Category: Custom Office Design (page 1 of 5)

Transforming Your Workspace: Creative Ways to Refurbish Your Office

July 4, 2023 / / 0 Comments

A well-designed and inviting office space can significantly enhance productivity, creativity, and employee morale. If your office is in need of a refresh, refurbishing can breathe new life into the environment. In this blog post, we will explore several creative ways to refurbish your office and create an inspiring and functional workspace.

  1. Rethink the Layout: Consider reconfiguring the layout of your office to optimise space and improve workflow. Open concept designs promote collaboration, while designated quiet areas or private offices offer privacy when needed. Explore ergonomic furniture options to prioritize comfort and well-being, and ensure that essential equipment and resources are easily accessible for all employees.
  2. Play with Colors and Lighting: A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in revitalising your office. Choose colors that align with your brand and desired ambiance. Opt for neutral shades to create a calm and professional atmosphere, or inject vibrant pops of color to energize the space. Additionally, evaluate your lighting scheme and incorporate a mix of natural and artificial lighting sources to create a well-lit, inviting environment.
  3. Incorporate Greenery: Plants bring life and vitality to any space. Introduce indoor plants to your office to improve air quality and create a soothing and natural atmosphere. From small potted plants on desks to larger planters in common areas, incorporating greenery can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your office while fostering a sense of tranquility and well-being.
  4. Upgrade Furniture and Accessories: Evaluate your existing furniture and consider upgrading key pieces to enhance comfort and functionality. Invest in ergonomic chairs, adjustable standing desks, and versatile storage solutions. Thoughtful accessories, such as stylish desk organisers, artwork, or motivational quotes, can add a personal touch and inspire creativity among employees.
  5. Enhance Collaboration Spaces: Designate specific areas for collaboration and brainstorming sessions. Create comfortable and inviting meeting spaces with modular furniture, whiteboards, or interactive displays. Integrate technology solutions that facilitate seamless communication and collaboration, such as video conferencing equipment or project management software.
  6. Focus on Acoustics: Noise pollution can be a significant distraction in the office environment. Address this issue by incorporating acoustic panels, sound-absorbing materials, or even white noise machines to reduce background noise and create a more focused and productive atmosphere. Consider design elements that help in soundproofing, such as carpeting or wall coverings.
  7. Embrace Smart Technology: Integrate smart technology solutions into your office to improve efficiency and convenience. Install automated lighting systems, smart thermostats, or motion-activated sensors to optimise energy usage. Consider implementing smart security systems to enhance office safety and control access.
  8. Create Breakout Spaces: Recognise the importance of relaxation and downtime by creating dedicated breakout areas. These spaces can include cozy seating, game tables, or comfortable lounges where employees can recharge and foster social connections. Such spaces promote a healthy work-life balance and encourage collaboration among team members.

Refurbishing your office offers an opportunity to transform your workspace into a dynamic, productive, and inspiring environment. By rethinking the layout, incorporating colors, adding greenery, upgrading furniture and accessories, enhancing collaboration spaces, focusing on acoustics, embracing smart technology, and creating breakout areas, you can revitalise your office and create a space that reflects your company’s values and fosters employee satisfaction and engagement. A well-refurbished office sets the stage for a thriving and successful work environment.

The Benefits of Hybrid Working

June 1, 2023 / / 0 Comments

In recent years, the way we work has undergone a significant transformation. The concept of hybrid working, which combines remote work and office-based work, has gained immense popularity and acceptance across various industries. As organizations embrace this new approach, it’s essential to explore the benefits of hybrid working that make it an appealing option for both employers and employees. In this blog post, we will delve into some of the advantages of hybrid working and how it can positively impact work-life balance, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

  1. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: One of the most significant advantages of hybrid working is the flexibility it offers. By allowing employees to work both remotely and from the office, hybrid models empower individuals to create a work environment that suits their preferences and personal circumstances. Employees gain the freedom to choose when and where they work, allowing them to better manage their personal commitments while fulfilling their professional responsibilities. This newfound flexibility fosters a healthier work-life balance, leading to reduced stress levels, increased job satisfaction, and improved overall well-being.
  2. Increased Productivity: Contrary to initial concerns, numerous studies have shown that hybrid working can actually enhance productivity. With the ability to work in their preferred environment, employees often experience fewer distractions and interruptions commonly found in office settings. The flexibility of choosing where to work allows individuals to optimize their work conditions, leading to increased focus and concentration on tasks. Moreover, the elimination of time-consuming commutes and the ability to allocate saved travel time to work-related activities further boost productivity levels.
  3. Cost Savings: For both employees and employers, hybrid working can result in substantial cost savings. Employees can reduce commuting costs, including expenses related to transportation, parking, and meals. Moreover, the flexibility to work remotely reduces the need for costly office attire and work-related expenses. On the other hand, companies can significantly cut costs by downsizing office space, reducing utility bills, and optimizing resources. These cost savings can be redirected towards employee benefits, professional development programs, or investments in technology infrastructure, ultimately benefiting both parties.
  4. Enhanced Talent Acquisition and Retention: Adopting hybrid working practices can significantly expand the talent pool for organisations. By offering remote work opportunities, companies can recruit individuals from geographically diverse locations, tapping into a wider range of skills and expertise. Additionally, the flexibility of hybrid working can boost employee satisfaction and engagement, increasing retention rates and reducing turnover. Organisations that prioritize work-life balance and flexibility have a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent, resulting in a more motivated and dedicated workforce.
  5. Environmental Impact: The reduced need for commuting in hybrid working models has a positive environmental impact. With fewer cars on the road, there is a significant decrease in carbon emissions, leading to improved air quality and reduced traffic congestion. By embracing hybrid working, companies contribute to sustainability efforts, demonstrating their commitment to environmental responsibility.

Hybrid working offers a unique blend of flexibility, productivity, cost savings, talent attraction, and environmental benefits. It represents a paradigm shift in the way we work, with the potential to revolutionise traditional work structures. As organisations continue to adapt to the changing landscape, the advantages of hybrid working cannot be overlooked. By embracing this approach, both employers and employees can reap the rewards of a more balanced and fulfilling work experience.

Benefits of having an organised warehouse

February 13, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Warehouse racking is a crucial aspect of any warehouse and plays a significant role in keeping the inventory organised and easily accessible.

An organised warehouse not only helps in improving the overall efficiency of the operations, but also ensures the safety of the employees and the inventory. With the help of proper racking systems, you can easily store, manage and retrieve items, reducing the time and effort required for these tasks. Moreover, the use of warehouse racking can help increase the storage capacity of your warehouse, allowing you to store more items in a smaller space.

Another major benefit of having an organised warehouse is increased productivity. When items are stored in an organised manner, employees can easily locate them, reducing the time and effort required to find items. This results in faster order fulfillment and reduces the chance of human error. Additionally, an organized warehouse also enables employees to move around the warehouse more easily, reducing the risk of accidents and improving the overall safety of the workplace.

An organised warehouse also makes it easier to conduct regular inventory checks and ensures that items are stored in the right place. This not only helps in reducing the loss of items due to misplacement, but also makes it easier to track inventory levels, helping you make informed decisions about restocking and ordering new items.

Furthermore, an organised warehouse also creates a professional and organised image for your business. Customers and clients who visit your warehouse will appreciate the well-organized and neat appearance, which can help build confidence in your brand and your ability to manage your operations effectively.

In conclusion, an organised warehouse is crucial for the success of any business that relies on storage and distribution. With the help of proper warehouse racking systems, you can improve the efficiency of your operations, increase the storage capacity of your warehouse, increase productivity, improve safety, and create a professional image for your business. If you are looking to improve your warehouse operations, consider investing in a high-quality warehouse racking system.

Different Types of Warehouses

January 20, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Warehousing, however simple it might seem to be, has a lot of diversification. There are a variety of warehouses, each having a niche of its own. How do you decide which type of warehousing is right for your business?

It’s essential to keep an eye on the details when selecting a warehouse that fits your business needs. The industry, location and precisely what you require will determine which option is right for you. Don’t underestimate its importance; having the correct storage facility could make or break customer relations – ensuring orders are shipped out quickly has proven time again to be key in creating happy customers!

Having the right kind of warehousing in place becomes even more important during the festive season when you’ve got a massive surge in orders to manage. Instead of making any rash decisions, you must critically analyse the different types of warehouses available and make an informed decision.

Selecting the right warehouse can make or break your customer relations – and it all comes down to order fulfillment. When you consider several factors, such as industry type, business requirements and location from an informed perspective, making sure orders are fulfilled on time is a given. This well result in content customers who sing praises about you!

Generally, there are 7 major types of warehouses:

  1. Distribution centre
  2. Public warehouse
  3. Private warehouse
  4. Bonded warehouse
  5. Climate-controlled warehouse
  6. Smart warehouse
  7. Consolidated warehouse

Distribution Centre

Distribution centres are a vital cog in the supply chain, making possible rapid and reliable movement of goods from suppliers to customers. These warehouses offer far more space than regular ones and feature computerised systems for improved efficiency. Perishable products can be especially beneficial thanks to their short turnaround time – entering early morning then leaving late evening all on the same day! Ultimately, these centres enable faster distribution at lower cost when located close to transportation hubs, ensuring customer satisfaction every step of the way.

Reasons to Choose:

  1. Efficiency of operations
  2. Storage capacity

Private warehouse

Need a place to store your goods that won’t break the bank? Public warehouses could be just what you need! Offering an affordable way for small business and eCommerce startups to keep their products safe, these government- or semigovernment owned facilities are available on loan with a reasonable charge. No long term commitment necessary; perfect for those times when extra storage is required but not permanent.

Reasons to Choose:

  1. Less long-term cost
  2. Better regional presence

Bonded warehouse

With public warehouses, small businesses and eCommerce start-ups can deal with their inventory overflow when they need extra storage space. Owned by government or semi-government bodies, these temporary solutions let companies stock up on goods for a fee to provide just the right amount of breathing room until they are ready to purchase additional warehouse facilities.

Reasons to Choose:

  1. Low overall cost
  2. Helps in international trade

Keep an eye on next blog for more information on different warehouses!

Warehouse Safety Checklist

November 10, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Our warehouse safety inspection service helps you fulfil your legal duty to check the safety of your storage systems annually.

Whether you have a modest installation or several vast warehouses, your storage systems should be inspected at least annually for any safety defects. Our independent warehouse safety inspection helps fulfil your duty of care to employees and comply with HSE regulations.

Peace of mind and compliance

Why risk injury to your operatives, damaged stock and possible prosecution due to unsafe storage, when we can arrange a Level 3 inspection by an independent SARI qualified inspector?

This impartial inspection with a written report will highlight and categorise any defects. It also covers safety aspects such as load warnings and incorrect use of pallets. If racking issues are found, our racking repair service can quickly rectify them.

HSE Safety Levels 1 and 2

The HSE defines Level 1 as reporting damage to the Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS). The PRRS should also make regular Level 2 inspections of all your storage, checking they are suitable for their loads, correctly installed and not damaged.

A PRRS can be anyone familiar with racking damage. They could simply be an experienced person, but ideally they should be specifically trained; we can arrange this.

HSE Level 3

You must also have a Level 3 inspection at least annually, preferably by an independent specialist, such as a SEMA Approved Rack Inspector (SARI). It’s much more extensive than Level 2, and complies with SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association) guidelines, which are recognised by HSE.

A Level 3 Expert inspection categorises damage as Red, Amber and Green risks. Red is the most serious; if you continue using storage assessed as Red Risk, you could face prosecution.

Budget Office Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

October 10, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Do you have a small space for your office or work space? Whether you have just a desk in your home or a small office, chances are you will need storage. The storage can help you keep the space organised and pulled together looking.

I just emptied a closet/office at work to carve out some space for myself. After using the space for a few days I realize, it’s a disaster. I have papers everywhere and a mishmash of filing bins and metal organizers but nothing goes together.

Do you feel like your work space is a mess and you need to look at the space with fresh eyes? Before you buy follow these steps to make sure you choose the storage that’s right for how you use the space.

Determine Your Storage Needs

The first step before you buy anything is to look at what you need to store. Does your desk have drawers? Do you have lots of papers, office supplies, files, printers, pens and pencils, craft supplies, etc. Knowing what you need to store will help you when you start shopping.

If possible, your space will look more coordinated if you can get storage that serves your purpose, but also coordinates. To make the space look organized and pulled together don’t buy a piece here and a piece there. Once you determine what needs to be stored, get pieces that work together.

In my case, being a paper pushing CPA I have lots of invoices and other paperwork that stacks up. I also have many printers and lots of office suppliers. I really wanted shelves, but to keep them from looking chaotic I needed lots of storage inside the shelves.

Ask Yourself What You Use Every Day

What you need to store may be different from what you need to access every day. For example, you may want to store paperwork, but you don’t look at the paperwork daily. Things you use daily might be stapler, envelopes, tape, pens/pencils, etc. These things need place to be that isn’t just sitting on the desk.

Desktop Storage

If your desk doesn’t have drawers. you will probably need something to hold things like stapler, tape, stamps, pens & pencils. There are so many desks now that don’t have any storage. Consider whether your desk faces a wall or faces the open when you get desktop storage. If it faces the wall you can mount things on the wall for more storage.

Shelving

If you have the space to fit shelving, there are so many inexpensive options. You can choosing floating shelves, but be aware that these are not usually a good option for heave things. For shelving, Ikea is one of the best and most budget friendly places to go.

Pulling it all together

The most important thing about storage for your work space is that it works together. This is what’s going to transform your office space from just a desk with a stack of papers to a grown up place.

Working from home and the global energy crisis

September 15, 2022 / / 0 Comments

The global financial crisis two years ago had revealed a new trend in society: people no longer wanted the traditional 9-5 job with an exhausting and expensive commute. The genie is well out of bottle when it comes to work, as employees now look for more freedom than ever before; not just time off during their lunch break or after dinner hours but also flexibility on how they spend those free moments.

Having documented the changes to organisational life through the Covid-19 pandemic, what is significant about these findings is that this mindset shift appears to be permanent. Figures show nearly 40% of working adults in Great Britain are now working across multiple locations in a hybrid working model. However, as the energy crisis threatens to bite, there are warnings that this winter’s looming energy crisis could kill off our new working “culture”. So, which one is it?

Amid the detailed calculations being made, one aspect is already clear: socio-economic circumstances will be a main driver in whether working from home remains firmly rooted in our way of life, and people’s decisions about work are still the product of their circumstances.

A guardian news article reports that one public sector graduate trainee told me that, by her calculations, the cost of train fares, coffees and snacks left her better off working from home. But if energy costs rise sharply, she will probably switch to travelling into the office over shouldering a punitively high heating bill. It is precisely this fluctuating picture that makes this winter so difficult to plan for. Another senior manager working for a London local authority told me that while some of her staff had indicated that they might want to be coming into the office more often in the coming months, there was a lack of concrete information or certainty.

When we consider how working trends might be affected by the rising cost of living, the geographies of labour markets cannot be ignored. With the UK having some of the longest commutes in Europe, financial savings from reduced commuting were some of the most notable markers of lockdown delivering some measurable benefit to working people. And as train fares continue to outstrip inflation, organisations staffed by suburban commuters are likely to find employees continue to be more attached to working from home to save money, while those who live closer to offices may find the lure of a heated space outweighs the benefits of home working.

Of course, these financial decisions are rarely made in isolation. In our research, we saw people adapt the quality of their workspace over the lockdowns, working in separate rooms where possible to prioritise privacy and maximise concentration. But as heating becomes more expensive, this looks less feasible, while merging home workspaces could provoke personal tensions, damage productivity and even have a disruptive effect upon family relationships.

Can It Ever Be Too Hot to Work in the UK?

June 10, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Can It Ever Be Too Hot to Work in the UK?

There is no legal minimum or maximum working temperature in the UK, but that doesn’t mean it is never too hot to work. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) say that working temperatures should provide ‘reasonable comfort’ to workers, and provide recommendations such as:

The temperature in a workplace should be at least 16 °C, or if the work involves rigorous effort, it should be at least 13 °C.

Other factors such as humidity, air flow and worker clothing and movement also play a part in determining if the temperature in a working environment is reasonably comfortable. As there is no recommended office temperature in UK law, it is up to each workplace to determine their own ideal temperature.

If you do find the heat is making you uncomfortable, this can impact on your working ability. You may find you cannot concentrate, your productivity will drop and you may suffer from heat stress.

What is Heat Stress?

When you are too hot, your body will try to cool off by sweating and radiating more energy. Unfortunately this can lead into heat stress if the temperature continues for an extended period of time without relief from water shortage or natural processes that help regulate temperatures in a human being’s environment.

Symptoms of heat stress can include having a red face, excessive sweating, a heat rash, muscle cramps, dehydration and fainting. If allowed to continue, heat stress can cause heat exhaustion, and this is a severe disorder that can lead to death in extreme cases.

Some working environments are more at risk of being too hot to work in than others. For example, those in well-ventilated offices are less likely than those working in a kitchen to feel the effects of a heatwave. However, we all have a responsibility to stay safe and healthy at work, no matter our working environment.

What Are Employer Responsibilities During Hot Weather?

All employers have a duty to protect the health and safety of employees. Whilst there is no legal requirement to provide air con in offices, employees will work better when they are comfortable. It is therefore in everyone’s interests to make the environment as reasonably comfortable as possible.

Employers should also take extra care to protect any vulnerable people in the office. Hot weather can make people feel tired and less energetic than usual, especially for young and elderly people, pregnant women, and people who may be on medication. Vulnerable people in your office may appreciate extra rest breaks or a desk fan to improve air circulation.

Ways to make your office more productive

January 25, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Do you feel like your office could be more productive? You’re not alone. Many business owners feel like they could get more done if their office was set up a bit better. Luckily, there are some simple changes you can make to your office that will help increase productivity. In this blog post, we’ll outline eleven ways to make your office more productive. Keep reading to learn more!

  • Use a standing desk to promote better posture
  • Add plants to your office for increased oxygen levels and improved mood
  • Set up an ergonomic workspace with the right lighting, furniture, and tools
  • Create a designated space for breaks so you’re not tempted to take them on your computer or phone
  • Take frequent walks outside of the office during your break time
  • Limit screen time by setting aside specific hours where you can only work on your computer or phone

For most people, the workplace is a place where they are expected to be their best. That means being productive and efficient while getting work done in an environment that promotes creativity. So what can you do to make your office more productive? Here are a few ways to help get started with making changes today! Have you tried any of these productivity tips yet? If not, contact us for more information on how we can help turn your company into one of the most profitable in town by helping it operate at peak efficiency. We would love to hear about which ones have helped you feel like things were easier or made life flow better so far.

The 5 things that every business owner should consider when starting a new office space

January 19, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Are you thinking of starting a new office for your business? If so, there are a few things you should consider before making the big move. In this blog post, we will outline five things that every business owner should think about before starting a new office. Keep reading to learn more!

  • Location, location, location
  • What type of business are you starting?
  • How much money do you have to start your business off with?
  • Do you have the time and resources to start a business on your own, or do you need help from others?
  • What are your long-term goals for your business and how will it achieve them

Starting a new office can be an exciting and daunting time; we’ve laid out five things you should consider before opening your doors. Whether it’s finding the right building or setting up the perfect furnishings, every business owner has to make many decisions when starting a new venture. We know that this is not easy! If you need help with any of these steps, contact our team today – we would love to partner with you as well as provide one-on-one assistance throughout the process.

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