Is your office ready for workers to return? Before your teams return, make sure the workplace is ready for them with health and safety in mind. Read on to be informed and have a plan: 1) Before people return, 2) As people return and 3) Ongoing assessments to keep the workplace safe, practical and flexible. We also provide some helpful resource links for even more information.
Read the Return to the Office Checklist »
As many workers across the country are setting up temporary workstations in their homes, incorporating correct ergonomic positioning into your remote office is important. Whether you are working from your dining room table or a designated office in your home, ensure you are positioning your body and equipment correctly. Make the the following adjustments to your workstation to avoid discomfort, fatigue and backache during the workday.
A: Adjust the height of your seat so that your feet are resting firmly on the floor. Use a footrest if you are unable to make adjustments.
B: The depth of your seat should allow the back of your knees to extend beyond the edge of your seat. Thighs should be approximately parallel to the floor.
C. Your forearm should be 90-100 degrees to your upper arm
D: Your wrists should not be angled up.
E: Set the height of the work surface so that you can work without straining or bending. Arrange commonly used items so that they are easily within reach.
F: The top one-third of your computer screen should be at or below eye-level. The distance between your eyes and the screen should be 18″ or more (arm’s length).
G: Document holders should be in line with the front of the monitor. Height and angle can be adjusted for the comfort of the user.
Adding a few inexpensive accessories can help to modify your home office and create a comfortable workstation. For additional assistance creating an ergonomic work space, schedule a virtual consultation with the Keeney’s furniture team.
Since many businesses and organizations have instructed their their teams to work remotely in the upcoming weeks, employees are needing to learn how to work from home. Although the thought of not spending your mornings in traffic and working in your pajamas may sound appealing, there are many changes remote workers need to make to stay motivated and productive when not in the office. Make sure you are set up for success by considering the following:
Create a Separate Workspace
Your workspace doesn’t have to be an office with a door but it should be a dedicated space that mentally prepares you to work. Whether it’s a small desk in the corner of your living room or your kitchen table, make sure you have a work surface large enough for your computer and any other materials you may need. Places that you associate with relaxing, like your bedroom or couch, aren’t ideal workspaces and should be avoided during work hours.
Establish a Routine
One of the most difficult aspects of working from home is establishing a routine. Try to start and end work around the same time each day and schedule breaks like you typically would in the office. This will help to ensure you’re not getting distracted by household chores or working 24/7.
Set Boundaries with Family Members
If your spouse or children are home, set boundaries for when you are available during the work day. While you may need to alter your schedule to provide family care, try to set aside dedicated work time to ensure you are meeting deadlines.
Get the Tools you Need
If you are regularly working from home, investing in an ergonomic chair is well worth it. It will help to avoid back problems and keep you productive. If your workspace is in a common area where other family members are, noise-cancelling headphones will signal to others that you are working and help avoid distractions.
Although working from home can be a big change from what you’re used to, you can still be productive if you establish a plan and create a functional workspace. Contact the Keeney’s team today if you need furniture or supplies to make your home office work for you!
*Product shown: Watson Miro
There are several ways that you can make your break room more environmentally friendly without much effort or cost. Simple things like switching from Styrofoam to compostable plates, eliminating single serve items and providing well-marked bins for sorting can make a big difference. See our tips below for easy ways to reduce waste and create a greener breakroom.
Provide Reusable or Compostable Tableware
The initial cost of replacing paper products might seem expensive, but not needing to keep them stocked will pay for itself in no time. If getting rid of paper cups is not feasible because you have too many employees or no place to wash and store them, purchasing compostable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery is an environmentally friendly alternative.
Find Compostable Tableware Here
Eliminate Individually Packaged Items
Keeping individual packs of sugar or coffee creamer in the break room can be a huge source of waste. Instead, buy larger containers that everyone can use. Not only can this cut down on waste, but it can save money, too.
Find Bulk Coffee Supplies Here
Make Recycling Easy
When there are no recycling containers available, employees may throw cans and plastic bottles into the regular garbage can. The best way to encourage recycling and composting is to provide bins for employees to sort their waste. Putting up signage near the bins informing staff of what goes in each bin will also be helpful.
Find Waste Sorters Here
Once the steps above are completed, educate your team on the changes to make sure your efforts are successful. Contact the Keeney’s team today for helping make the switch to a greener breakroom and office.
*Product shown: AIS Pierce
Tradeshows are a great way to get valuable face time with potential customers and business partners. In order to get those leads into your booth though, you need to create an attractive and inviting booth. While preparing for your next event, think about what you will need to draw customers in and what you can provide to keep them engaged. Below are a few ideas to refresh your tradeshow booth:
Eye-Catching Graphics
Order signage and tablecloths in company colors with a large logo. If your business name doesn’t say what your company does, graphics or a tagline should also be included so show attendees know what your business offers as they are walking by.
Inviting Aesthetics
If room allows, bring comfortable seating so your potential customers can rest while they discuss business opportunities. Bringing an area rug or carpet squares can completely change the look of your booth and will also make standing for long periods of time more comfortable. Setting up your own lighting can also help your booth to standout and completely change the aesthetics of the space.
Informative Technology
Large televisions with videos or slideshows can attract attendees into your booth and can also be a great tool for showing what your business does. Using a tablet or laptop while talking to potential customers is an easy way to show examples or your work and engage with attendees.
Making a few changes to your current setup can help to attract more attendees to your booth and hopefully convert those attendees into customers. Reach out to the Keeney’s team to refresh your booth design for your next event!
How and where employees are working has changed a lot in the recent decades. With portable computers, wireless internet and the technology to work with teammates remotely, offices are adapting to create flexible workspaces. These spaces allow workers to work in various places throughout the day, interact with a variety of co-workers and be more comfortable in the workplace. So what makes an office a “flexible workspace”?
Adjustable Furniture
When selecting furniture for a flexible office space, consider the many ways in which an area can be used. Furniture with wheels can be easily moved and adjusted to fit the need of the workers using it. Some types of tables easily fit together to accommodate large, conference-style meetings, then can be separated to create individual work stations. Movable walls and wheeled whiteboards help to provide privacy when needed and are useful during meetings.
Collaborative Areas
One of the main issues in traditional offices spaces is lack of collaborative areas. Make sure there are multiple spaces available in your office for teams, both small and large, to meet and brainstorm. Incorporate whiteboards, projectors and lots of seating to encourage creative ideas and teamwork.
Power Sources
A very important element when designing a flexible workspace is incorporating power sources throughout the space. This will allow employees to work where ever they want for however long they’d like. Outlets can be added to columns, built into chairs and added to conference tables to make sure devices are powered all day long.
Lounge Spaces
Create a space for your team to relax and unwind throughout the day. Lounge areas are also a great place for casual meetings or team building activities. Consider creating an outdoor lounge area as well so your team can get outside during nice days.
A workspace that adapts to a worker’s needs can help to make them a happier and more productive employee. Schedule an on-site furniture consultation with the Keeney’s team for help creating a more flexible office.
*Product shown: OFS Obeya
Hosting an off-site meeting can be an exciting change of scenery for your team but it means a lot more thought needs to go into preparing. Since you will not be at your office with access to your desk, printer and supply room, you need to think ahead about everything that will be needed for the day. Take a look at the list below to make sure you are prepared for your next off-site meeting.
Office Supplies
Pack a box of basic office supplies you will need (or might need) throughout the day. Remember to include scissors, pens, tape, Sharpies and note pads. If you are bringing together groups that don’t typically work together, pack name tags so attendees can easily mingle. You hopefully won’t need a first aid kit but pack one in your boxes just in case.
Meeting Materials
Make sure you have enough meeting handouts for all attendees and print extras in case you have last-minute sign ups. If you are presenting a slideshow or videos, be sure to add a copy of each onto a USB drive in case you have computer issues. A printed list of meeting attendees as well as a printed agenda may also come in handy.
Technology Accessories
The most commonly forgotten items for off-site meetings are technology accessories. Remember to bring computer and phone charging cables, connecting cords, a portable speaker if the room is not wired, a projector and a presentation remote. Packing batteries and extra power strips is also a good idea.
Moving Equipment
Lastly, think about the logistics of getting all your materials to and from the meeting. A hand truck or cart will be helpful in moving everything in quickly, without straining your back. If you are bringing a lot of things, make sure you have room in your car or arrange for an alternate way to get everything to your meeting site.
By planning ahead, it will help to relieve some of the stress and make for a seamless guest experience. If you are hosting several off-site meetings each year, keep all the items listed above together in a tote to eliminate the need to re-pack for each event and ensure you don’t forget anything. Check before each meeting for any items needing to be restocked!
*Product shown: AIS Day to Day
There are many reasons to buy a height-adjustable desk but with so many choices, it can be a challenge to find the best fit for your needs and budget. When choosing a sit-stand desk, consider the five factors below:
Ease of Movement
To adjust your sit-stand desk, you can either choose an electric version or crank model. Electric desks are easier to use and often are programmable to certain heights. Crank models are typically less expensive and don’t require being near a power source but are harder to adjust.
Height and Width
Desk tops come in a variety of different sizes so consider the amount of space you have in your work area as well as how much surface you will require. You should also think about the maximum and minimum heights you will need. While most desks come in a wide range, it you are petite or extra tall, you may need an extended range to be comfortable.
Noise Levels
Electric height-adjustable desks come with a noise rating for the motor that adjusts the desk. If you are in a private office, noise won’t be an issue but desks in a shared space should be as quiet as possible as to not disturb nearby colleagues.
Aesthetics
Height-adjustable bases and tops come in a variety of different finishes so you should be able to find a look that compliments your other office furniture. Adding privacy screens can help define spaces and add pops of color as well. Make sure to add wire management and storage pieces so your spaces have clean lines and look uncluttered.
Anti-Fatigue
Don’t get rid of your office chair! While sitting all day can is unhealthy, standing all day can be too. Pairing accessories like gels mats and perching stools will help to avoid leg fatigue when standing and keep you comfortable all day long. When switching to a sit-stand desk, remember to alternate throughout the day and gradually build up your standing times.
While using a sit-stand desk can be beneficial to your health, choosing the right one is essential. For assistance selecting a desk, contact the Keeney’s team today! Our furniture experts can find a desk that meets your needs and looks great in your workspace.
*Product shown: AIS Aloft Height Adjustable Desking
As you may have noticed, cold and flu season is in full effect. Sickness can result in loss of employee productivity and revenue so preventing the spread of germs is important. Providing supplies, a clean office and alternate accommodations for sick employees will help to minimize germs in the office and keep your team healthy. Below are a few tips to help you get through the winter months:
While cold and flu season is inevitable, there are many steps you can make to help your team avoid the spreading of germs. Keep your office healthy this winter by stocking up on disinfecting products and educating your team on healthy office practices.
Stress is a normal part of life but too much of it can have a negative effect on your team’s morale and productivity. It can also have a major effect on your bottom line. According to a Harvard study, workplace stress costs U.S. businesses $30 billion a year in lost workdays and employee turnover. Set your employees up for success (and run a profitable business) by trying some of the steps below to reduce stress in your office.
Encourage Breaks
It is important for employees to step away from their desks throughout the day, even it’s just a short break to eat a snack or take a walk. Encouraging use of vacation time (and making it easy to use) will also help your team to come back less stressed and more productive.
Offer Calming Activities
Schedule meditation or yoga classes throughout the work week to give employees the chance to relax and clear their minds. If you don’t have the space for these activities in your office space, partner with a local fitness studio to offer memberships for your team to go after work or during breaks.
Change Up the Scenery
Hosting offsite activities helps your employees to step out of their daily routine. Weather it’s a team meeting at a nearby restaurant, volunteering with a local organization or a company barbecue over lunch, getting a change of scenery will help reduce stress and build personal connections.
Implement Flexible Work Schedules
The demands of a busy work and home life can quickly become overwhelming. Allowing employees to have a flexible schedule will help them to balance life and attend special events. In return, they will be more present when they’re in the office. If your employees can perform work remotely, consider offering work from home days to accommodate family schedules and reduce the hours wasted in traffic.
Facilitate Open Communication
Regularly set aside time to check with your team about stress levels and what is triggering that stress. In addition to showing that you care about their well-being, open communication will help to get feedback and make changes if needed.
There are many ways that you can create a healthy workplace and make your employees happier. By facilitating some of these changes, your team will in turn be less stressed, improving their work performance and your bottom line.