Expert tips

Economic growth and technological advances have increased the competition between businesses over time, and can undoubtedly place strain on employees due to heightened demand. Companies tend to prosper when their employees are happy and comfortable in their environments. Unbeknownst to many CEOs and business leaders, a company’s office furniture and set-up can either promote or discourage creativity and contentment in the work place. Bridging Desk Solutions Can Inspire Creativity in the Work Place Open floor plans are growing in popularity among corporations and large businesses. While many people’s first thought when designing an open office is to turn to cubicles, a bridging option may be a better fit for creative companies. A bridge style desk is a long table that seats several employees. Usually the tables are set up in one room or a general area where employees can communicate freely without walls or barriers. Create a Conference Room or Meeting Area Beginning or ending the workday, even once every week, around a conference table or in a designated gathering space to go over the statuses of projects will promote teamwork and creativity. By identifying a common ground, a conference table facilitates the process of communication and the free flow of ideas. Comfortable seating can also encourage ingenuity by producing a cozy, warm atmosphere. Overstuffed executive chairs, or task chairs with structured armrests can be paired with a large conference table to inspire creativity. Incorporate Technology with Power-In Conference Tables It is much easier to discuss a project when you can see its components in front of you. Modern conference tables feature openings for cords, and can even provide a plug-in station. Meeting rooms have been updated to incorporate audio and visual aids. Utilizing technology in employee gathers can generate excitement and spark an idea in the mind of any creative. Arrange Office Furniture to Face Inward While the most common way to set up cubicles or desks in an office is in rows or against walls, turning them to face inward so that employees can see each other will allow for open communication. When team members can see each other as they work on a project, they will feel free to speak openly and share ideas with one another. Brainstorming and bouncing ideas off of co-workers can inspire one to think in a way he or she may not have before. How you set up your office space should reflect your ideals as a company. If you strive to inspire creativity in your employees, consult an expert to learn how to best design your office to promote the free flow of communication and ideas. The sales professionals at Furniture by George have experience with assisting in the selection and installation of all types of office furniture. Learn more about available options at www.FurniturebyGeorge.com, and call 727.561.0325 to speak with a representative.

Purchasing an office chair is an investment in your employees. Oftentimes business owners don’t put significant thought into what type of chairs their staff will be sitting in throughout the workday. However, since most office employees are seated for eight hours every day, purchasing suitable chairs is crucial for productivity. Height Adjustments The backs of your office chairs should have a range of vertical settings, so that your employees can adjust the seat to fit properly according to each of their heights. To adjust these settings properly, your employees should be seated in the chair with their thighs parallel to the floor. Backrest Adjustments Not only should your seat backs have vertical adjustments, they should also move forward and back, as well as have the ability to be angled. These settings may change throughout the day according to each employee’s current task. Whether you choose an office chair with an attached or detached backrest, these types of settings should be available. Lumbar Support Settings The contours of your office chairs should be shaped to fit the natural curvature of your back for ample support. Lumbar settings should be adjusted in a way so that it arches with your spine to provide adequate comfort. The right chairs will prevent slumping as the day progresses and minimize strain on the lumbar discs. Seat Width and Depth The space of the seat should be wide and deep enough for your employees to be seated comfortably. The depth of your chair will differ according to height. Choose a deeper chair for taller employees, and a shallower option for shorter employees. To know if a chair is deep enough, you should sit back against the backrest and still have about two to four inches of space between the back of your knees and the seat. Material and Padding Breathable material is best for employees who will be sitting in their chairs throughout most of the day. Lighter fabrics are suitable, and many new materials are available in a lighter option as well. The chair should not be overstuffed, nor should it be too hard. Padding should be comfortable to sit in and supportive, not strenuous. Armrests Most quality office chairs will also offer adjustments for the armrests. These settings are available to relieve some of the strain on your back, neck and shoulders. Position the armrests in a way so that your arms sit comfortably on top while you are sitting upright. This will dissuade slouching and uncomfortable sitting positions. Adjustment Controls To make sure an office chair is right for you, sit in the chair and make the adjustments from a comfortable seated position. You should be able to reach all of the settings while sitting in the chair without having to strain yourself. Adjust the height, tilt and depth while seated, and make sure your swivel has a full range of motion. Most people can be sure if an office chair is right for them after about a week of use. Furniture by George allows our customers to try before you buy! Test drive an office chair for one week to make sure it has adequate adjustments and support for your needs. Visit us online at www.FurniturebyGeorge.com or call (727) 561-0325.