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"]

If your office space is beginning to feel cramped, you may be thinking about relocating; but before you look into potentially increasing your costs, why not reassess your current space?

    There are plenty of simple ways that you can redesign your small office space to work for you, but the best results require some planning beforehand. Think about your business' requirements and priorities - for example, do you need your team to work collaboratively or do you need silence and solitude for staff? Consider holding a few meetings or think of a number of ways that you can include your staff in the new design. After all, the space you are designing is supposed to enhance productivity and morale for these people. After you have collected ideas and thoughts and have an idea of how an office should be designed to work for your business you can begin to look for solutions that fit your team.

Experiment with desk layout ideas

The way you decide to organise your desks will depend on the way your team works best, but also it needs to work to maximise your available space. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:

• Paired Islands - place two desks face to face for small team collaboration and space saving; ideal for narrower offices
• Blocked Seating - as above but in groups of four; great for when you require larger teams to work together but still need to save space
• The Bullpen - organise desks into an inner-facing circle, square or rectangle, allowing the whole team to easily collaborate

Choose the right type of desks

There are two main desk designs that are ideal for smaller office spaces:

• Mobile Desks - If you regularly need to rearrange the layout of your desks or if some staff will need time away from main working groups, mobile desks are a great way to temporarily change the set up of your office space
• Modular Desks - Easily rearrange desk layout whilst still saving space with desks that tessellate in a number of different ways to create the plan you need

Think about your break-out areas

• Quickly rearrange your soft seating in rest areas to fit your purpose - Modular soft seating allows you to remove and add seating blocks, so you can easily create more space without having to look into changing your whole seating range.

Re-think storage

• Storage walls - Vertical storage that you can tailor to your needs with a range of different modules, capable of high or low volume storage
• Pedestals - Need a small storage space for each of your staff? Pedestals are great for keeping important documents or personal items close by. Bite pedestals are ideal mobile pedestals to match with a more agile working environment. Some desk-high pedestals can also replace desk legs for additional practicality when space is of a premium.

Re-Model meeting spaces:

• Whiteboard or presentation monitor - place a monitor or large whiteboard in a place where everyone can easily see. This is a simple solution for small offices to put an end to staff crowding around one desk for meetings where a presentation is required. Wall mounting these objects where possible will save further on floor space.
• Collapsible meeting tables - Create meeting space when you need it, store it when you don't
• Need a little more privacy or quiet? - Consider a mobile or modular acoustic wall that you can re-style or store away at the end of your meeting
• Change your routine - If you don't have space for an effective meeting in your office, why not utilise your local coffee shop or have walking meetings in a nearby park?
• Reconsider schedules - Do all your staff have to be in the office on the same day? More staff than space? Consider a rotating remote working schedule, allowing all staff to split their working time between the office and home. If you need to have a meeting, set up a video chat on your presentation monitor!

Finally, make the most of your decor options:

• Use light colours on the walls to make a space seem larger - you can always add pops of colour through your furniture fabrics
• Make sure you're not blocking natural light - keep window areas clear to allow as much light in as possible and help to create a more open feel to your space.

   

We offer a free space planning and design service to help you to make the most of your space. If you would like to know more, please contact us and we'll be more than happy to help

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ErgoChair is a UK based company, set up in 2004 to fill a gap in the ergonomic office chair market

  Until Ergochair, there were no ergonomic chairs on the market that could be specified to suit every individual. Even some of the best ergonomic chairs on the market could not offer complete support and comfort as they were not able to be tailored to custom requirements. For example, smaller framed people would not experience the complete benefit of a generic sized ergonomic chair as the varying supports would not correspond to the correct areas on the user's body. However, Ergochair's range provides more than just a good fit for the user. A vast range of advanced adaptations mean that they are able to create chairs suitable for a range of issues and conditions, including:

• Amputeeism
• Cerebral Palsy
• Coccyx Pain
• Core Stability Issues
• Herniated or Prolapsed Spinal Discs
• Hip Replacement
• Fused or Painful Knee Joints
• Differential Leg Lengths
• Lumbar Pain
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neck and Shoulder Pain
• Pelvic Pain
• Scoliosis
• Thoracic Back Pain
• Wheelchair Use/Restricted Mobility

  Using a Unique Specification System called Easispec, our specially trained advisors will take a few simple measurements in order to create your bespoke chair "prescription". They will also discuss any suitable adaptations that will ensure your chair caters to your exact requirements. Adaptations include:

• A Range of Armrests - from simple support to permanent contact rests for severe upper limb issues
• Neck and Head Rests, Rolls and Supports
• Foot Rings and Plates
• Locks - Keep the Chair From Moving or Swiveling
• Range of Inflatable and Reactive Support Cells Across the Backrest and Seat
• Sculpted and Memory Foam Backrests
• Coccyx Cut-Outs and Zones
• Wave and Split Seats - for issues with lower limbs such as amputation or prothesis
• Memory Foam Seats

 

If you would like to know more about Ergochair, or to book an assessment, please call 01293 510553 or email sales@waveoffice.co.uk

Explore the Ergochair products

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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.

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"]