Making the choice to move to a sit/stand way of working can be quite an adjustment, but with the right equipment and accessories, it should be a more comfortable transition

  Despite sit/stand desks being proven to be beneficial to health, well-being and productivity, if you're used to sitting at a desk for many hours, changing to sit/stand can be a challenge. The key is to build yourself up slowly, finding a rhythm of sitting and standing that works for you and gradually building your standing time up. As with any lifestyle change, jumping in head first and not pacing yourself can quickly cause you to give up and revert to what is familiar and comfortable. Alongside your increasing sit/stand schedule, there are several other products and accessories that can help you to make a smooth and comfortable adjustment. Standing Mat: These types of mats can help you to better control your posture, which in turn can help relieve aches and pains in the legs, feet, hips and back. They also make it easier to get used to spending time on your feet by providing a soft but supportive base. If you prefer to work in this position with your shoes off, they also provide a clean area for you to stand. Monitor Riser/Screen Mount: Raising your computer screen up to eye level is a crucial part of reaping the benefits of a sit/stand desk. If your monitor is too low, you will need to hunch or stoop to get a proper view, or you could even end up leaning. Postures of this type can cause painful problems with the neck, shoulders and upper back. Most risers also provide support to your wrists which can help to prevent RSI when typing. An added bonus of mounting or raising your screen is the extra desk space you gain for accessories, notes and files etc. Comfortable Footwear: Be aware that if you have been used to sitting at your desk, your choice of footwear may not have caused you any problems in the past. However, if you are trying to stay on your feet for longer, you may find that your usual shoes can cause pressure, pain and blisters. If possible, try to wear a soft sole shoe such as trainers to help you with your transition. You may even choose to remove your shoes for a period if this is appropriate. Ergonomic Chair: Preventing aches and pains and keeping your body moving doesn't need to stop when you need a break from standing. Ergonomic chairs are designed to help you to keep a proper posture and provide support to the parts of the body that require it the most. Some ergonomic chairs even come with a mechanism that keeps you active whilst you're sitting. This helps to keep you alert and productive and prevents stiffness and aches throughout the body. Foot Rest: Improve your posture further with the use of a footrest when you are sat down. A foot rest can help to prevent swelling in the legs and feet and relieve pressure in the hips by keeping your legs at a suitable angle. The Right Height Adjustable Desk: The above products and tips will all be wasted if you haven't got a sit/stand desk that works for you. There are plenty to choose from on the market and you should invest some proper time in choosing one to suit you and the way you work. From electric or manual height adjustable desks, to those that remind you when its time to stand up and keep track of burned calories for you, there really is a desk for everyone. Request to visit the dealers who you are interested in buying from so you can see the desk before purchasing. Some companies will even let you trial the desks at your own workplace to ensure you have the right fit.   [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

If you're planning an office fit out or refurbishment, you may feel a little overwhelmed with the enormity of the planning and tasks to be carried out.

Here, we aim to help you to create a simple checklist that will begin to help you break the process down

 

What Are Your Reasons?

• Do you need more furniture?
• Require more space?
• Want to improve your brand's image?
• Boost morale and well-being?

The reason for your refurbishment could include, some, all or none of these reasons but identifying why you are planning to carry put an office makeover can help you to work a number of important things about the project. These include how big the job might be, how long it might take, the scale of your budget and how and when the work should be carried out.

Who Needs to be Involved?

A refurbishment project requires the collaboration and agreement of a great many people, so ask the experts! Below are a few examples of key departments and decision makers that should be involved in the process.

• Managing Director: Make sure they are kept well abreast of plans and budgets and make sure you have their approval for each stage of the project.
• Finance Department: Set budgets and balance costs with this department and make them aware of any changes as soon as possible.
• Operations Director: Let them know how and when each stage of work will be carried out and liaise with them to keep disruption to staff and productivity to a minimum
• Office Manager: This person can give you some valuable insight as to what their employees may require from the refurbishment project
• Marketing Department: Include this team when deciding how and where to use company branding and colours throughout the refurbishment. They could also keep a blog or add images of your refurbishment to social accounts to keep customers informed of progress and impressed by the end result!
• Landlord: If you have a landlord it is very important to make sure you have their approval for any work that you are planning to carry out before the project starts. Keep them well informed throughout the process to avoid any confusion.
• All other staff: Where appropriate, you should try to include your staff in the office makeover; it's a fun way to boost morale and create stronger bonds within teams. Get them to search for corporate or professional office ideas on Pinterest and create boards with their favourite ideas. Later on, you and your team can go through and get an idea of what your staff would like to see in their new workspace.

When?

• Do you have a deadline for completion?
• Does your timing suit the finance department?
• Will the time of year affect how long the project might take - for example around Christmas or school summer holidays?

Source a Refurbishment Company:

Once you have identified your reasons for a refurbishment and have a rough budget and goal in mind, start your search for a refurbishment company. Office fit out experts can help you in designing your office space with a layout that works for you and at an affordable price. They also help to ensure that your project has a professional finish and meets all laws and regulations. You can also receive quality advice on new office furniture and ergonomics and enjoy warranties and after sales care.

What Furniture Do You Need?

• Are you keeping some of your old furniture or will everything be brand new?
• Are you looking for ergonomic pieces to improve the well-being of your employees?
• Do you require furniture for more than one area of your work place?

Satisfaction:

• Are all necessary people catered for within your refurbishment plans?
• Have you listened to and tried to incorporate staff input into your designs?

  Try to break your project down with the help of the above list. It should help you to segment your tasks and liaise with the right people and departments and help you to ensure your project runs as smoothly as possible.     [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

Desk dividers are often overlooked when it comes to re-furnishing offices. However, there are many benefits of installing partition screens that you may not be aware of.

  Define Work Spaces: Ideal for separating work surfaces, especially within open plan offices, desk dividers can help to provide each employee with a sense of ownership and responsibility over their work area. This can encourage organisation and tidiness, as well as helping individuals to feel valued. It can also help to prevent the loss of files and important notes as they are easier to keep track of in clearly defined areas. Staff can also personalise their own work space to their own taste and add individual touches which has been shown to improve well-being.   Branding, Design and Use of Colour: Office screens can also be used to liven up the work space or express your brand's personality and values. Use brand colours or have your logo applied to screens to bring your branding into the office.   Security: Strategically placed screens can help to protect sensitive information in open plan and shared offices. You can also opt to install acoustic screens which can help to block out noise pollution from the rest of the office and prevent your employee's voices from traveling when private phone calls are held.   Break Up the Space: Open plan offices can seem particularly boring, characterless and endless. Desk dividers are a simple way to break up the space and inject some colour. You can also define departments within the office by colour coding the screens.   Practicality: An often overlooked benefit of desk screens is their storage and organisation capabilities. They can also provide employees with increased desk space by holding and storing a number of desk accessories. Choose desk partitions with tool rails to store stationery and files. You can also attach a monitor arm to these rails to lift computer screens off of the desk - this also has ergonomic benefits. A pinnable screen can also help employees to organise memos, calendars and even add photos for a personal touch.       [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

Finding it difficult to get through your workload without losing concentration or feeling overwhelmed? Try using this technique to help you break your task list down.

The Pomodoro Technique (so called due to the tomato shaped timer used to create the technique) was created by Franceso Cirillo in the 1980's and helps you to divide your work day into manageable chunks. It blocks your working time into 25 minute segments followed by a short, five minute break.

How and Why It Works

Great for helping the mind to stay focused and productive, the Pomodoro Technique helps you to take advantage of the average 25 minute attention span that most people possess. The five minute break helps the mind to stay refreshed and avoid burn-out and fatigue. The break also helps to improve concentration and productivity during the 25 minute working segment. You can use the Pomodoro Technique to maximise your performance on both short and long task lists. Shorter Tasks and Lists - A long to-do list of short jobs can seem overwhelming and finding the motivation to organise the list and start work can cause feelings of frustration or overwhelm. Breaking the list down into manageable 25 minute chunks can make the list seem less daunting and help you to start making progress. You will also work faster as you will want to avoid carrying a piece of work over into your next 25 minute block if you can help it. Great for stopping procrastination! Longer Tasks and Lists - Avoid boredom, frustration and lack of concentration by dividing your list up. Breaking the list down into 25 minute work blocks can keep stress at bay and improve the quality of your work.

How to Put This Technique Into Practice

Find a timer - Either a physical timer or a phone timer will work. A phone timer can be better if you are working in an office with other people as you can set it to vibrate to avoid distracting others. Use your five minute break wisely - Use this time to look away from your screen to help avoid tired eyes. Get a drink, stretch and try to move around. Keeping hydrated and keeping your blood flowing will also help to keep you refreshed and able to concentrate. Take a 15 minute break after four timed working segments. Clear your head by going for a brisk walk or chatting to a colleague.   Try applying this technique next time your workload begins to overwhelm you and see how the results help you.     [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

Struggling to get through the day? You're not alone. Constant fatigue among UK workers is much more common than you might think. So how can we combat it?

  Keep Hydrated: Aim to try and drink 2 litres of water per day. This sounds like a lot but can easily be achieved by keeping a bottle of water close by to sip regularly throughout the day. If you're not used to drinking this much, set yourself small goals over a few weeks, slowly building your intake up. You can also try alternating each tea or coffee with a glass of water. This will not only help you to achieve your two litre goal, but also aids in offsetting the diuretic affects of tea and coffee. Watch Your Caffeine Intake: Try not to drink caffeinated drinks after lunchtime as afternoon consumption can still affect you into the evening and disturb your sleep. If you enjoy hot drinks at work, try to swap to decaffeinated drinks or herbal teas and see if this change helps you to nod off easier in the evening. Try to Keep Moving Throughout the Day: Movement and physical activity keep your blood flowing which helps to improve concentration and relieves stress and anxiety. Simple activities such as stretching, taking the stairs and walking over to chat to a colleague instead of sending an email, can all help you to keep active over the day. Snack Regularly: Keep energy levels up and blood sugar balanced by regularly snacking on healthy foods, rather than leaving yourself hungry until your next meal. If you are less hungry at lunch time, you will likely have a lighter lunch, which will combat the post-lunch slump. Nuts and fruit are good options to reach for when you begin to feel peckish as they are full of fibre and omegas to aid digestion and help concentration. Try to avoid sugary treats as the initial energy boost wears off quickly and the sugar crash can end up making you feel worse. Use The Pomodoro Technique: This technique helps you to break your workload down into manageable chunks and allows you a five minute refresher break for every 25 minutes of work completed. This can help to improve concentration and productivity and avoid mental fatigue. Watch Your Posture: Bad posture can lead to pain in the neck, back, shoulders and hips. Pains and aches can cause fatigue and bad posture can affect your concentration and productivity. If you need help to achieve a better posture, take a look at an ergonomic chair to help you into the correct sitting position.   Try incorporating some or all of these tips into your work day and see how much improvement is made to your levels of fatigue.     [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign up"]

Can having too many personal items on your desk be a distraction, or can it improve productivity and wellbeing?

Allowing your employees to add some personal touches to their desk and general work area can encourage ownership over the work space and improve organisation and cleanliness. It can also provide employees with a sense of individuality and make them feel valued. The use of colour in the workplace is known to have a positive effect on productivity and mood. Encouraging staff to use their favourite colours around their desk can bring comfort and a chance to display their personality within the working environment. It can also help to make the workplace somewhere that employees will want to spend time in. Photos and other small items can also help to improve productivity, as well as creating a sense of pride and homeliness around the desk space. You could also consider allowing staff the chance to choose their own furniture and chairs to suit individual needs and preferences. Even simple choices such as the colour of a desk divider can make employees feel involved and valued. Next time you plan a refurbishment or require new furniture, why not talk to your employees and find out what they would like from their own personal work spaces, create a plan to try and fulfill their wishes and see for yourself the improvement a simple touch can make.     [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

Teacherwalls are a bespoke, made to measure, versatile product that help you to make the best use of your available classroom space. Designed specifically for educational environments, Teacherwalls provide a modern, striking aesthetic and are a practical way to enhance the aesthetic of your room. With a range of fully customisable features, you can easily build a storage system with great flexibility that works for you and your space. Choose from a host of modules, including those with multi-use features such as drywipe doors to get the maximum use out of your installation. Teacherwalls can also be used as a practical way to partition classrooms, further enhancing their versatility. Internal fittings can be specified to meet your requirements and include:

• Pigeon Holes
• Suspension Filing
• Shelves
• Pull Out Filing Drawers
• Gratnell Trays
• Sinks
• Retractable Teacher's Stations

Doors can be hinged, sliding or tambour depending on the amount of space you have available and what is most practical for you. The choice of finishes include woodgrain, colour, veneer and drywipe and can be mixed and matched to suit purpose and existing decor. Lighting, graphics and lettering can also be used to make the wall a focal point or design feature and liven up any room.   For more information about Teacherwalls or to place an order, please call 01293 510553 or send us an email.     [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

When considering what furniture to buy for your school or college you doubtless already know that you will need something strong and durable that can withstand constant, heavy use. Wear and tear is generally expected and planned for but unnecessary misuse and vandalism is often a problem that can be difficult to control but should be thought about and minimised where possible.

  Keeping costs down and finding furniture that will provide good value for money is a delicate balance and can be quite a challenge. It's easy to find cheap furniture but if your priority is cost effectiveness then the cheapest available products are not the solution as they will require frequent repairs or replacement. This doesn't mean that your new furniture needs to break the bank, only that in order to get the most for your money, an equilibrium needs to be found.   Throughout this blog, we aim to help you to plan the most appropriate furniture for your requirements and give you tips on how to make your items last.   Plan Firstly, it is a good idea to observe and consider how your students interact with any existing furniture. For example, do they sit on the backs of sofas, climb over furniture or jump/sit down heavily on existing seating? Are there items of furniture that frequently require replacing and is there a possible alternative to these items? From this you can work out what types of furniture may best suit the intended environment and users, as well as how durable the items need to be. Another great way to determine which furniture would work for your space is to ask the students themselves. By providing this kind of inclusion, students feel listened to and are more likely to respect the new furniture.   Modular Pieces Modular furniture is always a great option for high use areas, especially in environments where misuse is a possibility. This is because it is simple to replace a single module and often much cheaper than buying a whole new unit just because part of it is damaged or has been vandalised. Modular furniture also provides great value for money as it has a range of uses and can be easily reconfigured at will to suit many different requirements. In educational areas this is particularly helpful for aiding in dynamic lesson plans or function/assembly seating needs. Loose cushions and single items of furniture such as small stools are easy to throw around, damage or lose. Because of this, it is generally best to avoid these items where possible, particularly in common room type environments. It is advised that the upholstery of your modular furniture should be dark as it will show less wear and tear and damage from spillages and stains. It's easy to add brighter colours into the space by painting the walls in a washable paint that marks can easily be removed from. The darker upholstery also means that if there is a need to redecorate, the furniture will still tie in with the next colour scheme you choose.   Chairs Skid base chairs are often a better option than four legged chairs as they are harder for students to lean back and rock on. They are also less damaging to flooring as there are no bungs that can be removed which is what causes the scratching, marking and denting from four leg chairs. The frame of a skid base chair is also sturdier and harder to bend which adds to the product's longevity.   Dining In dining areas, it is best to opt for hard shell furniture as it is easy to clean and won't stain as easily as upholstered furniture. They type of base you choose for your dining tables is a matter of choice. Four leg frames are generally sturdier and harder to knock/tilt which helps to avoid spillages in busier areas. However, trumpet base tables can fit more students around them as there are no legs to obstruct sitting space. Matt finishes are advised on either base as they show less scratches and marks than silver or chrome frames. High pressure laminate table tops are a good choice for use in schools and colleges as this finish can withstand scratches, pen marks, heat and moisture. They are also easy to clean which keeps them looking new for longer and provides a hygienic eating & work surface.   Study Areas It is a good idea to avoid using gas lift chairs in working environments, particularly those that are unsupervised. This is because the gas lift mechanism can be easily broken and the individual components of these types of chairs are easy to separate and damage. Hard shell chairs are a good alternative as they are harder to break and are cheaper to replace if needs be. There are plenty of ergonomic options on the market to ensure that student's well-being is still catered for.   Flooring Vinyl flooring is quick and easy to clean compared to carpeted areas. However, try to think about what the area you are re-flooring will be used for as a darker coloured carpet may be more appropriate. Vinyl flooring can be easily marked or scratched and it can sometimes be easier to replace a section of carpet than repairing or replacing vinyl flooring.   Hopefully you now have a clearer idea of the type of furniture you require and how you can make the best choices to improve value for money. If you require any further help with your project, please contact us and we will be more than happy to advise on furniture and space planning, as well as any refurbishment work you may require.     [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

With urbanisation on the rise and a dependence on technology increasing, most of us have less time to relax and renew our mental and physical energy

  Research has shown that incorporating elements of nature into the working environment can reduce blood pressure, heart rates and stress levels and can increase creativity, productivity and general mood. A quick and simple way to incorporate nature into the office is through the use of plants. There's a huge variety of plants with a range of benefits which require very little care. Here we take a look at the top eight plants for office spaces.  

Snake Plant

Can last for weeks without water and tolerates heating and air conditioning very well. Doesn't require a lot of light.  

Peace Lilly

Brings a tropical feel to your work space and tolerates air conditioning very well. Suitable for low-medium light. (Not recommended for use in home offices as this plant is poisonous for cats and dogs).  

Rubber Tree Plant

Ideal for brightening up corners, this floor plant boasts large leaves & brings colour to the office. Requires watering once a week.  

Aloe Vera

Can go for many weeks without water but requires plenty of sunlight. The plant helps to filter the air and the gel inside has cooling and healing properties.  

Yucca

Can survive for several weeks without water and can grow fairly large with the right levels of light. This plant can grow into an eye catching feature, even in large spaces.  

Croton

Can grow up to ten feet tall and the leaves of the plant often feature a variable and interesting pattern. Must get enough sunlight or these patterns will begin to fade.  

Fatsia Japonica

A low maintenance, air purifying plant with dark green leathery leaves  

Montsera Deliciosa

This plant has huge, eye catching leaves and creates a luxury tropical feel in any space.     [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

With offices, schools, colleges and universities all beginning to focus more on collaborative working and learning, modular furniture allows you to get the most out of your space and the most out of the people using it.

There are a range of ways that modular furniture can boost morale and productivity, as well as offering great value for money.

 

Bring a new lease of life and functionality to worn/tired rooms

A really simple way to inject some new life in to a room that may have seen better days is to incorporate some modular seating or tables. Most modular furniture is created with a modern design and available in a range of bright fabrics. The way you choose to configure your furniture can also give the room some personality, as well as offering functionality.

Improve or create a community atmosphere

Due to it's endless configuration options, modular furniture allows groups to sit and work, chat and collaborate together more easily than traditional furniture. People who may not ordinarily get the chance to mix due to the restrictions of non-modular furniture can find themselves bouncing ideas of one another or just generally getting to know their colleagues. This builds a stronger sense of community and boosts morale, as well as offering the opportunity for heightened productivity.

Value for money

Easily replace any damaged part of your modular furniture or simply remove the piece and reconfigure the existing pieces. This way there is no immediate need to replace damaged furniture and you also don't need to pay out for a whole new piece if only one part is damaged.

More use out of one room

In offices, the same room can be used as a breakout room, a meeting room, a room for delivering seminars or talks or as a function room. In schools, teachers have the freedom to create more innovative lesson plans and allow different groups of students to work together.

Improved attitudes

Creating a bright, modern and functional space that caters to a range of requirements can make employees and students feel valued, listened to and invested in, which in turn can boost mood, morale and productivity.   [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

  Tidy Up Your Work Surface:

• Throw away any general waste and recycling
• Gather any loose paper, documents etc and sort into "Working  On", "To File" and "Shred & Recycle" piles
• Look through old binders and folders - can you throw any of their contents away and re-organise?
• Are there multiples of supplies covering your work surface? I.e more than one stapler, hole punch etc

  De-Clutter the Inside of Your Desk Drawers:

• Empty out any rubbish or recyclables
• Put any loose change into a jar, pot or your wallet/purse
• Take out anything you haven't used for more than a couple of months

  Organise Paper Items and Documents:

• Go through current files and documents and sort in order of priority
• Try to locate digital copies of the files you are keeping - save a copy on to a memory stick as well as your hard drive and throw the physical hard copy away

  Organise Your Filing Cabinet:

• Remove any files/documents you are sure that you no longer need
• Update the filing system with a proper labeling system that works for you
• Place similar or related documents into a folder and then file

  Memos, Sticky Notes and Business Cards:

• Enter any business card details into your contact software or spreadsheet and then dispose of
• Try using digital sticky notes or web-based memo apps
• If you prefer to work with paper and pen, keep a small notebook for your memos

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Wireless charging uses electromagnetic fields in one device to generate an electrical current in the metal coil of another device, providing the battery of the latter with power. As the electricity is created within the two devices, this method of charging is completely safe and offers a whole host of additional benefits to traditional charging methods. Apart from not having to worry about forgetting your charging cable (or cables for various devices), there is also no need to worry about fraying or damaging these wires when they are traveling around with you. Wireless chargers also negate the need to hunt for a power socket and keep low battery disruptions to a minimum.   In the workplace, wireless charging offers another host of benefits, most of them allowing your place of work to provide forward thinking solutions to new and emerging working dynamics. Creating a more mobile and flexible work space is much easier when you are not relying on power outlets in order to keep work devices charged and running. Furniture can be placed anywhere which allows you to make much better use of your available space. A clutter and wire free work space helps to keep distraction to a minimum and productivity rates higher whilst providing a more clean and professional look to your office. Making use of wireless charging technology also future proofs your business' premises. Most future devices will offer wireless charging functions as one of, if not the only way to charge. If these solutions are already integrated in to your office, there will be no sudden panic and decline in productivity when the device market is monopolised with wireless charging functions only. Whilst older integrated power and data solutions were a practical step in the right direction, wireless charging offers full flexibility. No one needs to leave their device plugged in to the middle of a meeting room table to charge anymore. Instead, they can simply place their phone on a wireless charge point which will likely be strategically integrated close to where they would likely set their phone down on their desk or a meeting table normally.   If integrating wireless charging in to your workplace is something that you are interested in, you can find a range of products listed on our website. Alternatively you can call one of our team to assist you in finding the best solution for your business.     [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

A typical office worker spends more time sat down than the average person aged over 75

Our sedentary working lives are severely impacting our health and wellbeing and yet few of us realise how dangerous it can be.

Many office workers spend 8 hours or more sat at their desks. This is bad enough, but when we consider the amount of time spent sitting while commuting, eating or watching television at home, the problem becomes even greater. This amount of sedentary time can lead to a range of different health problems. According to the NHS Live Well website these issues include, but are not limited to:

• Obesity & Slow Metabolism
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Some Types of Cancer
• Early Death

Sedentary behavior has also been found to negatively impact on mental health too, worsening symptoms of anxiety and depression.

So, how can we become more active?

Firstly, a height adjustable or sit/stand desk can encourage you to spend some time standing and moving whilst working. Sit/stand desks have also been linked to an increase in alertness, creativity and productivity, as well as helping to relieve symptoms of poor circulation and back ache. A chair such as the HÄG Sofi that features an InBalance™ mechanism can help to keep your body moving when you do need to sit down. This can also help to keep you alert, productive and aids the body's blood and oxygen flow. Apart from integrating adaptable furniture in to your workspace, there are other smaller adjustments that you can incorporate in to your working day to up your activity levels.       [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

Wall Graphics And Glass Manifestations Are a Great Way to Add Personality to Your Building

  Wall graphics and glass manifestations are a simple yet eye catching way to liven up your business' premises and express your brand's values. Choose whichever design you feel would suit your space best. For example, nature shots, nearby landmarks, inspirational quotes or something that reflects your brand's ethos are all great ways to use wall graphics throughout your office. The process of choosing a wall graphic is very easy for our clients. Simply select your material (choices include, but are not limited to, canvas, Foamex and glass) and specify your dimensions. Size options are endless, our biggest one to date is 7 meters long! You can choose to supply your own artwork or we can source this for you. Installation is quick and simple and results are amazing!         [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

Your Reception Area Is Your First Opportunity To Welcome Your Visitors and Reflect Your Brand, So How Can You Make a Great First Impression?

  The reception area for your business should be attractive, functional and welcoming. This is the first area that clients, customers and even potential employees will see, so it is arguably one of the most important zones of your building. Reception spaces are highly unique to each business and there are no hard and fast rules for their design. It entirely depends on the space that you have available, the intended functionality of the area and the type of image you want to portray. Of course, the design and furnishing also depends on your budget! Focusing on practicality and good space planning is the best way to begin drafting ideas for your reception space. Once you are past this point, you can start to consider the array of other elements that come in to creating the best reception for your business.   A well designed and functional reception desk is key for creating a great impression and providing your staff with much needed practicality to enable them to work efficiently. Modular - Create a desk that suits your requirements and space by selecting from a range of individual modules in a range of shapes, sizes and finishes. Starter - If you have a small reception area or need to save space, a starter desk is ideal. Small but functional and ideal for a single member of staff. High Gloss or Lit - Modern and eye-catching, these types of desks become the main focus of the reception area. Offering a sleek and fresh feel to your space, there are a range of different designs to choose from to perfectly co-ordinate with the rest of your decor. Bespoke - Order a desk completely tailored to your requirements, space and brand. Alternatively, your existing desk can be refreshed with a Di-Noc wrap to bring a new lease of life to an older piece.   Practical storage and filing is crucial for keeping your reception organised and tidy. Filing Cabinets and Under-Desk Pedestals - Ideal for keeping essentials close to hand but hidden neatly out of sight. Pedestals are available with storage and filing drawers to offer a total solution. Storage Walls - Modern, attractive and extremely versatile, storage walls are modular products which allow you to create a system that cater exactly to your requirements. Modules include storage, filing, media and display units.   Receptionist's chairs are a very important consideration. Keeping your staff comfortable can stop slouching, help prevent time off due to aches and pains, as well as helping to present a professional image. The chair you choose will depend on the way your reception functions and is staffed, how long the receptionist is required to sit at the desk at a time and the overall design of the area.   Mesh Chairs - These chairs provide good support and have a modern feel. The nature of the mesh fabric means that good air flow keeps the user cool and prevents sticking; this can also help to reduce muscle fatigue. Mesh chairs are also easy to maintain and keep clean. Ergonomic Chairs - Available as mesh or upholstered, these types of chairs provide thorough support to the user and can help them to maintain a proper posture. Ergonomic chairs also provide a higher level of comfort and can help to prevent musculoskeletal injuries which can lead to the member of staff having to take time off of work. 24 Hour Chairs - These chairs are advanced ergonomic chairs and are ideal for people who are required to sit for longer than eight hours a day. Providing extra support and comfort, most of these chairs generally feature extra adjustments.   Keeping your visitors comfortable while they wait is essential in creating the right impression. The chairs you choose for your visitors can depend on the overall design of your reception area, the space and shape you have to work with and also the functionality of the area. Tub Chairs - Ideal for single seating, tub chairs are modern, supportive and comfortable. Available in a range of fabrics, these types of chairs look great clustered around coffee tables or arranged in a linear fashion. Modular Seating & Sofas - Great for busy reception areas or for furnishing an area that is more awkwardly shaped. Choose from a range of module shapes and types and arrange to suit. Individual Sofas & Chairs - A more typical but by no means outdated method to furnishing a reception. There are a wide range of options to choose from and mixing and matching for ultimate functionality is easy.   Coffee tables are an essential in any reception space and are truly versatile in their use Trumpet Base - Sleek and modern, these types of tables are ideal for catering to a few visitors at a time and provide a compact yet functional and attractive solution Welded Frame - Strong, durable and practical, these coffee tables are great for high use areas Glass Top - Minimalist and easy to clean, these tables don't detract from the rest of the room's aesthetics. Available in a range of top shapes and sizes to suit your requirements   Other items to consider to complete your reception area include: Coffee Machines - A simple way to offer refreshments to visitors Magazine Racks - Give visitors something to read while they wait and keep reading material neatly organised Display Boards - Share important information, successes or brand values with visitors, instantly and easily Bins - Keep table tops and floors clear by placing small waste bins close to seating areas.           [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

Having carried out several refurbishments in the past for various Optimax clinics, we were delighted to rise to the challenge of updating their Leicester Clinic. Here's what we did:

  We were tasked with providing the Optimax clinic in Leicester with a more modern image and bringing the site more in line with Optimax's corporate branding.

Reception Area

We carried out a full refurbishment from floor coverings and lighting to window displays in order to achieve this goal. Our last job at this Optimax clinic in 2005 saw us installing a reception desk and storage wall which by now was in need of refreshing but that the client found was still meeting their requirements. We managed to update the existing furniture and save our client a substantial amount of money by wrapping the desk and storage wall in white Di-Noc, making it look brand new! We also added the Optimax Logo to the front of the desk to match the branding of the business.

Theater Re-Design

We also redesigned and updated the laser theater, making it into a full operating theater with the installation of a new air handling system. The ancillary rooms also benefited from fresh decor and carpets. All of these tasks were completed to health care standards.

High Praise

After the completion of the refurbishment, the clinic was visited by the Mayor for the grand re-opening who was very complimentary of the new look and feel of the Leicester clinic. We also received high praise from the Managing Director of Optimax who said it was the best clinic they've ever had, on time and under budget.       [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

We recently carried out an office conversion and refurbishment for a high-end client in a prestigious London area. Here's what we did:

  Our client contacted us requiring a refurbishment of their basement office which was currently catering to five members of staff. In need of updating and with a change of usage planned, our client sent us a brief to turn the basement office into a hot desk area for eight members of staff.

What We Did

We gave the office a modern and practical refresh, careful to keep the room feeling as light as possible due to it's location. Using bench desks for a modern, minimalistic and cost effective finish, we included dual USB and power modules for easy charging and connectivity for users whilst at the desks. Lunar chairs worked to keep the modern feel and ensure the staff are well supported while the breathable mesh back encourages air flow to keep the user cool. We also made sure that each member of staff had their own personal storage space within easy reach of their desk. The floor was re-carpeted to complete the refurbishment and we included a barrier mat to help prevent dirt and grease from marking the carpet.

Final Thoughts

After the project was finished our client, Diederik said that "the office is looking good" and that it was a "perfect job".       [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

Well maintained office chairs keep employees comfortable and create a good impression on clients and visitors. It is also important to keep your chairs clean in order to keep the spread of germs and allergy causing dust and pollen particles to a minimum. You can choose to keep your chairs maintained regularly in house which will reduce the required frequency for professional cleans. The care for each type of chair differs and you should always check the information that comes with the chair for cleaning instructions. You can also call your supplier who should be able to advise you on the correct type of maintenance and care for your chair.

• Upholstered chairs should be regularly hoovered on a low setting with a brush or upholstery attachment. Any spills or stains should be dealt with as soon as possible. Remember to follow the chair's care instructions and make sure to test any cleaning products in a small, inconspicuous area before treating the stain.
• Leather or vinyl chairs should be wiped down with a damp cloth often. Make sure the cloth you use in non-abrasive to avoid scratching the material
• Mesh office chairs should be lightly hoovered weekly to avoid the accumulation of dust and other debris in the open weave. A wipe down with a damp cloth can also help to remove any sticky residue that can build up and block air flow.
• Plastic chairs in waiting areas, canteens and cafes can be cared for with warm water and a mild detergent mix to keep them hygienic. Avoid using abrasive brushes or alkaline-based cleaning products.

All chairs should receive regular, professional cleaning and care to improve cleanliness and longevity of the product. The frequency of this service will depend on your in house maintenance routine and the type of environment the chairs are in. Wave Office provide professional cleaning services for all types of chairs. We can clean and care for chairs on site or collect them and carry out the service at our warehouse. For more information, please call 01293 510553     [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

Buying the right office chair for yourself or for your employees can seem like a complicated process. It is also tempting to start by searching for the best priced chair, particularly if you have a lot of staff to cater for. In this post, we aim to help you avoid some potentially costly pitfalls and make the buying process simpler.

  So what are the common mistakes to avoid when buying an office chair?   Choosing the wrong material: The right material matters for more than aesthetic reasons. Vinyl is always a good choice for areas where stains are prevelant or good hygiene is a high priority. Leather is also easy to clean and is quick drying. It looks professional and suits conference and boardrooms, as well as executive offices. Mesh is breathable, supportive and easy to clean and maintain. It also offers the added benefit of improved air circulation which can keep the user cool and comfortable. An upholstered seat is an option with most mesh chairs for added comfort whilst still maintaining good air flow around the back.   Selecting the wrong colours: There is no universally correct decision when it comes to choosing the colour of your upholstery. However, it is important to consider what you want from your chair before purchasing. Do you want to use your chairs as a way to add some pop to your office or tie in with your brand? Or is it more important to choose darker colours that show less marks? Do you have the budget for the maintenance and cleaning of brighter coloured chairs?   Not considering your space: If you are furnishing a large section of your office this is a very important point to consider. Although bigger chairs can seem more luxurious and comfortable, they won't neccisarily provide you with this comfort if you are cramped up due to the chair taking up too much space.   Looking at the best price, instead of the best value: Good value chairs may seem more expensive than the best priced chairs you can find. However, you could find yourself having to buy another chair soon after your original purchase if you opt for the cheaper chair. Many of the chairs that offer good value for money can last for many years and are more likely to provide ergonomic value and proper postural support. This could save individuals money on chiropractic care and companies money on sick pay and lost work days.   Choosing looks over comfort: Some chairs can look stylish and modern but they may not be the best type of chair for sitting in for extended periods of time. Your more interesting seating choices can be reserved for reception or visitor areas where people generally won't require a high level of comfort or support. It is best to choose a supplier who has a showroom where you can test chairs out to make sure they meet comfort and support requirements.   Not considering varying staff builds: Across your staff-base you will find varying heights, leg lengths and other measurements to consider. Everyone needs to be able to adjust their chairs appropriately for maximum comfort and correct postural support. Chairs that feature adjustable arms, headrests, gas stems and lumbar supports make sure that people of all builds can be properly catered to.   Buying a chair with no warranty or aftercare support: Most reputable suppliers will offer a wide range of chairs with a guarantee or warranty. You should also speak to the company about aftercare and any other services they may offer.     [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

In recent years there has been increasing awareness surrounding the benefits of "Sit/Stand" at work. Many more height adjustable desks are now available on the market and there are also a host of schemes encouraging staff to be more active during their working day. There are many health and wellbeing issues associated with sitting down all day including:

• Issues with weight/obesity
• Problems with blood sugar and diabetes
• Increased risk of heart disease
• Strain to the shoulders, neck and back
• Spinal disk damage
• Poor circulation in legs

Unfortunately, many of the risk factors associated with a sedentary day can not be offset by exercising after work, although this is still good to do. The only way to combat these issues is to change the way that you work. You might think that changing your working habits to incorporate standing always requires radical adjustments to your office furniture and comfort levels. This doesn't always have to be the case though. You can start off with small changes and slowly build up your activity levels at work. Here are some suggestions:

• Stand whilst taking phone calls
• Use the stairs instead of the lift
• Have standing or walking meetings
• Take a walk during your lunch break or at least try to leave your desk on your breaks
• Stand at the back of the room during presentations
• Join in on national campaigns such as "On Your Feet Britain" and try to get as many other people in the office involved as possible
• Invest in a sit/stand desk and set yourself goals for time spent standing whilst working each day
• Where possible consider your choice of footwear - make sure it is comfortable when standing and moving throughout the day

It is important to remember that converting to standing all day can actually pose it's own set of health issues. These can include sore, aching muscles and stiffness and swelling of the legs. This is why it is important to strike a healthy balance. There are a range of chairs available that can help to keep your body moving even whilst you are sitting on them which can help to reduce some of the health risks when you do need to sit. Remember that adapting to a sit/stand work day can take time and you will observe many fluctuations in the amount of time you spend sitting and standing. Eventually though, you will find a pattern that works for you. It is important for employers to remember that productivity can actually increase with the right balance of movement in an employee's day, but that it can take time for people to settle in to a new way of working. As staff will eventually find a rhythm that works for them, everyone should be provided with the ability to be flexible in their routine.     [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

In the last few years ergonomics has been the number one focus in workplace and furniture design. We've seen chairs that promote good posture and sit-stand desks all becoming prevelant. However, ergonomics is just the starting point in the much bigger picture of employee wellbeing. There are many factors that come in to play when considering how to improve the physical, mental and emotional health of employees. However, something that has perhaps been overlooked in the quest for a more flexible workplace is privacy and proper acoustics. A recent increase in the trend of open plan offices has seen more and more companies refurbishing their sites to reflect a more accessible and flexible environment. With this being very much the main focus, individual preferences have often been overlooked. Indeed, many offices have been designed on presumptions and trends rather than for the company's unique staff.

What are the statistics?

The University of Sydney found that noise is the number one complaint of employees that work in open plan offices, with up to 60% citing it as a major issue. Evans et al & Sundstrom also point out that noise is probably the most prevalent source of annoyance in offices and can lead to increased stress. If you consider that most people spend more time working (36%) than they do anything else - even sleeping (32%) - it makes sense to create an environment where as many individual needs as possible are catered for. The open plan office manages to tackle many historic dissatisfactions in the workplace such as lack of flexibility, an inability to freely express ideas and interact with managers and a lack of collaboration with other colleagues. However, most office workers spend 40-60% of their time on concentrated tasks, yet 42% said they had no access to private or quiet areas. This can create serious problems with productivity. It takes an average of 15 minutes to regain concentration after being distracted by unwanted noise. A worrying example of this finding is that just 5 distractions in an 8 hour working day equates to a 15% reduction in productivity. In other words, in a company of 200 employees, 30 of these people would be being paid to do nothing. Other statistics which highlight the issue of noise in the office include a 32.7% decline in operating income for companies with low levels of employee engagement. However, amongst companies with higher levels of employee engagement a 19% increase in operating income was observed.  

How can I remedy these problems in my office?

We are now beginning to see just how important noise levels in the office are, even if they have been overlooked in the recent past. There are however, solutions to the problem, even if you have got an open plan office. Before looking at the following options, we recommend analysing the way that your staff work. What is important in the way the company works? Try to gather some opinions from the staff themselves. This information may take some time to collect but any decision you make from the data is informed and can only have a positive impact on your bottom line.

Product Solutions

Installing acoustic and sound absorbing products into your work place is a quick and easy solution to end distractions, create some privacy and improve concentration. Perhaps the most obvious way to introduce some privacy is with floor standing screens. Simple to set up, these screens enable you to create quick meeting or private areas. Some floor standing screens are mobile and some come with options such as a whiteboard top or toolbars. The level of acoustics varies between types of screen, so this solution is a better choice if you are looking to simply add in some extra privacy to your work space. Desk mounted screens offer much the same as their floor standing counterparts but tend to be shorter and attached directly to the desk. They offer a level of organisation and privacy and can also provide some sound absorption depending on the screen's material. Office pods can be seen as a cure all for privacy, acoustics and flexible working. Offering excellent acoustics, varying degrees of privacy and excellent levels of flexibility, an office pod is the simplest and most versatile option. Dot them around the office to create quiet and private working havens or group them all in the same area to create a place designated for concentrated work only.  

How can storage help?

You may not think it but storage can actually help towards solving privacy and noise problems. Bisley Towers™ offer privacy thanks to their tall profile which can act as a simple divide between desks. This also means that they offer some degree of acoustic value. Bisley Eyespace™ is a great storage and filing system which manages to look stylish, offer superb functionality and create divides. A great way to add practicality and privacy into the office. Although Bisley Bite™ doesn't offer acoustics or privacy in itself, it can be used at each desk to complement the use of office pods. Bisley Bite™ is a mobile pedestal drawer unit which slots over the top of any desk. So, when your employees need to move to a quieter area to concentrate, they have all their files with them to facilitate a smooth and practical transition from their desk.  

Are there any other options?

The above is a list of a few simple options to consider if you aren't thinking of refurbishing your office any time soon. If a redesign is due, there are a range of materials, layouts and structural designs which facilitate proper sound absorption and privacy. Acoustics and privacy should be mentioned to your project manager at the start of the design process to get the most out of your refurbishment.     [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]