| Step 1: Prioritise your needs. | | | | increases the bottom line. |
| Decide what specific things are most important for the | | | | The key is using furniture which has a high level of |
| functionality of your office space before you go office | | | | adjustability. Furniture that lets users raise or lower |
| furniture shopping. | | | | desktops, chairs and work surfaces can improve |
| Step 2: Exercise practicality. | | | | employee comfort and health while reducing workers |
| Of course you want your office to be stylish, but it | | | | compensation and other costs. |
| also needs to be beneficial and help you get work | | | | How employees work also is an important factor in |
| done. The 10-foot mahogany desk might look good, but | | | | selecting office furniture as is selecting furniture which |
| it will be of no use to you if it has nowhere for you to | | | | will complement different roles. The right office |
| store files and is so big that nothing else fits in your | | | | furniture can boost individual employee productivity by |
| office. | | | | increasing comfort and reducing distractions. This is |
| Step 3: Look for storage options. | | | | especially true as more companies move to open plan |
| Depending on whether your office is used for business | | | | office design. Cubicles with taller acoustical panels to |
| or personal use, you will need to store books, bills, | | | | mask the noise & bustle of a busy office are just one |
| paperwork, files and other materials so look for | | | | option. |
| furniture with lots of drawers and storage space. | | | | Such considerations are very important, since |
| Step 4: Consider security options. | | | | purchasing office furniture is likely to be a significant |
| If you are storing sensitive materials or material | | | | and relatively long term investment. |
| containing personal information, such as bank records | | | | Know who you are dealing with |
| or credit reports, these items need to be kept secure. | | | | Take a close look at the dealer. Consider each |
| Look for desks and filing cabinets with good locking | | | | dealer's knowledge, level of service and product |
| systems. | | | | quality. Do they offer design services? What about |
| How to choose office furniture that is both functional | | | | installation? Can they advise you on efficient space |
| and safe | | | | usage? Are these services included in a package deal |
| So you've decided the mismatched desks, old filing | | | | or priced separately? |
| cabinets and wonky office chairs need to go. But how | | | | Ask to see offices where the dealer's products |
| do you decide what to replace them with? | | | | already are installed. |
| Before rushing out to buy a truckload of new office | | | | Knowledgeable sales staff with access to a wide |
| furniture you need to determine what your employees | | | | variety of office furniture lines gives you greater |
| need to perform their jobs safely and efficiently and | | | | flexibility. And, if you have several floors of an office |
| then carefully compare dealers and services. | | | | building to furnish, a dealer's design services could be |
| There's more to this decision than a choice between | | | | more than valuable. Designers can plan your office |
| the lime green chairs or massive mahogany desk. | | | | space down to the very last detail, taking everything |
| Office furniture today must also be selected with an | | | | from lighting and computers to plants, into account. |
| eye toward safety, productivity and flexibility. | | | | When it comes to installation, make sure the dealer |
| For some companies, that means making employee | | | | does more than just unload the truck. Companies |
| safety a top priority. The science of designing physical | | | | moving from one location to another tend to move |
| work spaces -- ergonomics -- was once considered | | | | over the weekend in order to minimise downtime. Is |
| an office fad. Now it drives office furniture design and | | | | the furniture dealer you're considering up to the task? |
| selection. | | | | Will the dealer support the installation? What about the |
| Ergonomically designed furniture is believed to reduce | | | | old furniture? Will the dealer buy it from you? If you |
| the occurrence of injuries by minimising extreme or | | | | have addressed these issues in advance of your |
| awkward postures and movements. This in turn | | | | purchase you will be on track for a smoother office |
| reduces sick leave due to strain injuries and thus | | | | move or refurbishment. |
