It is easy to describe in a few words the benefits of a successful office layout in a few words: ergonomics, space optimization, time-saving, working atmosphere, efficiency, creativity, motivation …
You can also use room planning software also known as Raumplanungssoftware in Germany. Whether it’s setting up a solo office for an independent contractor, or fitting out furniture for a larger business, with many workstations, it is always worth taking the time to do a few things. advice to optimize the implementation.
This is the reason for our white paper “corporate furniture” which you can download at the bottom of this article. Here are some highlights.
FURNISHING OFFICES: WHAT BUDGET?
The price criterion is undoubtedly the first element that comes to mind when planning the layout or transformation of professional workspaces.
In terms of budget, the best advice is – rather than aiming at any cost … the 1st prize – to ensure first and foremost that your choice of furniture is well fit into the period.
Explanation: for some essentials, it is probably more reasonable to avoid the 1st price, which you will probably have to replace more often. This is the case with seats, for example. You and your employees will spend more than 6 hours a day sitting, for more than 200 days a year. We advise you on this basic office equipment not to limit your choice to financial criteria. First, because a first-price product may not hold up over time (a great classic: the roulette that runs away, or the armrest that collapses). Replacing a seat 3 times in 5 years will quickly become less economical than choosing a quality seat guaranteed for 5 years.
And in addition to the budgetary criterion, the risk of back pain must be taken into account absolutely before the equipment. An armchair that does not allow personalized adjustments, the wheels of which work poorly, a backrest that does not follow the movements of the back… so many small details which over time will have an impact on your health and that of your employees. Direct risks on motivation, performance, and of course absenteeism. So savings at the time of purchase, but a huge budgetary burden over time.
Ergonomics, that little extra that makes life at work easier, over time.
The ergonomics, for furniture and office development, are all the features and technology options that will ensure that the furniture ( chairs, desks, cabinets, cupboards, computers …) fits humans and not the other way around.
For the seats, the concern for ergonomics will encourage us to adjust our choice to the weight and height of the employees and opt for a 5-star base, armrests, a tilting system, and lumbar support.
For the office, an ergonomic choice will be to favor a height-adjustable desk (not everyone has the same height, why should we all work at the same height?). We can also think of sit-stand desks that allow you to switch in a few seconds from a seated working position to a standing position. What’s the point? Well, standing work is particularly suited to certain trades (eg designers, architects) which use a large work surface. Another advantage of this type of office, the possibility of organizing mini-meetings standing (it goes faster and it is more efficient).
Finally, ergonomics are also hidden in terms of office equipment and accessories. The screen supports to enhance the work tool and avoid neck strain, footrests to relieve the back or avoid twisted positions …
