Tag: Designing Offices (page 2 of 5)

Advantages of working in the office

July 10, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Why workspaces are so important

Many of the employees who work in these workplaces need certain skills to be able to perform their tasks such as face to face communication between teams, ability to exchange views, write, work as a team or knowing how to function in an collaborative work environment with other professionals.

Unlike remote working, the office has been designed and conceived from the outset as a place to carry out a specific job. Another of its differentiating factors is the complete separation of the employee from home: working from home can lead to stress and a lack of disconnection from the workplace, as cohabiting in the same space where you “work” and “rest” makes people not able to separate and take a real break from their working day.

Benefits of working in the office

When working in an office, there are times when you need to shift your workspace around and take up tasks at different places. This is because each space has its own unique functionality that helps maximize productivity while minimising any distractions from external factors like people or noise pollution – it’s always best if we can work without interruption.

Working as a team. Being part of a company project with a team of people boosts your creativity, as well as developing our collaborative and social skills. In an office we can interact and work side by side with other colleagues, something that can help us move away from static work routines. In addition, productivity in the office is increased.

Conduct face to face meetings. For certain work or projects, it may be necessary to hold face to face meetings. For example, arranging a meeting with a very important client at our place of work can help us to sell a proposal, because the customer engages, feels part of a whole and is able to see in person how we perform naturally and safely in a professional environment.

Establishing new links and contacts. Being immersed in a daily work routine with a lot of people around us can benefit us in the future, as this will allow us to acquire new contacts that can help us in the long run to find new job opportunities or start new professional projects. Interacting with other professionals in the office can benefit us when building new business or if we want to initiate and create new personal projects.

Can It Ever Be Too Hot to Work in the UK?

June 10, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Can It Ever Be Too Hot to Work in the UK?

There is no legal minimum or maximum working temperature in the UK, but that doesn’t mean it is never too hot to work. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) say that working temperatures should provide ‘reasonable comfort’ to workers, and provide recommendations such as:

The temperature in a workplace should be at least 16 °C, or if the work involves rigorous effort, it should be at least 13 °C.

Other factors such as humidity, air flow and worker clothing and movement also play a part in determining if the temperature in a working environment is reasonably comfortable. As there is no recommended office temperature in UK law, it is up to each workplace to determine their own ideal temperature.

If you do find the heat is making you uncomfortable, this can impact on your working ability. You may find you cannot concentrate, your productivity will drop and you may suffer from heat stress.

What is Heat Stress?

When you are too hot, your body will try to cool off by sweating and radiating more energy. Unfortunately this can lead into heat stress if the temperature continues for an extended period of time without relief from water shortage or natural processes that help regulate temperatures in a human being’s environment.

Symptoms of heat stress can include having a red face, excessive sweating, a heat rash, muscle cramps, dehydration and fainting. If allowed to continue, heat stress can cause heat exhaustion, and this is a severe disorder that can lead to death in extreme cases.

Some working environments are more at risk of being too hot to work in than others. For example, those in well-ventilated offices are less likely than those working in a kitchen to feel the effects of a heatwave. However, we all have a responsibility to stay safe and healthy at work, no matter our working environment.

What Are Employer Responsibilities During Hot Weather?

All employers have a duty to protect the health and safety of employees. Whilst there is no legal requirement to provide air con in offices, employees will work better when they are comfortable. It is therefore in everyone’s interests to make the environment as reasonably comfortable as possible.

Employers should also take extra care to protect any vulnerable people in the office. Hot weather can make people feel tired and less energetic than usual, especially for young and elderly people, pregnant women, and people who may be on medication. Vulnerable people in your office may appreciate extra rest breaks or a desk fan to improve air circulation.

Tesco converting excess store space to flexible offices for hybrid workers

May 20, 2022 / / 0 Comments

The supermarket is taking advantage of the pandemic-driven shift to home working by partnering with office landlord and flexible workspace provider IWG to convert the 3,800 sq ft upper mezzanine of the Tesco Extra store in New Malden.

The space will contain 12 desks, 30 co-working spaces and a meeting room. It is to be opened to businesses and individuals who join the IWG platform – including shoppers wishing to catch up on some emails – from this month.

The tie-up is expected to see excess space in more Tesco stores converted to flexible offices.

IWG said its research demonstrated the ongoing popularity of hybrid working. It found 72% of workers would prefer the long-term ability to work flexibly over going back to the office five days a week with a 10% pay rise.

IWG claims to be “leading the workspace revolution”. Its recently launched ‘OpenDesks’ are designed for retail-based office space and use magnetic screens to create privacy.

IWG operates 300 flexible offices across the UK and is set to open sites this year in south London’s Twickenham, Sutton and the revamped Battersea Power Station. Each of its workspaces can be accessed by downloading its mobile app.

New locations in suburban areas will transform communities and are a response to the growing demand we are seeing from customers who want to live and work locally.

Office Gadgets

February 21, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Working from home or at the office is great, but it’s difficult without certain gadgets. A light for your workspace and charging points will make you more comfortable while working on these late nights! A chair that supports back are also essential so please don’t forget them when buying new furniture in order to get rid of chronic pain caused by improper posture all day long.

Here we have a list of cool office gadgets in 2022 that will make your office work more comfortable and effective:

Wireless Charging Mouse Pad

Now, this is a well-thought-out device- a wireless charging mouse pad. The designers have worked hard to create a product that meets all of the end-users needs. The charging area is increased because of the three coil method. The dual charging port has been included so that users can charge their devices in the most convenient locations. This device eliminates the frustrations associated with a shortage of workspace and comes in various appealing colours.

Charging Docks

One of the handiest tools you may have on your desk is an all-in-one charging station. Keeping all of our electronics charged is undoubtedly one of the most time-consuming activities we have. As a result, having a charging port that can simultaneously charge all of your precious devices is a godsend.

Monitor Lights

When it comes to creating the ideal workstation layout, we consider a few factors. An excellent monitor paired with a wireless mouse and keyboard, a charging dock to keep our expensive electronics charged, and perhaps an ergonomic chair is thrown in for good measure! But how frequently do we consider the importance of good lighting? Our working environments aren’t as well-illuminated as we may believe. We often take lighting solutions for granted when we really shouldn’t. Inadequate illumination puts a burden on our eyes and can be rather irritating to work in.

Corporate office design trends you need to know for 2022

February 5, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Focus on nature through your office space

Whether you have access to an outdoor space or not, every office can embrace biophilic design.

2022 is the time to stray away from rows of desks and artificial lighting. Look to incorporate natural materials like wood, water, and plants into your office space. This can be done by using materials like wood, bamboo, or stone, or including waterfalls, fish tanks, and plants. Even if your space struggles with natural lighting, there are many low maintenance plants that thrive in low light areas like cacti and snake plants.

It doesn’t stop there—increasing natural lighting and improving airflow and air quality are vital to executing biophilic design. Sometimes it’s not possible to put in a few extra windows, so increasing artificial lighting is equally as effective.

Merge the comfort of the home to the office

People have grown accustomed to working from the comfort of their own home, so comfort needs to be a top priority for your 2022 office.

Some on trend ways to bring the comfort if the home to the office include:

  • Plush carpeting

  • Comfortable seating

  • Warm lighting

  • Curtains

  • Indoor plants

  • Outdoor seating (if applicable)

Sustainability will be a priority

Maintaining a healthy planet is just as important as designing a beautiful workplace, which is why we work with eco-conscious manufacturers that use products from sustainable materials and are carbon neutral.

Aside from sustainable materials, an eco-friendly office should focus on energy efficiency. LED lighting and increased access to natural lighting are not only energy efficient, but also increase productivity for employees.

Neutrals aren’t going away anytime soon

Neutrals are tried and true, which is why they continue to be an office design trend for 2022. Off-whites, tans, and beiges instantly make an office feel more comfortable and home-like, which is vital for a successful office space.

When deciding on paint, desks, and other furniture, focus on neutral colors and natural wood tones. For a pop of color, take a look at your company’s brand palette to choose the perfect accent.

Flexible working space

Employees want options when it comes to their work space—they don’t want to feel like they are locked in one room all day. Implement unassigned work stations, cafe areas, casual areas with couches, formal conference rooms, or other gathering spaces for employees to work.

The goal of a flexible workspace is options. One employee may perform better at a dedicated desk while someone else may thrive in a coffee house style setting. Flexible work spaces produce more dedicated, efficient, and productive employees.

Ways to make your office more productive

January 25, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Do you feel like your office could be more productive? You’re not alone. Many business owners feel like they could get more done if their office was set up a bit better. Luckily, there are some simple changes you can make to your office that will help increase productivity. In this blog post, we’ll outline eleven ways to make your office more productive. Keep reading to learn more!

  • Use a standing desk to promote better posture
  • Add plants to your office for increased oxygen levels and improved mood
  • Set up an ergonomic workspace with the right lighting, furniture, and tools
  • Create a designated space for breaks so you’re not tempted to take them on your computer or phone
  • Take frequent walks outside of the office during your break time
  • Limit screen time by setting aside specific hours where you can only work on your computer or phone

For most people, the workplace is a place where they are expected to be their best. That means being productive and efficient while getting work done in an environment that promotes creativity. So what can you do to make your office more productive? Here are a few ways to help get started with making changes today! Have you tried any of these productivity tips yet? If not, contact us for more information on how we can help turn your company into one of the most profitable in town by helping it operate at peak efficiency. We would love to hear about which ones have helped you feel like things were easier or made life flow better so far.

The 5 things that every business owner should consider when starting a new office space

January 19, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Are you thinking of starting a new office for your business? If so, there are a few things you should consider before making the big move. In this blog post, we will outline five things that every business owner should think about before starting a new office. Keep reading to learn more!

  • Location, location, location
  • What type of business are you starting?
  • How much money do you have to start your business off with?
  • Do you have the time and resources to start a business on your own, or do you need help from others?
  • What are your long-term goals for your business and how will it achieve them

Starting a new office can be an exciting and daunting time; we’ve laid out five things you should consider before opening your doors. Whether it’s finding the right building or setting up the perfect furnishings, every business owner has to make many decisions when starting a new venture. We know that this is not easy! If you need help with any of these steps, contact our team today – we would love to partner with you as well as provide one-on-one assistance throughout the process.

Why Office Carpets are a great choice

December 14, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Office carpets are on top of the list for many businesses when choosing what kind of flooring the office should have. With brilliant design selections, great acoustic qualities and an abundance of other advantages that check all the right boxes, carpets for offices are always a solid choice for commercial flooring.

Why Office Carpeting Is a Great Choice for Office Spaces

Allowing you more freedom and flexibility in creativity and design than any other flooring material, office carpeting is the perfect pick for any office design project. With new high-velocity dye-technologies, custom carpet manufacturers provide you with the tools to create virtually anything on high-quality material at an appropriate price.

Flooring is such an important part of any design project, encompassing a massive percentage of an office space. Great office carpets enable you to use this space to your advantage by creating a design that defines the brand you are working for, and a carpet for office use is the most practical flooring choice for an everyday work environment due to its ability to absorb and improve sound in an open office layout.

How to Choose the Best Office Carpets

Designing an office space can be a long process, part of which includes picking the perfect carpeting for the office. Choosing the right carpet for your next office-project requires you to assess the workspace and consider the multiple factors that can affect commercial carpet types. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when picking a carpet for office use.

How long does the office carpet need to last?

First things first. Figure out what the office carpet’s life expectancy should be. A basic rule of thumb: the longer the lease, the higher quality of carpet required.

How will the different spaces in the office be used?

Next, determine how much each office area will be used in terms of foot traffic and furniture movement. Private offices and conference rooms may require lower levels of carpet resilience due to moderate use, while corridors and common areas typically receive heavy use. These are important things to consider when choosing the best office carpet for your office.

How well can a commercial office carpet handle stains such as coffee spills?

It’s essential to select different carpeting for different areas, such as cafeterias and corridors, which foster heavy foot traffic and coffee drinkers. When someone inevitably spills their cup of coffee or carries in dirt on their shoes, it’s best to have colour choices that fall in the medium range, which are able to mute out the daily build-up of soil and stains on the office carpets.

What will this carpet look like in an actual office space?

Lighting can impact your office carpets in more ways than one, changing the look and feel of your design completely. Taking office carpet samples on-site allows you to view the carpet under the office lighting, as well as bring your vision to life in the space it will operate. Your client is putting faith in you to design something spectacular, so why not give them a taste of your creative talent by bringing some office carpet samples to show in person.

The best choice of office chairs in 2021

November 16, 2021 / / 0 Comments

In a hybrid work environment, you’ll need one of the best office chairs not just at your company’s office, but in your home, too. After all, you’re likely going to spend as much time in front of a computer at your house as you are in an office building.

No two people are alike, so a chair should be able to conform to your body. And, it should be supportive of your lower back, shoulders, arms, and wrists, so you don’t suffer repetitive stress injuries.

What is the best office chair?

When it comes to the best office chairs, you can’t do better than the classic Herman Miller Aeron. Although this chair has been around for many years, the company has not been resting on its laurels; it has constantly redesigned the Aeron to keep up with developments, and this chair is a marvel of material engineering.

At more than £1000 for most of their chairs it’s a BIG investment, but it is by fair the most configurable and adaptable chair out there.

What is the best office chair for sitting long hours?

When you’re sitting down for long periods of time, you need to pay close attention to your posture, and the level of support you’re getting from your chair. Sitting still puts a lot of pressure on your spine, which can lead to more serious back problems if you don’t invest in a more supportive option. This is where an ergonomic office chair comes into play. Specifically designed for your comfort and health, these chairs will be far better than a wooden or metal kitchen chair when sitting for long hours. Most office chairs list the maximum recommended hours that they should be used on a daily basis, so make sure to check this matches your working hours before purchasing.

What does ‘ergonomic’ chair mean?

Ergonomic means something is designed for efficiency or comfort in the working environment, which we are, of course, absolutely here for. When it comes to chairs, this normally means that there will be some level of additional back or lumbar support, as well as the ability to adjust the seat height and angle to suit your body type, size and preferences. Ideally, this should mean you are sitting comfortably with your lower legs perpendicular to the floor.

The pandemic has altered the traditional office setup

October 26, 2021 / / 0 Comments

From businesses to individuals, we have all been affected one way or another by the Coronavirus pandemic. While we know that many businesses have had an extremely difficult time, some businesses have managed to turn their fortunes around. In fact, many businesses are enjoying some very positive changes that have come out of the situation.

Office Culture To Supportive Culture

For decades, we have been engrained to believe that 9 to 5, office-centric work was the best thing for business. As employees have been forced to work from home, and companies have had to embrace this change, we’re experiencing a change in productivity and employee freedom.

This shift in working life has encouraged businesses to take only the best parts of office culture, and free employees from inefficient processes and bad habits. Leaders are switching their focus from office culture to a more supportive culture, with a new focus on how to improve the lives of employees while still getting the best from them.

Virtual-First Companies

Many companies are taking steps towards hybrid working environments, where teams can work both remotely and in the office.

This shift in the way we work has seen a rise in companies becoming ‘virtual first’. This means that workplaces are being distributed across offices and homes, and employees have the freedom to choose how they work.

For companies to successfully work in this innovative way, they must be virtual-ready. Leaders must know how to effectively manage, train and evaluate virtually, and technology must be in place to enable virtual working.

Overlapping Personal And Professional Lives

For years we have been keeping our professional lives and personal lives at a distance, with little overlap between the two. With the rise of Zoom meetings and remote working, it has given us an insight into team member’s private spaces.

Every video call and virtual meeting makes the personal lives of colleagues, managers and clients visible. We are now used to seeing employees’ children and pets on-screen, interrupting meetings and phone calls on a regular basis.

While this might seem like a distraction to the working day, in actual fact, these little glimpses into our personal lives can improve workplace relationships. When working from home, it is almost impossible to keep up an entirely professional persona, giving colleagues an insight into the real, personal life of team members.

These personal interactions are not unprofessional. Instead, they allow teams to connect and get to know each other in a new way. Overlapping personal and professional lives can help teams to work better together and understand one another’s everyday challenges.

Older posts Newer posts

© 2024 Millennium Storage and Interiors Blog | Millennium Storage and Interiors

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑