| Purchasing office furniture requires practical | | | | wear and tear. It may be tempting to purchase the |
| considerations that extend beyond aesthetics. The | | | | lower-priced chair, but this could be false economy as |
| safety and comfort of your employees and your | | | | repairs and replacements could easily negate any initial |
| guests must be factored into every decision. | | | | savings and could even make the product more costly |
| By avoiding a few commonly made mistakes, you can | | | | over time. Occasionally, of course, an inexpensive item |
| help ensure that the furniture you select will yield | | | | may be purchased in an emergency. Consider this item |
| improved employee satisfaction, productivity and | | | | disposable and factor in a more suitable replacement in |
| profits for your business. | | | | your budget planning as soon as it is economically |
| OFFICE FURNITURE BUYING MISTAKE #1 | | | | feasible. |
| Buying Without A Plan or Vision | | | | OFFICE FURNITURE BUYING MISTAKE #5 |
| Too often, furniture is bought on impulse. Rushed | | | | Not Buying With Future Growth In Mind |
| purchasing decisions could lead to choices that will be | | | | Whether purchasing office furniture for a new |
| regretted for years to come. Before investing in office | | | | business or adding furniture due to expansion, you |
| furniture, the following points are recommended: | | | | should take into account how every piece will fit into |
| Assess Your Needs Before Selecting Your Items | | | | your current and future environment. Explore various |
| Think about how each piece will be used. If it's a chair, | | | | ranges to ascertain what may be achieved long-term, |
| for example, will it be used occasionally (as in a visitor | | | | even if the budget allows only for a few chairs and |
| chair) or all day (such as a desk chair)? Should it be | | | | desks or the time isn't right for the purchase of a big |
| height-adjustable? Will it be stationary when in use or | | | | conference table just yet. Suggestions: |
| should it be light enough to be moved easily? The | | | | Consider How Furniture Will Adapt To Technology |
| more thought you give to a purchase, the greater the | | | | Technology has changed much over the last 10 years. |
| likelihood of it's success. | | | | In today's offices, desks need space and outlets for |
| OFFICE FURNITURE BUYING MISTAKE #2 | | | | laptops, monitors, printers, mobile phone chargers, |
| Not Considering Employee Comfort | | | | printers, desk lamps and more. When making your |
| Ergonomic design is critical to the comfort and | | | | purchase, it's important to consider what space and |
| productivity of your staff as with office furniture, | | | | storage requirements may be needed both |
| comfort equals productivity. Contoured seats, lumbar | | | | immediately and in a few years from now |
| supports, adjustable seats and armrests are important | | | | Keep Your Workspace Flexible Choosing |
| features and can help minimize work-related injuries | | | | Choosing office furniture that is easily moved and |
| and lost workdays. Those factors when considered, | | | | reconfigured as needs arise is a good idea. This will |
| may help reduce your costs | | | | offer flexibility for floor plan changes as and when |
| OFFICE FURNITURE BUYING MISTAKE #3 | | | | necessary. With wireless networks and technology |
| Buying Products That Are Not Appropriate For | | | | becoming more popular, employees may not even |
| The Task | | | | need specific workspaces. In some offices, employers |
| The human build or body type varies. Buying desk | | | | are electing to choose desks on castors and electrical |
| chairs and reception furniture would be easier if all | | | | outlets on the floor. This encourages employees to pair |
| bodies were the same. In reality, individuals of all | | | | up on projects and work as a team. |
| shapes and sizes need to be comfortably and safely | | | | Consider the Pros and Cons of Your Existing |
| accommodated. For example, a desk chair that's only | | | | Furniture |
| recommended for use by individuals weighing up to | | | | It may be helpful to solicit input from staff members |
| 250 pounds can lead to problems if heavier | | | | who use the furniture on a daily basis. You may learn |
| employees use it. Choosing an incorrectly rated item | | | | of chairs which are difficult to adjust or that your |
| can result in costly damage to the chair, and more | | | | receptionist would benefit from a desk with a |
| importantly, injury to the person sitting in it. Any savings | | | | keyboard shelf. |
| realised by purchasing a lower-rated chair could be | | | | Choose Timeless Style Over Current Trends |
| exceeded by the cost of your liability to the person | | | | The best long-term value is often achieved by |
| who was injured. | | | | choosing furniture that has a simple, yet appealing |
| OFFICE FURNITURE BUYING MISTAKE #4 | | | | design. By purchasing furniture with a timeless |
| Choosing Price Over Value | | | | appearance, the addition of complementary pieces as |
| A chair that's designed for occasional use will generally | | | | your company grows will be a simpler task. |
| cost less than one that's designed to withstand heavy | | | | |
