs no one wants to sit in.

Training rooms are usually occupied for long periods of time. This means you want enough support in the training room chairs so that people are comfortable the entire time. After all, people are more productive when they’re comfortable.

Look for chairs that have enough cushioning, back support, and armrests. It’s standard for most offices to get chairs with wheels so there isn’t a loud scrape of chairs as all the people move around.

Technology

A multimedia approach to training is often found to be the most successful. This means training material should be a combination of different types of videos, images, and text content, delivered by a facilitator.

The easiest way to accommodate this approach is with technology being incorporated into the design of the room. Rather than bringing in a monitor when you need it, incorporate a TV or projector into the room.

Make it possible to control the screen from the table so the facilitator doesn’t have to continually move between the two. Make sure the screen is big enough that everyone in the room can see it.

Consider built-in speakers too, since you’re likely going to play videos on this technology at some point. A central control panel for managing speaker settings and plugging in microphones means the room can handle conference calls too.

This broadens your options when it comes to training material and resources.

Collaboration Through Training Room Furniture

Training room furniture impacts how well people learn and work in the space. For the best results, make sure your business invests in good tables, chairs, and technology.

Once you’ve got the right technology, you’ve got to set it up. Focus on creating a central collaborative space, and the rest should fall into place.

Contact us for all your office furniture and design needs!

The Best Benefits of Collaborative Workspaces

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It’s estimated that by 2024, around 5 million people will be working in 42,000 coworking spaces worldwide.

Over the last few years, the way we work has changed from showing up at an office every day to working from home. 

But, collaborative workspaces strike the perfect balance between socializing with other employees and having flexibility with your work routine. 

So, what are the collaborative workspace benefits that make this setup better than the traditional office environment? 

Keep reading to learn more about why you need to use collaborative workspace spaces.

Why You Need To Use Collaborative Workspaces

Collaborative workspaces are where different companies work in the same space, ranging from large corporations to small startups.

Unlike traditional workspaces, this design is meant to encourage people to show up at an office without being restricted to staying for several hours.

Often, collaborative workspaces have a common area and separate work areas so people can socialize between work tasks. But, there are many benefits of collaborative workspaces. 

For instance, you can easily set up these workstations. 

Easy to Setup

All you need to create a successful collaborative workspace is an empty work office environment and high-quality furniture. Theoretically, you could turn your home living room into a collaborative workspace with the right tools.

But, most people rent office space and add furniture for employees. You can charge people a fee to use the collaborative workspace, which can generate significant business income. 

Pick a Great Location

Another benefit of collaborative workspaces is that you can pick any location. You don’t need to be confined to a dull, grey business building. Instead, you can open a collaborative workspace by the beach if you want to. 

Although if you want to make the office open to everyone, you pick a busy business hub in the center of a city. This will be guaranteed to attract employees and businesses. 

Save Money

Nowadays, businesses are including a hybrid model for many workers, so there isn’t the same demand for fully rented office buildings. This gives you more flexibility with your budget. 

Using a collaborative workspace is ideal for giving people a place to work that’s not their home, but it reduces the cost of renting several building floors. 

Plus, you can share the rental costs with other companies who share the space. 

Encouraging Design

One of the main reasons that people leave a job or show up unhappy with their shift is because the environment is uninspiring.

With the rise of wellness and the focus on mental health, having an encouraging workplace is essential. 

Thankfully, collaborative workspaces enable you to create a calming, welcoming space that’s open and friendly. When you invest in high-quality furniture, your employees will love going to work.

They won’t suffer from back pain, and the space will look incredible.

Invest in the Best Workspace Furniture

Without the right furniture, you won’t be able to achieve a successful collaborative workspace. The little details like chairs, desks, and lounge areas are key to having a productive office. 

Collaborative workspaces are only as good as you make them. So, invest in the best furniture with our unique collaborative workspace solutions. 

Contact us if you have any questions. 

Reasons Your Business Should Upgrade to Back Support Office Chairs

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Are you a business owner with a team of employees who complain about sore and achy backs? Or maybe you notice that their productivity plummets as the day wears on? You’re not alone. Several people suffer from uncomfortable back pain from sitting in a chair for long periods. That’s why it’s important to upgrade to back support office chairs.

Let’s take a closer look at the reasons.

Poor Posture Causes Long-Term Health Problems

A vast majority of people spend a large part of their day sitting down. Whether we’re working at a desk, driving a car, or relaxing on the couch. And while there’s nothing wrong with catching your breath, taking a break, and kicking back for a while, poor posture can lead to long-term health problems.

When you sit up straight, your spine is in alignment, and your muscles can work more efficiently. In addition, sitting up straight can help you avoid tension and pain. When you slump or slouch, your muscles have to work harder to keep you upright, leading to tension and pain.

Additionally, poor posture can cause problems with digestion and circulation. And it has even been linked to headaches and migraines. So if you want to avoid health issues down the road, be sure to sit up straight.

Improved Productivity

Back support office chairs are ergonomic, which means they’re designed to support your back and keep you comfortable. When you’re comfortable, you can focus on your work and be more productive.

Employees who use ergonomic office chairs are more productive than those who don’t. So if you want to increase productivity in your workplace, upgrading to back support office chairs is a great way to do it.

Reduced Absenteeism

When your employees are in pain, they’re more likely to call in sick or take days off. This can have a negative impact on productivity and profit.

Back support office chairs can help reduce absenteeism by keeping employees comfortable and pain-free. When your team is taken care of, they’re more likely to show up for work and be productive.

Invest in your team’s health and happiness by upgrading to back support office chairs today. Your employees will be happier and healthier, and your business will benefit from improved productivity.

Helps You Stay Alert

These office chairs are comfortable and help you stay alert during long work hours. Since back support office chairs keep your spine in alignment, it also improves blood circulation. This increased blood flow helps deliver vital oxygen and nutrients to your brain, keeping you alert and focused.

Plus, back support office chairs have adjustable features that allow you to customize the fit. This way, you can find a comfortable position for yourself, and it helps you stay alert.

Back support office chairs are a great investment for any business owner who wants to improve the health and happiness of their employees. Not to mention, they’re also a powerful productivity tool. If you’re ready to make a change, upgrade to back support office chairs today. Your team will thank you!

Are You Looking for Back Support Office Chairs 

Workspace Solutions provides turnkey office solutions perfect for businesses of all sizes. We have the perfect solution for you, from private offices and team rooms to open coworking spaces.

Reach out today and learn all about our office solutions.

How to Make the Most of Your Office Storage Space

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Are you finding it difficult to find space for everything in your office?

To work in an efficient and effective manner, you need to keep your office organized. Otherwise, you might find yourself looking for things when you could focus on your projects instead. 

Yet, offices often require you to store a decent number of items without giving you an unlimited amount of office storage space. So, knowing how to take the right advantage of your office storage is essential. Below, we’ll get into everything you need to know about maximizing your workspace storage. Keep reading to learn more!

Have a System

One of the key features of an efficient office space is a well-organized system. Without a system, you might get tempted to shove things wherever they fit best. In the long run, this could cause you to lose important items and documents.

Finding the system that works best for you might take some trial and error. You can start by taking a look at your office space and asking yourself which items you’ll need most often. These might include your computer and a notepad or calendar. Place these on your desk. If possible, they should be within reach when you’re seated.

Next, think about the items you can’t store in cabinets or drawers. For instance, if you have a desktop phone, set aside a space for it on the top of your desk.

You should keep personal items and decorations to a minimum. If you do have them, contain them in one area of your office.

Less-used items can go in your cabinets and drawers. If you have a lockable cabinet, use it to secure your most important documents. 

Know When to Shred and When to File

One of the easiest ways to get disorganized is to have a lot of paper lying around your office. As such, you should know when to shred and when to file your documents.

Many workers use the one-touch rule to keep their desks organized. The rule is simple: when you pick up a piece of paper, read it over quickly and decide whether you want to keep or discard it. If you need to keep it, put it in a file that’s organized either by topic or alphabetical order. That way, you can refer back to it when needed.

To discard your documents, shred them. Shredding prevents pertinent, confidential information from making its way into the wrong hands. 

Get the Right Furniture

The right furniture will make office organization easier. Take stock of what types of office storage you think your workplace needs and then place an order for them. 

You can get office furniture in a variety of sizes or styles. Look around to find the pieces that best match your company’s culture!

Ready to Get Office Storage Solutions?

If you’re looking for office storage solutions, you’ve come to the right place. 

At Workspace Solutions, we don’t just specialize in selling furniture. We help you create office space solutions that work best for you. So, whether you’re looking for a single piece of furniture or a full-on room design, we have something for you!

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Understanding Your Remote Work Options in a Post COVID World

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The Covid pandemic created a situation where businesses had no choice but to let employees work remotely or face shutting down. With the existential threat of Covid at least partially resolved, companies started talking about a mandatory return to office policies.

This met with a resounding backlash; around 64 percent of employees would consider quitting. The tenuous compromise is a hybrid model.

With part-time remote work becoming the new norm, employees must consider their remote work options in a post-Covid world. Keep reading for some of your options.

Full-Time Remote

While some people crave the social aspects of the office, many people discovered that they prefer remote work. It spares them a commute, which can mean a lot for employee happiness among those living and working in major cities.

Just as importantly, some companies read the signs and now offer fully remote positions in addition to their hybrid and in-office positions. This gives you options for where and how you work best.

Hybrid

If you’re in that group of people who miss the social aspects of working the in office, a hybrid position offers you the best of both worlds. In some respects, it’s also a smart employee decision.

You can leverage the best benefits of having face time in the office, such as mentorship and collaboration opportunities. You can also retain some of the flexibility in your personal life that most people seem to value about remote work.

The only real pitfall is that businesses are still working out just what hybrid means. There is no consensus yet on how many days per week hybrid employees must come in. It’s also unclear who should decide which days hybrid employees come in.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Even over two years in, a lot of people lack a permanent home office setup. If you plan on working remotely for the rest of your career, You don’t necessarily need a completely separate room. You do need a permanent work area.

The best home office contains some essentials, like a desk and office chair. If you want to incorporate some health benefits, you can go in for a standing desk. 

You’ll also need:

  • High-speed Internet
  • Desktop or high-end notebook computer
  • Webcam
  • Microphone or earbuds with a mic

There are countless other office accessories that make life easier, but the list above meets most, if not all, of your remote working needs.

Remote Work Options and You

Moving forward, you will have two main remote work options: full-time remote and hybrid. Those who discovered they liked their jobs and despised the office will opt for full-time remote positions. People who missed the social and career-boosting elements of the office will opt for hybrid positions.

In both cases, however, you need a good home office setup to keep up with your work responsibilities.

Workspace Solutions specializes in furnishing office spaces. If you need help with your home office and or creating a hybrid office setup, contact Workspace Solutions today.

5 Productive and Calming Office Colors

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Need a change? While it’s a simpler task to select paint colors for your home based on your personal preferences, it’s a little harder to select colors that will work well for your office.

The right office paint colors can relax you, brighten up a space, or induce stress. It could affect your employees’ productivity.

So, what are the right office colors to create a calming workplace? Read on to learn about 5 calming colors that will improve workplace productivity.

1. Blue

Blue is one of the best colors for offices.

People unconsciously perceive the blue color as calming and relaxing. Painting your office spaces blue will make your employees feel calm and less anxious.

Furthermore, the color can soothe employees and reduce stress while encouraging them to be more productive. Blue is one of the most used workplace colors.

2. Green

Green is also perfect for any office environment. The color green provides needed balance.

Furthermore, green has proven to be the best color choice for office employees working long hours. It is indeed a top-priority color commonly found in medical offices.

3. Purple

Purple is often associated with luxury or magical connotations.

Creative industries such as design studios often use purple to encourage creativity and teamwork. While you may not want to paint your entire office in purple, it’s a great color for accent walls and decor to help boost productivity.

4. Brown

The color brown color feels powerful in office spaces. It blends well with wood office furniture colors and gives you a pleasant warmth. It is also similar to the blue color in that it is naturally soothing.

Applying brown in your office space will give your employees a sense of security, credibility, and reassurance. These senses can empower people to be more productive.

5. Orange

You may not think of the color orange as a calming color. But it can be both calming or energizing depending on how it’s used. 

The color is associated with warmth, power, and tolerance. However, because it is also an energizing color, use it sparingly and as a complement to another calming color to prevent increased energy and decreased productivity.

Get a Designer to Help You Choose the Best Office Colors Today

The choice of your office colors is not just for aesthetics. In fact, colors can affect workers’ moods and motivation. Colors can also help your employees to be more productive.

At Workspace Solutions, our designers can help you choose the best office colors for walls and furniture to create a calming, productive workplace that is tailored to reflect your brand.

Call us today to find out how we can assist you in finding the best solution for your space.

4 Things You Need in Your Smart Office

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Are you unhappy with your current office setup? Is your space hindering your productivity? A new solution to your problem is on the horizon. Many people around the world are using smart technology in their homes. But have you ever heard of a smart office?  

Smart offices are a great solution to the challenge of modernizing your office whether you work in an office setting or at home. They are the future of modern workspaces.

What Is a Smart Office?

A smart office is a modern office that uses technology to aid employees in working more efficiently. Smart offices use the Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to streamline every aspect of the workday.

Keep reading for some examples of IoT which would be implemented in your smart office. 

1. Smart Lighting

Smart lighting is lighting that can be controlled via the internet. Smart lighting allows you to turn lights on and off, dim them, and even change the color of the lights, all from the convenience of your smartphone or computer. 

Smart lighting, as well as smart climate control (which we’ll get into) also monitors energy usage. Going “green” is crucial to the sustainability of our culture and smart energy is a great way to do that.

2. Climate Control

Similar to smart lighting, smart climate control allows you to control the heat and air conditioning from your phone or computer. Rather than go to the trouble of installing thermostats in every room of your office, you can now do it all on one streamlined system.

Just like smart lighting, smart climate control makes tracking your energy usage easy. This is important to both saving money and the environment. 

3. Collaboration & Productivity

Technology that allows team members to easily collaborate is a must-have, especially in today’s work environment when employees may be working remotely. 

Tools like Slack and Asana allow team members to manage projects and tasks and keep track of what needs done as well as deadlines. 

Zoom, WebEx, and Go To Meeting are online conferencing tools that allow employees to meet, share screens, and share files. 

4. Video Monitoring

In 2021, there were over 10,000 cases of theft in the U.S. Now more than ever it is crucial to have video monitoring in your smart office. With video monitoring, you can get an alert on your phone every time someone comes in and out of the office. This is especially helpful after hours. And, if anything does come up missing, you’re able to look back at the feed to see who was in the office at the time.

Start Designing Your Smart Office

Now that you know all about designing your smart office, you can start doing it today! Smart offices are a great investment toward modernizing your office space, whether it be in a traditional office space or at home. 

Top 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Office Furniture

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Choosing the right office furniture is just as important as choosing your office space. It speaks to who you are as an organization and as a team.

You can transform a space simply by changing or adding new office furniture pieces. Whether your style is sleek and modern or warm and cozy, there’s a design element for everybody and every office.

We know that choosing the right office furniture can be a daunting task, so here are 5 tips to help you do it successfully. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Choose Functional Pieces

First and foremost, your pieces have to be functional. Think about your employee’s jobs; what do they do daily? 

Are they using 3 large monitors on their office desks? Is there special equipment that they need room for? Don’t be afraid to ask your employees what their preferences may be either.

The best office furniture will offer ample maneuverability and include plenty of storage. Consider your business’s primary day-to-day functions and build off of that. 

2. Embrace Comfort

Studies have shown that comfort improves productivity. What better way to encourage your employees to work more efficiently than by providing them with comfortable and adjustable office chairs?

Even in waiting and reception areas, a comfortable chair is more welcoming than hard benches or stools. It shows your customers or clients that you are happy to have them there.

3. Select Lobby or Reception Area Furniture Deliberatively

Your lobby or reception area is often the first impression someone will have of your office. What will it say?

Are your chairs in brand colors? Are they conducive to conversation or meant to be spaced out? The reception area will tell clients everything they need to know about your organization before continuing, so ensure it makes a good first impression.

4. Pay Attention to the Size of Your Space

Before you purchase any office furniture, measure your space. Determine how many of each furniture item you suspect you’ll need and how many will fit into the space you have. Our office design experts can help you maximize your space and budget.

Overcrowded office spaces can feel overwhelming, even if cleverly styled. Conversely, an under-furnished space can make a space feel unfinished and awkward.

5. Pick an Intentional Style

Your brand has a style, whether you realize it or not. Choosing an intentional style allows you to take power over what’s being said about your business through its office furniture. 

Determine your business’s audience, typical clientele, and targeted demographic. Think about what the style of your office furniture says to those people. 

Keep your style consistent throughout your office space and use it to your advantage.

What Will Your Office Furniture Say About Your Business?

When choosing office furniture for your business, you’re not only choosing chairs, desks, or filing cabinets. You’re creating your brand’s style. You’re creating an atmosphere.

Workspace Solutions has the answers to all your office furniture needs. Whether you require a few office chairs or all new furniture, we can help your transform your business.

For ideas and inspiration, take a look at some of our previous clients’ spaces and see what Workspace Solutions can do for you too!