How to Make the Most of Your Office Storage Space

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

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

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

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

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!

How to Create a Welcoming Atmosphere in Your Office Waiting Room

Did you know that almost all adults in a 2020 survey pinpointed that they are frustrated by waiting room times? Whether you are waiting for a dentist appointment or a job interview, it can be exasperating watching the minutes tick by before your appointment.

If you own a business, you should strive to make your waiting room hospitable and comfortable for visitors. Here are some key things to try so that you can get better reviews and people will feel less stressed in the waiting room.

Comfortable Seating

The last thing you want is for people to be uncomfortable while they wait. This is why waiting room chairs and other waiting room furniture must be inviting and allow visitors to rest and relax before their appointment.

When thinking about seating, make sure that you consider size inclusivity. Try to find waiting room furniture that can accommodate a variety of body types. You should also ensure that people with disabilities have accessibility as well.

Offer Some Refreshments

If your customers will be waiting for a longer amount of time, provide refreshments. One popular option is a single-serving coffee machine, such as a Keurig or a Nespresso.

These come in a variety of different flavors, and even non-coffee drinks such as hot chocolate. You can also include little individually wrapped snacks like cookies and candy in a variety of types.

Entertainment for All Ages

Although many people have smartphones and tablets to keep them entertained, there is still value in keeping magazines in your waiting room. This may entice people to put down the screen and read while they sit before their appointment.

You can also include television with streaming services on it. A smart television with a remote can allow people to choose what they want to watch. Many streaming services have content blockers so you do not have to worry about a customer streaming something inappropriate while there are children around.

Educate Your Customers

When you are sitting in a waiting room, you probably look around and observe your surroundings. This is why one of the best waiting room design ideas is to include posters and pamphlets with valuable educational content.

For instance, if you are a dentist, you can place posters about the benefits of regular cleaning and pamphlets about procedures such as dentures and root canals. A good strategy is to ensure that these blend in with your other decorations.

Bring Your Waiting Room to the Next Level

If you want to spruce up your waiting room, you should not have to take a lot of time and effort to do so. With these tips, you can ensure that your waiting room furniture and atmosphere are comfortable and inviting for everyone.

Would you like to learn more about waiting room design ideas and how you can improve your company? Check out our blog for more tips and tricks.

4 Modern Home Office Ideas

home office idea

Even though offices are opened once again for in-office work, 61% of employees working from home are now working remotely because they choose to.

Need to spruce up your work-from-home office space to make it more modern? With the right home office design in mind, you can create a home workspace that boosts productivity levels and keeps your mind and body healthy. Continue reading below to learn how to do just that!

1. Desk With File Storage

When designing a home office space, you most likely don’t have as much room to work with. Using multi-purpose furniture pieces is ideal to create a workspace you can live in. A space-saving desk with file storage incorporated into the design is beneficial because you won’t have to worry about purchasing a file storage cabinet and finding a place for it.  

2. Ergonomic Office Chair

Speaking of ergonomic furniture, you’ll want to include an ergonomic chair as well. Ergonomic furniture is created with your physical health in mind. It ensures proper posture from the way you sit to the way your neck is supported. 

When you use ergonomic furniture, you’ll find yourself being able to work more hours and stay productive. There won’t be as many stiff necks or sore backs. The right office chair for your home office should provide both back and neck support and should have an adjustable height. 

When testing out office chairs, sit in it and make sure that your feet land firmly on the ground with your knees at a right angle. Consider using a padded floor mat for your feet as well for some added cushion. 

3. Biophilic Design

We talked about purchasing ergonomic furniture for your physical health, but don’t forget about your mental health too! When you incorporate natural elements and materials into your home office space, you create a biophilic design. This type of design focuses on all those natural elements that can make an office space ideal for good mental health. To bring a piece of the outdoors into your office, you can include live plants, wood materials, and water elements. 

Once you do so, you’ll notice a decrease in stress, an increase in focus, and a boost in creativity. 

4. Standing Desk

We all know how draining it can be to sit down at a desk in front of a computer screen for several hours a day. It’s never a bad idea to switch things up from time to time. This is good for both your mental and physical health! Include a standing desk area in your home office that allows you to easily witch between sitting and standing throughout the day to help keep your body moving. 

Which Home Office Idea Do You Like Best?

Designing the ideal home workspace will take a bit of time and patience. Try out a few different design ideas until you find the home office idea you like best. The ideal home office space will offer comfort, improve mental health and productivity, and keep your physical health a priority as well.

Are you looking for new furniture to add to your home office? Browse through a few pieces we have available today!

How to Maximize Your Home Office Space

Did you know that a messy desk can limit your productivity?

Many people struggle to work from home as it is—the last thing you want is a cluttered workspace adding to the challenge.

So, how can you eliminate the clutter and best utilize your space?

Our tips will help you to learn how to maximize your home office space!

Go Digital

One of the easiest ways to maximize office space is by going digital. The more paper and files that fill your home office, the less room you’ll have for bigger furniture pieces.

A smaller filing cabinet can help save space for documents that you need to keep hard copies of, the rest can be scanned and kept digitally. There are plenty of digital workspaces and applications that make it easy to file and secure your documents digitally.

Craft Unique Storage Options

The biggest challenge when it comes to maximizing home office space is finding a good place to store all your supplies.

Even with a closet, storage can be tricky. After all, you won’t be able to easily access everything you need.

One easy storage solution is to install floating shelves. They don’t take up floor space, and they can be customized to be as long and wide as you’d like.

Opt for racks and storage containers that can be hung over your door. It’s another way to prevent storage units from taking up precious floor space, and you can access them with the swivel of your chair.

Use Color to Open Up Your Home Office Space

The color of the walls can do a lot to make a small office feel larger. If you plan on spending a lot of time in your office, the last thing you want is for it to feel cramped and claustrophobic.

Using light colors is essential to make the room feel larger. Dark colors, by contrast, shrink the room and create a heavy, enclosed atmosphere. Using light colors is especially important if you don’t have any windows to let in natural light.

Consider Your Desk Options

Your desk will likely take up the most space in your office, so it’s worth considering which style of desk will best maximize your home office space.

Standing desks are growing in popularity, as they’re both space-saving and proven to increase productivity

If you prefer the comfort of a chair, consider an L-shaped desk. They fit snugly into a corner and give you more space than traditional desks. They’re especially useful if you have a dual monitor setup.

Desks are available in many sizes so find one that fits best in your space.

Creating the Optimal Office 

It can feel impossible to cram all your office furniture and supplies into a tiny room, but it’s possible with a bit of strategic planning. With the tips above, you’ll have no trouble creating an organized home office space.

Looking for more? Check out the rest of our website for more office tips and tricks.

Need a little extra assistance? Contact us to learn how we can help you improve your own office space!