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Category: Office Partitioning (page 2 of 3)

Office design trends for 2020

The dawn of the new decade is a good time to give your outdated office interior a makeover.

Here at Millennium Storage and Interiors we expect 2020 to see the rise of eco-friendly, multi-functional office interiors.

Offices are no longer sterile white environments, instead, businesses are seeking sustainable and environmentally-conscious designs that prioritise employee wellbeing as well as productivity.

Here are our top four office design trend predictions for 2020.

Environmentally friendly

Businesses are becoming more conscious about the environmental impact of the materials and products used in their office interiors. In 2020, we expect to see a surge in businesses requesting office interiors that incorporate recyclable and natural materials and practical and cost-effective energy-efficient products and designs.

Privacy

Open plan offices have had their day, and in 2020 we’re expecting to see more businesses embracing office interiors that offer employees quiet and private spaces to work in. Over recent years, numerous studies have found that open plan offices can have a negative effect on both employee productivity and wellbeing as they tend to create a lot of noise and can be very distracting and stressful. Office partitioning, pods, and booths are all expected to make a comeback this year.

Collaborative spaces

Whilst employees often perform better and feel more relaxed when given their own private space to work in, collaborative workspaces that encourage communication and idea sharing are also very important in the workplace. Formal meeting rooms, cosy huddle rooms, and trendy break-out spaces all allow employees the space they need to share ideas, inspire each other, and interact socially when they need it.

Bold colours

In 2020 we’re expecting to see more businesses opting for bold and clashing colours to create daring and contemporary interiors.

For help or advice regarding your office design, speak to our team of experts here at Millennium Storage and Interiors about our office refurbishment services by giving our team a call on 01942 603 344.

5 signs it’s time for an office refurbishment

November 15, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments

A tired or outdated office could be having more of an impact on your business’ success than you realise.

Your office’s appearance can have a big effect on employee mood and wellbeing, directly impacting productivity, retention rates and even your business’ profit margin.

Look out for these 5 signs that your business could benefit from and office refurbishment.

The interior is tired, dark or drab

Does your office’s interior communicate the right message to employees and visitors? Faded curtains, stained carpets, and outdated decor can give the impression of a business that isn’t doing very well or doesn’t have high standards. Revitalising your office to create a space you are proud of and enjoy spending time in can also help to inspire and motivate employees and win the trust of clients.

Your business has re-branded

If your business has rebranded or your company culture has evolved, then refurbishing your office can help to reflect these changes and ensure continuity in your branding.

It’s feeling cramped or cluttered

A cluttered, cramped or untidy workspace can be distracting and demotivating for employees. If you’ve run out of room, or your office is beginning to feel claustrophobic, a refurbishment can help you to gain more space.

Employee morale is very low

Employees working in uninspiring or neglected spaces can feel undervalued and demotivated by their work environment. If morale is low, then productivity often suffers too, ultimately having a negative effect on your business’ reputation and bottom line.

Health and safety are being compromised

As well as creating an unpleasant work environment, an old and tired office can also pose a significant health and safety risk. Trailing wires, faulty electrical items, overloaded plug sockets, broken chairs and tables, and blocked fire exits are just some of the common health and safety issues that can easily be rectified with an office refurb.

Need some advice and help with refurbishing your office? Get in touch with our team here at Millennium Storage and Interiors to discuss your requirements and find out more about our office refurb services.

How to choose the right racking for your warehouse

November 6, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments

The right racking system can have a significant impact on how efficiently your warehouse operates.

Your warehouse’s storage system is at the heart of its operation. Choosing a storage system that is ideal for your space, the items you are storing, and your picking process, will help your operation to run more efficiently and your team to be more productive.

Factors to consider when choosing warehouse racking

When deciding which type of racking is most suitable for your warehouse you should ask yourself the following questions:

What type of items do I need to store?
How much space do I have? (vertical as well as ground space)
What is the maximum load weight the racking will be required to support?
Is forklift access required?
What are my warehouse layout and product flow requirements?

Popular types of warehouse racking

There are plenty of different racking and shelving options available to choose from, some of the commonest types include:

Drive in/through racking – Maximises storage space in your warehouse by reducing the size of the forklift aisles. Choose from drive in racking with one point of access to each aisle, or drive through racking which has both an entrance and an exit, meaning the first load in is the first one out.
Cantilever racking – Ideal for storing large and bulky items of varying shapes and sizes, particularly very long loads like beams and tubes. Cantilever racking is very strong and can be adapted to your requirements.
Adjustable pallet racking – Pallet racking can be used to store a wide range of products of varying sizes and weights and are the ideal solution for picking. Pallets are lifted onto the racking by forklifts.

At Millennium Storage and Interiors, we stock a wide range of racking and shelving solutions for warehouses. If you require help choosing an option suitable for your requirements, get in touch with our team by calling 0942 603 344.

Common warehouse hazards and how to avoid them

October 15, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments

Safety tips for overcoming common warehouse hazards.

The average warehouse can be littered with potential hazards, including heavy loads, dangerous equipment and machinery.

Use the tips in this blog to help you to identify and minimise hazards to create a safer work environment.

Falls, slips and trips

Failure to keep a warehouse organised, tidy and clean can lead to dangerous slips, trips and falls.

Proper storage and organisation of products, machinery and equipment should always be adhered to.
Debris should be cleared up immediately and never left on the ground.
Any spills should be cleaned up immediately.
Aisles and passageways should always be kept unobstructed.

Falling objects

Objects falling from racking or machinery can cause significant damage and injury.

Items should be stacked carefully and evenly with maximum loads always being adhered to.
Heavier loads should be stacked lower down, with lighter loads stacked on higher shelves.
Racking and shelves should be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good condition.

Strain injuries

Warehouse employees are at risk of suffering injury if they are frequently lifting and carrying heavy or bulky items or performing repetitive actions.

Employees should all receive adequate training in how to correctly lift and carry heavy items to avoid injury.
Employees should be provided with machinery and equipment to relieve the strain of repetitive or strenuous tasks.

Forklift injuries

Employees tasked with operating or working with forklifts are at risk of being pinned by a forklift or hit by falling items if they do not adhere to proper health and safety procedures.

Warning signs should be clearly displayed to warn people of potential danger zones.
Only employees that have completed the relevant training should access and operate forklifts.
Forklift equipment should be regularly inspected for signs of damage.

Hazardous materials

If your warehouse uses or stores hazardous chemicals, strict health and safety procedures should be adhered to to reduce employee exposure and prevent accidents occurring.

Only employees who have complete appropriate chemical handling training should work with hazardous materials.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should always be worn when handling hazardous substances.

Arrange a warehouse safety inspection from our team of qualified personnel by giving us a call on 01942 603 344.

Why natural light should be a key office design consideration

July 20, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments

Design your workplace for happy, healthy and productive employees by simply maximising natural light in your office.

Forget office slides, treadmills and artificial grass, the one simple thing your employees can’t do without at work is natural light.

Natural light and employee health and wellbeing

Natural light is important for our health and wellbeing. When deprived of it for long periods, many people will suffer from disrupted sleep, low moods and fatigue.

Getting enough natural light during the day is important for regulating our circadian rhythm, which impacts our sleep patterns. One studyeven found that people exposed to plenty of natural light at work slept on average 46 minutes longer than those who worked in windowless offices.

Natural light helps to improve sleep and lower stress levels to create a rested and happy workforce.

Natural light and productivity

As well as benefiting employees, business owners also reap the rewards of an office flooded with natural light.

A recent studyfound that employees exposed to plenty of natural light at work are up to 20% more productive than those deprived of it, so natural light will benefit your bottom line too.

Office design and natural light

Use these tips to maximise the natural light in your office or speak to an experienced office design company like our team here at Millennium Storage and Interiors.

Arrange furniture with natural light in mind– Take the location of windows into consideration when arranging office furniture. Avoid obstructing windows or putting desks behind furniture, instead, ensure all desks are positioned to receive maximum natural light.

Use glass partitioning – If your office currently uses solid office partitions, consider switching to contemporary glass partitions to allow natural light to flow freely through the space.

Window size– If your windows are very small or old, it is worth considering updating your office windows, the more windows the better.

For help and advice designing your office for more natural light,get in touch with our team of experts here at Millennium Storage and Interiors by giving us a call on 01942 603 344.

Open plan or office partitioning: which is better?

June 20, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments

Your office design and layout can have a big effect on employee wellbeing, productivity and efficiency.

Office design plays a large part in your business’ culture and success, so it’s worth taking the time to weigh up the pros and cons of the design options available before you decide which is best suited to your team and space.

Open plan offices

Open plan offices tend to be light and airy as there are no walls or cubicles between workspaces, which many people find motivating and energising.

Open plan offices encourage communication, which is great for collaborative work and getting to know each other.

On the downside, employee productivity can decrease in open plan environments for a couple of reasons. Some employees may find open plan environments distracting and stressful, and a lot of time may be wasted on conversations that are not work-related.

Partitioned offices

Partitioned offices give everyone their own individual workspace away from distraction. Office partitioningpromotes a quiet and relaxing environment that is good for concentration and increases employee productivity.

Whilst some employees thrive in partitioned offices, other individuals may find the lack of social interaction demotivating.

Many businesses find that glass office partitioning is an excellent compromise, as it allows employees to have their own private workspace whilst still letting plenty of light flow freely through the office. Glass partitioning can also feel less claustrophobic, particularly in a small office space.

The type of office design that is suitable for your business will depend on the work being carried out, the amount of collaborative work required, and the personalities that you employ.

Some businesses find that the best way forward is to employ a mixture of both partitioned areas and more open plan break out areas to give employees the best of both worlds.

For help and advice choosing the right office designfor your business, get in touch with our team of experts here at Millennium Storage and Interiors by giving us a call on 01942 603 344.

Benefits of glass office partitioning

June 6, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments

Choose glass office partitions to enjoy the visual appeal of a bright and spacious open plan design, whilst simultaneously sectioning off and dividing your space for maximum productivity.

More and more businesses are now choosing to update their office design with functional and attractive glass partitioning. Here are just five of the key benefits of glass office partitions.

Aesthetically pleasing

Switching from traditional partitioning to glass partitioning can completely makeover an office to give it a swish, new, contemporary feel. Glass partitioning looks modern and attractive, creating a great first impression and boosting employee wellbeing and productivity.

Free-flowing light

One major benefit of glass partitioning is that it allows natural light to flow freely through the office. Natural light is extremely important to our health and wellbeing, and healthy employees are happy and motivated employees. Letting in lots of natural light also reduces the need for artificial lights, reducing your business’ electricity bill.

Divided but not alone

Glass partitioning is used to create clearly defined areas and workspaces in your office without isolating people. Employees can benefit from their own individual workspaces whilst also enjoying a clear view of the office, preventing them from feeling segregated.

Reduce noise

Whilst employees can still see each other, glass partitions make it more difficult to partake in idle chitchat, helping to improve concentration and productivity. They also offer effective sound insulation, providing employees with a peaceful and relaxing work environment.

The illusion of more space

Solid partitions can sometimes feel claustrophobic, particularly in an office that is already very small. Using glass partitions allows you to create clear sections and spaces within your office without making it feel enclosed or cramped.

For more information about glass office partitioning, get in touch with our team of experts here at Millennium Storage and Interiors by giving us a call on 01942 603344.

3 Reasons to Revamp Your Office In 2019

January 10, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments

After waving goodbye to 2018 it is time to focus on what 2019 has in store including any changes that might be needed to your office space. Here are our top 3 reasons to revamp your office in 2019.

Bring some positivity
Not everyone starts the year on a positive note. The often dark gloomy days of January leave staff with nothing much to look forward to. Throw in a month of struggle after the excesses of the Christmas and News Year break and you have a recipe for poor morale and people with one eye on a career move. An office makeover can take away some of this feeling of repetition and help create a more dynamic environment that will hopefully inspire staff.

Improve productivity
A well organised and inviting office space can do wonders for productivity levels. Studies have even shown this to be the case. If staff are unhappy with their work environment they won’t be as productive. Ensuring there is plenty of natural light and work spaces are open is particularly important as is ensuring those who prefer peace and quiet aren’t bothered by noise and chatter.

It will demonstrate progress
If your business isn’t moving forward it can often start going backwards. A makeover will project success and give the impression to customers that your business is going places.

Benefits of Suspended Ceilings

December 6, 2018 / admin / 0 Comments

Suspended ceilings aren’t just for hotels, they can be equally beneficial in all sorts of buildings including homes and offices.

Suspended ceilings may seem like a recent innovation but they have actually been around for a very long time. There is evidence of their use in this country from the 16th century in fact.

The suspended ceilings we see today have come a long way since then and offer a variety of benefits depending on where they are installed.

One of the key attractions of suspended ceilings are the way they can enhance a building. Installing one will completely change the look of a room. Not only will a suspended ceiling make a feature of an existing ceiling but it is also makes it possible to install lighting in new and creative ways.

Another benefit is affordability. If you want to make a significant change to your rooms and ceiling heights allow for this, this can be an excellent and cost-effective way to make a space feel homelier and inviting.

Lastly, a suspended ceiling acts as great sound insulation from above. This is why you will often see them in office and apartment blocks where insulating against sound from above can be difficult and expensive.

There Is More Than One Type Of Office Partition

September 26, 2018 / admin / 0 Comments

Office partitions allow you make the most of your office space as well as reorganise and create new workspaces. It is, however, essential to consider which office partition will work best in your particular environment. Here are some of the merits of each type…

Solid Partitions
As the name suggests these are more permanent partitions. These are most suited to office spaces where confidentiality is important. Solid partitions can always be mixed and matched with glass partitions to brighten things up.

Glass Partitions
Glass partitions are great for smaller offices where you want clutter kept to a minimum. They also create brighter more collaborative workspaces which tend to keep staff happier in comparison to solid walls which can create unnecessary barriers in some offices.

Demountable Partitions
These are highly flexible and easy to move around if your office space is more fluid. With many old town centre buildings being transformed into enterprise hubs and business incubators, demountable partitions can provide a way to create separation between work spaces and allow plenty of scope to change layouts at the same time.

For more information or guidance on installing office partitions give us a call today or look through the range of services we provide.