Myths of The Open Office Concept

Employees working together in modern open office space, corporate group team employees using computers, talking, discuss project, colleagues in coworking, collaboration, teamwork

Since the 70s, the open office concept has gained lots of traction. In fact, in America, it’s estimated that 70% of all office spaces were open office concepts of some degree. Championed by businesses like Facebook and other Silicon Valley giants, the open office was supposed to be the creative, collaborative workspace of the future. The problem—open offices have done just the opposite. 

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the pitfalls of such a system, as well as discuss potential alternatives. 

Open Office Lack Of Creativity 

It’s rare when a concept does the exact opposite of what it was intended to do; unfortunately, that’s what we have with open offices. 

According to a 2018 Harvard Business Schol research paper, open offices reduced face to face interactions drastically, promoting emails and instant messages (IMs) more. Perhaps more importantly, workers were less productive, efficient, and quality fell to boot. 

Other studies have shown decreases in creativity, productivity, job satisfaction, and attention spans. In an era where everyone’s attention spans are decreasing, the last thing a business needs is even less attention from employees.

If that wasn’t enough, higher stress levels, blood pressure, and job turnover are also associated with open offices. Not quite the office revolution that people were hoping for. 

So…Now What?

So cubicles are drab, but open offices are bad in almost every way. What do we do? Well, as with most things in life, the best option may be somewhere in the middle. Some companies are utilizing open office design in small groups. Each group will have its own sequestered space but will be able to collaborate amongst themselves. This boosts productivity and collaboration without having the noise of the entire office distracting them. 

Getting the Most Out of Your Office With Indoff

If you want the most productive office space for you and your staff, you’ll need to get the best equipment for your staff. Here at Indoff, we ensure that our collection of office furniture and equipment is of quality design and functionality. Contact us today to find the best office furniture for your goals! 

 

Create An Affordable Office Space With Blended Projects

office furnitureProviding a comfortable and inviting office space can make all the difference for your employees. By providing the right surroundings you can increase productivity, team collaborations, and even satisfaction. However, a drab office can have exactly the opposite effects too. It is no wonder that many companies spend a great deal of time and money researching office space layouts and furniture. When it comes to creating the right workspace the budget can make or break the mood. At Indoff Commercial Interiors, Kim Gregory can help you design an amazing office floorplan and design using both new and pre-owned office furniture. A blended project will help you save money while still getting great quality furniture.

Choose the Right Pre-Owned Office Furniture

When it comes to buying pre-owned office furniture for your workspace it is important to choose the right items. Desks, hutches, bookcases, and credenzas are great items to look for pre-owned. They retain their value and generally don’t get too much wear and tear. Most offices employ janitorial services so you can rest easy knowing that they will most likely come very clean as well.

Buying pre-owned cubicles is a great way to save on your budget as well. Pre-owned cubicles typically cost much less than new and come in near new condition. You can also find a wide variety of designs and sizes. Whether you need full privacy or an open floor plan you will be able to get what you are looking for.

Some Office Furniture is Better New

The key to creating a successful blended project is finding the right items new and the right items pre-owned. One piece of furniture you always want to opt for new is chairs. When you have employees that work at a full-time job sitting in front of a computer for extended periods, you want to make sure they are comfortable. Investing in high-quality new chairs is a great way to ensure your employees will be happy. Skimping out on chairs can lead to back problems, bad posture, and even headaches.

Buying Pre-Owned Office Furniture

If you are on a tight budget and still want to provide the best for your employees be sure to contact Kim Gregory at Indoff Commercial Interiors. She will not only help you shop for the right items but will help you design a functional and comfortable workspace. With over 27 years of experience, you can be sure that she understands a thing or two about great office design to promote efficiency and comfort.

3 Ways the Right Office Furniture Can Improve Productivity

modern office with nice office furnitureChoosing office furniture has become an art form over the past few years. However, creating the right office space isn’t just about aesthetics and budget anymore. It is possible to create a workplace that fosters creativity, productivity, and efficiency while giving employees privacy. At Indoff we understand the importance of providing your employees what they need to succeed. It is important to remember that your employees’ comfort and happiness directly correlate with how well they perform their jobs. These office furniture and setup tips can help you create a great work environment for your employees, so your business can continue to be successful.

Open Floor Plans Offer More Interaction

When an office space is planned with an open floor plan, employees are more likely to interact and share ideas. For a company that requires collaboration between departments, office furniture that lends well to the open floor concept will work much better. Cubicles with shorter walls are a good option for this. For those that like to push the limits, connected workspaces may work best in their office. Whatever your goals are, be sure to pick out furniture that and create a floor plan that aligns with your goals, your employees’ job requirements, and the desired environment you want for your office.

Choose Cubicles for More Privacy

If you are in an industry that requires lots of concentration and focus, office furniture with cubicles is a better option. The added privacy gives each employee the space and freedom to work on projects without interruption. You can also find cubicles in new or used options. You can look at your budget and decide what is worth splurging on and what would be better to buy used, but in the end, buying what’s best for your employees is your best option.

Standing Desks and Better Chairs

When you give your employees comfort and versatility, they will not have to overcome the added obstacle of discomfort. Ergonomic chairs, standing desks, desks with plenty of room, and footrests can all ensure your employees are comfortable enough to tackle the work day. Standing desks, in particular, can help your employees be more productive because switching positions and taking the energy you need to stand can both get the creative juices flowing.

Office Furniture from Indoff Commercial Interiors

At Indoff Commercial Interiors, we carry a variety of office furniture, ranging from quality desks to ergonomic chairs, that can make your office the best place to work. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you!