Are you planning to purchase office furniture? Australia’s furniture and homeware market is projected to reach AUD3.1 billion this year, according to Statista. The history of furniture dates back to the Neolithic era when early humans used stones since wood wasn’t available.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 45% of Australian businesses reported they had remote workers in September 2020. Many office furniture pieces are available for both on-site and virtual offices. Here are some helpful tips for arranging office furniture effectively:
Organise Pieces to Create a Visual Balance
Doing so can help maintain Feng Shui rules. The key is to distribute the furniture pieces evenly throughout the room.
For example, avoid placing all workstations on one side of the room, while keeping an entire wall furniture-free. One trick is to use décor such as large wall art to create more balance. It can help to offset large furniture pieces like desks, sofas, and bookcases.
Maintain a Clear Entryway for Office Workers
Make sure to minimise the number of furniture pieces near the entryway. Doing so will help free up space for foot traffic, which is especially critical for small offices.
You can also create more physical and perceived space by keeping heavy pieces like desks away from the door. This will allow you to see more of the office space when you walk into the room, which can make the room seem larger.
Add Ergonomic Furniture for Office Workers
This can include different pieces like standing desks and ergonomic chairs. These items can help to keep employees comfortable and productive. On the other hand, traditional office-focused furniture can often cause health problems like aches and pain in the neck, back, and shoulders.
Such pieces can benefit all workers, although they’re especially useful for employees with back problems, for example. It’s estimated 16% of the Australian population has such conditions, according to the Australian government.
Position Desks with Views of Windows and Doors
Position your office desks so windows aren’t behind the worker’s back, and so he/she can see the doorway. This can increase a sense of security since you can see entryways and windows. Based on the principles of Feng Shui, facing the door always welcomes wealth and blessing that can boost your career.
Avoid Creating a Cluttered Wall Space
This includes the use of furniture and décor. The interior design goal can be more challenging when you’re adding furniture to a small office. However, the goal should be to avoid placing all furniture against the walls. This can create a cluttered look and feel, making the room seem smaller.
Start with the desk by placing it in the middle of the room. If space constraints require you to place it against the wall, then put guest chairs in the centre of the room.
Consider the Office’s Foot Traffic
It’s critical to provide enough walking space around furniture for offices. Besides being difficult to get around, the clutter can also cause more workplace stress.
When creating an office floor plan, make sure the designers provide a one metre-wide walkway throughout the office.
Besides selecting the right office furniture for your workplace, it’s also important to position them most efficiently throughout the room. Keep issues like Feng Shui balance, ergonomics, and walkways in mind to create the perfect layout.
Bio: Ellen Hollington is a freelance writer who offers ghostwriting, copywriting, and blogging services. She works closely with B2C and B2B businesses providing digital marketing content that gains social media attention and increases their search engine visibility.