Tackling an Office Redesign

August 28, 2019 By Better Office Furniture

Office Redesign

Growing business, increasing staff, refreshing space — whatever the reason for an office redesign, the notion of starting such a task can be overwhelming. You may wonder, “What is the first step? And how do I make it to the last? Who has time for this?” Tackling an office redesign is as complicated or simple as you make it. Here are five steps that may help simplify the process.

Design a Layout

Think about your office needs. What is your focus? Is it sales, engineering, design, creativity? What is the overall work style in your office? The office space should be redesigned to compliment your work style, and if you have more than one employee, you probably have a mixture of styles. Catering the office redesign layout to your employees by offering a variety of workspaces will increase productivity. Do you need rows of cubicles? Will one large conference table be suitable for collaborative work? If your employees need hours of individual, focused time, then you will need more workspace dedicated to private or semi private tasks. If most of the time at the office is spent in collaboration, then incorporate into the layout more open workspace or flexible spaces for meetings. Chances are that redesigning the office layout will significantly benefit your employees, production, and overall business.

Encourage more creative thinking and collaboration by making space for it. Where can you include space to spark an impromptu meeting or a place to chat about a great idea beyond the water cooler? Add a couple occasional chairs and a small table in a nook. Such spaces in a modern office are important for employee comfort and productivity. Also, consider a less bulky alternative to enclosed cubicles like open benching cubicles with glass dividers that allow collaboration, provide some privacy, and lend to an open design.

Now, write down your ideas. Create a simple sketch or even a description of the changes you want to make. Take advantage of our Free Space Planning service!

Consider Budget

Once you’ve explored the your office space and layout needs consider your budget. Office furniture is one of the best investments you can make in an office redesign. This is where the bulk of the budget will probably be designated. If the budget is tight, there are ways to recreate a cost-effective space. One tip is to opt for an open plan layout. Fewer individual rooms will allow for more natural light to travel throughout the office. This design offers opportunity for shared workstations, and when you are ready to increase staff size, it can easily accommodate the growth.

Maximize your budget by choosing a clean, simple design. Minimalism has been a positive trend in many areas of design in recent years. How can incorporating minimalistic style benefit your office redesign and your budget? Clean, clear space has been proven to increase productivity and well-being, and if less is truly more, then do not worry about spending money on expensive office art. Instead, promote employee well-being and productivity while decorating minimally. Bring nature inside with plants, add color with wall paint or perhaps create DIY canvas art or vinyl lettering that communicates your business’s vision, mission, or goals.

Beauty and functionality can surely be achieved with any budget.

Involve Staff

Ask your staff about their wants and needs in the office space. Today, the trend is to make sure the space is designed to cater to your employees. No longer is productivity defined by sitting at a desk, alone, head-down. Creative ideas are sparked and carried out in collaboration. Also, involving your staff in the office redesign is a great way to promote workplace morale. The first way you can get your staff involved is just by asking them about their ideas for the space. Consider a meeting or begin asking individuals in casual conversation.

Be sure to also involve all departments. The staff or organizations that offer IT support, for example, are often the last to know about changes like an office redesign. It can greatly streamline the project by including the proper departments in the planning process. They can even offer suggestions to optimize technology, like supplying power to newly configured spaces, hiding unsightly cords and hardware, and deploying advanced office technology.

Get everyone involved by hosting a paint or decorating day. This will give employees a dedicated time to add personal touches to the space. It can also serve as a team-building opportunity when everyone pitches in and works toward the common goal of making the office work-ready.

Seek Professional Help

You may be tempted to tackle an office redesign on your own; however, employing help from a professional will save you time and money, both of which are probably your reasons for a DIY in the first place. Jason E. Williams of E Cover Me, testifies that our design for his office saved him time and money and gave him an end product that he loves. Can you imagine coming to the office each day with the attitude, “I love this place!” ? An experienced, professional office designer will deliver such results.

Maybe you think, “I can save so much money finding used furniture. I don’t need to buy new from a retail company.” You are right! New cubicles and desks are a large expense. We can provide you with many preowned options. In fact, we will work with you to find exactly the furniture you need and want, used or new, for your office redesign.

Donate Old Furniture

We also offer office furniture liquidations and decommissions. The EPA reports that 9.8 million tons of furniture ends up in landfills each year. What will you do with any furniture you choose to eliminate? Discarding your old office furniture goes beyond sitting it out at the curb. First, that is a lot of physical work, especially if your office is not at ground level. Secondly, the old desks or cabinets can bring new life to another office.

If you do not want your used furniture thrown in a landfill, give us a call. We resell, repurpose, donate and recycle quality furniture. Our goal is to keep good furniture in the hands of people who can use it. Give us call to learn more, and to see if we can help @ 314-266-9083!

We Can Help

Follow these five steps and make your office redesign exceptional by purchasing the right furniture for your business. Better Office Furniture can help make your redesign successful. Our 20 years of experience will not let you down!

Make an appointment to visit our showroom and see some great office redesign options for yourself. Contact us today and find out why Better Office Furniture truly is better.

Is it Time for an Office Spruce Up?

June 3, 2019 By Better Office Furniture

How does your office space affect your employees’ attitudes?

Does your office space need an attitude adjustment? Have you ever stopped to count how many hours a day your employees spend at the oﬃce versus their home? Most Americans spend a minimum of 40 hours a week doing the hustle and bustle of a full-time job. That means throughout the week our employees are spending 70% of their day in the office.

Ironically, we spend thousands of dollars to put our individual touches into our homes and next to nothing into our oﬃce spaces. The average American spends about 90,000 hours in a lifetime at work. That is an astounding number of hours!

That’s not even taking into consideration the amount of time we spend commuting to and from the office. Some may even dare to call the office their home away from home. Many employees inherit their oﬃce space and decor from their successor, giving off less reﬂection of the hardworking, committed employee that they really are.

So how can we help our employees make their “Home Away from home” a more positive space to work?

Here are some simple suggestions for doing just so:

Bring the outdoors in

Something as simple as adding your favorite plant or two to your oﬃce will immediately spruce up your space.

Succulents can make the perfect little companion to your workspace. Get creative in choosing a unique pot that expresses a touch of your character such as an antique teacup and saucer or a fun animal ceramic. These very little effort plants will provide your workspace with that homey feeling no matter what size oﬃce space you are working with.

Low light species work best in office spaces without natural light. In addition to the aesthetic benefits of greenery, there are many scientific health benefits to adding plants in our indoor spaces, such as the calming effect of the color green. Hanging a piece of art displaying a nature landscape is another way to boost our mood. Think of it as your own little window to the great outdoors.

Functional furniture

This is a big one! Having your oﬃce set up to provide optimal productivity is key. From l-shaped, u-shaped, double and single desks, Better Office Furniture offers many choices on how to get the most ideal workspace for your employees.

Considering the staggering increase in back related health issues among Americans, comfortable seating is a wise investment. In lieu of the standard seating arrangement, consider giving your employees the option to sit or stand throughout the day with our free fit height adjustable powered tables. These are gaining in popularity with office staff because of the versatility they offer.

Clean

This is by far the easiest, low cost way to improve the overall feel of the office environment. Springtime is the perfect time of year to dust off the shelves and evaluate how our office space makes us feel.

Most office spaces are lacking in the area of ventilation (another way a plant can help!). Dust can trigger allergies and a clean space helps you to breathe a little easier.

For starters, cleaning is a natural stress reliever. Additionally, cleaning can give you one heck of a mood boost! Like the de-stressor effect, having a clean and less

cluttered office environment tends to lead to a more relaxing and enjoyable day for you. I always feel a sense of relief after decluttering, don’t you? Why not give the cleaning task a go and see if it makes a difference in how you feel afterwards?

Organize

Have you ever just about lost your mind searching for your favorite pen buried under countless papers scattered on your desk? The quickest way to get organized is to utilize storage space. Creating organizational storage space can be a bit challenging if you are used to the “stacking everything in piles” method, but here are a few suggestions you might find helpful.

What about adding a storage cabinet to make use of wasted vertical space?

Better Office Furniture can help you design the perfect office setting based on your specific needs.

How about sectioning off your desk into different areas? An area for your personal items, an area for your pens, papers, etc. Consider a cute mason jar to hold those pens and small baskets or containers for odds and ends.

De-Stress

Essential oils provide a stimulating effect to the senses making you enjoy whatever you are doing. Using aromatherapy in the office to work on our emotions can prove to be a beneficial tool. You don’t need to buy an expensive diffuser to gain the benefits of using essential oils. Just simply carry your own personal roller ball of your favorite essential oil and equip yourself with an on-demand pick me up!

There is a plethora of essential oils to choose from including everything from mood changers, calming, focus and even clarity oils. One favorite is tangerine to uplift your mood because of its citrus smell, which gives a happy and calming effect. You might try a combination of eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary, which will reduce fatigue. Keep in mind to use sparingly as some scents can be a nuisance to others.

Vision board

Keep your dreams visual by hanging an inspirational photo on the wall to help remind you what all this work is for anyway! Is it a family vacation to Disney? Or maybe a couples only retreat on the beach. Maybe it is brand new furniture in your home or a swimming pool in the back yard. It might be as simple as a photo of your loved ones you are providing for. Perhaps, it’s a combination of all the above. In that case try a photo collage!

Whatever the goal or dream, keep it front and center to help remind you where you are going. Once you’ve accomplished a goal, remove it and move on to the next one by hanging another visual.

Alas, the doom and gloom of winter is gone! Let’s enjoy the warmer weather that is upon us! Pack a picnic lunch and get outdoors during your break to soak up Mother Nature’s vitamin D. Then once break time is over, follow these simple tips to freshen up the vibe in your office!

Do you have ideas on how to make the work place a more positive space? Please share your ideas in the comments below, we’d love to hear what has worked for you!

New Year’s Resolutions: 6 Ways to Motivate Your Staff in the New Year

January 8, 2019 By Better Office Furniture

Resolutions, Motivation, and Employee Engagement!

As we all start off the new year, I am sure we all have good intentions of doing things

differently. While in our personal lives these resolutions may be related to health, fitness,

family or travel, in our business lives many of us have goals of things like business

growth, and employee engagement. The two of these tend to go hand-in-hand. In fact, a

study conducted by University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School found

that organizations with above average employee engagement, garnered 2.3 times more

revenue growth over a three-year period than companies with average employee

engagement.

You may be thinking, “This all sounds great in theory, but HOW do I increase employee

engagement?” That is a great question, because without out some sort of plan, goals or

resolutions (no matter how well our intentions), can swiftly fall to the wayside.

Upon some research of successful habits of companies that have high employee

engagement, here are the top 6 that seem to be common factors.

1.) Hold motivational meetings-While this may seem like I’m recommending to gather

staff for pep talks and reading off motivational quotes, alas, that is not what I mean

(although some quotes could be fun and helpful!). Rather, I am referring to getting your

staff together and reviewing as a group what were some wins for each staff member, and

what were some losses.

The wins help boost morale and make people feel good about their accomplishments.

Sharing what they may have struggled with opens the floor for some valuable feedback

from co-workers who may have a solution for the same exact struggle. This helps the

person who was struggling, and also makes the co-worker with the solution feel helpful

and valuable.

2.) Get input on business decisions- If you notice a bottleneck (an area where things

may be getting jammed up) in your business, and have a possible solution, run that

solution by your staff. For example, maybe you notice a spike in clients asking for a rush

on orders; you might say to your staff, “Hey, I have noticed we have had a surge in

people asking for us to rush their orders, and this puts extra stress on us. What do you

guys think about adding in a rush order fee for these requests?”

Asking employees input lets them know you value their opinion, and as a double-win in

this instance, it also shows you recognize that these requests require extra effort on their

part.

3.) Find reasons to celebrate together- Whether it be birthdays, holidays, etc.—find

reasons to celebrate with your team. It can be as simple as having cake in the break

room on people’s birthdays. If you want to solidify that bound outside the office, you can

do happy hour events or team dinners. If meeting outside the office might be more of a

struggle, you could also do a staff breakfast. You can just have coffee, muffins, scones

and things of that nature available. Perhaps see if staff would want to meet 30 minutes

prior to work so everyone can hang out and eat together. Or if that is difficult due to

schedules with child drop-off and such, you could offer up the first 30 minutes of the

work day for this if it isn’t something you do all the time.

The more reasons you can find to have your team talking and bonding, the happier they

will be.

Happy people=productive people.

4.) Run goal related contest-Every business has certain goals they want to meet.

However, some companies may tell their staff what targets they’re trying to reach, but

then pretty much leave it at that. They might check in to see where everyone is on

reaching their targets, but this doesn’t give a ton of motivation for them to reach them.

Even if there is an extra commission available for reaching that target, numerous studies

have shown that monetary rewards don’t always work.

Instead, it tends to work better if it is an experience related prize. Some things you could

consider would be taking staff to lunch, buying a pair of concert tickets, or a spa

treatment. The trick to these is to know what types of things your team values, and offer

these up as prizes. Which leads me to our next suggestion…

5.) Implement surveys-I don’t mean this in a traditional sense; such as, “What don’t you

like?” The type of survey I am referring to has more to do with goal related contest and

celebrations. Such as:

What types of things would you be most excited to receive as an incentive to help the

company reach its targets?

What types of places/events would you enjoy for staff celebrations?

What’s your favorite type of food?

Who’s your favorite band?

I assure you taking the time to find these things out, and implement their use WILL help

your company’s bottom line. More than ever people want to feel valued and appreciated.

They can show up and just “earn a paycheck” anywhere.

6.) Provide growth opportunities-As an untraditional work “benefit”, provide growth

opportunities. This could mean continued education, or specific types of classes. Again,

this may be something you inquire about on your surveys.

What types of interests do they have?

What is their dream job?

The growth means growth of them as person, not merely making them better at the job

they perform day-to-day for you. Although, providing them opportunities to learn

something they have never had the time/money to invest in, or something that will help

them get to their bigger goal (even if that means losing them as an employee one day),

WILL absolutely increase employee engagement, loyalty and dedication.

So, what are your resolutions for motivating your staff this year? Even if you can’t afford

to implement all of these, pick one. Just start with that, and I bet when you see the

difference you will want to do more!

Side note: Come check out our warehouse for any furniture needs you have this new

year! Have something specific in mind? Call us at 314-266-9083!

Office Furniture Brands: From Walmart to Global, What’s the Difference?

November 30, 2018 By Better Office Furniture

Choosing your office furniture

We all know the saying you get what you pay for, but when it comes to office furniture, what’s really the difference? And do you really need to pay outrageous prices for quality furniture? You can buy anything from Walmart to Global furniture to furnish your office. While everyone would love to buy the nicest (and presumably most expensive) office furniture possible, is it worth it? What are the options?

We’re going to take a dive into what you get from a few different categories of furniture. We get that what’s right for one business may not be what’s best for another business. Everything from budget to style can play a part in what the best decision is for you and your business when it comes to finding the perfect fit.

Walmart office furniture

Walmart furniture is definitely extremely cost effective. You can furnish an entire office with a minimal budget. The quality, however, is very poor. You will find yourself replacing broken office chairs, have bubbling on the surface of conference tables, and have corners of desks chipping and peeling. Not to mention because the materials used to build the furniture are cheap, draws tend to not slide well, get stuck and break easily.

Who Walmart furniture may be a good fit for

If you’re just starting out and have super limited funds (like you’re not even sure you can fully afford your office space) choosing somewhere like Walmart or Target may indeed be the best temporary option for you. It isn’t going to last long, but it’s better than sitting on the ground!

IKEA office furniture

A little bit up from that you could quite easily, and affordably, deck your office chock full of IKEA furniture. IKEA products aren’t fantastic quality, but are better than Walmart, and much more sleek in appearance. This office furniture isn’t going to last terribly long either though. You may get a couple years out of it, depending on how much use the furniture gets on a daily basis.

Who IKEA office furniture may be a good fit for

If you’re just starting out, and don’t have much of a budget, but want to have slightly better quality, and a more modern feel, shopping Ikea may be the way to go on this one. The office furniture will last longer than the Walmart or Target brands, but most likely not by too much. Also, the comfort level is not what you will get with higher quality office furniture.

High quality brands: Tayco, Knoll, Global, Steelcase, etc.

Then on the other end of the spectrum, you can buy brand new, superior quality furniture like Tayco, Knoll, Global, or Steelcase. These brands are known for their superior quality. You can opt for either a sleek or a more traditional appearance, and it’s going to last you years. You are more likely to replace your office furniture because you feel like updating your space, than you are due to anything breaking. Plus, the quality is second to none. This means not only will your furniture be super durable and last a long time, but you will have extremely comfortable furniture.

Who high quality brands such as Tayco, Knoll, Global and Steelcase may be a good fit for

Going the route of high-end furniture is ideal for those who have a decent budget starting out, or have been in business for a while and are looking to upgrade their style, durability, or comfort. If you have staff, this is also a fantastic route to go because comfort in office furniture can bring up morale, and reduce things such as back pain. When looking at quality furniture lines, having a superior desk can also bring up productivity for years.

Your office furniture is an investment, not just an expense as some may view it. It can truly have an enormous impact on how efficient your space is, how productive you and your staff are, and how happy everyone is working in your work environment. If you’re looking at re-doing your work space, you may want to check out our previous blog, “10 Ways to Create a Blissful and Productive Office Space”. If reducing missed work days from yourself and your staff due to pain is a concern, check out, “Ergonomic Office Chairs:How to Pick the Right Office Chair for You and Your Staff”.

What if I want quality furniture, but can’t afford the full price tag?

This is one of our favorite parts of what we do! At Better Office Furniture in St. Charles, we have the ability to provide businesses with quality and comfort in their office furniture with our pre-owned selections, at a less expensive rate. Of course if you are able, or prefer, to have brand new furniture we can always accommodate that. Buying brand new will increase your options and the selection available to you, but rest assured we can look at your space and determine what pre-owned furniture we have that will work well for your office and staff for years.

Whatever level you may deem yourself at, feel free to contact us for questions! You also never know what steal of a deal we may have available at out warehouse at the time. Sometimes buying brand new from a “cheaper” place can actually cost you more out of pocket right now; and definitely cost you more long term due to the need to replace more frequently!

Why Creating Your Dream Executive Suite is Good for Business

August 13, 2018 By Better Office Furniture

“Keep your feet on the ground and your head in the clouds. This means stay humble, but always be brave enough to dream big. I’ve often repeated it to other entrepreneurs – that, and to think like a toddler.”

~ Carl Reader, Business Advisor and Author of “The Startup Coach”

Executive Suite as a small business or solopreneur?

Close your eyes.

Think about your current work space. Is it a home office, a subleased space, or a standard office space for your small business? Or are you an an individual entrepreneur or freelancer? Does your location provide you with the ample space and resources needed for everyday operations? Do you feel it is beginning to, or has been, holding your company back from greater client and financial growth? Are you prepared to take your organization to the next level?

Now, think about your dream office space.

Picture the level of success you hope for and what it means in relation to your company’s mission and industry objectives. What do you see?

For many large companies, small business leaders, sole proprietors, and freelancers one of the biggest challenges is creating a business space that represents the company brand with both space flexibility and cost effectiveness. More so, many small business owners believe that they don’t have access to the resources or funding to expand, or to move their business to a growth-driven location.

At Better Office Furniture, we aren’t simply about providing you with the highest-quality and affordable office furniture that improves productivity and streamlines common, long-term office problems, or top-notch customer service. It is also our mission to ensure that we are helping you create your dream space, large or small.

That is why we believe that if you are searching for a more professional presence for your home-based or small business, an Executive Suite may be a perfect fit.

What is an Executive Suite?

An Executive Suite is a temporary or short-term office that provides a C-level, private workplace equipped with shared amenities. This includes conference and break rooms, with other businesses throughout the facility. Not only do they provide rapidly growing SMBs (small to mediums sized businesses) with flexible leasing agreements for small to large office spaces (usually ranging from 100 to 1,500 square feet), they also provide businesses with value-added services, such as low monthly rent for leases as short as 90 days. Some places even allow month-to-month leases.

Why an Executive Suite is Good for Business?

Obtaining an Executive Suite centralizes everyday business needs and streamlines operations.

Imagine walking through the front door, greeting your Executive Assistant and your fellow colleagues, collecting your morning mail and messages, and then walking into your personal office to start the day’s melody of tasks and meetings.

Tasks and responsibilities become easily delegated throughout the organization. While low-level tasks, such as taking phone calls, scheduling meetings, filing, and organizing mail are passed onto the suite’s administrative assistant. In other words, a single short-term space provides better flexibility, general office flow, and coordination of daily activities and provides you with more time to manage current projects and prospective client networking.

Small to large conference rooms and communication technologies are readily available.

No need to worry about where to meet clients, because there are conveniently located conference rooms in the same space as your office location. Collaborate easily with other businesses at the same office location to schedule on-going or new client meetings, weekly team meetings, presentations, brainstorming sessions, staff lunches, team building exercises, and everything in-between. Set-up new or reschedule meetings with the help of the suite’s Executive Assistant.

Plus, have quick and easy access to more current, innovative technologies that you might not currently have available to you as a small business owner or sole proprietor. Whether it is to effectively manage outbound calls, Skype business sessions, presentations, team and client brainstorming sessions, and team or executive meetings, you can ensure that you will always have what you need right at your fingertips.

Renting an Executive Suite is cheaper than working in a standard office space.

Whether you are looking to obtain an Executive Suite for your small business, a simple co-working space for you and other freelancers, a virtual office space, or a shared office space, such can be far cheaper to rent compared to purchasing or subleasing a location. Along with not having to purchase major amenities, rent is typically low and can be leased for short-term (as little as 90 days) or long-term (up to three-years). You will also save on shared utility costs like high-speed Wi-Fi, water, electricity, and trash pickup.

Executive Suites are perfect spaces for business networking and collaboration.

Take your time when you are searching for the perfect new location for your business. Don’t just look at the space itself, be sure to research other companies in the building and meet and greet with other executives and managers. Having a strong variety of companies and industries in the same complex allows you to have a unique networking world right at your fingertips, adding significant value to your business.

An Executive Suite provides a more polished, professional feel without sacrificing small business values and services.

Having a single-space for your organization’s daily work cultures new opportunities for innovation, ensures employee accountability, and allows managers and staff to easily collaborate on client projects as needed. It allows you to rethink your own role as an executive-leader, transform the company’s internal culture across multiple departments, and push more boundaries aiming to help you and your team achieve your company’s mission. It also provides additional space for your employees to step away from the daily grind and projects; which in turn improves employee satisfaction and long-term retention.

Better Office Furniture Can Help You Create Your Dream Executive Suite

Not sure what type of office layout you should be looking for when looking for an optimal Executive Suite location? Better Office Furniture has the expertise to help you find a location that balances privacy and accessibility, is spacious and noise-friendly, and provides both comfort and increased productivity. Check out our online resources for details about our commitment-free Space Planning Analysis to capture what type of office space fits your exact needs and wants.

Searching for the perfect new or used furniture to fill your new Executive Suite? Better Office Furniture of St. Charles, Missouri has a great selection of beautiful desks, executive chairs, bookcases and shelves, file cabinets, storage cabinets, and an array of other office furniture that you can select from to design the perfect space to fit your needs.

Lastly, worried about the expense of finding the best office furniture? Ask about our great selection of used office furniture and Free Estimates to create a beautiful, long-lasting, high-quality look for less.

Start reaching for your big, small business and start-up business dreams today by contacting Better Office Furniture at 314-266-9083, or visiting our St. Charles, MO location by appointment. Plus, check-out our Facebook or Twitter pages to find inspiration of how to design your business’ Executive Suite and start creating more high-growth opportunities for your business.

Making Your Business Greener: Reducing Your Office’s Carbon Footprint

July 5, 2018 By Better Office Furniture

3 Questions that Will Make Your Businesses Greener in 2018

Ready to be more productive in a healthier workplace?

Since the introduction of the November 2016 Paris Agreement to limit worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, businesses have responded with the now global trend to invest in clean, renewable energy resources and add more sustainable green policies. According to Green Matters last Fall, from 2016 to 2017 surveys found that 25 percent more organizations and businesses have increased their use of environmentally-friendly products. Another 40 percent have begun laying the groundwork for more eco-conscious services.

And why not?

Countless small businesses and massive corporations alike have shown that when any organization chooses to reduce its carbon footprint through daily practices and personal dedication, they are able to significantly affect the environment and the company’s bottom line. Incorporating strong daily habits into your company and/or department’s weekly routine has routinely saved businesses money in the present and future, shown an increase in employee retention rates and increase in productivity, attracts more prospective clients and employees, and adds to the building’s property value if you own your own business.

If your office has already done some spring cleaning, such as taking files and records from 2017 to storage and washing every nook and cranny with a natural cleaning solution, then you have already taken a great step in the right direction!

The next step is to think about any resources, methods, and habits to improve upon to reduce your businesses carbon footprint and simultaneously increase the availability of time, money, and resources for the organization.

To help get you started, Better Office Furniture has brought together three major questions you can ask to advance your businesses environmental footprint, save lots of money, and improve employee health – all at the same time!

Ask: What are some quick solutions to reduce our summer energy bill?

It may be over 90 degrees with an extra side of humidity these days in Missouri, but that does not mean you should stop short when thinking about your energy bill this summer. Here are some quick and affordable ways to start saving on your utility bill this month:

Set your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer months, which can make a major difference in your utility bill and keep your employees comfortable. Another smart choice is to use standing or boxed fans near office windows and/or doors to encourage consistent airflow throughout the day.
Turn off lights when not in use, particularly for areas like the kitchen, bathroom(s), and conference room(s).
Replace less eco-friendly CFL light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs and LED alternatives that conveniently last longer, give more natural light, and are more energy efficient.
Replace any outdated technology, such as computers and televisions, that work harder to provide you with less quality content, with LCD or LED technology. Then donate items to a local organization in need or try to sell computers and laptops at a nearby computer repair and recycling shop.
Keep all maintenance needs up-to-date for HVAC systems, whether changing out filters regularly and performing annual upkeep.

Ask: How sustainable is our company’s current business model?

It is fact that sustainability never looks the same for every business. It is impossible to have an equal, one-size-fits-all solution for both small and large businesses alike. The type of approach you take depends on the unique organizational culture, how current sustainable policies compare to your ideal green space, and the context of why the issue is needs addressed.

One shining example of a local business that embodies the belief of working and living sustainably is Whisk, an eco-friendly bakery and beverage shop found just 30-minutes southeast of Better Office Furniture. The company’s business model focuses on the use of:

replenishable natural resources;
local compost facilities for food waste, such as St. Louis Composting;
packaging products in 90 percent post-consumer recycled content that is both recyclable and compostable;
working with local farmers or partnering with other small businesses to always use in-season ingredients; and
ensuring all company wholesalers only commit to sustainable practices and eco-friendly ingredients with no GMOs and other additives.

While we know that it takes substantial time and dedication to make such impactful changes, it usually does not have to involve a major capital investment for the company. Small and medium business enterprises have been able to quickly adapt and keep up with this green trend with the wide-range of free energy advice that is now available across the interweb for different industry sectors. Some states also give grant aid or utility refunds for businesses looking to add big ticket energy-saving items, like wind turbines and solar panels.

Ask: How green are our everyday office practices?

It is easy to get stuck in unhealthy habits, especially when it comes to everyday sustainability practices. While it may be more of a challenge to encourage employees to carpool, use public transportation, or bike to work there are slight changes around the office that can make a significant difference too. Here are some ideas to get your started:

Start an office recycling program in the office break room to readily collect bottles, aluminum products, and cardboard for recycling. And do not forget a designated area for alkaline batteries to properly dispose of or consider switching to rechargeable batteries that are worth every penny.
Switch to more technology friendly options to reduce the office’s need for paper waste. End the use of check stub paper by enrolling your company into a favorable direct deposit possibility. Reduce needless paper waste and drop the need for countless filing storage cabinets by investing in a scanner to save your company’s history on company computers, the cloud, and an external hard-drive device. Invest in a thermal printer, take part in an ink recycling program offered by a local business (such as Cartridge World, Staples, or Office Depot), or simply save electronic signatures to reduce the clutter of receipts and agreements.
Think before you buy! It is always tempting to choose items pre-packaged for single-sized use, but buying items in bulk has the advantages of being more environmentally friendly (less waste to dispose of) and saving the company money in the long-run. Utilize stay-fresh containers and dispensers that are durable and easy to clean, so they will not cause any added hassle throughout the work week.

Want to learn more about how Better Office Furniture can help your business be greener and more productive? Looking to find quality furniture that will withstand years of use and is affordable? Ask about our refurbished cubicles and other used office furniture today!

10 Ways to Create a Blissful and Productive Office Space

May 22, 2018 By Better Office Furniture

According to a recent article by The Balance, the average American worker between the ages of 25 and 54 years old works at least 42.8 hours per week. While this changes among other age ranges, gender, marital status, race, and level of education, most researchers conclude that American workers are the most overworked among developed nations. Therefore, we struggle with finding a work-life balance.

While Better Office Furniture of St. Louis, Missouri can’t help you find that needed balance overnight, we can give you some inspiration for making your office space work more for you. Countless successful business gurus, researchers, writers, and other pencil-pushers have proven that having an office space that is designed simplistically, kept well-organized, and remains uniquely personal to you can help to improve your productivity, mood, and overall health.

Here are our top 10 ways to create an office space that will help you be more productive, happier, and begin your journey on finding that needed work-life balance.

1-Think about the overall workspace for the ideal feng shui.

The layout of an office space can make a world of difference when it comes to your ability to focus, be productive, and be flexible throughout the day. Utilizing the art of feng shui can help bring a vibrant and positive energy to any space; which can also lead to more successful and efficient work hours within any business.

If you work in a cubicle type office setting, it is important that you use the space given to you to the highest advantage, even if you can’t move your desk or objects in the most effective positions according to feng shui philosophy. Likewise, while the principles of feng shui are far more flexible in an open or private office setting, it is still important that they are used in a way that helps you maintain a comfortable and organized work lifestyle.

2-Choose ergonomic office furniture to improve well-being and productivity.

It is difficult to feel like you are almost at home if you are uncomfortable and stressed. The use of ergonomic office chairs, desks, and technology has been shown to: reduce muscle tension, improve posture, allow all day comfort, reduce neck and shoulder stiffness, decrease back pain by supporting the natural curve of your spine, reduce extra pressure on your hips, and ensure the accommodation of different work activities. In other words, less daily pain means more work productivity, fewer medical problems, and a heightened mood.

Want to learn more? Check out our previous articles on ergonomic chairs and adjustable height workstations.

3-Include a personal touch, but don’t let it run wild.

While you want to make your office space feel like it is yours, don’t forget to create a balance between personal memorabilia and what is appropriate for your company’s culture. According to Dr. Lois Frankel, author of Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office, “If you work at Martha Stewart, your office is going to look more like your living room than if you work at BP,” so see how the most powerful woman in the company arranges her office to understand were that balance is for the business you are in. No matter what, be sure that all photos, artwork, souvenirs, collectables, and other family memorabilia is kept to a minimum and is there for a purpose. That means, each piece should bring a touch of happiness, pleasant memories, and motivation to work hard so you can return home at an ideal time.

4-Include a touch of nature to help you feel at ease.

No one likes to be cooped up inside all day doing the 8 to 5 work-grind, especially when it is a beautiful day outside. If you aren’t one of the lucky few that has the option to work outside your office space, adding a bit of nature to your desk or whole office can be a great alternative.

Adding some living plants and flowers has been shown to increase workplace productivity and creativity, reduce stress, and improve overall life satisfaction. Don’t have a green thumb? Choose plants that need little to no care – like spider plants, philodendron, Boston ferns, bromeliad, sweetheart hoya, aloe, and other succulents or low maintenance plants – or even have some simple photos of plants on the walls.

5-Utilize different types of lighting to your advantage.

Proper lighting is ideal when working for any length of time in your workspace, including at the computer. In general stay away from harsh fluorescent or bright white lights; instead opt for natural light if you have windows, blue lights that simulate the sun, and salt lamps that promote clean and positive energy. Even a low-watt fluorescent desk lamp can help you be less prone to stress and increase your mood, energy, and productivity

6-Maintain an organizational routine that works for you.

In any office setting, organization is key to ensuring optimal productivity, reliability, and a low-stress environment. While you could Google ‘how to stay organized in the workplace,’ you are more likely to be productive in the long-run if you find what organizational routine works best for you.

For some this could mean answering all emails and returning phone calls first thing when you enter the office, only scheduling meetings during a certain time frame, labeling file folders by color or alphabetically, utilizing the “touch it once” system for paperwork, or having a specific computer layout on your computer. Whatever works best for your work day routine and office setting, be consistent and stick to it daily whenever possible for optimal results.

Also see our article on why organization is important for professionalism and productivity!

7-Keep your space clean and clutter-free to prepare for the next workday.

If you walk into the office in the morning and the space is filled with clutter from the previous day, you will either be spending your initial time cleaning or distracted and interrupted by the things in your way. To ensure you begin each day with a clear mind and with the utmost productivity, make it a habit to clean up your work space – including dishes, trash, and conference rooms – at the end of each work day. You will notice a tremendous difference immediately.

Also read “Building Office Morale by Improving Workspace.”

8-Customize and minimize the technology you use.

technology in the workspace

While technology has become a major and usually essential aspect of our daily lives, particularly at work, that doesn’t mean that it should make your job more difficult. This can include only having necessary computer items on your computer desk, while keeping your mouse and keyboard in a keyboard tray and the computer underneath the desk. Also try turning off your phone while at work or silencing certain incoming messages and calls to prevent distraction. You can also utilize certain apps, like StayFocused or FocusMe, that prevent the use of specified websites during certain time frames.

The main idea: each piece of technology should have a specific purpose during your workday and a specific space for it to sit.

9-Leave space for inspiration and humor.

Much like any objects that remind you of friends or family, it is important to leave room for inspirational and humorous pieces that can help you get through the day. The key, once again, is moderation. This could mean keeping a photo frame with an inspiration message, a wall calendar or desktop photo that gives you a daily glimpse of humor, or a dream board that reminds you what you are working towards.

10-Remember to care for yourself throughout the workday.

A productive and harmonious office space is of no use if you don’t care for your mind and body throughout the day. So be sure to do little things throughout the day that keep your energy levels balanced and your mind focused; such as keeping high-protein snacks and fruit in the office, drinking lots of water to stay hydrated, staying concentrated with tea or coffee (if you choose), listening to music, and taking at least a 10 minute walk during a break or after lunch. Just be sure to listen to your body and recognize when you need some self-love.

While these ideas are just the beginning to helping you create a more balanced, productive, and enjoyable work-life, they are sure to change the way you feel about the daily grind. Do you have other ideas of how to create a happier and more effective office space? Share your thoughts on the Better Office Furniture Facebook or Twitter pages!