For business owners, establishing an effective workspace is not only integral to productivity, but it is also important to consider how these choices can impact employees and the culture of the office. While it is important for companies to remain practical and functional, personal likes and dislikes should also be considered on a corporate and individual level.
Aesthetics and Comfort
Many of the top furniture suppliers have a range of designs that can appeal to a number of style persuasions. This can include:
- Ergonomic ranges
- Low-cost functional design
- Higher grade furniture with longevity
- Color schemes and building materials
- Efficiency lines for better storage
While the appearance and the function of the furniture will need to be a consideration, space is a major factor that is frequently overlooked. The use of a design team may be necessary for establishing the best use of the office space, and some furniture suppliers do offer this option. This can be one of the first important questions to ask when contacting the supplier, as it can also facilitate the rest of the selection process.
However, many companies will already have a vision of the office space and how the furniture integrates with productivity. In these cases, selections based on likes and dislikes may have already been established, and it will be important to communicate these points with clarity. Often, using tangible examples for design ideas can aid in the process of selection, as this also communicates to the furniture supplier exactly what type of equipment is desired.
This will also make it necessary for companies to take proper measurement of the space that is being filled, as one of the most common mistakes that businesses make is to try and utilize components that are not right for the area. When this happens it can vastly affect productivity by:
- Impeding movement throughout the office
- Influencing employee perception of the space
- Creating ineffective working conditions
- Causing general discomfort, which can lead to stress and to employee downtime
Creating the Vision
While many businesses do have a complete vision of how an office should evolve, this does not always take into consideration the future growth of the company. Establishing a foundation for furniture needs that is based on the current number of employees sets the baseline for what is required in terms of work stations and auxiliary furnishing. However, when contacting a furniture supplier, it can also be wise to dialogue regarding any plans for growth, as this can also impact the choices that are made.
Many small businesses will establish an office space that is completely designed around current operations, but this approach leaves very little room for plans for growth. What can often happen is that as the number of employees increases, a complete overhaul of the office furnishings is necessary. This can be as a result of:
- Space limitations
- Changes in operational needs
- Inability to match new and existing furniture
- Budget constraints
As a result, addressing considerations such as expansion can be a necessary point when initially contacting a furniture supplier. This will allow for considerations of:
- In-stock designs and availability
- Alerts as to possible discontinuation of certain supplies
- Integrative and expansion styles that are developed with growth in mind
This also means that discussing company goals with the furniture supplier can lead to a better need fulfillment and can also produce different design options that are better suited to the function and comfort of the office.
The Difference in Investments
Any furniture purchase for an office space will be a part of the initial company investment. This also means that budget constraints can dictate the choices that are made. However, being upfront about the soft and hard limits for a furniture budget can also inform the supplier about alternative options that can provide greater value over time. This candor can also aid in establishing the parameters for what is needed and at what cost.
Budget concerns will also lead to an evaluation of how this initial investment should be handled. Businesses can consider that higher price/quality furniture can have greater longevity, applicability, and versatility over time. The result is that while this may be a greater expenditure up front, it can also eliminate costly replacements that may result from lower cost/quality furniture. This is a consideration that can be further explored with the furniture supplier, and can also help to establish a good professional relationship.
Regardless of the initial cost of furniture, maintenance can also be a valid consideration for any grade of equipment. Asking a furniture supplier whether they offer cleaning and repairs on their pieces can also provide necessary information for making a wise decision. It is also important to note that furniture suppliers who also have service department tend to be stronger in customer care. In this manner, even if cleaning and repairs are not an immediate need, this provision still speaks highly of the supplier’s customer-centricity.
Keeping up Appearances
For some businesses, setting up an office may solely be to give employees the space to run operations. However, many companies will also entertain clients and other professional contacts in this same environment. This means that overall appearance can have a meaningful impact on how the company is perceived, by workers and by others. Purely utilitarian furniture can seem lacking in personality, and this can also affect the way business dealings proceed. Furniture choices that seem out of place may also come across as disorganized, and this can also impact growth.
Even for companies that are just starting to furnish their offices, it may still be necessary to establish if the supplier keeps all styles in stock for future orders. This can aid in branding the company through the office appearance, and in ensuring that continuity throughout the workspace is a strong factors. The result is that the visual impact of furniture style and office décor can build the brand and the reputation for employees and clients, through comfort, aesthetics, and quality function.