Buying furniture of any kind should include some careful consideration. However, it’s even more critical when purchasing office furniture that you take the time to assess the furniture’s functionality for your business space. This furniture isn’t just a way to decorate your office—it’s an essential part of your daily operations, and it must meet your business needs. Like business printers in Anchorage, AK, your office furniture could be considered business equipment and should be purchased with the same care and consideration. Keep reading to learn a few things you should keep in mind when choosing what office furniture to buy.
Keep Your Space Constraints in Mind
Naturally, you want to make sure any office furniture you buy is actually going to fit in your office. So, take the time to measure your office carefully and the area where the new furniture will be going. If you plan to rearrange furniture, do this before purchasing any new items. This will help to ensure that you don’t end up with a major space issue when the new furniture comes and you finally move things around. Additionally, be sure to consider how doors, drawers, and cabinets will open. Leave enough space around these objects for them to move freely, and keep that space in mind during your measuring and purchasing process.
Think of How You’ll Use This Furniture
Functionality tends to be more of a priority than style for office furniture. Carefully consider the exact function that you need this furniture to perform, then allow that function to guide your search for the right office furniture. For example, maybe you want employees to collaborate and share a workspace. In that case, cubicles or small, separate desks wouldn’t work for your needs. On the other hand, they’re the perfect solution if you need employees to have individual workspaces to focus and get work done with minimal interruptions or distractions. Every type of furniture has a role to play in an office; make sure you’re getting the right furniture to fulfill that role.
Don’t Ignore Comfort
Of course, functionality is not the only important factor in the office furniture you choose. Your employees must be comfortable at work. A satisfied employee can focus and stay productive for much longer than one who is constantly adjusting in an uncomfortable seat or having to stand up and stretch their legs because their desk is too small and cramped. You should be searching for furniture that is comfortable for your employees, not only so that they can remain focused and productive, but so that they’re happier and feel better when they’re at work. (Spoiler alert: Happier employees are also more productive employees, so this is a win-win situation for everyone.)
Consider Employee Spacing
Shared workspaces are not uncommon in today’s workforce, and they can be helpful in some cases. As we mentioned above, you may want to encourage shared spaces in some instances so that employees can better collaborate in their work. However, it’s unusual for employees to collaborate constantly throughout their workdays, and more often than not, they need their own space to get work done at least some of the time.
When choosing furniture, you should keep this in mind and ensure that you purchase items that allow employees to have sufficient space to work. The correct amount of space for each employee may vary depending on the exact tasks that they have to do. For example, some employees may need more desk space to work with physical documents or construct prototypes. In contrast, others may need smaller desk spaces if they’re working on a computer. Either way, you should ensure that you are not overcrowding your office and creating a cramped, uncomfortable environment for your employees.
Think about Your Company Culture
While functionality reigns supreme for office furniture, that doesn’t mean style is obsolete. Every company has a particular culture and brand image that is important to maintain in your marketing materials and your office's style. For example, if you’re a law firm striving to give an impression of pure professionalism, you probably don’t want beanbag chairs in the reception area. Instead, solid and sturdy furniture in neutral tones would better fit your brand image. On the other hand, if you’re a more laidback marketing company that wants your brand image to speak of creativity and free-thinking, more modern furniture with unusual lines and bright colors could give the vibe you’re looking for.
If you keep your brand image in mind when shopping for office furniture, you can create a more cohesive look within your office that stays on brand. No matter what image you’re going for, that put-together feeling is essential to presenting yourself as a company that knows what you’re doing, rather than a business that’s willing to throw anything together.
Consider Traffic Flow
Finally, make sure you’re thinking about the flow of traffic through your office as you select your furniture and arrange it within your space. You want to make sure that you have clear, easy-to-follow paths through your office and not winding, narrow walkways that result in traffic jams. Think about the places that are most likely to result in congestion of foot traffic (such as around the office printer) and ensure to give those areas extra space.
Whether you’re buying desks and chairs or a business printer for a business in Anchroage, AK, Arctic Office Products can help you find the furniture and equipment your company needs. You can view some of the products we carry on our website or contact us to learn more about how we can help outfit your office with the right furniture. You can also stop by our store to see our office furniture in person.