| If you're kitting out a new office, or replacing | | | | chairs to be comfortable and suitable. Perhaps |
| worn out office furniture, then you might know | | | | you'll go with a modern style of office seating, or |
| exactly what your office and your staff need. If | | | | maybe you'll choose something traditional. Your |
| you're not sure what office furniture you need in | | | | operator chairs, for those using computers, will |
| your your workplace, here's what you should | | | | need to be adjustable, and supportive, so that |
| consider. | | | | staff are not subjected to any aches or back |
| 1. Having appropriate and good quality reception | | | | pains, and don't suffer from RSI |
| area furniture is important, as this will be the first | | | | 7. Although you might be a fully computerised |
| impression that visitors get of your company. Are | | | | office, you'll still need filing cabinets for the invoices |
| your sofas worn out? Do your chairs match? Is | | | | and letters you receive. You might also want to |
| there a table? How else could you make waiting | | | | make company documentation or policies easily |
| visitors more comfortable? | | | | available for those that need it. |
| 2. Although not technically office furniture, if you | | | | 8. Cupboards will be used to store everything that |
| have dining area then you'll want to make sure | | | | you don't need all the time, but still need to keep. |
| that there are enough suitable tables and chairs | | | | Perhaps you'll keep product samples, stationery, |
| for people to sit down and eat. Maybe your staff | | | | product literature or spare IT equipment in your |
| work shifts and don't all eat at once, or maybe | | | | cupboards. |
| your lunchtime is an important meal for your | | | | 9. Bookcases are essential if your staff need to |
| staff. | | | | refer to manuals or brochures as part of their |
| 3. Work stations will need to be the right height | | | | job. Perhaps they are support technicians, or |
| and size for your staff to work comfortably and | | | | travel agents or need refer to legal books or |
| effectively. As well as having computer monitors | | | | telephone directories. By having these well |
| at the right height, staff might also benefit from | | | | organised, and close to hand, you can ensure that |
| having footrests, or padded wrist rests for their | | | | your staff have all the resources they need to do |
| keyboards. | | | | their job. |
| 4. If you have desks for your staff, then you'll | | | | 10. Screens for dividing up the office into |
| want to make sure that they are suitable, and | | | | dedicated areas might be a good idea, if your |
| have plenty of drawers and storage, so that | | | | office doesn't have separate dedicate offices. |
| employees can have all they need close at hand. | | | | Why not divide up you office so that your sales |
| 5. Tables for formal meetings or team discussions | | | | team can be on the phone all day, and not disturb |
| will need to be big enough, and be made to last. If | | | | your accounts department who might need peace |
| you're hosting visitors, then you'll want your | | | | and quiet to concentrate. |
| meeting room furniture to give the right | | | | Now you know what sort of office furniture can |
| impressions. | | | | make your workplace environment more |
| 6. You'll need a variety of chairs as part of your | | | | productive, have you got everything you need? |
| office furniture. You'll need your meeting room | | | | |