By Warren Burnett Project Manager of Ultimate (Commercial Interiors) Ltd

From supportive office chairs to desks and storage, the little things go a long way in business. Your success depends on how much you prioritise your workforce's wellbeing. Is it time to replace your current furniture with new loose furniture or begin afresh with a newly revamped Office ?

Sitting Comfortably?

Back pain is a leading cause of long-term sickness in the UK, 9.5 million work days were lost last year due to neck and spinal ache, not accounting for the hours of productivity lost to discomfort caused by inadequate office chairs.

Adjustable ergonomic chairs are ideal.  

Look for models which keep your feet flat on the floor, offer lumbar support to your curvy lower back and that can accommodate anyone who wants to use it. Reclining to a 135° angle puts the least strain on your back, but the office chair should give people options.

Got the Right Desk?

Whether you stay traditional or explore standing desks that are widely considered the healthiest option, your tables depend on your company's work culture and the space you have to play with.

Highly collaborative teams can share one desk with privacy screens, staff can hot desk on tables that push together or fold away when you're not using them. Ultimately, your people shouldn't feel cramped. Position desks near windows and natural light to boost morale. Find a space that allows for collaboration easily but also offers privacy when needed.

Clutter Free Zones

The best offices are organised and efficient, keeping important things within easy arms reach and the rest of the clutter out of sight in storage. From desks with pedestals and drawers, to filing cabinets and smart walls with in-built printer hubs and recycling points, it's easy and affordable to maximise your office space with storage. When you do, it'll feel less cramped and distract your team less, helping them to get on with work.   

Think About the Noise

The bigger your team, the nosier your office and the harder it'll be to concentrate. You don't need to scare people into silence - slide-folding partitions create temporary meeting spaces, carpet, and double-glazed glass panels all cut the noise while maintaining your open plan set-up.

Colour them Happy

Dull offices kill enthusiasm, so it's worth injecting some colour by painting your office inexpensively and accenting desks, carpets, soft seating or partitions with colours - such as your brand hues. Shades of blue and green promote calmness and alleviate stress, so they're well worth considering in a work environment.

Look into Your Crystal Ball

Office furniture is an investment, so make it a wise one. Savvy business owners opt for quality pieces that stand the test of time and remain fit for purpose without needing to be replaced or repaired. While cutting costs with substandard furniture is tempting, it'll prove costly long term.

There's a growing demand for luxury offices among start-ups, but prioritising the most important pieces of furniture will serve your business and your staff better in the long term than any gimmicks or cost-cutting. You don't need sky high budgets to meet your team's needs and fuel the productivity on which your business feeds. 

For expert advice and further information regarding workspace planning:

Contact Warren Burnett at Ultimate (Commercial Interiors) Ltd, who assist businesses of all sizes to carve out optimum workspaces, which reflect the businesses ethos and meet their workforce's needs.