Office Furniture: Productivity

Dec 3
09:55

2010

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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Office furniture and other personal touches can amp up productivity. Here are some things to think about.

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Office furniture is not just something to sit on or look at. The ergonomics of a workstation can make or break worker productivity. If a person is sitting at an ugly and uncomfortable desk and chair trying to get tasks completed,Office Furniture: Productivity Articles they may feel downtrodden and eventually even in pain. A well planned workspace can make a person comfortable enough to get lots of work done. An attractive setting that feels comfortable, contains the proper furnishings and follows some feng shui principles will be a place to get tasks done. Here are some things to think about:

Ergonomics:

Ergonomics relates to human engineering. It is considered to be an applied science related to biomechanics and human physiology. This science studies devices, furnishings and other work related products and their design. The goal is to design products which are comfortable and support repetitive movements in order to keep a worker healthier and more productive. The way a computer keyboard is positioned, how high a chair is or whether it has supportive armrests, and the position and height of the computer screen all have a great impact on working conditions, comfort and productivity.

Feng Shui:

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese technique in which the placement and type of office furniture contributes to the harmony within a space. Appropriate principles will create wealth, harmony, and a feeling of well being while awkward placements will do the opposite. Some examples of tactics are to sit with your back to a corner or wall in order to feel supported; balance yin and yang with colors of light and dark, textures of smooth and rough, soft and hard such as with fabrics, metal or rock, etc. Any hard edges or pillars might be softened with plants. Stacks of papers and files should be organized in order to allow chi energy to flow freely. Mirrors in an office space are supposedly a no-no as they reflect negative client or stress related energy.

Types of furnishings:

Some must-haves for a workstation include a desk, chair, lamp, and storage space for files, paper, pens, printer ink, stamps and more. If the desk will be used for writing as well as holding a computer, make certain that it contains ample surface space to hold everything in an accessible range. The chair will be most comfortable ergonomically if it has adjustable arms, back and height. A comfy pad is always desirable, as well. The lighting in this space should include natural sunlight, if possible, plus an overhead light and desk lamp. Having a bendable, adjustable desk lamp will keep eye strain at a minimum. A free standing filing cabinet or a system contained in a desk drawer will be all that’s needed for paper filing tasks. Office supplies such as pens, pencils, stamps, paper and post-it notes can be kept organized with attractive baskets or colorful containers.

A workspace that is attractively inviting, ergonomically correct, follows Feng Shui principles, and has adequate office furniture will make work flow from the room like a rolling river. Adding some tasteful artwork or personal items such as family photos will add an additional layer of beauty and comfort.

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