Category: Modern Office Fads (page 1 of 3)

Transforming Your Workspace: Creative Ways to Refurbish Your Office

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 Having Plants in an Office

Having plants in an office can bring numerous benefits to the environment and the people who work there. In this article, we will discuss some of the most significant benefits of having plants in an office.

  1. Air purification: Plants have the unique ability to absorb toxins and pollutants from the air, which can significantly improve air quality. Indoor air quality can be up to five times worse than outdoor air, and plants can help reduce the concentration of harmful chemicals and pollutants in the air.
  2. Stress reduction: Plants have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels in the workplace. Studies have found that just looking at plants can help reduce stress levels, and having plants in the office can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere, which can help improve productivity.
  3. Increased productivity: Having plants in the office can increase productivity levels by improving air quality, reducing stress, and creating a more visually appealing environment. A study by the University of Exeter found that productivity levels increased by 15% when plants were introduced to the workplace.
  4. Noise reduction: Plants can also help reduce noise levels in the office. Plants absorb sound, which can help reduce the amount of noise that is transmitted through walls and floors. This can create a more peaceful and comfortable environment, which can help improve focus and productivity.
  5. Improved health: Plants can have a positive impact on health and wellbeing. Studies have found that having plants in the office can help reduce symptoms of illnesses such as coughs and sore throats, as well as improve overall wellbeing and happiness.
  6. Improved creativity: Plants can also help improve creativity levels. Studies have found that being surrounded by plants can help stimulate creativity and improve problem-solving skills, which can be beneficial in a work environment.
  7. Aesthetics: Finally, plants can help create a more visually appealing environment. A well-placed plant can help add color and life to an otherwise dull or sterile office space, which can improve employee morale and satisfaction.

In conclusion, having plants in an office can bring numerous benefits to both the environment and the people who work there. Plants can help purify the air, reduce stress levels, increase productivity, reduce noise, improve health, stimulate creativity, and create a more visually appealing environment. With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder that many businesses are choosing to incorporate plants into their office spaces.

The benefits of Office Partitioning

Office partitioning is the process of dividing a large office space into smaller, more functional areas using partitions or wall-like structures. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including creating private spaces for employees, improving the overall flow of the office, and maximizing the use of available space. There are many benefits to office partitioning, including increased privacy, improved acoustics, enhanced aesthetic appeal, and increased productivity.

Increased Privacy: Office partitioning can provide much-needed privacy for employees, especially in open-plan offices where privacy can be limited. Partitions allow for the creation of private offices or workstations, where employees can focus and work without distractions from their colleagues. This can lead to increased concentration and productivity, as well as a more comfortable work environment.

Improved Acoustics: In an open-plan office, sound can easily travel from one area to another, causing distractions and reducing the overall level of comfort. Office partitions can help to absorb sound and reduce noise pollution, making the office a more enjoyable place to work. This is particularly important for employees who need to make phone calls or have confidential conversations, as partitions can provide a more private and quieter environment.

Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Office partitions can add to the overall aesthetic appeal of a workspace. They can be designed to match the existing decor and design of the office, creating a cohesive and visually appealing environment. This can improve employee morale and make the office a more attractive place to work.

Increased Productivity: When an office is well-organized and has clear boundaries between work areas, it can lead to increased productivity. Partitions can help to create a more structured and organized workspace, reducing clutter and distractions, and allowing employees to focus on their work. This can lead to increased efficiency and better work outcomes.

In conclusion, office partitioning can bring many benefits to a workspace, including increased privacy, improved acoustics, enhanced aesthetic appeal, and increased productivity. Whether you’re looking to create private spaces for employees, maximize the use of available space, or simply improve the overall flow of the office, partitioning is a cost-effective and versatile solution.

Different Types of Warehouses

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!

How to design an office on a budget

Companies are rethinking how offices are designed. The drab room full of cubicles is a thing of the past. Nowadays, companies are taking into consideration how the design of an office affects their employees. Employees aren’t going to be enthusiastic about coming to work if their office has a dull and uninteresting design.

Designing an office that works for you does not have to put you in debt. You can avoid the expensive task of hiring a designer by learning the best ways to design an office by yourself. The pay-off of having more productive and happy employees will make up for the cost of redesigning your office. Here are ten simple ways to design a fantastic office on a budget?

Choose your vibe

Before starting the process of designing your perfect office space, it is vital to decide on an aesthetic that you want to base your design on. Choosing an aesthetic for your office will guarantee that everything in the space is cohesive and works together. Once you have your aesthetic figured out, then you can dive into the real designing.

Add a touch of nature

Adding plants to the desks or window sills is a small but great way to bring some life into our office. It will make the office look more green and make the employees seem less like they are stuck inside. It’s as easy as buying potted plants at your local garden store, or if you have enough natural light you can even grow them.

Keep it tidy

No matter how expensive your decor is or how much money you put into designing your office, it will not look good if its a mess. Keeping your space neat and tidy is free, and it can give your space a whole new feel. While tidying your office, you should look for anything hindering the intended design of the office. If anything takes up space and is unnecessary, then get rid of it. A clean and tidy office looks even better when it is minimal and open.

Open Office

If you are designing an office for your companies team, open office space is a popular and inexpensive option. Open office spaces are not just showing up everywhere because they are trendy; they are also cheap. The more open an office is the less stuff you have to buy to divide it up. With this open space, you can then start figuring out where you want to put specific furnishings to personalize the space and give it your own touch.

Budget Office Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

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

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.

Top Tips to Keep Cool in An Office

Employers should make sure they provide reasonable working conditions to their employees, but the burden of providing extra allowances falls on them. However there are many benefits for both employers and staff in terms or looking after themselves during a heat wave – so long as it doesn’t pose an additional hazard due excessive strain/weariness caused by high temperatures within one’s environment which could lead into illness etcetera . This includes drinking enough water throughout each day along with taking regular breaks outdoors if possible!

Top Tips

  • Relax the dress code. If office wear usually means wearing a suit, relax this rule in hot weather. Allow more informal wear such as no ties or no suit jackets to cope with the heat.
  • Provide refreshments. By law, employees should have access to fresh drinking water, but providing ice and squash will refresh people even further.
  • Offer desk fans, or temporary cooling units to improve air circulation and keep people cool at their desks.
  • Use curtains and blinds to block out sunlight to prevent the office from getting hotter.
  • Avoid over exertion. If you usually go out or exercise at lunch, take care not to do too much, and consider staying out of the sun where possible.

Types of Warehouse Shelving

Static Shelving

The most common type of shelf is a static one. These shelves are designed to stay in place and hold inventory that don’t need constant replacement, like food or beverages for instance! This means they’re usually heavier than other types – ideal if you have large quantities on hand but lack space where everyone can access them at once.

Because they’re not compatible with forklifts, static shelving is generally used with inventory that must be manually picked, placed, and/or organized. For your larger inventory, invest in a wide-span shelving system, which can hold more weight and can be used in higher-elevation configurations.

Mobile Shelving

Mobile shelving systems are the perfect way to increase inventory accessibility and make your workplace more organized. Similar to static shelves, mobile units can be adjusted for height so they’re tailored specifically towards what you need them for – whether that’s holding documents or storing office supplies!

Pallet Racking

The largest warehouses have a system that is designed to hold an endless number of pallets, and it’s often treated as the centerpiece for these facilities. Systems can be made out wood or metal with plastic added on in order ensure durability under pressure from heavy items being carried up stairs by forklifts automated mechanisms accessed through conveyor belts running below ground level where trucks pull themselves up using those same tracks we saw earlier!

There are a variety of sub-categories of pallet racking systems, including carton-flow racking, cantilever racking, coil racking, double-deep racking, drive-in racking, drive-through racking, high-bay racking, mobile racking, narrow aisle racking, pallet live racking, push back racking, shuttle racking, and vertical racking. Most often, warehouses will choose systems based on weight limits, flexibility, and whether or not the system demands a change in infrastructure.

Interiors trends to copy from your favourite influencers

We find ourselves scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram, but how can we confirm what the definitive interiors trends of 2020 are?

Rattan – Natural Materials

Made popular in the 1970s, rattan and wicker is having its revival and it’s not doing it quietly. If you spent two minutes browsing home decor retailers like Homesense and Dunelm, you’re guaranteed to see an array of gorgeous chairs, benches, lampshades, baskets, the list is endless. The rise in popularity of this natural colour and textural style recently caused H&M Home to sell-out of their iconic cane-webbing chairs, the demand is so high they can’t be restocked quick enough.

Want to feel like you are holiday? Why not decorate a bedroom in this incredible Riad theme?

The best thing about this trend is that it fuzes perfectly with rattan, wicker and weave. You’ll find the best rattan lampshades you’ve ever seen in the souks of Marrakech, if only they could squeeze into hand-luggage. By combining riad ritual, wicker or weave and throwing in a few touches of gold you’ll inevitably feel like you’re chilling in a chic version of a Moroccan palace. This trend transitions smoothly from inside the home to outside into the garden. During Summer you could throw a flatweave rug and some embroidered cushions onto your decking leaving you with an idyllic African picnic scene.

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