The Prices of Office Furniture
If you’re wondering how much you should spend on your office furniture, it really all should come down to the comfort principle. The comfort principle is a simple one. It’s that you should spend money on where you spend most of your time, and realistically, both you and your dedicated staff members spend the majority of their time in the office. The prices of office furniture fluctuate from high to low, depending on branding, quality and, of course, the design. For some reason, too many people get caught up in the aesthetics, and forget that comfort and functionality are highly important in the workplace.
Saving money is great, but not at the expense of health, comfort and, of course, profits. If you’re saving money by buying cheap office furniture, but losing money in terms of productivity and sick days, due to aches and pains, you’re not really doing yourself or your business any real favours. Shopping smart for office furniture pieces is important, if you want to invest in pieces that are reasonably priced, without compromising on quality.
The furniture that is bought for use within the business’s walls is considered an asset. This means that it needs to add and retain some value for the business. If your assets are creating the type of environment that’s comfortable to work in, your workforce is going to spend more time doing what they need to do, instead of looking for excuses to walk around, stretch their legs, or seek medical care for their aching backs, necks and shoulders. A productive workforce is the objective, and you can accomplish that by making a few wise choices.
The first step to buying office furniture is to decide on what is needed. Ergonomic chairs are a good choice, as opposed to the old outdated styles of office chairs. They are designed to provide comfortable back support, which means that there will be more workers sitting in their chairs for longer each day. This is where the comfort principle comes into play. Do you want to save R100 on buying the cheaper, regular office chair, or do you want to spend a little extra to introduce comfort into the workplace, and at the same time, potentially earn more, as your employees are actually getting things done.
If you’re looking for desking solutions, opt for those that are designed for comfort. Ergonomics play a role here too. Are the drawers ideally positioned? Is there enough space to actually complete paperwork on the desk top? Also choose a surface or material that’s not going to scratch, crack or warp easily. Laminate and veneer options are good to go with, just check out the quality when shopping around.
There’s also the concept of creating some comfy zones in the work area. Yes, we have already touched on a comfortable chair, but you also want your staff members to remain refreshed and happy in the workplace. It can’t be all seriousness and work, and if you provide your employees with a space that’s designed for relaxing and rejuvenating body and mind, you will earn their respect and loyalty, which can directly translate into more productive workers. While having a canteen with tables and chairs is a good idea, also think about a lounge where employees can sit and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and read the paper or chat. Couches, occasional chairs, side tables, coffee tables, tea and coffee making stations, and similar items can really create a comfortable space, and it will do wonders for your team’s morale.
Of course, if you would like more information and advice on how to spend in terms of office furniture, we welcome you to get in touch with us at Quantum Office Furniture. Simply send us an email or give us a call for some prices or more furnishing advice.