Continue reading "Design Tips to Improve Teamwork with Collaborative Furniture"
The post Design Tips to Improve Teamwork with Collaborative Furniture appeared first on BT Office.
]]>Flexible seating in offices refers to a workspace arrangement where employees have the freedom to choose where they work, as opposed to being assigned to fixed desks or cubicles. This approach is increasingly popular in modern workplaces. After all, flexibility encourages spontaneous collaboration and allows teams to adapt the space to their specific needs.
To achieve flexible, collaborative office seating, aim to incorporate modular or movable furniture. This can be easily rearranged to accommodate different group sizes and activities. Flexible seating will also typically include a variety of workspaces, so you can mix and match with any of the following: open desks, lounge furniture, standing desks, and even outdoor furniture for outdoor areas. Having a variety of options allows employees to choose the setting that best suits their task or mood at any given time. Office booths are also a popular choice, offering comfortable collaborative office seating that provides both privacy and a surprisingly large workspace.
Incorporating various technological solutions and systems into your collaborative workspace furniture is another great way to boost teamwork. For instance, this could include anything from accessible USB ports to wireless charging pads. This will enhance productivity, efficiency, and collaboration, and improve the overall user experience within the workspace.
Having plenty of accessible power outlets is essential so that employees can charge their laptops and mobile devices while they work. USB sockets are a smart alternative if the space doesn’t lend itself to power sockets. Outlets should be available near flexible seating areas as well as integrated into collaborative office tables and desks. Staff should never have to rearrange the furniture just to plug in their devices.
On this note, it goes without saying that Wi-Fi must be fast and reliable!
Incorporating natural elements and aesthetics into office design has become an increasingly popular choice. This coincides with the growing recognition these elements can have on employee wellbeing, productivity, and overall satisfaction. The same rule can be applied across to your collaborative office furniture as well as the rest of the workplace.
Informal spaces are an opportunity to bring interesting and fun design elements into play. Incorporate natural elements such as plants, natural light, and biophilic design elements for a more inviting and stimulating environment. Remember, a collaborative office space should inspire creativity and strike a careful balance between aesthetics and comfort. Natural elements have been shown to improve mood, creativity, and overall wellbeing, enhancing the effectiveness of teamwork.
Collaboration zones in offices are designated areas specifically designed to encourage teamwork, brainstorming, and spontaneous interactions. These areas should have comfortable seating, writable surfaces, and suitable technology tools to support teamwork in whatever form it takes. These zones should also be easily accessible and visually distinct to encourage their use.
These zones typically feature an open layout to facilitate easy movement and interaction among team members. This can include open, collaborative office seating arrangements, movable furniture, and flexible configurations that can be adapted to different group sizes and activities.
Equipment that supports teamwork should be readily available. This can include: smart screens for sharing digital content, whiteboards, and writable surfaces such as chalkboards or writable glass. These surfaces encourage idea generation, visual thinking, and active participation during brainstorming sessions and meetings – the perfect addition for any collaborative workspace furniture.
Choosing comfortable and ergonomic collaborative office furniture is essential for employee wellbeing and productivity. Invest in ergonomic chairs and adjustable desks that provide proper support for the body, allowing employees to maintain good posture throughout the day. Likewise, you should choose upholstered seating options with adjustable height and lumbar support.
Also consider that collaborative office furniture needs to be inclusive and accessible. Consider factors such as seat height, armrests, and aisle widths to accommodate diverse needs and promote inclusivity
Try to provide a variety of different collaborative spaces throughout the office. These could include lounge areas for informal meetings, standing desks for quick discussions, and private alcoves or booths for more focused work or confidential conversations. Make sure there are enough spaces so that one will always be free when needed without employees having to book the space well in advance. Providing sufficient meeting areas will prevent teams being interrupted by other colleagues looking for a workspace or distracted by what’s going on in the rest of the office.
At BT Office, we provide a wide range of high-quality furniture, including collaborative office furniture options. Get in touch today and speak to us about your requirements. You can reach us by emailing sales@btoffice.co.uk or by calling 0800 298 7033.
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]]>Continue reading "5 Storages Ideas For Making The Most Of Your Office Space"
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]]>Modular room dividers are a great office storage system that require minimal space in the overall floorplan. Originally created to divide spaces whilst still maintaining an open plan feel, they also double up as effective shelving units. The modular grid elements are created from steel frames but enhanced with lovely wooden elements, ensuring an aesthetic appeal no matter your office’s design.
These office storage solutions come in a choice of shelving, boxes, planters, lockers, and cupboards. Also available with a range of accessories for customisation, they can easily be configured in a number of creative ways that without compromising functionality.
Especially suited for smaller workplaces, the strategic use of vertical storage systems can be a real game-changer. As a solid, space-dividing solution, our office storage walls are highly adaptable. Their modular system can be easily reconfigured to suit the confines of any space. They’re adaptable, relocatable, and interchangeable. Plus, they can be used for a range of purposes: as personal storage, a standard shelving module, or as a locker.
All our office storage walls are available from BT Office in a variety of finishes to suit the design of all interiors.
Meeting points, or high island tables, can serve as an ideal combination of both storage unit and large meeting top. This versatility makes them the ideal office storage solution for open plan workspaces where the occasional meeting space is required.
Storage below the island table can be configured to suit different surface tops, and they can be made to order in any size or shape required. By adding a common top to the office storage system, they can also double up as standing or stool-height meeting areas. These islands can also be used to provide storage within breakout spaces.
To achieve the optimum storage solution in your own office, the storage units beneath would ideally be sliding tambour doors. If you aim for 1m high with a 25mm top, this would be the perfect height for use with high stools.
If you have a small office, cleverly utilising your under-desk space for storage can be a way to maximise space. Under-desk storage drawers, when thoughtfully incorporated into your office, can result in a more organised, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment. This in turn is going to positively influence your productivity. Mobile desk pedestals, for example, can be placed under your desk, providing extra storage for files and office essentials.
Tambour units are another ideal office storage solution thanks to their large capacity for storing files, boxes, and stationery. A tambour cupboard can come in a range of different sizes and shapes, but what truly makes it a tambour is the ‘tambour door’. This door consists of strips that can be either metal or plastic, and that are fixed together to allow the doors to flex. This means they can easily slide round the back of the cupboard when opened.
There are two main types of tambour office storage system: side openings and up-style openings. The side opening doors are the most common, which is where the door retracts sideways around the cupboard. Up-style tambour units, on the other hand, will open and close vertically as opposed to horizontally.
Tambour units can be great space savers. They can also be locked for extra security, so they’re the perfect office storage solution if you need to regularly store sensitive information or personal items. Check our full range of office tambours from BT Office online.
At BT Office, we provide a wide range of high-quality office storage systems. From regular cupboards and storage units to mobile and static desk pedestals, we have solutions for any space. All our office storage options are available in a variety of finishes including MFC and veneers, so you can ensure they follow the current style of your workplace. Our range can complement any office and provide your business with the storage it needs to maintain a smooth-running and organised atmosphere.
Are you looking to enhance the storage options available in your own office space? Get in touch today and speak to us about your office storage system requirements. You can reach us at sales@btoffice.co.uk or by calling 0800 298 7033.
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]]>Continue reading "Are Sofas Now Essential for Modern Offices?"
The post Are Sofas Now Essential for Modern Offices? appeared first on BT Office.
]]>Cozy soft seating areas make it much easier for colleagues to bounce ideas off each other while engaging in meaningful conversations. Office sofas, with their inviting comfort and versatility, play a significant role in transforming traditional office settings into truly creative hubs. High-back sofas are particularly effective for this, providing acoustic privacy that prevents sound from distracting the rest of the workplace.
Reception sofas are often used in waiting areas and breakout rooms to provide a comfortable, welcoming space for both visitors and employees. The design and placement of these sofas specifically can greatly impact the overall atmosphere and vibe of a workplace. Indeed, when implemented effectively, soft seating in the office can actually help reduce staff stress and promote wellbeing.
During break time, high-quality office sofas allow employees to relax and refresh. Trendy high-back sofas create an especially inviting environment, helping employees to feel more at home. Soft seating also adds a more casual atmosphere, making the company more attractive for future employees
Depending on the look you’d like to achieve, there are a great variety of office sofas and soft seating choices available. At BT Office, our fantastic range of sofas for businesses includes:
Whatever your need, our large collection of office soft seating has you covered. We stock a range of styles, colours, and materials, all of which have been designed with comfort in mind: the ideal choice for any modern office space.
Are you interested in incorporating office sofas or office soft seating into your own workplace? Browse our full range online or get in touch today to receive expert advice! With our professional office space planning services, you can ensure the perfect fit for your office. Reach us at sales@btoffice.co.uk or by calling 0800 298 7033.
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]]>Continue reading "10 Mistakes To Avoid With Your Office Space Planning"
The post 10 Mistakes To Avoid With Your Office Space Planning appeared first on BT Office.
]]>Often overlooked in office space planning is the need to reflect differences in cognitive functioning. This refers to helping individuals concentrate, manage distractions, process information, and communicate effectively.
A completely open-plan office space with no dedicated quiet zones can be a big mistake. For some, being surrounded by noise and other people is essential for doing their best work. Others, however, will much prefer a quieter environment. Striking the right balance is therefore key. Ideally, you need a blend of shared, open spaces that facilitate collaboration, and smaller, enclosed settings that support focused work.
There are a range of functional options that enable people to choose their desired level of noise and privacy. Before completing your office furniture fitout, consider these options:
Having a range of such spaces allows people to manage their own needs and choose the surroundings in which they work best.
Studying ergonomics can offer useful insights into achieving an optimum office layout design.
For desk furniture, ergonomics takes into account the body’s position, the distance from the computer screen, and whether users will sit or stand. This creates environments where employees can adequately focus. As such, using preventive ergonomic measures can be particularly cost-effective for businesses.
Always choose office furniture that employees can adjust to their height and preferred work style. Height adjustable desks have a quiet motor that converts the desk from a sitting to a standing workstation whenever needed. Just standing for 3 hours a day, instead of sitting, has been linked with a reduced risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
Tables with adjustable tabletops – as well as armchairs with adjustable seats, backrests, and armrests – are another must in office space planning. In fact, we would recommend going a step further. Enable employees to work in various places and different positions, both sitting and standing, for the best results.
We’ve previously talked how a good use of acoustics can boost office productivity. Acoustic office pods and booths, for example, serve multiple purposes. They’re not only comfortable spaces for individual work, but can also serve as places for creative brainstorming. While planning your office space design, it’s important to incorporate areas where people can collaborate without disturbing others.
These days, office acoustic furniture has excellent soundproofing properties. Incorporating it into your office furniture fitout allows staff to focus on the task at hand while also improving acoustics. Whatever your degree of distraction, maintaining some amount of soundproofing is always beneficial.
Lighting plays a crucial role in workplace mental health. Poor lighting in particular can contribute to feelings of fatigue, decreased energy levels, and difficulty concentrating. This can negatively impact productivity as well as overall staff wellbeing.
When completing your own office space planning, bear in mind that lighting needs to be bright enough to support energy levels, mood regulation and sleep quality. At work, this translates into better performance, concentration, and alertness. It also means fewer errors and instances of absenteeism.
Inadequate or improper lighting can also strain the eyes and cause discomfort. To prevent poor lighting, use appropriate light fixtures and bulbs. You should also conduct regular maintenance to replace faulty or flickering lights. Plus, consider incorporating natural light sources and task-specific lighting solutions for optimal visibility and comfort.
Lighting plays a crucial role in workplace mental health. Poor lighting in particular can contribute to feelings of fatigue, decreased energy levels, and difficulty concentrating. This can negatively impact productivity as well as overall staff wellbeing.
When completing your own office space planning, bear in mind that lighting needs to be bright enough to support energy levels, mood regulation and sleep quality. At work, this translates into better performance, concentration, and alertness. It also means fewer errors and instances of absenteeism.
Inadequate or improper lighting can also strain the eyes and cause discomfort. To prevent poor lighting, use appropriate light fixtures and bulbs. You should also conduct regular maintenance to replace faulty or flickering lights. Plus, consider incorporating natural light sources and task-specific lighting solutions for optimal visibility and comfort.
Over time, a lack of effective storage can really hinder an office’s efficiency. With that in mind, you should always invest in office storage and cabinet solutions. It’s easier to work and be successful when you have a designated place for your possessions. This also reduces the need to spend time cleaning up and decluttering.
We often see office furniture fitouts that are designed only for the present. If your business has any ambition, however, you should ensure your design is flexible enough to accommodate future expansion. Consider where the business will be in 3-5 years’ time. What resources will you need? Where should your office be? How many staff would you expect to have and what size workplace will they need? Forecast for the future and accommodate that into the planning stage for an easy, low-cost expansion.
Research studies have shown that spending too much time in artificially lit and poorly ventilated environments has a negative impact on your health. Therefore it is important include biophilic design elements, such plants, natural lighting, space and natural scenic images. Adding these can boost employee productivity and wellbeing.
Don’t forget, your employees are the ones who will be spending the most time in your workspace. So, it makes sense that they should have a say in the fitout design. The reason you’re embarking on this journey is to improve their productivity and wellbeing. To do that, you’ll need to know what motivates them!
Ask employees what they think should be included in the office space planning. Involvement will help get them on board with the process and potentially avoid resistance further down the line.
Don’t forget, your employees are the ones who will be spending the most time in your workspace. So, it makes sense that they should have a say in the fitout design. The reason you’re embarking on this journey is to improve their productivity and wellbeing. To do that, you’ll need to know what motivates them!
Ask employees what they think should be included in the office space planning. Involvement will help get them on board with the process and potentially avoid resistance further down the line.
Are you planning a new office layout design? Choosing the right furniture is an essential stage in the process. From collaborative seating solutions to breakroom furniture and acoustic pods, we stock a vast range of high-quality products that are perfect for the modern office. Or why not come to us for assistance on settling on your layout?
At BT Office, we provide complete office furniture fitout, refurbishment, and installation services. We also have years of experience in the office space planning industry. To find out more about our services and expertise, reach us by sending an email to sales@btoffice.co.uk or simply calling us on 0800 298 7033.
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]]>Continue reading "Breakout Furniture Ideas To Re-Energise Your Workforce"
The post Breakout Furniture Ideas To Re-Energise Your Workforce appeared first on BT Office.
]]>The breakout room will often have a more casual look than the rest of your office. While it should provide some privacy and comfort, it’s likely that it will cover a range of different uses. For instance, it needs to be a place for employees to take some time to recharge, but they can also be used for informal meetings and brainstorming sessions. With that in mind, you really need to get your breakout furniture right. If you manage to do that, breakout rooms can impact positively on productivity, creativity, and happiness – all in one place!
The first thing you need when considering breakout furniture is comfortable soft seating. Comfortable office sofas, lounge chairs, high back sofas, and modular seating all offer great solutions.
For the best results, breakout areas are typically created with an array of soft seating that can then be enhanced with reconfigurable tables. This allows for an area where employees can switch off, clear their head, and become more creative in their thinking. Sofas and lounge chairs are great for chilling out and are available in bespoke sizes and colours from BT Office Furniture.
A large proportion of desk workers still sit in the same place for the majority of the working day. Breakout areas can offer a great incentive to get up and move around the office. This movement can go a long way in reducing the amount of time your staff spend sitting down, which is made even better by spaces that encourage standing, such as Standing Desks.
Sit Stand Desks are the perfect option for every workplace when it comes to inclusivity and ergonomic comfort. Including a wide variety of different designs, styles and colour options, our range of Standing Desks help boost productivity. They are also perfect for anyone who needs an adjustable office desk to add additional movement into their working day.
All our Standing Office Desks come with a variety of height adjustment mechanisms, including manual height adjustment, gas strut mechanisms, electric and electronic height adjustable desks.
Office Pods typically serve as private workspaces or meeting areas within open office environments. However, they can also serve as office breakout furniture. They feature a range of benefits such us privacy, noise reduction, and a focused work environment, but they also provide an escape for employees. Our collection of office pods can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours.
The best office breakout areas incorporate fun features such as table tennis tables and games. These can increase staff engagement and morale, as well as provide the perfect spot to hold informal meetings and gatherings.
It’s important to remember that offices can be stressful environments. So, including games amongst your office breakout area furniture can be an effective way to help staff unwind and destress between tasks. This can then lead to quick re-energising and higher productivity.
As well as improving employee wellbeing, office breakout furniture can really help promote creativity and innovation. And one way to improve this further is with plants and greenery.
Research has shown plants can have a huge impact on how fast and accurately people work. Once plants are introduced into a workplace, concentration increases with productivity increasing as much as 10-15% for those who work with computers. Just by having some attractive plants around the office, creative thinking can increase by as much as 15%.
In general, green spaces help promote feelings of relaxation and calmness. This can contribute to the overall office mood. We spend more time at work than we do with our loved ones, so it’s important to ensure that everyone enjoys their surroundings!
These days, breakout spaces are something modern workers will expect to find in their work environment. Not only are they an excellent solution for enhancing employee wellbeing and satisfaction, they are also a great way of attracting new talent and retaining staff. Here at BT Office, we have a design team ready to create amazing breakout areas for your specific needs. Get in touch with us today and chat about the breakout furniture you would like to have in your office!
BT Office Furniture has years of experience in office space planning and breakout office furniture. Get in touch today and speak to us about your breakout area requirements. You can reach us at sales@btoffice.co.uk or by calling 0800 298 7033.
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]]>Continue reading "3 Ways Acoustic Seating Can Boost Office Productivity"
The post 3 Ways Acoustic Seating Can Boost Office Productivity appeared first on BT Office.
]]>In any workplace, it’s important to create an environment in which everybody can work the way that suits them best. Offering quiet spaces, such as acoustic office pods, is often the simplest way to achieve this.
Bear in mind that the more open spaces there are in your office, the likelier is there will also be excessive noise levels. The reason for this is that open spaces are regularly used for collaborative work. But while this environment can be great for those working together, the impact on the rest of the office can be hugely detrimental. Acoustic seating pods are the perfect way to counteract this, effectively creating a secluded space for collaborative work that prevents sound from carrying.
These booths are constructed using sound-absorbing materials and specialised acoustic panels to dampen and block external sounds. While they provide secluded spaces for focused work, they also ensure employees can easily rejoin the open office environment for teamwork, discussions, and spontaneous interactions.
Inside an acoustic office booth, you may find additional features such as adjustable LED lighting, air conditioning, and automatic motion detectors to enhance user comfort and convenience. These pods can also include built-in charging stations, USB ports, and plug sockets for laptops and other electronic devices. These features make them ideal for deep work, offering places where you can immerse yourself in concentrated tasks. In turn, this can lead to to higher productivity and a better quality of work.
High backs sofas are another practical, stylish addition for offices that struggle with noise. Designed to absorb echoes and reverberations, they also relieve pressure on the spine, helping to promote better posture when sitting. Introducing high back sofas into the workplace can help solve different acoustic problems and provide staff with alternative work and informal meeting spaces.
One standout feature of high back sofas that’s worth mentioning is their ability to house power and data modules within the sofa arms. This can make them perfect furniture additions for workers who feel the need to work away from their desk.
At BT Office, we have a beautiful range of high back sofas available in a wide choice of different materials and sizes.
Another acoustic solution for noisy offices is to consider phone booths. These have surged in popularity in recent years due to their size, flexibility, and their sound absorption qualities.
Office phone booths are usually fully enclosed – with 3 walls, a door, ceiling, and in most cases a carpeted floor. This design provides a quite space for people to make phone or video calls, or to engage in focused work.
Acoustic office pods such as these also provide a high level of sound absorption thanks to the quality of materials used in the construction of their walls. For instance, most are made with upholstered acoustic panels and toughened glass. If you’re seeking a private space for phone calls or concentrated work, acoustic phone booths would be the perfect solution. And these days, there’s a wide variety of options to choose from!
Are you looking to boost productivity? Investing in acoustic seating can make a remarkable difference to your workplace. Whether it’s high back sofas or soundproof pods and booths, BT Office Furniture has a range of acoustic office furniture to suit any space and design.
Here at BT Office Furniture, we have years of experience in office space planning and office acoustic furniture. Get in touch today about your requirements! You can reach us by sending an email to sales@btoffice.co.uk or simply by calling us on 0800 298 7033.
The post 3 Ways Acoustic Seating Can Boost Office Productivity appeared first on BT Office.
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