Corporate offices are increasingly looking for ways to achieve more with less. Tighter budgets need to yield bigger results. This makes adaptability paramount: doing more with less. Fortunately, the latest office trends show there are a number of ways to bring this goal to life.

Open concept

One trend that has literally torn down walls is the open concept floor plan. With no permanent physical barriers separating employees from one another, communication between workstations is much easier and less time is wasted tracking coworkers down for face-to-face conversations. This feature can help a company’s bottom line with improved productivity – not to mention the lower heating and electricity costs.

The layout of an open concept office can also be changed with ease compared to a more closed design, making it ideal for flip tables that can easily be switched from a workstation orientation to a conference setup. Whatever a company’s needs are in that moment, an open concept can accommodate it well.

Coworking

Another trend gaining a lot of traction in corporate offices lately is to avoid leasing a space, opting instead for a coworking space. These communal spaces attract very small businesses, freelancers, and independent contractors to work together in a single location, offering an inexpensive workspace that also helps independent workers avoid the isolation of staying cooped up at home. Workstations can be set up in variety of ways to allow for a space that’s both inviting to different work groups while still meeting their particular professional needs.

Flexible (transformative) workspaces

Flexible, or transformative, workspaces are those that serve as “home bases” for companies. In a sense, these provide the adaptability of open concept spaces with the come-as-you-please movement a coworking office space affords. With a flexible workspace, employees come to the office only when they need to. At the office space itself, there will typically only be basic office furniture, like chairs and tables for workstations. The idea is that this type of corporate office is only temporary and will therefore only be outfitted with the necessary furnishings for workers to be comfortable and to work efficiently. And like the other trends, this one also has the benefit of being highly economical.

Discover how you can bring these newest trends to your office space with the furniture selection at Workspace 48.

source: https://workspace48.com/cool-client-projects/sc-johnson/

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Open concept workplaces have been trending for the past few decades, and for good reason. The wall-less organization of desks offers many benefits for employees and employers alike. Most of all, it offers the flexibility that is increasingly necessary for companies to stay ahead. As a bonus they promote collaboration, teaming, sharing concepts, knowledge,  and creative ideas.

Space for flexible furniture

Flexible furniture expands the possibilities of what an open concept space can offer. With furniture like flip tables, your office can easily adjust its floor plan. Workstation tables and chairs can quickly transition from independent workspaces to conference spaces and back, as needed. Without the restrictions of walls separating conference rooms from individual offices, adaptable furniture can tailor the work area to whatever the needs are at that moment. The workspace is as nimble as the company needs to be.

Adjust for specific employee needs

Every employee needs to adjust their workspace to meet their needs and work to the best of their abilities. To do this, your office requires workstations that are customizable. Tables and chairs that include adjustable height give employees sit-or-stand options that provide tailored comfort and contribute to employees’ physical well-being – plus it helps out workers who think more clearly when they’re on their feet!

Breaks up the monotony

Rather than closing off workers from one another, an open concept workplace presents the opportunity for flashes of visual style that add flair and interest to the workspace. Besides decorations brought in by employees for their individual workstations, visible out in the open, motion stools can also stand out across the room with their many vibrant colours and cool design. The bright look may defy typical office convention, but their visual interest, comfort and practicality make them fantastic furniture for when a team needs to huddle up for a brainstorm.

Now that you’ve opened your eyes to the opportunities an open concept workplace holds in store, start exploring the possibilities for yourself with Workspace 48’s extensive lineup of offerings.

Photo source: https://workspace48.com/cool-client-projects/ranger/

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Any business owner can tell you that healthy employees and a happy office manager will take you 90 percent of the way to making your business processes work smoothly and effectively.

What about the other 10 percent?

That’s where your team’s ingenuity and drive – those extra efforts they bring when they’re happy – take you the rest of the way.

Did you hear that? They go the extra mile when they’re happy. Yes, you heard right. You’re getting the message now.

Make it happen. There are things in your immediate control to create a healthy, happy environment where your teams dig in and your processes work.

Creating a serious environment

The first step is creating an environment that shows you’re serious about doing great work.

Not sure where to start? Here’s an easy one. Start where people spend their time: sitting in their chairs.

A decent chair makes all the difference.

Too many organizations buy their chairs from their local office supply store. They pay $200 because that seems reasonable, but the quality is just not there. Inevitably they’re back at that store within 18 months finding a replacement. More importantly their employees are uncomfortable and are more focused on back pain than getting their tasks done and being creative.

Invest in a chair that provides superior quality, comfort and customization. Pre-owned models come at reasonable prices and the quality is a serious step up from office supply store chairs. Our pre-owned quality chairs start in the $200 range!

Your employees will thank you for it!

Creating a flexible environment

If your organization isn’t changing, then you’re not moving. You’re not growing or succeeding. You want constant movement – teams expanding, groups collaborating, projects starting and delivering.

Your office space should reflect this activity. However, moving workspaces can be time-consuming and a huge hassle. Easy-to-transform instant workstations like the Steelcase Answer are the solution. At the same time, the Global or IOF Benching systems are great for customization and flexibility to suit your office size and layout.

Employees love the flexibility of maintaining their workspace but then coming together as a team when the problem needs collaboration. These workstations let them collaborate easily and without hassle.

Your office manager will also thank you for the ease of setup and configuration.

Creating a healthy environment

We’ve talked about the benefits of daily productivity. It’s important. But the long-term benefits – improved health and happiness – are even more important.

The Aeron chair is the ultimate chair for posture customization. One single model can be repurposed for different employees as the need arises.

Creating a fun environment

People are happy and productive when they’re having fun. They go the extra mile!

This product is fun:

Global’s River series is a fresh fun approach to reception and teaming areas. With 3 different height backs: 32”, 41.5” and 47” or no back benches, options for straight or curved units, 2-tone upholstery, built in power/data ports and complimentary tables. You can have a lot of fun making this area a place to relax, gather, and work.  https://www.globalfurnituregroup.com/ca/workplace/products/river#models-show-all

Serious, Flexible, Healthy and Fun – Make it Happen!

Track Office Furniture is serious, flexible, healthy and fun. Contact us today.

The post Comfortable, Healthy Employees. Happy Office Manager. It’s Within Reach. appeared first on Toronto Office Furniture.

Office spaces have changed significantly over the years.

You can easily picture the 1960s style wood-panelled offices and deep-seated executive chairs. Those private offices and typing pools gave way to the indoor plants of the 70s, the cubicle layouts of the 80s, the cappuccino bars of the dot-coms in the 90s, to today’s open concept office arrangements, including hot desks, co-working and multifunctional workspaces.

Designed to inspire creativity and focus, the modern office space is becoming even more prevalent as the millennial generation enters the workforce.

Unique furniture like funky stools, lounge chairs, couches and even games tables is helping companies make their office a place where people not only want to work, but a place where people want to spend their time.

There are some trends defining the modern office space.

Keep it Simple: Minimal Spaces

Simple tops the list of current office trends.

Remember in the early 2000s when companies talked about creating “paperless offices”? Today they’re taking that concept to the next level by keeping workspaces clear of almost everything – paper trays, staplers, notepads and books. Even the desk telephone has made way for the sleeker smartphone.

Flexibility: Multipurpose and Multifunctional

Making your space multipurpose and multifunctional is another leading trend.

Employees are increasing mobile, taking their laptops, smartphones and working materials with them. Companies are transforming their office spaces to embrace the trend.

Hot Desks – Employees arrive at the office and occupy an open desk for the duration of their visit. Even traditional companies like banks are hoteling their people.

Open Concept – A team collaborating at a shared table or in a shared room.

Co-Working –Teams or individuals working alongside one another, sharing common areas, printers, reception desks and meeting rooms.

Multipurpose workspaces are constantly innovating. For example, a local start-up is now renting restaurant tables as hot desks for freelancers during business hours while the dining rooms are closed. A workplace by day, a restaurant by night. That’s real multipurpose use!

Then there’s the multifunctional part. Furniture can have multiple uses.

• Tables can be moved around for in-house presentations
• Bookshelves can be used as room dividers
• Office chairs can be moved to common spaces for team meetings
• Storage units can be used as tabletops
• Low filing cabinets can become stools

When planning your office space, it’s essential to consider how furniture can have multiple functions.

Going Green: Repurpose, Reuse, Recycle

Every industry is implementing sustainable practices and programs to keep our environment healthy. Office management is an important part of this initiative.

Office furniture companies follow comprehensive plans for reusing (including reselling), recycling and repurposing office furniture, especially when decommissioning or removing a company’s equipment from service.

Disposing of office furniture in landfill is always a last resort. A responsible decommissioning company will first try to re-use, donate, and recycle. Then produce a report showing you how your items were diverted, giving the weights and percentages by total tonnage.

Recycled Office Furniture

Part of “going green” is using recycled furniture. We will undoubtedly see more of this in the future, especially as environmental programs become more widespread and recycled products become more readily available.

Desks, chairs and even floor mats are increasingly popular recycled pieces in a typical office space.

Renting Great Furniture  

Companies of all sizes work hard to stay lean by keeping overhead and inventory low, and remaining flexible to change.  Having great, modern office furniture doesn’t need a major investment.

Companies are renting office furniture to keep up with style and ergonomics.

• Workstations
• Office Chairs
• Filing cabinets
• Conference tables

Renting is a great option for staying lean, especially when your provider has a large inventory of quality furniture and delivers to your doorstep.

Ergonomic Designs

More than 80 per cent of North American workers sit at a desk most of the day, five days a week. Their health and productivity is a major focus for both businesses and employees.

To prevent aches, pains and injuries related to sitting, typing and slouching throughout the day, businesses are furnishing their spaces with the latest ergonomically-correct furniture pieces.

Moveable keyboard trays, standing desks, monitor stands and ergonomic chairs are just a few of the pieces that people are implementing for a more productive workspace.

Making Your Workplace Modern, Healthy and Productive

The modern workplace drives productivity through great furniture that’s affordable, comfortable, flexible and environmentally friendly.

When choosing your furniture provider, make sure they offer the right services, including:

• Deep knowledge of office furniture
• Large inventory
• Trucks and professional delivery
• Responsible environmental practices
• Furniture rental
• Leading ergonomic products

Contact Track Office Furniture for more information.

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Here’s how to give your office an update without breaking the bank.

Interior décor is often evolving. If offices don’t keep pace with changing styles, their spaces start to look dated, unwelcoming, and in desperate need of an update. Here’s how to transform your office into a contemporary space that radiates positivity and productivity.

Shed Some Light

Finding the optimal lighting for an office can be difficult. According to the Daylight and Workplace Study by Dr. Alan Hedge of Cornell University, workers who were exposed to more natural light reported a decline in eyestrain, blurred vision and headaches. The study also concluded that workers had a 2% boost in productivity and 10% decrease in drowsiness.

Natural lighting isn’t always available for an entire office space but there are other options you can take advantage of:

• Overhead lighting – It’s usually best to add overhead lighting to other types of lighting for a balanced feel across the office. Lensed indirect lighting is to the go-to for making an office bright and comfortable.
• Task lighting – Adding lighting that emulates natural light to desks and furniture provides sufficient light to employees without straining their eyesight.
• Ambient lighting – This works at a low intensity and is ideal to create a stress-free zone in the office and help employees relax.

Adding Vibrant, Comfortable Furniture

Ergonomics are extremely important for productivity and health. Office furniture sets a certain standard of comfort and makes the office feel like a welcoming space.

How do you know which furniture is best for your office? “Boring” office furniture—drab-coloured and out-dated—tends to make employees feel lazy because they lose interest. Vibrant furniture is a great way to alleviate stress and bring a touch of enthusiasm to the office.

A contemporary workplace trend is to have standing desks and exercise balls. While they don’t sound particularly comfortable, they do promote healthy posture and significantly reduce the risk of Forward Head Posture.

Go Green or Go Home

Going green in the office is a high-reward, low-cost way to update the workspace. By adding plants into the office, you can filter the air naturally and increase the oxygen. Plants also absorb pollutants and radiation from electronic devices to further benefit the health of the workforce.

There are many small adjustments that can be made to improve the work environment and they don’t have to break the bank. They just require a modern approach and the willingness to change for the betterment of employee health. Talk to us today about how you can improve your workspace without breaking the bank.

The post It’s Time to Revamp That Old, Dreary Office Space appeared first on Toronto Office Furniture.

First impressions matter, and there’s no exception for law offices. It’s essential for large law firms to design their offices in a way that reflects favourably on their high-paying clientele. Discover how to make your law office comfortable for your employees while conveying confidence and style to your clients.

Mixed Materials

Incorporate furniture made from materials that offer comfort and practicality for your employees, while impressing clients with high expectations.

For example, organics add rich character to an office space. Hardwoods like oak or walnut bringing life to the space, and stained wood gives a natural look that subtly suggests transparency between client and counsel.

Adding some metallic furniture to the mix gives off a clean industrious look, too. Together, these contrasting materials make a clean, forceful impression that will make clients feel secure.

Unobtrusive Storage

Avoid cluttered workspaces with accessible storage cabinets that help keep your office orderly while displaying competence. Even though most storage might be in back offices out of a client’s sight, simple, unobtrusive filing cabinets allows employees to not only perform tasks efficiently, but shows relevant information is readily accessible your team.

Unified Colour Palette

Private offices allow for more personality, but don’t stray far from the rest of the office décor. While unique touches will add some visual interest, it’s important to show that the legal office puts forth a united front. Clients are paying for the expertise of a powerful legal team, so a strong degree of uniformity is essential.

Thoughtful Placement

Individual pieces count for much more if they are placed in areas that maximize their impression. Conference tables are the focal point for where the legal team comes together to strategize and apply their hard-won expertise. Thus, the boardroom is an ideal spot for an imposing mahogany table.

This sort of centrepiece shows the firm can afford to spend money on finer things, illustrating the tangible success the firm enjoys. Clients will then feel confident in your legal team’s capable hands.

With these considerations in mind, your law office has the foundation to decorate its office in a way that assure clients that their confidence is well-placed. Explore Track Office Furniture to find the options available to your firm.

The post From Boardroom to Courtroom: Law Offices that Work for Everyone appeared first on Toronto Office Furniture.

A workplace injury never happens when it’s convenient. By providing a well-designed work environment that supports employee wellness, organizations can protect both workers and productivity rates.

Even if you already provide an ergonomic workplace, here’s a refresher with some helpful tips to make sure you haven’t overlooked some essential practices.

A range of workplace factors, such as indoor air quality, lighting, noise, privacy and office furniture, can impact the productivity of your employees.

Indoor Air Quality and Lighting

Research has shown that air quality and lighting can have significant effects on productivity. Indoor air quality has both short- and long-term impacts on employee health, such as allergies, asthma and even mental health issues. Poor lighting can cause eye strain, headaches and fatigue contributing to stress, anxiety and depression.

The worst sources of indoor pollutants are construction materials, office equipment (printer, fax, computers) and the number of building occupants.

Some studies have found that employees in naturally ventilated offices have fewer sick building syndrome symptoms than those in air-conditioned offices. However, natural ventilation can also be harmful in cities with a high amount of outdoor air pollution.

One way to improve the indoor air quality is by increasing the ventilation rate to reduce air pollutants. Another method is reducing pollution outside the building to reduce the introduction of pollutants in the indoor air.

Lighting and visual comfort is also important for employee wellness. The therapeutic impact of natural views supports most employees’ preference for having a window near their workspace. Insufficient lighting conditions or glare reduces the ability to see objects and details clearly. Proper access to natural lighting is essential, as well as artificial lighting for areas where natural light is not available.

Noise Prevention and Privacy

While interactions can increase employees’ satisfaction, solitude is essential for creative thinking and innovation. That’s why it’s important to provide spaces for collaboration, along with private spaces for quiet reflection.

Acoustic problems in offices are divided into two major categories: annoyance from noise and lack of privacy. Noise from other people talking, telephones ringing, and other irregular sounds create more disturbance compared to continuous sounds.

Three strategies for noise prevention are:

• Absorption of sound using ceiling tile
• Blocking of sound using workstation panels and workspace layout
• Covering up of sound using natural elements

Natural elements such as plants can help create buffers between employees. Larger windows opening out to nature, water features and open spaces can all create a healthier and calmer workplace environment.

Comfortable Office Furniture

Effective workplace ergonomics involves applying basic principles to help prevent a worker’s discomfort, chronic pain or injury. A large part of ergonomics involves workstation arrangement and equipment orientation. Proper placement of workstation equipment helps, but ergonomics starts with selecting office furniture that can be easily adjusted to meet the needs of employees.

Exercise balls and standing desks are just a few examples of new workplace trends being spotted in many modern offices. While examples like these are favored for their perceived health benefits, they also have the potential to cause discomfort or injuries.

If you are considering offering a standing desk in your office, make sure the desk accommodates your employee’s work height for both sitting and standing. Whether sitting or standing, the goal is to help your employee work at a neutral posture.

According to Bureau of Labor statistics, Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) account for 33 percent of all lost workday injuries—and they cost employers billions each year in workers’ compensation.

Some areas to consider in minimizing the risk of WMSDs include:

• Good workstation chairs.
• Proper keyboard and mouse placement.
• Correct monitor/reference material positioning.

By proactively reducing the risk of injury, you can improve productivity, while also reducing employee absences.

The best offices are designed to create a balance between air quality, lighting, noise prevention and privacy. Our space planning experts have assessed and installed thousands of workstations and office layouts. If you need help, contact us to design a workplace that supports your employees’ health and wellness.

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Your office’s design is a powerful element that shapes your work relationships, processes and overall company culture. A poorly designed office can lead to decreased morale and productivity, while a good layout can enhance your brand image and employee satisfaction.

When designing your office, it’s important to examine how the choices you make send a message to your team and clients. An office’s layout reflects its mission and values.   For example, your office design can communicate:

• Is your office based on transparency?
• Do you have environmental goals, such as receiving your green certification?
• Do you support local businesses and artists?

Every organization is unique. An office’s design features like glass walls, plants or paintings can exemplify the company’s priorities to employees and clients.

Here are three crucial ways office design impacts your company culture.

Privacy and collaboration

Designing an office that strikes the right balance between privacy and collaboration can unite your company.

Certain tasks may require employees to focus and work in silence. Other situations, however, may require multiple employees from different departments to collaborate on a project. Providing a blend of quiet spaces and shared communal areas is key to creating an office layout that works for everyone.

It’s also important to consider the relationship between how a space is used and the overall vision of your company. For example, would your business benefit most from an open floor plan or private offices?

Open spaces can promote a culture of transparency and collaboration, while executive corner offices may reflect a more hierarchical organization with a need for privacy. In a law firm, offices are private so that clients are comfortable speaking about personal matters and reviewing confidential documents. In contrast, a start-up tech company may use open benching desks to eliminate a sense of hierarchy, along with a lot of open spaces where teams can meet and throw around ideas.

Flexibility and inclusivity

So how can you ensure that your office design is inclusive for all personalities and business needs?

If your office has an open layout, establish enclaves where employees are free to have private meetings or phone calls in a quiet space within the office where they can get work done, along with conference rooms where different teams can meet and work together.

Another option worth considering is hoteling. Instead of assigning employees a specific seat, they can decide where they want to sit based on what sort of work they’ll be doing and reserve their seat through desk booking software.

Designing office spaces with flexibility in mind will naturally foster an inclusive work environment. For example, let your employees personalize their spaces with family photos, live plants and other decorations as they please. Not only will it brighten up your space, it’ll help your employees express their individuality, which supports creativity and team cohesion.

Creativity and inspiration

Every company wants their office to be a place that inspires employees. But what sort of elements can you use that will spark the creative flame?

Break up the monotony with various workstations and meeting spaces. Give different regions of the office different themes.

For example, Dropbox’s office is split into distinct “districts” inspired by a city layout, where departments can create their own subcultures. This reflects DropBox’s mission around the endless creative possibilities of storage and space, and promotes this in their company culture.

Modern office design is introducing many ways of improving the working lives of employees who spend more than half their waking hours at the office. Features like water fountains, meditation/yoga rooms, massage spas, sleep pods, bookstores, billiard rooms and mountain climbing walls can inspire creative ideas. They can also kick off conversations between colleagues, and offer a place to escape to where employees can reset their minds.

Get creative

Get creative with your office design. These are just a few ideas you can adopt, but there are numerous ways you can make your office feel more inspiring, and supportive of creative productivity.

While every company has slightly different business needs, intentionally designing an office layout to support and reflect your company culture can help promote shared values with your entire team and lead to a more unified workplace overall.

If you need help with office design and planning or furniture relocation and decommissioning, contact our experienced team today. We’re here to keep your office on track.

The post 3 Crucial Ways Office Design Impacts Your Company Culture appeared first on Toronto Office Furniture.

Have you ever worked with someone whose office chair was just right? They guard that chair with their lives!

A smart office manager know that when it comes to office chairs, both productivity and happiness are at stake.

Let’s have a look at what those employees value in an office chair.

Lumbar Support

Sitting for a long time gets tiring. However, having the right support for your back and body can reduce fatigue. Some superior options for office chairs with great lumbar support are the Steelcase Leap or the Aeron Chair by Herman Miller.

Breathability

As you work for long hours, your body expels heat and sweat.

Office chairs that hold in the body heat are a bother.  You need an office chair that provides constant air flow to reduce fatigue and enhance comfort.

Office managers should consider office chairs with superior breathability, remembering that many of the quality products allow customers to select from a range of materials.

Reclining Ability

Reclining ability – whether it’s a little or a lot – is a must.  The best office chairs allow employees to stretch their legs.

Steelcase offers the Push Back system, while Aeron has a special selection of office chairs with Tilt Limiters. Both options provide complete control over the tilt in the chair.

Adjustments for the Size

Your employees come in every shape and size. That’s why your office chairs must be adjustable.

They’ll complain if the chair doesn’t fit, but they’ll appreciate it when it does.

There are three sizes of Aeron chairs to choose from, while also having the ability to change the placement of the armrests.

Steelcase Leap comes with the same adjustable armrests for the employees, while also having the ability to move the base of the seat for the specific person’s build.

Office Managers – Give Your Employees an Office Chair They’ll Value!

Office managers have big responsibilities. In many ways, the employees’ comfort, productivity and happiness are in their hands. Getting the right office chair and the model your employees will value is a big step towards greater success.

Contact Track to learn about our extensive inventory of superior office chairs.

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But impressive office design doesn’t have to mean a major investment. These affordable office furnishing tricks will help you set up a great-looking space that’s within budget.

Defeat clutter with simple storage solutions

An untidy office looks unprofessional. Create a clean and well-ordered workspace by bringing in simple and affordable accessories to organize your office supplies, hide computer cords and organize loose papers.

If you’re looking for larger storage solutions like filing cabinets or bookcases, save some money by opting for pre-owned furnishings. We have a huge selection of lateral files in stock.

Invest in good office chairs that you won’t have to replace

Lower end office chairs may save money upfront but they tend to fall apart and loose lumbar support, costing more over the long term. Superior options, such as the Steelcase Leap or the Aeron Chair by Herman Miller, have great lumbar support and will last a decade.

Make the long-term investment. Your bottom line – and your employees – will thank you!

Showcase your corporate culture with pre-owned statement pieces

Pre-owned furniture is a great low-cost option to update the look of your workplace and reaffirm your corporate culture for employees and visitors.

Whether your office is casual, corporate or modern, you can pick bold pieces that you can get at a fraction of full price. Reception desks, bar stools and Whiteboards are a good start.

Make furniture work harder with multi-functionality

A lot of your existing furniture probably isn’t working “at capacity”.

Be creative about how existing pieces can do double duty to make the most of precious desk space, meeting rooms and eating areas. Turn bookcases into room dividers, 3-high storage units or filing cabinets into tabletops for printers & scanners or pedestal drawer units can double as a stools. Office furnishings that work twice as hard? Now that’s impressive.

Add some greenery to your office environment

Whether you have tons of natural light or just a few windows, indoor plants are an easy (and cheap!) way to bring new life into your office. Pothos and snake plants can handle most light conditions and are available anywhere that sells indoor plants.

Want to go even more green? Impress prospective clients and staff by choosing recycled office furniture.

Track can help

Track has all your furniture needs — pre-owned, rental or top-of-the line chairs. Contact us or visit our Toronto Showroom.

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