Having a visually appealing office space can not only enhance employee productivity but also make a great impression on clients and visitors. It is essential to invest in the design of your office space and keep it up to date with the latest trends. In this blog post, we will be sharing some tips on how to visually improve your office space.
The colour scheme of your office is one of the most crucial elements that can impact the atmosphere of the workspace. The choice of colours can have psychological effects on your employees and visitors. For instance, warmer colours like orange and yellow can create an energising and positive environment, while cooler colours like blue and green can create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. It is also essential to ensure that the colours used are in line with your brand image.
Investing in quality furniture, comfortable chairs, and elegant décor can transform the look of your office space. Adding artwork, plants, and other decorative elements can enhance the visual appeal of your workplace. You can also consider modular furniture that is not only stylish but also versatile and functional.
Lighting can make a significant impact on the ambiance of your office. Natural light is the best option, but if that is not possible, opt for warm lighting that mimics sunlight or daylight. Avoid harsh lighting as it can cause headaches and eye strain. Ensure that the light fixtures also align with your overall design theme.
A cluttered and messy workspace can negatively affect an employee's productivity and hinder creativity. Make sure that desks are uncluttered and organized, and there's enough storage space. Regularly cleaning and maintaining the office space can make it look more appealing and professional.
Allow your employees to personalize their workspace with photos, artwork, and other décor elements to create a sense of ownership and belonging. Encouraging personalization can also enhance creative thinking and make for better collaborations.
A visually appealing and well-designed office space can create a positive work environment and enhance employee productivity. The key is to adopt a design plan that reflects your brand values and image while making the space inviting and comfortable for everyone. We hope these tips provide the inspiration you need to make those necessary changes to your workspace. Remember, it doesn't have to be a complete overhaul; small changes can go a long way!
If you need help to spruce up your office furniture, see our range and get in touch with our team for advice.
As we stride into 2024, the landscape of work is undergoing a profound transformation, and a significant aspect of this change is the return to the office. After an era of remote work dominance, companies are reimagining office spaces to foster collaboration, productivity, and well-being. In this evolution, the role of office furniture emerges as a critical factor in shaping the future of work.
The return to the office in 2024 is not just a physical return; it's a strategic reevaluation of the purpose of office spaces. Furniture plays a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration and interaction among team members. Open, modular workstations, collaborative seating arrangements, and flexible meeting spaces equipped with adaptable furniture encourage impromptu discussions, brainstorming sessions, and a sense of community that remote work often lacks.
The workforce is increasingly embracing hybrid work models, demanding flexibility in their working arrangements. Office furniture designed for versatility and adaptability is key in accommodating the diverse needs of employees. Mobile furniture, adjustable desks, and modular seating arrangements empower employees to customise their workspace, supporting different work styles and preferences.
Employee well-being takes centre stage in the return to the office, and office furniture plays a vital role in ensuring comfort and ergonomics. Ergonomically designed chairs, standing desks, and wellness-focused furniture contribute to a healthier and more enjoyable work environment. Creating comfortable, inviting spaces through thoughtful furniture choices can positively impact employee satisfaction and productivity.
Technology has become an integral part of the modern workplace, and office furniture is adapting to this reality. Smart furniture equipped with built-in charging ports, integrated communication tools, and ergonomic solutions for technology devices contribute to a seamless and tech-savvy work environment. This integration ensures that employees can effortlessly collaborate and stay connected in the office.
The aesthetic appeal of an office space significantly influences the overall work experience. Companies are focusing on furniture that not only serves a functional purpose but also contributes to an inspiring and creative atmosphere. Thoughtfully designed furniture, vibrant colours, and aesthetically pleasing decor can enhance the visual appeal of the workspace, fostering a positive and motivating environment.
With a growing emphasis on corporate sustainability, office furniture is evolving to meet eco-friendly standards. Companies are increasingly opting for furniture made from recycled materials, utilising sustainable manufacturing processes, and prioritising durability to reduce waste. By choosing environmentally conscious office furniture, organisations align themselves with a broader commitment to responsible business practices.
The return to the office is an opportunity for companies to revitalise their workspaces, and office furniture stands at the forefront of this transformation. From fostering collaboration and flexibility to prioritising well-being and sustainability, the right furniture choices can shape a workplace that inspires innovation and supports the evolving needs of the modern workforce. As we embrace this new era of work, the thoughtful integration of office furniture becomes a cornerstone in creating dynamic, functional, and inviting work environments. If you need to level up your office space to attract employees back into the workplace or ensure retention amongst your teams, talk to us today about the options!
At a time when workplaces have changed dramatically across the globe, there has been a shift in the way that people think about offices and work environments. Covid-19 has caused a major shift from the traditional 9-5 to a more flexible and modern work culture. A well-designed office should take into account the wants and needs of its end users and how the space can best support them as they work. When designing a post-pandemic office, there is an opportunity to evolve past traditional ideas of what a workplace ‘should’ be and instead create spaces that inspire people and drive their performance as a result. Modern Office offers a wide range of high-quality commercial furniture to help achieve a practical and attractive work environment that supports the needs of today’s workforce.
One of the key trends that the industry is experiencing is collaboration and connection. During the global pandemic, we have realised the importance of these aspects and how they can influence our emotional well-being. As employees return to their offices, there should be a strong emphasis on human connection as a design feature within the workplace. Working alongside peers not only improves mental well-being but also encourages positive collaboration between team members. An office environment where employees can share their perspectives, insights, and questions will help improve communication. Take a look at some of Modern Office’s furniture options that will encourage positive collaboration and connection in your office environment.
Another element that every modern office should include is flexibility and adaptability. Since change is constant, it’s important that offices are flexible and can quickly adapt to meet changing circumstances and needs. Employees are individuals who have a preferred way of working that suits them. When people are working comfortably in their ideal work environment, they are likely to be more productive and motivated in their jobs. A good way to achieve flexibility and create an ideal work environment is to provide workers with options. By creating an office with private desks for highly-focused independent work in addition to sociable and collaborative workspaces for teams, employees are able to choose a style of working that suits them. Modern workspaces are moving away from static layouts and designs towards more versatility and customisation. Introduce an element of flexibility to your office space by implementing one of our height-adjustable desks or some modular collaboration furniture. These items mean that the office layout can continually be reconfigured and adjusted. Modern Office has a wide range of furniture solutions that allow workers to work, think, socialise, and collaborate in a way that works best for them.
Many employees may find that they like to stay active throughout the day in order to remain focused and motivated at work. Designed to support active sitting, Modern Office offers a selection of active seating options that encourage the user to move during prolonged sitting periods. As well as this, workers may find it beneficial to use a height-adjustable desk so that they can move between sitting and standing positions during the day. This type of furniture encourages mental and physical health for workers as they also allow the user to burn excess energy and keep active instead of remaining seated for hours on end.
Technology has quickly become an integral part of modern work culture. During the Covid-19 pandemic, technology such as video conferencing and personal laptops have allowed for businesses to continue to operate effectively and efficiently during challenging circumstances. It has also created the option to work remotely, giving staff greater control over their work-life balance. Investing in up-to-date modern technology ensures that staff can continue to work and remain connected to their team regardless of their location or any challenges that may arise. Ultimately an effective office environment design should be centered around the teams working within them and what workers need in order to be most comfortable and productive. Organisations that take the time to achieve a balance between the needs of their staff and the needs of the organization itself will see a boost in efficiency, staff well-being, and overall productivity. To create a workspace that combines the four elements of Collaboration, Adaptability, Activity, and Technology, Modern Office has everything you need. Contact the best office fit-out company to help you deliver to an inspiring office environment that your team will love!
Things that remind you of home can bring a sense of calm and familiarity. This doesn’t have to be something as literal as a framed family portrait on your desk, but can be something as simple as a scent. Having the same scented candles and scent diffusers that you have at home can trick your brain into thinking it is in the same safe environment as your house. Learn how to make your office feel more homely with Modern Office's expert tips to create a warm and inviting workspace.
Having an identical set-up at work and in your home office will stop your concentration from being interrupted by being in two different environments. Having the same monitor, keyboard, mouse and office furniture with the same setup provides seamless transition between the two.
Rather than keeping an untidy office with things scattered on your desk, organise yourself with an office storage solution. This will allow you to concentrate on what’s in front of you, rather than the mess. Offices and desks can become overwhelmed with clutter and a simple tidy once or twice per week can make a big difference to your productivity. Also, keep your desk free of items that can interfere with your creativity or focus. A clear desk equals a clear mind!
Comfort is paramount when it comes to working at a desk for extended periods of time and with today’s workforce more committed to health and wellbeing than ever before, it’s time to invest in ergonomic and active furniture for yours. Keep your posture in check with our range of products and introduce structure into your office.
The dull noise of an office isn't always very motivating and hearing nothing but printers buzz, mouses click and keyboards tap can create boredom and stifle creativity. Music is a must-have in today’s office, so add some music streaming playlists specifically designed for work to keep the creative juices flowing and add a relaxing nature to offices that may at times feel stuffy and uninspiring.
Want to find out more ways to create a tailored workspace for you and your team? Contact us today to ask us questions and find out what will work for your office space!
There’s been a lot of commentary on our working life and the ups and downs caused by Covid19. As we head back into our normal ways of working, some things may never revert back to how they were. But change is good, right? Here are some observations from our Commercial Furniture Consultants on how the workplace will look different going forward.
The recent lockdown has forced everyone to adopt a flexible working life. Work life and home life melded together and set hours became a thing of the past. As we head back into our normal routines, many employers and employees have decided and agreed to maintain this flexibility. The traditional 9-5 started in the 1800’s by American labour unions and became mainstream in the 1920’s. Pretty much everything about how people work has changed since then, yet the hours of the working day has remained largely unchanged. It's clearly easy to work from home, still maintain productivity and have time for other things in your life which ultimately results in happier and more engaged staff. As long as there is time for teams to get together for key meetings and to collaborate and results are being produced, trust your employees to get the job done on their terms.
With less people working in your office (see above), and technology making your office paperless with servers in the cloud, why have the extra expense of an under-utilised office space? As long as you have the set up that your team needs for working in common spaces or for meetings, smaller office space makes sense from a cost and a collaboration point of view. Small spaces don’t have to be cluttered or claustrophobic. Within small spaces you can get creative by incorporating flexible multi-purpose zones with furniture, and add interest with plants, textures and colour.
Covid might have taught us to keep our distance, although with many people still working from home, we see an effect on the ease of communication we previously had. Communal spaces allow organic knowledge transfer between people. Effective communal spaces including break-out areas and other designated zones, help reduce barriers for collaboration with fellow colleagues. Placing complementary disciplines within close proximity - such as Sales and Marketing teams may also encourage more organic knowledge flow. The use of designated project spaces for multidisciplinary teams has been demonstrated to improve productivity, so invest in areas that are comfortable and homely, and encourage teams to get together for discussion.
Recognising that our collective physical and mental well-being was being tested during the recent crisis, many companies have worked to increase wellness offerings. They’re highlighting existing benefits that may have been overlooked, investing in new programs, and communicating consistently about them. Helping staff to live a healthy lifestyle is always a wise investment. This elevated investment in wellness resources can help as we transition back to our regular routines and beyond. More organisations are supportive of fitness areas, flexible hours to spend time with family and healthy eating programs like a fruit bowl in the office. And from a personal level, encouraging colleagues to utilise wellness offerings creates better all-round workplace relationships with your co-workers.
It’s one thing to control a workspace and ensure it is set up with employee health and safety in mind. But what happens when half your workforce is set up at home? According to the Employment Relations Act 2000, provisions that address a flexible working regime have been put in place. However, an employer must still consider their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 if an employee regularly works from home. This includes a duty to ensure the employee’s safety so far as is reasonably practical. One of the things employers can do is to include guidelines in their policies on what health and safety obligations would be when working from home. This may include requirements around making sure a home workplace is comfortable and ergonomically sound, that regular breaks are taken, and that the space is free from hazards. There should also be a policy that deals with data security and systems in place to record remote working arrangements, issues or concerns.
Modern Office’s Juliet Scott has years of experience in designer office furniture fit-outs, and would love to discuss your next project with you. Whether it's some fresh new furniture pieces or a full transformation of your office space, contact Juliet to discuss your requirements.
The future of work is ever-changing. What was considered the norm may not be practical or popular as we head into a brand new decade. Technology, multiple generations in one workplace, and differing attitudes in working style mean that how we work today is evolving more than ever before. Companies are recognising the need to evolve workplaces to suit these trends by creating environments that boost productivity, attract, and retain employees for longer.
Aesthetically, bold colours and natural materials are trending for 2020, as is getting closer to nature. But so much more can go into an office space for it to be welcoming and inspirational for your team. We’ve pulled together the latest workplace trends and how this may affect the fit-out at your office, along with some inspiration on what’s possible.
A green workplace is one that is environmentally sensitive, resource-efficient, and socially responsible. More and more companies are heading in this direction with the rise of B Corp, Green Business, or Fair Trade certifications. Sustainable design, products, and fabrics are also gaining traction, with consumers increasingly expecting and demanding these products. Energy, lighting, and water efficiency are also ways in which buildings can become more sustainable. Another growing trend (excuse the pun) is the inclusion of plants, hanging horticulture, and living green walls to further enhance the sustainability feel of a workspace. Modern Office's Nurus range prides itself on being sustainable with recyclable materials and forward-thinking in its approach to design.
The shift towards more project-based teams means an increase in favour of contractors or freelancers. Gone are the days of a permanent seat with a view for the next 10 years - today’s teams are all about moving around and working with others as and when they want to. It’s also a time of choosing how you like to work and celebrate what makes you different, whether it’s working amongst the buzz or by yourself to reflect and think. Flexibility is the key here, with the inclusion of modular and moving parts. Our collaboration furniture offers some options for your team to have the choice of whether they want to mingle or retreat.
Well-being is key to many employees in today’s workforce, and standing desks are gaining in popularity. Not only is it important to move often and stand up occasionally, but the trend of the standing desk is growing, offering benefits such as increased energy and focus, and reduced obesity and back pain. It’s not uncommon to see ergonomic and exercise furniture appearing in spaces to ensure flexibility and comfort. Modular and lightweight furniture that is still soft and plush allows work to be done in a variety of positions and locations - a key factor in encouraging employees to stay active and productive. Check out our range of standing desks here.
Technology is taking over many aspects of how work is done today, and this means learning new things at an unprecedented pace. It’s no secret that people tend to work and learn best when they are in a comfortable and familiar environment that encourages change and growth. More organisations are transforming their space to be more homely with the inclusion of cushions, rugs, woven baskets, and even board games. Make your office environment soft and cosy, enabling your team to feel at home while they’re working.
Colour abounds these days, and the trends are leaning towards one bold colour and variations of it so the theme is cohesive. Designers are using soft hues paired with complementary bold shades which are further enhanced by clever lighting to create the right mood. Textures and patterns are also growing in popularity to add that homely feel and make the space interesting and tactile.
At Modern Office, we have a team ready to help you out with designing the perfect space for your business, however big or small. For enquiries on any of our product ranges or services, contact us today.
Is this the year for your business to upgrade your existing workspace, or find a new one altogether?
The return to the office is underway, and although things may never really be the same, this might be a good chance to reassess how your office space needs to change for the years ahead. Remote working will probably exist in some shape or form, and you might consider adapting your space to allow for more hot desking or breakout spaces for the times when everyone does get together.
Regardless of how your office fitout ends up looking, you’ll need to spend some time assessing your requirements and priorities before you start the project. Creating a detailed plan and brief for your new office space will help set realistic expectations, allow you to budget effectively and avoid any project delays or unexpected events.
If you’re embarking on a commercial or office refurbishment, here are some tips to consider:
Consider how long will you be spending in your office – is this a short-term fix, or an investment for the long term? Your vision for what you would like to see should be clearly articulated.
How much time do you have to complete the process, whether it's sourcing furniture, designing your space and completing the installation process? Will the look of your office and the quality of furniture impact your clients if they enter your premises on a regular basis, or is it largely for staff only? Depending on how customer facing it is, does your brand need to be or stay visible through signage, colour choice and street appeal?
During the planning process, also have a think about whether you’re concerned about environmental standards and sustainability, as this will impact the choices you make. More organisations are heading down the path of having and telling their sustainability story, so establish how important this is for you.
How much you are willing to spend is going to be one of the first things to establish. If your budget is limited, prioritise what’s important and consider reusing existing furniture or spending less on items of less significance. Ask your supplier for some cheaper alternatives so you can stick to your budget.
Also, think about future proofing. Are you planning for the next 10 years or beyond? Ensure you’re investing in quality, commercial-grade furniture so it is fit for purpose and will last as long as it needs to, and whether your growth will mean you need extra items for new staff.
Consider practical technology needs and make sure you factor this into the budget as well. Things to think about here include power, lighting, the ability to present to staff/clients and connectivity.
This is probably one of the most important things to have firm in your mind. Depending on the type of organisation you run will dictate the layout of your office and what areas will resonate more with your team.
Open plan and cubicles or open/closed layouts each have their pros and cons, so make sure you understand the differences and what will work best for your office workflows. Consider the flow of the office and the spatial distances between furniture to ensure comfortable movement around the office. Getting a floor plan done can help identify any potential issues and our team can provide this as part of our process.
Have a think about the impact noise has on staff productivity. Does the type of work you do encourage plenty of conversation or is it a subdued and low-key environment? Ensure you plan acoustic solutions into your design if you have staff that needs to work on focused and solitary tasks versus communal breakout and discussion spaces. If meeting rooms are scarce and you don’t have the option of adding more, perhaps you can provide this through furniture choices like booths or sound pods.
Consider your team’s needs around comfort, longevity, workflow, flexibility, and collaboration as these will all factor into the decisions you’ll need to make on facilities and furniture.
Employee productivity and mood are reflected in how they feel about their workspace. Ensure you make them feel part of the process and ask their opinion on the design and layout and make an effort to understand their needs. Based on this, work out what sort of desk or chairs will work for your staff – do they have a preference? Are your staff sitting for more than five hours per day and if so, consider ergonomically designed furniture. If your staff are more high-energy, move around and like the option of standing at their desk, maybe height-adjustable desks are the best way to go.
Do your employees have ideas on what would make the workplace more inviting? Consider bringing ‘home’ to your workplace with furniture ranges that reflect residential design, consider adding plants and nature into the workplace. Do you or employees have any back problems or injuries that you need to consider – the choice of chairs you go with will become more of a factor here.
All of these considerations can be overwhelming. Nominate one person within the organisation to manage the entire process and know their strengths. If you don’t have this capacity in-house, perhaps an Interior Designer or layout consultant could lend their expertise.
Or, you can simply talk to us! Modern Office has a 6-step office fit-out process: Scoping, Analyzing, Design Advice, Floor Planning, Implementation, and Follow Up. Whatever skill sets you’re lacking within this process, our team can pick up. We can work with you at every step to ensure we capture and deliver on your requirements – contact us for a no-obligation chat today!
Here at Modern Office, we’ve gathered insights into how adapting your office can affect employee well-being, productivity, talent retention, and more. Since the events of last year, we have considered the most important trends of change for 2022. Companies around the world are adopting more sustainable practices, technological innovation is driving change, and a human-centred focus on employee well-being is shaping the way we live and work. As our office design experts respond to these signals, you'll want to keep up to date with the top 5 office design trends listed below.
As a global community, we are increasingly aware of our impact on the environment. As companies, we must do more to reduce our carbon footprint and build a more sustainable future. So it's no wonder that sustainable design methods and materials are a huge office design trend in 2022.
Flexible workspaces have been around for a while but have come of age recently. Living in times of uncertainty, the only way companies can prepare is to ensure and encourage flexible working practices so that they are ready for anything. If you want your business to continue attracting top talent, it's time to invest in this trend. It's time to think about how you can use your space to encourage different ways of working. Since many employees still choose to work at least part of the week remotely, only a fraction of your team will need to go to the office on any given day. So, instead of giving everyone an individual desk, design an office with bookable open workspaces, flexible non-reservable areas, activity-oriented workspaces, and modular furniture to accommodate a floating workforce. Giving employees different places to work based on the type of work they do gives your team more control over their work experience, increases productivity levels, and increases engagement.
Another cultural shift in office design in 2022 has focused on creating a workspace where safety and employee empowerment take precedence. The pandemic has once again reminded us of the value of individual employees and the importance of their health and well-being to the productivity and profitability of any business. Now that companies are truly taking the mental and physical health of their employees into account, the office design industry is taking notice. Anti-Covid safety measures such as integrated social distancing, flow management, handwashing stations, hand sanitiser stations, and readily available PPE help alleviate any concerns employees may have about attending work. Employees are becoming more demanding of their workplaces, and rightly so.
Smart workspaces can use digital sensors to monitor and respond to factors such as occupancy, air quality, daylight levels, and more. Smart buildings can collect and share data, allowing companies to better understand when and how different spaces are used. This is a very powerful office design tool, especially important in the context of social distancing and safety. A closer relationship with technology can also help us move forward in our return to the workplace - thermal imaging systems and proximity doors can allow employees to move easily around the workplace.
While this year will undoubtedly continue to change the way we look at work and the workplace, one of the biggest changes in the office is that it is no longer just a place with a desk, but a destination in itself. For many employees accustomed to working from home for months and limited opportunities for social interaction, the workday has become an event, a refreshing opportunity to meet friends, get inspired, meet, collaborate, and connect. This trend will lead to an increase in office design patterns that are strongly associated with the hospitality and leisure sectors. This new emphasis on shared service and expertise will be another way for companies to attract and retain top talent.
Talk to us today about the modern needs of your office and how we can support change and growth.
We're all fairly entrenched in the work from home or remote working lifestyle now, but as we slowly revert back to pre-pandemic life, are we seeing the office coming back? According to the Office sentiment survey conducted by property and investment services company Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) in December last year, it seems that the office is still very much alive, and Kiwis still love their second home!
In the 21 months that have passed since our first lockdown, the pandemic has created a rapid shift in working and living patterns. Employees have adapted to working from home in compliance with health and safety guidelines and revealed an appetite for greater flexibility and hybrid ways of working.
The objective of JLL's survey was to understand New Zealand's sentiment towards the office from the perspectives of employees, occupiers, and landlords. 218 responses split between employees, occupiers (employers) and property owners reveals the office will be more important now than ever before as the centre of the work ecosystem, and that outstanding office environments will remain a critical way to engage employees.
As we all return to a sense of normality, we'll see more people return to their old ways of working within an office space, but with a few permanent changes to provide more flexibility and nimbleness.
So what changes will we see in the future and post-pandemic office? The office market is now defined by strong collaboration. Throughout the pandemic, owners and occupiers have worked together to maintain tenancies with initiatives like rent relief and fit-out incentives.
92% of owners have provided assistance to their occupiers during COVID-19 while 39% stated their number one priority was to meet occupier needs, fully supporting our views that strong collaboration provides the best outcomes.
Flight to quality is an ongoing trend. An increasingly competitive labour market has seen the office become a means of attracting and retaining talent with occupiers offering premium fit-outs in premium locations.
Increasingly, employees are becoming more vocal on their workplace expectations. This creates an opportunity for employers to gather this information and create an environment to assist their attraction and retention strategies. The majority of employees (85%) believe that the quality of office space and the location for ease of travel are now the two most important workplace environment factors.
While factors such as amenity, building considerations and end of journey facilities are important, if the location of the workplace and quality of space are inferior, this will have a detrimental impact on employees and potentially lead to higher attrition rates. Workplace trends are showing us that collaboration spaces and ergonomic furniture options are becoming an expectation in today's workspace.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 66% of employees said they had some form of flexible work options. Flexibility has become more widespread across the workforce with 87% now having the opportunity to work in a more flexible manner and the expectation is for this to continue.
The pandemic has only accelerated the change of the flexible working model, as many employees were already offered similar working environments. When looking at what type of flexibility was being offered, the hybrid working from home model is the most common with 55% employees saying this is currently offered, with the use of collaborative space being the next most common offering.
For a large part of the workforce, working from home presents challenges - lack of a dedicated workspace, interruptions, and social isolation. As a result, 49% of respondents do not want to work from home on a more frequent basis, implying that the office continues to be an important location for these employees and productivity being equal in both locations. Approximately 30% have not changed their views about working from home versus working from the office, with the remaining 21% wanting to work more from the office. The low proportion of people seeking to work from home on a full-time basis (2%) illustrates the importance employees place on face-to-face collaboration, social interaction with colleagues and learning through osmosis.
When employees were asked to rank what would be the most important option to them when they return to the office after lockdown restrictions, the top option is consistent with the ideal working week for a hybrid work model including remote working options, and then increased levels of cleaning and the third priority being less dense workspaces. These employee preferences are useful intelligence for occupiers (employers) in conjunction with property owners to consider offering the optimal flexible workplace environments for the employees.
As part of the survey, occupiers were asked, if you could make one change to your workspace then what would that be? The top two categories, both at 31%, were to re-configure for more collaborative areas and modernise the workplace covering better lighting and air-conditioning which will assist a more efficient office for a positive impact to the environment, which supports the third option of environmental changes.
At Modern Office, we specialise in commercial furniture and giving office spaces a new lease on life. Our team can take care of all aspects of a project, delivering the client the finished result with less hassle. Whether you need a full office fitout along with floor planning and design advice - or whether you just need to upgrade a few desks and chairs, we're here to help.
Modern Office is proud of this full service which they've perfected over the last 15 years and our team, with a number of successful projects under our belt. So if you need to get your organisation workplace ready again, get in touch to discuss your next project today.
With the new year comes new opportunities. Opportunity to change, to grow, to start anew. New Year’s resolutions are usually set for personal change but Modern Office is here for your business needs. And what better way to start a brand-new year than with a brand-new office fitout? We’ve previously outlined the steps to fitout success, so with 2022 just around the corner we’re here to help make a new fitout a reality. And you can start today.
If you’re planning on taking your business to the next level next year, visualise what the coming year looks like for you and your team. Where do you want to be and how will you get there? Now, map that road out on paper or in your mind. Whether you see small changes or big ones, we can help implement those changes. We are specialists in providing that end-to-end service of change, from design and scoping, to delivery and installation of high-quality furniture items, so it could be anything from a few key pieces to an entire office refresh.
Here at Modern Office, we don’t believe in limits. As the business world develops and adapts, so must your organisation to be successful. Each aspect of a business must align in order to achieve success. Does your current office align with your business's brand and values? Does it allow you to achieve your goals over the next several years? A space with a fresh look and functional furniture has been proven to improve productivity and boost morale - and we’ll help you get it right. Our furniture range is suited to a number of solutions for your work environment, from breakout spaces, collaboration furniture to quiet and focused rooms, we’ll have something to suit your way of working.
Here’s our five step plan:
Step 1: Understanding your business and what your goals are.
Step 2: Translating your practical needs for the space into a specific furniture plan that reflects these requirements.
Step 3: Using your identified needs and taste to produce recommendations that inspire staff and cement your brand’s aesthetic.
Step 4: Delivering and installing your items with speed and efficiency.
Step 5: Providing ongoing support to guarantee you’re content with the fitout and it can evolve with your business
Change could be just around the corner for your commercial or designer office. A vibrant new workspace can enhance your brand amongst your team and customers, and boosts staff retention. Kick 2022 off the right way - if boosting business is for you, contacting our team is a good first step. Get in touch today.
Is your organisation geared up for remote working?
Amidst the uncertainty that Covid-19 is causing, many organisations are navigating through what is likely to be some challenging times ahead. Remote working is at the top of the list for many organisations and we’ve compiled a list of the key things that may help your organisation in implementing successful remote working.
The companies that are open with their concerns and plans are the ones that are going to garner support from their teams. This is not a time to keep your staff in the dark; in fact expressing concerns and bringing them on the journey will make them feel appreciated that you’re including them in the conversation - however hard it may be. And if you do have staff working from home, ensure regular communication and routines are maintained with them via weekly meetings.
Morale is likely to be down over the next few months and for good reason. Every news report is portraying doom and gloom, causing natural worry about job security and the future. If your colleagues are working from home, this concern could be exacerbated if they’re not included and kept in the loop with team plans. To keep people accountable and maintain contact, ensure you touch base with your staff once a day to check in and do your best to keep their spirits up! This could be through a WhatsApp or Facebook group, and maybe to share something light-hearted once in a while. And finally, encourage your staff to maintain their health by exercising and eating well (sound advice regardless of pandemics)!
There’s nothing that should hold a company back from successfully having their staff work from home in this day and age. Many companies are transitioning to the cloud for easy access outside the office. Technology such as Zoom, Skype and Slack are commonplace and simple to set up and will keep you talking to your teams regularly. Logging all your tasks on a platform such as Trello and Monday will also help keep things on track and maintain accountability and communication. If required, have someone on point as your technical support if things go wrong, so you can ensure things are running smoothly and productivity is maximised.
Many employees aren’t set up to work from home. Sitting at the dining table or on a bed might sound like a good short-term plan however if the remote work spans across weeks or months, you’re likely to get health complaints of a different nature. It goes without saying that a dedicated workspace like a spare room is ideal so that you and your team can focus on the task at hand, minimise distractions and leave work behind at the end of the day. Invest in a good chair and desk setup for staff to avoid back pain and provide lumbar support. And instead of staff having to hunch over laptops, consider the use of smart TV screens that many households have now, or desk-mounted monitor arms. Monitor arms allow for smooth, effortless tilt, swivel and height adjustment for different monitor viewing positions which can reduce neck pain and eye strain.
These times are certainly trying but there’s a number of things your organisation can put in place to keep things ticking over, the first of which is keeping your team feeling safe. If you would like advice on how we can modify your current workspace or enable your staff to work from alternative locations to make things a bit easier, feel free to contact the best office fit out company in New Zealand.
Workplaces are changing and with new ways of working come exciting new office layout and furniture designs. Innovative companies are leading the way in modern office trends to create a dynamic and collaborative workplace and help attract and retain successful high-performing teams.
The most successful modern businesses are looking for furniture designs that create a stimulating working environment that staff and clients appreciate. Here are some tips on modern office design ideas to watch out for.
Today's office needs multi-purpose spaces with versatile quality furniture that can be utilised for everything from multimedia presentations to casual breakout areas. Well-designed modular furniture that can be mixed, stacked, and moved around is quickly gaining in popularity.
Among the most sought-after office design solutions is help with removing wires and clutter from desktops and meeting rooms. At Modern Office you'll find smart furniture designed specifically with cable caps and cable trays to minimise the mess, helping to keep the workplace look clean, simple, and well organised.
Finding ways to incorporate nature into the workplace is a trend businesses can't afford to ignore. From living plants to nature-inspired patterns in seating fabrics, and wood finishes on office tables and desks, we love that light, clean, natural Scandinavian look.
The modern office environment is all about encouraging more interaction which is why large shared tables are making an appearance. Office furniture that's relaxed and collaborative is what every modern business is looking for.
It turns out sitting down at a desk all day can be really unhealthy - some movement is the key. So it's not surprising there's been a significant shift toward incorporating height-adjustable tables and desks for standing meetings into office interiors.
