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As we step further into the digital age, the dynamics of the workplace continue to evolve, influencing everything from technology to office culture. One aspect that often goes overlooked but significantly impacts productivity, creativity, and employee well-being is office furniture. In 2024, we're witnessing a fascinating shift in office furniture trends, driven by a fusion of technological advancements, sustainability concerns, and a growing focus on employee comfort and flexibility. Let's delve into some of the prominent trends reshaping our workspaces this year.

Ergonomic Designs for Enhanced Comfort

In today's fast-paced work environment, where employees spend long hours seated at their desks, prioritizing comfort is paramount. Ergonomic furniture designs are gaining momentum, aimed at reducing strain and improving posture. Expect to see chairs with adjustable lumbar support, height-adjustable desks, and accessories like keyboard trays and monitor arms, all geared towards promoting a healthier and more comfortable work experience.

Multi-functional and Flexible Furniture

Flexibility is the name of the game in modern office design. With the rise of remote work and hybrid models, offices need furniture that can adapt to varying needs and spaces. Multi-functional pieces such as modular desks, convertible tables, and storage units with flexible configurations are becoming increasingly popular. These versatile solutions allow for easy reconfiguration of spaces, fostering collaboration and accommodating diverse work styles.

Sustainable Materials and Eco-friendly Practices

As environmental consciousness continues to grow, so does the demand for sustainable office furniture. Companies are increasingly opting for furniture made from recycled materials, responsibly sourced wood, and low-emission finishes. Additionally, there's a shift towards circular economy principles, with more emphasis on refurbishing and repurposing existing furniture to extend their lifespan. Expect to see an abundance of eco-friendly options that not only reduce environmental impact but also contribute to a healthier workspace.

Tech-Integrated Furniture for Seamless Connectivity

In an era dominated by technology, office furniture is getting smarter. Integration of technology into furniture pieces is on the rise, with features like built-in power outlets, wireless charging pads, and USB ports becoming standard. This seamless connectivity allows employees to stay powered up and connected without the hassle of tangled cords, enhancing productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

Biophilic Design Elements for Wellness

Bringing elements of nature into the office has been shown to have numerous benefits, from reducing stress to improving productivity and creativity. In 2024, biophilic design principles are being integrated into office furniture to create a more harmonious and wellness-oriented workspace. Expect to see furniture adorned with natural materials like wood and stone, as well as incorporating elements such as living walls, greenery, and natural lighting to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments.

Personalized and Customizable Solutions

Recognizing that one size does not fit all, office furniture manufacturers are offering more personalized and customizable solutions to cater to individual preferences and needs. From adjustable desks that can be tailored to specific height requirements to chairs with customizable upholstery options, employees are empowered to create workspaces that reflect their unique tastes and promote a sense of ownership and comfort.

In conclusion, the office furniture landscape in 2024 is characterized by a blend of functionality, sustainability, and employee-centric design. As workplaces continue to evolve, furniture trends will likely continue to adapt to meet the changing needs of modern workers. By embracing these trends, organizations can create environments that not only foster productivity and collaboration but also prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of their employees.

Were were happy to help a local 6th form college to create a new breakout area that students could be proud of

  We recently helped a local college to update their current common room area into a more functional and modern space for students to relax and socialise in. Using Visa chairs and fully welded tables with round tops, we designed part of the room to accommodate those who want to eat, socialise or study in groups. Both the tables and chairs are durable and easy to wipe down, making them ideal for such a high-use area. Solent modular sofas acted as an excellent room divide and along with a video projector, helped to create a focal point for the space. Comfortable and supportive, the sofas were upholstered in two-tone fabric and now provide a space for students to relax and chat with friends. Overall, the space is an ideal hub spot for the college, providing students with an adaptable space to use their time in between lessons as they wish.    

Having an ergonomic office set up is important to avoid injuries in the workplace and keeping staff happy, healthy and productive.

  Poor office ergonomics can lead to an increase in staff absence, with upper or lower back pain being amongst the most common reasons for employees to take sick leave. Luckily, there are many ergonomic products on the market today to help you to create a safe and comfortable office. In this post, you'll find a round up of our favorite ergonomic office furniture pieces. If you're interested in learning a little more about the basic principles of office and workplace ergonomics, you can check out this post, which also includes a free ergonomic reference sheet download.

1. Adapt

Following the EasiSpec system, our specialist advisors take a few key measurements and create a tailored "prescription" for an Adapt chair that will provide you with highly specific and personalised ergonomic support and comfort. Ideal for those who require extra support, suffer from pain or postural issues or have a disability.  

2. Ergohuman

Ideal for those who are seated for extended periods or require more thorough support, the Ergohuman task chair boasts a range of flex zones throughout the back and lumbar regions, providing continuous ergonomic support.  

3.HÅG Sofi & HÅG Sofi Mesh

The body has an intuitive need to move and the HÅG SoFi keeps the body in motion and allows the user to sit in a variety of positions. The InBalance™Mechanism keeps the user perfectly comfortable whilst boosting productivity and improving health by keeping the user active.  

4. Poise

Designed to reduce pressure on the thighs and back, the Poise task chair features an integral seat slide which allows the user to adjust the seat depth. A synchronised mechanism with freefloat back action makes it easy to get comfortable and feel supported.  

5. HÅG Capisco & HÅG Capisco Puls

Choose to sit in Capisco or Capisco Puls chairs forwards, sideways or backwards and receive equal comfort and ergonomic support. Inspired by the horse rider's saddle, the Capisco offers greater freedom of movement and caters for active sitting throughout the day.  

6. Sidiz

Providing excellent ergonomic support and adjusting easily to the user's height and weight, the Sidiz task chair offers consistent support and comfort. The mesh design  also provides cooling ventilation to the back.  

7. Enjoy

Designed for those who are required to sit for up to 8 hours per day, the Enjoy Task Chair provides continuous support and comfort through the use of flex-zones for lumbar and back support. Other features include a synchro-tilt mechanism, sliding seat, pneumatic height adjustment and single lever control for seat height, seat depth and back tilt.  

8. Rise

Rise height adjustable desks feature a range of control panels which all make changing from a sitting to a standing position quick and easy. Adjustable from 635mm-1290mm, Rise desks enable you to spend less time sitting and more time enjoying the benefits of active working.

9. GC1

GC1 tables are multi-functional and practical addition to any work space. A simple to use control panel changes the height of the table quickly and simply. In addition to it's sit/stand functions, GC1 also benefits from a flip top and optional dry-wipe finish, creating a truly versatile piece of furniture that adapts to any way that you choose to work.  

10. Sit/Stand Desktop Riser

Place the desktop riser on any desk to create a quick and portable sit/stand solution. Featuring a fast and easy height adjustment process, the riser also benefits from a support groove for smartphones or tablets and a large keyboard tray.  

11. Ascend Monitor Arm

Ascend monitor arms feature a gas assisted stem and provide practicality, organisation and space to your desk. Easy to adjust height, tilt and position, creating a comfortable ergonomic working position.

12. Streamcomb Monitor Arm

Able to hold up to four monitors, Streamcomb helps to create a clutter-free desk space. Streamcomb monitor arms also make it easy to achieve a comfortable, ergonomically correct working position and help to relieve tension and strain through the neck and shoulders.  

13. Ergonomic Accessories

Wave Office also provides a range of ergonomic accessories such as footrests and specially adapted mice and keyboards to make sure that your entire body can work in a comfortable and supported ergonomic position.   We hope that this list has given you a simple starting point in creating an ergonomic working environment. If you would like to view more information on the featured products, you can click on their individual links or call 01293 510553 to speak to one of our friendly team.     [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

We recently completed an office refurbishment for a charity who were relocating their headquarters to a more modern premises in Reigate. We were instructed to create a professional but vibrant feel to the new office space and also to create a space that was practical both in terms of working and storage. We provided the clients with 2D and 3D visual plans to allow them to see how we proposed the layout of the new offices and to help them to choose furniture ranges, styles and finishes. The whole project was completed within the time frame given to us by the client. This included working around and liaising with other contractors such as electricians and flooring specialists to ensure practicality of location of things such as floor boxes, but also, again, to make sure that the project was completed on time. The project included refurbishment and furnishing of the following areas:

• Reception Area
• Meeting Rooms
• Offices

The reception area was furnished to include a range of tambour storage and an accessible reception desk finished in a gloss orange and matte white. We also built a bespoke surround around the storage in the reception area to section off the downstairs office from the reception.   The office areas were furnished with grey bench desks with a silver frame and frosted acrylic desk screens with a blue tint. Storage consisted of Bisley tambour cupboards and pedestals underneath the desks. We provided Enjoy chairs for a comfortable seating option that particularly supports the back and lumbar regions of the users.   The new meeting areas were furnished with oval tables and our SJX meeting chairs for a practical and comfortable seating solution. Meeting rooms also benefited from Tilt Top tables for ease of storage and use.     [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

New Furniture For Various Zones of a Corporate Events Area

  A local college engaged our services to furnish their new corporate events area. We designed the layout for various rooms within the area and supplied and installed a range of new furniture. The end result was a modern, practical and functional space which provides great opportunities for relaxing, dining, meeting and networking.   All tables supplied were from the LTC range which are ideal for high use areas, as well as benefiting from a smart, polished chrome base which perfectly complemented the four star base of the Giggle Chairs. Giggle chairs and Lilo sofas were upholstered in vinyl for easy cleaning and maintenance, whilst the walnut Espacio chairs provided a comfortable seating solution for the dining area.     [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

After Optimax became the Ultralase Optimax Group, one of their main objectives was to improve the image of the clinics. Here's how we helped the group to create a brand new clinic in Cardiff.

  Having bought an empty building, the Ultralase Optimax group asked us to create a new clinic from design to build. The design was to include an operating theatre, recovery room, consultation rooms, staff rooms, an air handling plant and reception area. In the reception area we added LED lighting, a large wall graphic and a gloss white reception desk and storage wall to give the clinic a fresh and modern feel. We added Giggle chairs to the lobby to provide comfort for visitors and extend on the modern theme.

We handled all aspects of design and build and completed the project four weeks early and under budget.

  The new clinic was opened by Lee Halfpenny in October 2017 with staff and patients commenting on the "stylish, modern feel". There are now plans in place to refurbish other clinics to match the same design criteria.       [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

Recently, we were asked to carry out a refurbishment of multiple rooms for a local electrical manufacturing company. Here's what we did.

  The refurbishment was to include the boardroom, executive toilets and the executive hallway with multiple changes throughout each room. The boardroom benefited from new carpets, new blinds and new secondary double glazing to keep noise to a minimum throughout conference calls and meetings. This was complemented by the addition of a new acoustic wall and the installation of a new high specification audio/visual set up with surround sound, ideal for video conferences. We added a new 3 piece Walnut veneer boardroom table with full cable management. This ensures cables stay tidy and hidden down through the table legs and into floor boxes. We also added a matching veneer storage unit with integral fridge and included high back leather executive chairs to create a modern and professional feel. The finishing touch to this room came in the form of a new ceiling with a recessed feature light above the boardroom table. We were also instructed to carry out a refurbishment of the executive toilets. Here, we replaced all old porcelain, cubicles and tiling and added new flooring for a fresh look and feel. The executive corridor was also refreshed with new Ash doors, LED lighting and a new ceiling grid and tiles.       [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

We recently a carried out an exciting refurbishment of 8 classrooms, creating fun and practical learning environments

Classrooms are ever changing environments and need to be able to adapt to a number of ways of working and different activities throughout the day. They also need to be engaging, fun and practical. This is exactly the type of spaces we recently created in a local school. All classrooms featured student tables with dry-wipe surfaces. This not only creates a sense of fun, but serves as a practical way for children to learn and interact with their lesson. It also helps to stop damage and graffiti! We paired these tables with ergonomic Postura+ chairs. These chairs are highly durable and encourage students to sit in the correct position. This not only benefits their posture, but also their ability to concentrate. An ergonomic sitting position allows proper blood and oxygen flow throughout the body and also stops slouching which can tell the brain it's time to relax, causing a lack of productivity and concentration. The storage areas in the classrooms featured space for children's trays, as well as cupboard and drawer space for equipment and teacher's essentials. The gloss white and grey finish of the storage area complimented the tables and gave a modern feel to the space. Finally, the teacher's desks were supplied with integrated power and USB charging sockets, keeping equipment fully charged and accessible throughout the day, without the need for trailing wires or extension leads.       [yikes-mailchimp form="1" title="1" description="1" submit="Sign Up"]

At Wave Office we provide free space planning and design services to help you to get the most out of your work place

Office refurbishment can be a daunting task and visualizing the outcome is often one of the trickiest things to do. This can add extra worry if the project is your responsibility. Planning space through the use of Computer Aided Design allows you to see how a refurbishment or new furniture will look in a space. This is beneficial for both the refurbishment company and you, the client. It is particularly helpful if you are working to a strict time scale as you can redesign the plan before any actual work is carried out, rather than making amendments at the end of the project. It also allows you to relax during the process knowing exactly how your desired outcome will look. It can also be helpful to take the plans and designs into meetings with other people involved in the refurbishment project. This helps to prevent ambiguity and confusion and allows everyone to clearly see, agree on, or give their input on the intended outcome. Wave Office have more than 20 years experience in planning, designing and furnishing great work spaces, casinos, schools, universities, colleges, leisure centres and many other businesses. So, if 2023 is the year for you to update your furniture or work space, get in touch for some helpful advice, space planning and a great choice of furniture.

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"]

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 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"]

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"]

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"]