How to Stay Productive at Work During the Winter Months

November 17, 2017 By Better Office Furniture

Baby, it’s getting cold outside. Yet that doesn’t mean that you should let the weather slow down your productivity in the office.

In fact, while you’ve probably read many articles on how winter weather decreases overall productivity and motivation, recent studies have shown that this is only partially true. In 2015, The Atlantic published an article, “Bad Weather: Better for Work, Terrible for Everything Else” looking at new research experiments in American and Japanese workplaces. These studies found that the cold winter weather is a positive boost for workplace productivity, because employees are more focused on the tasks at hand rather than distracted by what they could be doing outside of the office.

I know what you are thinking, “If that is so, then why is it that all I want to do is snuggle up on the couch under a warm blanket and binge on Netflix throughout the winter?” Here’s why: Those previous assumptions on weather decreasing productivity aren’t completely wrong. [Read more…]

For Ultimate Ergonomic Comfort and Style, Choose the X-Chair

November 7, 2017 By Better Office Furniture

Imagine the perfect office chair. Do you see it? Can you feel it?

luxury ergonomic office chair

A chair that not only looks good, but feels even better. It is distinct in style and function, and built to last with its modern use of comfort technology and multi-dimensional ergonomic adjustment capabilities.

It is the new and improved X-Chair.

Other ergonomic furniture simply has elements that are meant to provide support and stability, but the X-Chair takes what you know and love about ergonomic seating to the next level. This chair literally works with your body, shaping itself to fit your everyday needs. It is built with a height-adjustable backrest, seating that can be adjusted for both depth and height, multi-dimensional armrests, a comfortable headrest that can be angled or adjusted, and the ability to change and lock the tilt of the chair. How? The X-Chair has become one-of-a-kind in ergonomic technology through the feat of things like Dynamic Variable Lumbar Support and SciFloat Infinite Recline technology, which provides the perfect support from head to toe.

The X-Chair: An Ergonomic Miracle

Better Office Furniture has previously told you of the many benefits of ergonomic furniture and all we have to offer, but we are here to tell you that the X-Chair takes those benefits even farther. These chairs don’t only provide a comfortable cushion, proper angling and adjustment, and wheels for mobility.

The X-Chair utilizes SciFloat Infinite Recline technology that allows for effortless movement by adjusting and reclining to match your unique body weight and height, which has been proven to increase energy levels, memory and concentration abilities, and improved blood circulation in the arms, legs and feet. Motion and circulation are additionally improved in the arms and hands with 4-dimensional armrests that allow for the height, width, depth and angle of the armrests to be simply adjusted to allow for greater stability and movement.

Meanwhile, the Dynamic Variable Lumbar support allows the chair to move with your body without the need for adjustments during the day and the backrest fits perfectly with the curvature of your neck and spine to provide you with the best support possible. The X-Chair uses the technology of today to provide the greatest support for your head and neck, lumbar, arms, back, and the free movement of your whole body.

Better Office Furniture has the Perfect X-Chair for You!

We know how much you are going to want this chair, so we have specially selected the best X-Chairs on the market to sell directly to you at our St. Charles location. We have six options currently in-store that you can come in and test run, including an X-Chair side chair, nesting chair, and a variety of computer task chairs! We not only want to give you options, we encourage you to come see and feel for yourself how truly comfortable these chairs are.

The X-Side Chair

X Side Chair

Want to experience ultimate comfort on a budget? The X-Side Chair combines the comfort of Flex Mesh technology with a unique design and modern ergonomic support. This inexpensive beauty shows you that even simple designs can be stylish and can easily adjust to fit your unique needs.

The X-Stack Chair

If you need comfortable, ergonomically-friendly, stackable, and mobile folding chairs; the X-Stack Chair is just what you need. You will never look at a nesting chair the same way again, because these chairs utilize both Flex Mesh Technology and a pivoting backrest that allows for comfort and durability despite their general use and fair price. Now you can hold large-scale events or meetings with great ease, ensure that all your staff or guests are sitting in great comfort, and still find simplicity in their storage and transportation from place to place.

The X1 Task Chair

Styled for comfort and support with Flex Mesh technology, this task chair is perfect for individuals that sit for long periods of time and are more sensitive to potential pain and discomfort. The mesh technology is not only aesthetically pleasing, it also allows for airflow and durability as it moves with your neck and back rather than compressing it. Some have described sitting in the X1 Task Chair’s mesh seating as being suspended in the air, almost as if you are floating in comfort.

The X2 Executive Task Chair

Enjoy the ultimate feeling of comfort with K-Sport Advanced Performance fabric. It combines the same benefits provided by the Flex Mesh Technology of the X1 Task Chair with even better breathability, circulation, weight dispersal, compression resistance, and durability. Plus, the fabric in the X2 Execeutive Task Chair provides a beautiful look and incredibly soft touch, making it a more bold and polished choice in task chairs.

The X4 Leather Executive Chair

To go for an even classier look, the X4 is the premium leather model of the three. If you are looking for a chair that will meet your ultimate expectations, this is the one for you! You won’t find any other leather chair that is as sleek, supple and polished as this elegant beauty. All while providing you with the ergonomic technology and comfort that you deserve.

We know that you spend 40-hours a week working hard at your desk and here at Better Office Furniture, we never believe you should have to sacrifice comfort or style. The X-Chair is the best combination of both with its bold and elegant design, including our very own selection of unique fabrics, and ultimate pain-free comfort that is guaranteed to bring even more productivity to your work week.

These chairs usually range from $750 to $1,250 per chair, but visit Better Office Furniture in-store today and we will give you special prices you won’t want to miss! We are conveniently located in St. Charles, MO, just off Highway 370 and Elm Point Industrial Drive, near the Saint Charles Soccer Complex Park. Give us a call at 314-266-9083 to schedule an appointment today!

Office Trends & Productivity: I Think These Millennials are onto Something…

August 30, 2017 By Better Office Furniture

Office design trends, and office furniture, have vastly evolved over the years. Their evolution delves well beyond personal taste or style, and manifested into a realm of catering to functionality and productivity. Who do design experts credit this evolution to? Millennials!

Changing the workplace: from furniture to flex hours

As bad of a rap as our poor millennials have acquired for being self-absorbed and lazy, changes in the work environment, at least as far as design goes, suggest otherwise. So why does it seem millennials are changing atmosphere and design in the workplace? They want more, but in a good way. Previous generations have been heavily focused on their paycheck as what was most important to them to get from their work. While millennials do want to be paid, they are putting importance on things like flex hours, paternal leave, and inviting work spaces ( to include office furniture).

Interestingly, millennials are the ones who want to feel like they work in a community environment, and are interested in collaborative spaces. This is on the opposite end of the spectrum from the baby boomers, who seem to prefer larger, private office spaces. While there are still plenty of large, private office spaces to be found, many companies are transitioning to more of the millennial style. This evolution in office space and office furniture makes sense. As boomers are beginning to retire, and more millennials are coming into the workforce, we should expect to see a large increase in millennials in managerial positions over the next 5 years.

I think they’re onto something

How do businesses start out? Well, most start with an idea one person has that they act on. It starts with them working at their own desk or dining room table, then they bring on a couple other people, and they’re all around that dining room table, or utilizing a card table in a garage. Ya know, whatever works. It’s not grand or glamorous, but that’s the reality of where even the biggest of companies start from. And what comes along with that small group of people gathered around the dining room table? Collaboration, ideas-they feed off each other’s energy, and low and behold…PRODUCTIVITY! As humans we innately feed off other people’s energy.

Then what’s next? The company grows, they quickly move into an office space where everyone has their own dedicated, private workspace, and continue on. But what disappeared? Many times the energy disappeared. That good, raw energy that radiated so freely around that dining room table is now amiss!

Less energy=Less productivity

Office furniture

How does all this collaborative, inviting office space translate into actual office setup and office furniture? Well, if you want to integrate some of the trending office designs, you don’t have to implement an office slide like Google…really, it’s been a thing at Google for a few years now. What you need are brighter colors, some open conference (or collaborative) areas, and small group work spaces. You can also get creative with some traditional office furniture, to deliver the open, collaborative, energy-infused office space you’re looking for.

First thing is to start to cut back on your traditional closed-off offices…the fewer walls the better. Instead you can use something like dual workstations in a large room, and put several of them in there. This eliminates closed off office spaces, and still allows for personal workspace. Another economical option to create these small work groups, would be to create work quads with more traditional desks, like our used 30×60 Steelcase desks at Better Office Furniture in St. Charles.

You may be thinking, “Well, if I go ahead and put in these work quads, where will they store files and supplies that don’t go in their desks?! We have a solution for that too. If you put together these quads towards the center of the room, you could then add credenzas up against the wall, that could house extra necessary supplies. If you prefer, you could also go with file cabinets. The important thing is to make sure whatever storage style you choose flows with the seated workspace.

Actually, I’m going to go off in a mini-tangent here! We’re having a HUGE, I mean enormous Labor Day sale this weekend. Those used Steelcase desks mentioned above, yeah, you can get your hands on those puppies for $99! I’m going to drop a quick image below with sale prices for you. That way I can carry on with the rest of this millennial office design you’re dying to know about.

**End tangent**

Okay, so we nailed down some workspace furniture. As far as the design for that area, we recommend bright, and natural colors. Adding some artwork is a phenomenal idea, too. In fact, an article on Forbes cited that 77% of professionals on LinkedIn who were surveyed said artwork makes them feel happier; 74% said it inspired them and 27% said it improves their productivity. I don’t know about you, but I want my employees happy, inspired, and productive!

What else can I do besides open up offices?

Opening up offices and creating a more inviting atmosphere is a fantastic first step. If you really want to create that millennial-loved comfy,inviting atmosphere, we recommend you create a couple small, less formal collaboration stations. This is pretty easy to accomplish. Often a reception style seating space, like the one below, will be enough area for a few team members to sit and brainstorm, or bounce ideas off each other. Plus, it has a fresh, clean style with a white color or lighter color that will brighten up the area.

Technology

Technology falls into the office trends category. If technology is an area you’re perusing to upgrade, think mobile: laptops opposed to desktops, tablets, headsets, and wireless mice. Millennials becoming a larger part of the work force, and largely taking their everyday work environment into account when job-hunting, means providing the tools they are used to utilizing. And least be honest, most of these are a heck of a lot more time efficient (millennials for the win again)!

Good news for you if you’re dragging your feet into the 21st century, but truly want to add something that starts to transition you to the open and collaborative office realm. Something I didn’t put in the “technology” list, but is loved: a white board! That’s right, no fanciness here. Just a big, simple white board. They key is to have a large meeting style table, get some nice looking white office chairs, and stick a white board at the front of the table! This creates an amazing space for large team collaboration, and can also double as a conference area.

Have more questions about open and collaborative spaces? We’re only an email away.

You can also call us at 314-266-9083. Better yet, stop by our Labor Day Sale at Better Office Furniture in St. Charles this weekend!

Stationary Desk Chairs and Couches to Fit Your Office Needs

June 29, 2017 By Better Office Furniture

Thinking about remodeling your business’ office space? Lucky for you, Better Office Furniture in St. Charles has a surplus of stationary desk chairs and office couches that are guaranteed to create the perfect setting.

As your local office furniture experts, we know that your office design says a lot about you as a leader and greatly influences the environment that your employees work in, and the space your clients visit. Studies over the years have shown that employees with comfortable and ergonomic desk chairs tend to be more productive and businesses have higher retention rates. Meanwhile, investing in an office couch provides an open environment for your employees to take a break during the day, rejuvenate and feel a greater creative balance in their work. In addition, good stationary desk chairs and office couches can be the perfect touch to your office space for your clientele, as it invites them to be an integral part of your office family by offering a sense of being at home. This is, in part, because the atmosphere of your office setting directly impacts the mood, tone, body language, and energy experienced in daily business life.

Why stationary desk chairs are a valuable addition to your office

Better Office Furniture believes that an office chair should be both built to last and comfortable, without sacrificing your entire budget. It is one of the first investments that need to be made for you employees and executives, so you want to be sure to invest in high-quality office chairs, rather than buying a cheap box store chair that is bound to break in less than a year.

While we have previously discussed why ergonomic chairs are better for your employees, particularly rolling desk chairs, having beautifully crafted stationary desk chairs can really tie a room together for your customers. After all, you want your clients to feel welcomed when they walk in the door and be comfortable when sitting down in regular meetings or waiting in your reception area.

When choosing the right stationary chair, it is important to remember that there are a wide variety of body types, each of which require different forms of accommodation to find the optimum comfort for their shape and size. While your clients or employees are unlikely to spend a long amount of time in a stationary chair, and thus do not need the same ergonomic support as previously discussed, it is vital that they fit comfortably, have proper arm support, and have a comfortable cushion to sit on. Check out some of Better Office Furniture’s favorite stationary chairs currently in stock:

Beautiful Cherry Wood Guest Chairs with Black Fabric

This Cherry Wood Guest Chair will provide a classy element to your office setting and are a perfect fit for your clients to sit across from your desk or in the reception area. Not a fan of Cherry? We also have wood stains available in Espresso or Modern Walnut!

Black Captain’s Guest Chair

The Black Captain’s Guest Chair is great for more traditional office settings. It features an individual brass nail head trim, traditional Mahogany wood finish, a sturdy hardwood frame, and a sag-resistant spring seat. This guest chair is also available in Burgundy vinyl.

The Big Man Guest Chair

The Big Man Guest Chair is ideal for employees and clients who are up to 350 pounds. They are beautifully upholstered with our ultra-soft and durable CaressoftPlus™ upholstery and feature a black steel sled base, much like our Black SledBase Guest Chair.

Spot 4495 Black Café or Bar Height Chair

Do you own a café or restaurant? These heavy-duty stackable café height chairs are very sturdy, holding up to 400 pounds, and easy to clean. Plus, ask about our quantity discounts available!

Sturdy Armless Black Fabric Sled Base Guest Chair

Looking for a guest chair that is sturdy and stylish, while also comfortable and fits your budget? The Sturdy Armless Sled Base Guest Chair is perfect to customize your business setting or fit your current décor with custom fabrics in a variety of colors. Looking for a similar chair with arm support? Check out this same style of chair with arms!

How an office couch can redefine your office space

While you might not realize it at first, an office couch can make all the difference for your employees and clients; whether in the reception area, set up as a relaxed meeting area, or in your executive office space.

Why, you ask?

When set up as a meeting area or in the reception space, it ensures that your entire office space functions at its highest capacity. Clients and customers will feel more relaxed when they enter your business, which can lead to more stimulating and effective interactions and potential sales. While your employees will have the ability to have a more relaxed meeting space to brainstorm and collaborate, or have the freedom to take a power nap at work. The latter can be particularly helpful in an office setting, because businesses are more likely to suffer and be less productive if their employees are sleep deprived, which can lead to health issues like depression, attention and memory problems, and even cancer. In fact, studies in the last five-years have shown that even a ten-minute nap can help improve a person’s immunity, sustained energy, emotional stability, and cognitive functioning.

Furthermore, as a leader, having a couch in your office can be an essential component to demonstrating true, authentic and open leadership; allowing your employees to feel more relaxed during difficult discussions, like reviews and discussing their role, and ensuring your clients feel comfortable when having annual consultations. In other words, it allows all who enter to feel an additional element of transparency in the workplace and see the workplace culture as being more encouraging and open-minded.

Interested in learning more about our available stationary desks and office couches? Give us a call today at 314-266-9083. Also ask about our furniture shipping and delivery options nationwide!