There is no one-size-fits-all office furniture. The right office furniture will depend on each business’s specific requirements. What may be right as office furniture in San Francisco for a fintech startup may not be conducive for productive work for an art studio in New York City. So, it is important to think of your specific business requirements when shopping for furniture rather than buying items based on aesthetics alone.
Consider these tips to find the perfect office furniture.
Consider the Office Setup
The layout of your office will largely determine the furniture you can use in a space without crowding it. You can’t possibly fit five standing desks in a cramped office space.
When moving into a new office space, it helps to plan for the interior design and furniture at the same time as scouting for properties. Integrated online design platforms allow potential clients to choose office spaces and furniture at the same time; enabling them to make smarter decisions.
Consider the Specific Business Requirements
Your office may require sturdy desktops to bear the load of heavy equipments or multiple computers. Perhaps you need desks with ample storage or separate tables for printers and other equipments. Do you need to divide your office into separate sections? Does an open layout work better for your business requirements?
Think of your furniture requirements in terms of conference rooms, team meeting areas, cafeteria, relaxation rooms etc. If your employees work long hours, you may want to use a combination of standing desks and comfortable seating options for their well-being as well as enhanced productivity.
Consider the Budget
Yes, the all-important budget that you cannot ignore even if you don’t like its restrictions. If you run a business, you need to manage a variety of expenses in the most cost-effective manner. You wouldn’t want to end up spending a fortune on a new range of ergonomic furniture (promising the ultimate in comfort) and it turning out to be completey useless and uncomfortable.
It is important to consider the costs of furniture items in relation to the value you are getting from it. Less expensive chairs may end up costing you more if it makes the back of your employees hurt. You may need to buy new chairs eventually. In the meantime, using those uncomfortable chairs may adversely impact the productivity (and health) of your employees.
One way to offset the risks involved in office furniture investment is to consider renting it. Many businesses now offer furniture on rent to commercial establishments. You can rent various furniture items and test their comfort levels. Then you can rent more of the same or simply return the items you don’t want.
Consider Aesthetics
Furniture design has undergone quite a transformation in the past few decades. You don’t need to compromise on style if you opt for comfort. You can even select ergonomic furniture that hit all the style notes to make your office space appear stylish too.
Appealing furniture can even boost the morale of your employees. The choice of color in furniture can even brighten up a dull and dreary office space. You can now choose office furniture in vibrant colors such as red, yellow, and violet. You can select the colors based on your brand’s identity.
Consider Ease of Maintenance and Handling
Before selecting the furniture, it is necessary to consider the extent of its upkeep. Some desktops are resistant to scratches, temperature changes, and can tolerate rough handling. But delicate items may require careful use, which may not always be possible in a commercial setup.
In any case, it is better to select furniture that is easy to clean and move around the office. On occasions, you may need to move one desk to another corner of the office for a different use or for another employee. It should be easy to move around without harming the flooring (or the back of persons moving it).
Consider the Company Culture
It is very important to consider your company’s culture when selecting the furniture. In a formal setting, beanbags scattered along the floor won’t work. If your company propagates an informal work culture, you have more creative options for choosing and setting up the furniture.
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