Tip 1: Think about the purpose

In order to create a meeting room that is successful, you need to carefully consider what your room will be used for. You should ask yourself questions such as:

• How many people will be using the room?
• When will people need to use the room?
• Will meetings require projectors / TV’s?
• Will meetings always be different?

Once you’ve thought about these questions, then you can start to design a room that will be fit for its purpose. For example, if your business regularly holds meetings electronically (using programmes such as Skype or FaceTime) then it will be wise to include space for a projector or TV Screen. Thinking about the requirements for your meetings will help you to create an impressive meeting room.

Tip 2: Create a wide space

For a meeting room to be successful, it is important that the room has a lot of open space. Having this space will ensure that the room can be adjusted to cater for whatever type of meeting needs to take place. For example, if a meeting requires a large number of employees to be present, then you will be able to fit the right number of chairs into the room. Having no obstructions in the room will also ensure that people can have full view of a meeting while it is taking place.

Tip 3: General Ideas

 Some general ideas for your meeting room that you may find useful are as follows:

• Keep walls plain, with no distractions
• If possible, try to use a room that is away from the main action of an office, ensuring sound distractions are kept to a minimum
• Curtains can often make a room feel dark – try to give the room as much natural lighting as possible

We hope that with these simple tips, you can create a meeting room that is as practical as it is impressive.             

 Firstly, your feet must be flat on the floor and your shoulders relaxed not slouched or bent forwards. Your eyes must be level with the third quarter of the screen and should be about an arms width away from you to avoid any straining from long term use. The ratio sit stand desk is adaptable to body shapes and dimensions so you can ensure everything is positioned where it should be for ultimate comfort and ease both whilst standing and sitting. For typing, your wrists and forearms must be parallel to the floor, and your elbows bent between 90 and 120 degrees. By adapting these techniques for a sit-stand desk, a standing desk can provide many health benefits, allowing blood to flow and circulate, engage muscles and minimise back pain.

However, sit-stand desks do not suggest that you must be standing at your desk all day- standing for just 30 minutes per day is estimated to lose you 5.2lb of body fat in just one year. With that fact in mind, and the fact that your metabolism begins to slow down after about 90 minutes of sitting, if you were to switch from sitting to standing for half an hour every hour and a half, in an eight-hour day you would spend two hours of your day standing in total -which over the year is the equivalent of running approximately 5 marathons!

Your daily routine will include a lot of sitting down during the working week, and most probably at the weekends too! You sit at the table for breakfast, sit in the car or on the train on your way to work, sit down at your desk once you arrive, sit down to eat your lunch, then at the end of the day you most likely go home to chill out on the sofa all evening. By incorporating a small amount of standing into your day, you will not only be Improving your productivity and overall health, but burning calories without even realising!

So get to it, improve your health and wellbeing as well as productivity and stand up!

As people continue to change the way they work, becoming more agile at their desks, shifting from individual to collaborative working in short spaces of time it is important that every movement the body makes is supported by their chair. Herman Miller have redesigned their original Mirra chair for a leaner, lighter and more responsive chair, designed to move with the sitter to support even the slightest movements of the body resulting in a fully supportive, ultra-comfortable chair.

The Mirra 2 moves with you, the seat and back instantly adapting to your shape as soon as you sit down. It features dynamic surfaces that respond to your every, movement and simple, small adjustments designed to fine-tune your fit.

The main feature of the chair is the butterfly back, which is exceptionally responsive to the body’s movements resulting from merging fabric layers with polymer veins which create a highly intelligent new supporting structure. The loop spine, paired with the structure ensures the body is kept in perfect alignment and kept cool during the summer months with self-cooling technology within the fabric.

The Mirra 2 balances immediate comfort and personalised ergonomics in one sophisticated design, bringing elegance and light into any office space- with plenty of colour choices for textiles and back and the ability to create different combinations the Herman Miller Mirra 2 will transform any office space, whilst providing years of extreme comfort and support to its users.

Meet the Sayl chair from Herman Miller-perhaps the most materially simple, yet the most technically advanced chair ever created. Designed based on the San Francisco Golden gate bridge, with a Y-shaped strut to mimic the Golden Gate towers, the Sayl chair is constructed of glass filled nylon, with a stretched web of elastomer to create the back. Each strand of plastic is individually designed to different thicknesses to ensure the tension across the web is stiffer and strongest in the centre, being flexible at the sides so it can mould into the individuals back shape and posture for ultimate comfort and support. Unlike other ergonomic chairs, the Sayl chair can adapt to multiple people, due to its elasticated web technology, so the chair can be enjoyed by many and not mould itself to one individual, allowing you to stretch and move striking a healthy balance between health and freedom.

Not only is Herman Miller’s Sayl chair really a chair to suit everyone, it is also one of the most stylishly created chairs to date. With its scientific back support designed to not only feel great to sit on, but also look fantastic, it also comes in a range of different colours to really show off that unique design feature.

Due to its lightweight and simplistic design, fewer parts and less material means the Sayl chair has much less of an environmental impact than other office chair designs.

Every part of the Herman Miller Sayl chair has been considered and reconsidered to ultimately create a better, smarter chair setting the standard in its class in terms of quality, performance and design.

The Herman Miller Embody chair has been voted the best office chair, due to its stylish design and back support. Just because a chair is comfortable and supportive, there is no need for the style to be compromised, and the embody chair ranks very high in both style and comfort, with some describing it as the “most stylish office chair there is”. This chair is the perfect investment, with ergonomic chairs proven to provide lasting comfort, as opposed to cheaper office chairs which become uncomfortable and unsupportive after a very short period of time.

When choosing a comfortable office chair, you need to ensure it has ease of movement such as being able to roll across the floor easily and to tilt and swivel. Without this, you’ll be stretching to reach things at your desk which could cause muscle pain. The Embody chair features a narrow backrest, to allow you to move freely and easily to avoid unnecessary muscle strain. Another element to look for is the adjustable support to ensure the chair fits to your body just right to experience maximum comfort and support. The embody chair adjusts automatically to support a full range of seated postures, reducing seated pressure and encouraging freedom of movement to allow oxygen and blood to move freely around the body, keeping you focused.

Ensure you don’t fall into the trap of choosing soft seat cushions. For long periods of continuous sitting plump cushioned chairs will not be comfortable. A chair must have firmness in it for good and effective back support. The material you choose is also important, as different materials have different properties that can benefit you or hinder you in productive working. For example, offices can get very warm, particularly during the summer months, therefore choosing a mesh material will ensure airflow between your body and the chair making you feel cooler. Leather on the other hand, whilst it is highly durable, is a restricting material therefore in warm weather will restrict the airflow and cause you to overheat.

For ultimate office comfort, take a look at the Herman Miller Embody chair, the most comfortable task chair. For more information, contact us today.

The iconic Herman Miller Aeron Chair doesn’t disappoint thanks to its comfort and customisation options. Whilst its form has remained mostly unchanged over time, the Aeron Chair has been remastered to meet the needs of the modern office environment. All the updates that have been implemented are based on the latest research around the science of sitting, and the advancements in materials and manufacturing technology.

Herman Miller have learnt over the years how best to support people and different postures. Technology and ergonomic enhancements have been used to help improve not only the design but the capabilities of the task chair. Thanks to the innovative elastomeric suspension, Herman Miller was able to eliminate the circulation-restricted pressure points, allowing them to deliver increased comfort and ergonomic support. Everyone knows that prolonged sitting can build up heat and humidity close to the body. Herman Miller came up with the answer to this problem by using foam and fabric in the Aeron Chair. Pellicle allows air, body heat and water vapour to pass through the seat.

Herman Miller’s Aeron Chair was designed to specifically support the human form whilst improving the experience of sitting. This chair is able to create a total spinal support system and this is achieved both when the user is sitting still and moving. The Aeron’s tilt allows the chair to move with the body in a natural way so users can shift from forward to reclining positions. The Aeron Chair is designed to keep people in contact with the back of the chair and in control of their continuous movements.

The Aeron Chair has a cross performance design that allows for a wide range of activities and postures users adopt whilst working. This task chair is suitable for an extensive range of workplace settings and environments.

For more information on Herman Miller’s Aeron Chair, contact us today.

Having the right support at your desk has been shown to drastically improve productivity. Slouching and poor posture are associated with being relaxed- at work this can lead to a relaxed attitude towards tasks, hence decreasing productivity. Ergonomic chairs provide the correct upright seating position to keep you focused and comfortable.  At The Office Furniture Store, we specialise in providing forward thinking products, such as our popular Orangebox range, available in a various colours sure to brighten up any office whilst encouraging employees productivity with correct seating posture and comfort. Not only do these chairs provide support for your back, they have a mesh backrest to allow air circulation meaning you can maintain the perfect body temperature throughout the work day.

As well as short term effects, ergonomic chairs can have long term health benefits for employees too. Correct posture ensures blood flow around the body which reduces feelings of tiredness. It can also reduce the likelihood of back ache due to bad posture over a long period of time, which in turn decreases the likelihood of staff needing to take days off. One of our top ranges of chairs, Herman Miller, are the ultimate in comfort with back tilt and body weight control to ensure comfort throughout the day in a range of contemporary styles to suit any office.

By investing in comfortable and supportive chairs for the office, you can drastically increase productivity, health and wellbeing of employees to create a more effective working environment in the long term.

Symptoms:

They are many symptoms that can indicate you are suffering from back pain. These include:

- An ache, dull pain or soreness in the back.
- Any difficulty moving with ease.
- Pain that spreads to the groin or upper thighs.
- In some cases, there can even be muscle spasms.

Here are 4 things that you can do to help ease the pain and prevent any further injury:

1. Correct Posture

Having an incorrect posture whilst sitting is the most common cause of lower back pain. Fixing your posture is one of the most important steps you can take to help prevent back pain. So, what is the correct way to sit at a desk?

- Ensure that your feet are flat on the floor or if you have a footrest, flat on there.
- Your computer screen should be directly in front of you with the top of the screen at eye level.
- Correctly adjust the chair to support your lower back, your knees should be slightly lower than your hips.
- Also, your arms should be parallel to the floor either resting on armrests or alternatively your desk.

2. Choose the right chair

Another common cause of lower back pain is having a poor quality office chair. If you cannot adjust either the back or the height of your chair then you should consider making a change. An ergonomic desk chair is specifically designed to help relieve the pressure on your lower back as well as reduce and prevent any further pain. Finding the right chair could be the answer to your back problems.

3. Take regular breaks

By standing up or taking a walk least once an hour, whether that is to get a quick drink or to go to the printer, you can help relieve the strain on your back. Taking frequent short breaks is better for your health than taking fewer longer ones.

4. Invest in a Sit-Stand Desk

If you find that your issue is sitting down for long periods of time, then why not try working between sitting down and standing up? This is now possible thanks to the sit stand desks that Herman Miller, Humanscale and Elite offer. They allow you to both sit at your desk and work or extend it to standing level if and when you need a break from sitting.

For more information on Sit Stand Desks or Ergonomic Task Chairs, contact us today. 

Stand up more often

If you spend the majority of your time working at a desk then you can improve your health by standing up more often at regular intervals. Not only does this help support your spine but it can also help to improve your creativity and productivity. To make this exercise simpler for you, why not incorporate standing into your daily routine by using a Sit and Stand desk? View our full range of Humanscale, Herman Miller and Elite Sit Stand desks here.

Add plants to your desk

Bring nature into the office by adding some potted plants. Not only does this make the office aesthetically pleasing but it can also help to increase the health and morale of those within the office environment. By bring plants into the office it can help provide a feeling of wellness and creativity within the office. Some plants have been proven to improve the air quality within the office, but try to avoid flowers that have a particularly strong scent to them.

Personal items

One good way to help relieve stress within the office environment is to add personal items and decoration for your work space. By adding these personal items to the office environment, it allows employees to feel more like their desk is their own and make them feel happier in the workplace. This can help you to feel more relaxed and comfortable which can lead to an increase in productivity.

Ergonomic desk chairs

If you are spending long periods of time sat at your desk, avoid back, neck and body ache by using an ergonomic chair. These are designed to help provide support to the main structures of your body that are prone to stress. An ergonomic chair is able to support your posture, make it more comfortable to sit for longer periods, reduces any neck, back or hip pain and also makes working easier. View our full range of designer ergonomic task chairs here.

Don’t eat at your desk

Getting away from your desk during your lunch hour can lead to a much healthier and happier working environment. If you leave your desk when you eat it means that you are away from your main work environment and can lead to more interaction between employees.

View our full range of designer office furniture here.

Organise your space:

Many of us still struggle to keep our desks tidy instead of being taken over by loose pieces of paper and numerous sticky notes. The best way to tackle this problem is by keeping all of your sticky notes and pieces of paper all in one location. You could even look at using a note book to store all of your loose pieces of paper and sticky notes and create your own miniature filling system. As well as keeping your desk tidy this also allows you to be organised, knowing where everything is.

Why not try using a monitor arm to help create more space on your desk. This is able to get rid of the bulky computer stand and replace them with monitor stands that have adjustable arms. As well as gain space it is has an overall aesthetically pleasing look. Here at the office furniture store we offer a range of CBS monitor arms and Human Scale monitor arms.

Throw Away What You Don’t Need

Overtime, clutter can easily build up and before you know it; your desk is buried underneath folders, documents and more. Make sure you clean your desk on a regular basis, removing any paper that you don’t need or stationary.

A great trick to help you keep your desk clean and tidy and understand what the essential desk equipment is, is to completely clear and start at the beginning of the week with the bare minimum. That way, if you notice that you are missing any certain items you can add them back to your desk.

Add The Idea Chair

Your desk chair may not be your source of clutter; it still has an impact on your productivity. Without a comfortable, supportive and ergonomic chair not only will it have an impact on our general health but it can also have a huge impact on our work output.

By selecting the right chair for you, it will help to minimise any strains on health meaning you will be more motivated at work. Check out our full range of ergonomic desk chairs.

Add Inspiration

Make the most of the space you have, why not try to add different and unique features that help you to work at your best. When you are sorting out your desk and rearranging, try to incorporate individual touches and style where possible, this way you are able to add a more personal feel to your workspace. By doing this, it allows you to feel more comfortable in an area that you will spend a lot of time in. As well as this, it helps to ensure that your productivity and work levels are as high as they can possibly be.

By following these four easy steps you can make your desk space as clean and efficient as possible.

1. Take The Stairs

This is as simple as it sounds, by taking the stairs more regularly it can help to increase your physical activity. Many of us work in large office buildings and often take the lift, why not try to walk up the stairs? This doesn’t just have to be something you only do at work; you can also work this into your everyday routine. For example, if you commute to work take the stairs in the train station, or when out shopping in a large department store no need for the lift when you can take the stairs!

2. Park Further Away

Again, this is another simple change that can have a huge impact on your physical activity. Instead of looking for the perfect parking space right next to the entrance why not park a little further away? It may not seem like a big change, but it can have a big impact! By parking further away and doing this every day, it allows you to improve your health and increase your physical activity.

3. Exercise At Your Desk

There are some simple exercises that can be done at the desk, by doing a couple of sets of these per day can help to increase the amount of physical activity you participate in per day. These can either be done during your break or throughout the day as they don’t take much time at all. The exercises include:

Desk Push Ups – These are as simple as they sound, take a step back from your desk and then, using both hands, push up from your desk. By doing this it will help to strengthen your biceps and triceps.

Chair Squats – Standing in front of your chair, simply lower your body onto the edge of your seat before lifting yourself back up again. To do a squat correctly, stand with your feet slightly wider than your hips and pointing out. Ensure that your knees are in line with your feet and your back is straight as you squat down. Squats can help to strengthen your quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes.

Sitting Leg Raise – Whilst sitting on your chair, straighten your leg completely and hold for 10 seconds before slowly lowering. This will help to tighten your abs as well as tone your quadriceps and calves.

Calve Raisers – If you have a sit and stand desk, then this is the perfect exercise to tone up those calves. Simply raise your heels a few inches off the ground, hold this position and then slowly lower your heels back down.

These are just a few ideas as to how you can increase your physical activity whilst at work. None of these suggestions include major change to your daily routine, but just by making that small change can have a huge impact. One thing that will also have a major impact would be ensuring that you have a good ergonomic desk chair; this can help to improve your health and make your day at a desk more comfortable.

Our range of ergonomic task chairs includes those from leading brands such as Herman Miller, Orangebox and more. Also, why not browse our full range of Herman Miller and Humanscale sit and stand desks. View our full range of designer office furniture here. 

How about a coat hanger? Clothes aren’t just hung on hangers for the purpose of effectively and efficiently storing them but, they also to help maintain the clothes structure and strength. By placing your clothes on a good quality hanger it will help increase how they will look when you wear them, it will also be able to extend the longevity and value of the items of clothing used by the hanger.

Luckily for us, Herman Miller created the innovative Aeron Coat Hanger. This coat hanger is suitable for all sizes; it allows you to hang your jacket on the chair meaning you will have it always at hand. The hanger can support items of clothing that weigh up to 5kg. The coat hanger comes in two parts which contains a fixed-piece polymer clamp and a fail-safe wire hanger which both attach to the back of the chair. The design of the Aeron jacket hanger represents the silhouette of the Aeron office chair’s backrest allowing it to maintain its visual presence throughout the office environment.  The Aeron coat hanger has been designed to ensure protection from damage for the items of clothing used. To protect the product, if any excessive force is applied or if the 5kg weight limit is surpassed, the wire will simply pop off. The Aeron Coat Hanger can then easily be refitted.

For more information on Herman Miller’s Aeron Jacket hanger as well as all of our designer office furniture, contact us today.

Single Screen Support Arm

Highly manoeuvrable and supportive, the CBS Single Screen Support Arm is the basic model that allows you to customise your computer monitor just as you like. The CBS Flo Monitor Arm is sturdy, but also easy to control and adjust. It can handle a weight of up to 9KG, and has a wide range of movement, with a great vertical and horizontal reach. This model is highly trusted and is perfect for adding some control and ease to your workplace. If the 9KG limit is too small for you, don’t fret! There’s also the Flo Plus Single Support Arm that can carry a whopping 18KG to ensure you’ll also get to enjoy a better workplace.

Dual Screen Support Arm

Many workplaces require the use of two screens at once nowadays, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a clean and comfortable workplace. The CBS Flo Dual Arm Support allows two computer monitors or laptops to be held at once, and is the most flexible dual option on the market. With great manoeuvrability and strength, this model is perfect for the modern workplace. Allowing comfort, simplicity, and a great looking workspace, you won’t find a better dual screen support out there.

If the Flo isn’t for you, then you should check out the Wishbone Double Monitor Arm and the Wishbone Crossbar Double Monitor Support, a pair of strong and sturdy supports that can carry 12KG on each arm. While not as flexible as the Flo Dual Arm Support, these models offer high durability and support, keeping your monitors supported exactly where you need them at all times.

Multiple Screen Support

If two isn’t enough for you, there’s nothing stopping you from grabbing a third monitor! You might think that there’s no way to support all three screens with one support arm, but guess again. The Wishbone Triple Monitor Support Arm is a strong, aesthetically pleasing support arm that can carry 12KG on each of its three arms. With plenty of support and clamps to ensure the safety of your screens, you can enjoy the use of three monitors while keeping your workplace organised and uncluttered. This is a must for anyone who needs to go above and beyond at the workplace.

For more information on our full range of CBS monitor arms, contact us today. 

Humanscale are redefining the capabilities of monitor arms by combining incredible weight capacity with a slim, stylish profile.  The M8 monitor arm was built to offer performance and flexibility, which allows the user to work efficiently in a healthy posture, and giving them the option to set up one or multiple monitors at an optimal distance and height. This allows users to collaborate easier through effortless screen sharing, as well as increasing available desk space.

Thanks to its combination of strength and flexibility, the M8 is able to accommodate any single or dual monitor that can weigh up to 18kg. This ergonomic Humanscale monitor arm is able to offer an easily adjustable and flawless alternative to other high-capacity, bulky designs. The M8 monitor arm comes fully equipped with an internal counterbalance mechanism as well as the use of a clever combination of friction axles. This easily accommodates heavy monitors whilst also being able to provide flexibility and support.

If you want an arm that’s perfect for dual monitors then look no further, as the monitor arm can use an optional crossbar support that can accommodate for two monitors side by side weighing up to 9kg, this is know as the M8 Dual Monitor Arm. When two monitors are mounted to the crossbar they are able to adjust simultaneously, this is to ensure easy repositioning and excellent ergonomics. As well as this, each monitor can also be independently adjusted by using a fine-tune adjustor to ensure the perfect alignment and aesthetics.

The Humanscale M8 monitor arm comes in 3 different finishes including polished aluminium with white trim, silver with grey trim and also black with black trim. As well as this, the M8 comes with a number of desk fitting options including; a desk clamp, a bolt through desk fitting or even a dual fitting with a bolt through desk clamp.

For more information on the Humanscale M8 Monitor Arm, contact us today.

The dynamic and fluid movement of the CBS Flo lets the user adjust the position of one or more screens, thanks to their smooth fingertip adjustability. It ensures that the minimum amount of effort is used for the maximum level of precision. Their patented technology allows for a large range of motion and quick control, offering the perfect positioning to support the users eyes.

As well as being easily adjustable this CBS monitor arm is touch-screen compatible and suitable for any collaborative working environment. The use of the D-Ring head is able to provide a 40-degree tilt both upwards and downwards, allowing the user to reduce the amount of glare on the screen. Also, their flexibility allows for a 90 degrees rotation to the left and right, enabling the user to share their screen with colleagues. These levels of mobility are a great tool when working together in groups of projects.

The use of innovative features goes hand in hand with CBS’s patented performance and technology. Thanks to their geometric spring technology and dynamic fingertip control it can support laptops and tablets ranging between 3 to 9 kg.

CBS Flo is able to effortlessly combine sleek aesthetics with top of the range functionality. The Flo family are specifically designed to offer a range of solutions to technological challenges that we face in the office environment. For more information on any of their products, contact us today.

In the 1920’s Frederick Taylor was known for being the greatest management guru of his time. He had a passion for understanding office culture and how to maximise efficiency through intelligent design.   Then in the 1950’s offices evolved a little further with the invention of air conditioning and fluorescent lighting, meaning you could work anytime and anywhere! By the 1960’s furniture company Herman Miller introduced the cubicle to create a space where workers had more flexibility and space. So far so good right?

Sadly the recession hit during the 80’s and 90’s. Companies began to lay people off, assign a bigger workload to just one person, they cut back on office comfort and began cramming! The Herman Miller cubicle had backfired….  Eventually businesses began to see the toll it was having on their staff!

Welcome to the future…

The 2000’s took a turn for the better when Science became more interested in Ergonomics. They began to see the correlation between an unhappy employer and the cost it had on not only their health, but the company’s bank balance.

Naturally business owners began to pay attention.

- Research shows an unhappy employee takes off more sick days - estimated to be 15 a year;
- Replacing staff costs lots of time and money;
- A happier employer views their role as an experience rather than just a paycheck.

 A collaborative and comfortable space leads to staff who are:

- Happier
- Satisfied in their job
- Have less sick days;
- Reduced risk of mental and physical stress related injuries.

10 Top Tips for Intelligent Design

Of course achieving the right environment for everyone is not an easy task and it does require time.  Intelligent design is more of a process than an overnight solution but follow these 10 tips and you’re on your way:

1. Rid of private offices
2. Opt for areas designed for specific tasks
3. Don’t go entirely open plan
4. Set up collaborative spaces
5. Always choose natural lighting over poor or fake lighting
6. Keep tasks that require focus away from those which cause noise to prevent ‘cognitive overload.’
7. Encourage staff to take breaks often
8. Incorporate ergonomically design furniture such as sit stand desks and monitor arms.
9. Opt for furniture with wheels such as whiteboards, chairs and desk to encourage networking and sharing of ideas.
10. Give something back to facilitate fun, innovation and satisfaction.

If you’re following an ergonomic journey, read on to see 3 processes to consider.

1. Adjustable Office Furniture

Work related injuries both mentally and physically causes considerable time and money loss to many companies. In reality, small and cost effective steps can prevent this. As the sayings goes, if you invest in your staff, they’ll invest in you and a healthy workforce is a happy one - we could go on!

Adjustable office furniture is one of the many, easy and cost effective ways of ensuring the office ergonomics are designed for the users.

Office chair - an adjustable office chair provides the essential benefit of adapting to staff of all heights. The correct seat height means thighs are parallel to the floor and feet are flat on the floor. A breathable, cushioned chair provides optimal comfort.

Back rests - an adjustable back rest not only adjust up and down but on an angle too.  Better quality adjustable back rests will have lumbar support.

Arm rests - good quality chairs will have these attached and allow your arms to rest when not in use. Ideally, they should be low so that arms are relaxed and bend at a 90 degree angle.

2. Workstation Setup

If staff are expected to complete long and labour intensive tasks, workstation setup, if done correctly can help to contribute to a productive workforce.

Standing desks - designed to counteract the unhealthy attributes associated with standing up for a long period of time.  They’ve been associated with lowering heart problems, sugar levels and weight gain. And encourage staff to take more of active approach to working.

Multiple screens - the old school of thinking viewed multiple screens as a way of inviting distractions. Nowadays ergonomic experts conclude that providing multiple screens can help users to process information faster, reduce errors and prevent stress.

Computer monitor arms- eye strain is a common problem for many office based workers. Computer monitor arms help to keep the monitor at the correct level for the user helping to prevent neck and eye strain. They’re also available for laptop and tablet options too to assist with flexible working

3. Other Ergonomic Factors

Frequent Breaks - ideally workers should have a short break every 20 minutes to help with peak performance and productivity. In the reality of a busy working day there’s not always that amount of time but staff should be encouraged to take breaks where possible and to move around the office as often as they can. 

Break out spaces - the modern office sees break out spaces such as cafes, comfortable seating areas and concentration booths. These spaces help with collaboration, internal networking and task specific areas.

When translated from the Aztec language Ollin means “movement”. This word is perfectly suited for this new CBS monitor arm taking into account its effortless dynamic movement. This unique arm is able to help users interact with technology and others as effortlessly as possible. It offers an extraordinary ease of motion as well as a movement range that exceeds the award-winning Flo arm.

With the use of the new innovative support mechanism which features an elastomeric technical cord, rather than the usual spring steel, the Ollin monitor arm can support weights from 0kg to 9kg. This puts the Ollin Monitor Arm in a weight range that no one can match. By having a down-to-zero weight range, it allows not only traditional monitors to be mounted, but also allows for the use of the newer generation of slim and lightweight monitors, laptops and tablets. Prior to Ollin, around 30% of monitors in the market couldn’t be supported by the monitor arm technology and no arm was able to support the full screen weight spectrum.

The Intuitive functionality of the CBS Ollin monitor arm is built to last. Thanks to its customisability CBS have allowed for even further versatility with options such as a dual screen mount bar, tablet mount, laptop mount and a non-VESA screen mount.

For more information on the CBS Ollin Monitor Arm, contact us today. 

The Humanscale M/Connect is a USB, dual-video docking station which is able to merge both ergonomics and technology. It simply sits on the desk top while the dock stays below the desk surface. As it allows for the majority of cables to be connected under the desk, this revolutionary docking station is able to provide a clean look on the user’s workplace. Humanscale have included six USB 3.0 ports with 2 posts having quick charging capabilities. The Humanscale M/Connect isn’t just a docking station; it is compatible with Humanscale monitor arm models such as the M2, M8 or M/Flex.

The M/Connect is able to help improve the comfort, health and productivity of its users whilst offering the instant use of all devices through the use of universal plugs and display connections. This docking station was designed with a constant focus on its environmental impact at every stage of its development, allowing it to achieve more with less and become naturally sustainable. It has become a total workspace solution that has been able to completely enhance the computing experience.

The Humanscale M/Connect has been engineered to ensure it meets all categorisations such as the LSZH, thanks to its use of non-PVC cable jackets. It is crafted out of highly recyclable aluminium parts and comes in an option of three finishes, polished aluminium with white trim, silver grey or black. The M/Connect is always at the heart of an active workspace, and can be at the heart of yours.

View all of our compatible Humanscale monitor arms here. Or for more information contact us.

Just like the Ferrari cars, the beauty and style of the Xten is much more than skin deep. There are  standards of technology and design that are more commonly applied to vehicles put to use in this chair. This could be the most comfortable office chair ever made, so let’s have a closer look at the features.

The Xten uses Technogel, a unique polyurethane material which is injected into the cushion, and also Dynatec which is a fabric that is designed for Olympic athletes, which help to relieve stress on the back. Tests show that after one and a half hours, this chair can relieve 60% of pressure when compared to a foam only cushion. The dynamic synchronized tilting system allows the user to easily tilt back in the chair whilst the Technogel in the cushions adapts to the users shape, making the seat comfortable for anyone.

This chair promises to help reduce fatigue through the use of its high-tech materials and revolutionary unique features, which makes it the perfect partner for the latest contemporary and ergonomic office design. Its extraordinary appeal allows the Xten to represent lightness and harmony to give your office space a touch of character and personality. The result is an office chair that works as good as it looks.

This chair has an important role to play when it comes to improving the efficiency and productivity of employees. The Xten comes in 6 different colours including the classic Ferrari red, metallic blue, anthracite, metallic grey, metallic black and pearly white.

For more information on this contact us today.

Multiple monitor solutions are one factor associated with ergonomics. The need to process information quicker is becoming a priority for many.  Whilst some employees believe that providing more than one monitor encourages distraction, others strongly believe it has a significant impact on productivity.

 Find out benefits of providing monitor arm solutions below:

1. Less sickness related time off

Offices which show consideration for proper planned ergonomics generally see a decrease in sick leave. In relation to a well thought out office environment,  multiple monitor solutions in the workplace means employees are less likely to suffer with MSD and any other DSE related illnesses. Therefore, companies won’t lose money and /or have to spend extra time finding someone else to cover.

2.  Employee Satisfaction

A happy employee is a healthy employee who in turn will have a higher productivity level who provides a multitude of benefits to the business.   Multiple monitor solutions in the workplace help employees to cope with the constant incoming information and helps to reduce time usually taken up with flicking back and forth to relevant screens.

3. A Better Work Reputation 

A company that cares for its employees helps to create a positive reputation and encourages new talent and skilled individuals. Office ergonomics is becoming more important and well recognised as a solution to creating a work driven and productive workspace, multiple monitors being one of those effective solutions.

4. Improved performance

Workspaces equipped with three displays increase employees’ productivity by 35.5% according to Fujitsu Siemens Computers.  Multiple monitors help employees to process information quickly and efficiently. The University of Utah concluded multiple screens enabled a reduction of errors by 33% and contributes to faster editing skills by 16%.

Those who choose to ignore the benefits of ergonomics including Display Screen Equipment, will perhaps see the effects on staff in the form of long term illness, health pay-outs and the many other repercussions that come with not looking after their staff appropriately.

Have a look at our full range of monitor arms or if you would like more information, contact us today.

Whilst the mind conjures up exposed wires and visible plug sockets, the reality is, industry leaders such as Boss Design and Lyndon Design have a greater understanding of positive office design which includes clever soft seating technology.

Examples of Soft Seating Technology in the Office

Ergonomic studies tell us that to have a productive workforce, we need conducive and comfortable working environments. Intelligent office design therefore allows us to implement soft seating, modern technology and ergonomics together effortlessly.

But how are these factors easily streamlined together?

As we mentioned earlier, office design has to have a collaborative approach:

Break out areas include flat screen LCD monitors attached to walls - these areas help teams to collaborate in a creative and relaxed way. Encouraging effective communication and networking.

Soft seating equipped with charging points - a comfortable area where staff feel at ease which helps to foster creative thinking. They’re able to come away from the desk and still carry on with their day to day digital tasks.

Cafes equipped with Wi-Fi - cafes are no longer just a place for gossip! Many meetings and department collaborations happen over coffee.  Wi-Fi is somewhat considered a necessity in today’s working spaces not only to encourage staff to carry on with their projects but to offer them some ‘down time’ when on lunch breaks etc.

The leaders in Soft Seating Technology ….

Boss Design like many industry leaders recognise the importance of a healthy and happy workforce. One of their newest designs - an office pod has been developed to promote alertness and encourage concentration. Using a specially formulated white lighting system which changes its shades and intensity and works in accordance with people’s circadian rhythms. It’s one example of the many ‘hi tech’ and practical solutions there are available.

Soft Seating Technology Ensure Office Design That is:

Multifunctional

A modern office must be able to create space where needed. It must have areas for team collaborations, private meetings and relaxation spaces.

Productive

An environment which caters to the functional and health needs of its employees contributes to higher productivity.

Collaborative

This type of environment helps to ensure better working relationships, effective communication and helps to build a stronger workforce.

For more information, contact us today.

Factors to Take into Consideration with Office Acoustics

Hearing and Understanding are Two Different Things

As mentioned earlier, sound privacy is often a concern in the office.    Muffled sounds from the surrounding office are not usually a problem. These muffled sounds don’t make sense to us and so we’ll usually switch off from them. Sound however which you can understand perfectly, poses a privacy issue.  When we talk about sound privacy, we can apply it to meeting rooms, conference rooms and other group working areas.

Stop the direct path of sound                                                                                                                          

One way sound travels is on a direct path from source to receiver.  It’s important to remember that desk spaces facing each other will be on the same line of direct sound. Therefore, some sort of barrier such as a partition must be placed in the way of the direct path to help direct the sound elsewhere.

Designate areas for different tasks

Office design should look at making ‘quiet’ spaces for tasks that require concentration and generally no sound or at least where it’s minimised significantly.

How does Sound Work?

Sound is a form of energy which like all energy, can’t be destroyed but it can be directed, transformed, blocked or absorbed.  It’s created when something vibrates (resonates) and the medium around it vibrates sending out longitudinal waves which we hear as sound waves.

Three Paths of Sound

• Direct path - between source and receiver
• Reflected path -  sound bounces off surfaces
• Defracted path - sound bends over tops and around sides

Having a clear understanding of how these sound paths work, will help you to address office acoustics efficiently.

Office Design Tips for Sensible and Sound Office Acoustics

Acoustic Panels

 Acoustic panels are made from sound absorbing material and nowadays can be made into wall art to not only improve the office acoustics but compliment the office decor.   Acoustic panels will help with background noise and can be implemented into collaborative areas.

Choose softer furnishings

Hard surfaces cause sound to bounce, this is known as reverberation therefore softer materials help to absorb sound.  Curtains and thick carpets can help to absorb sound rather than reflect it.

Hanging Acoustical baffles

Hanging acoustical baffles are attached to the ceiling to prevent echoes and, reverberation.

Concentration booths

Traditional office layouts are seeing a decline and more collaborative spaces are on the incline. Whilst open plan is a great collaborative space, if we’re taking into consideration acoustics, concentration booths are a perfect solution for more private meetings. Concentration booths use sound absorbing technologies to mask and muffle sound.

To summarise

• Don’t situate desks directly opposite one another;
• Design an office which allows for flexibility to cope with noisy and quiet tasks;
• Understand the different paths of sound;
• Choose specially designed acoustic furniture and use where appropriate.

Find all of our designer acoustic furniture here.

Fact: people suffer from what’s called ‘Ipad neck!’

As laptops and tablets are movable, there are many that fail to recognise that ergonomic practices still apply. In fact research has found that workers using laptops and tablets are less likely to take breaks, more likely to sit down for longer periods of time as well as suffering with eye and neck strain.

Here are a few simple solutions to ensure good ergonomic working practice whilst using laptops and tablets.

Improve viewing angles with a CBS Laptop Stand

Laptops

Excessive looking down is causing neck pain. An appropriate neck angle makes a big difference! An ergonomic approach would be to place a laptop on to a CBS laptop stand. The CBS laptop stand will therefore be at the correct height.

Fact: the user’s eye line should be at the top of the laptop’s screen and a CBS laptop stand enables this.

Tablets

A designer laptop stand is an ergonomic essential for any tablet. Tablets have no support and require the user to look down or even hold the device which can have a detrimental effect on health. Therefore, a designer laptop stand holds it at the correct neck and eye position.

Everyone has their own eye line and so a designer laptop stand will help to cater to individual requirements.

Health & Safety Reasons to Use Laptop stands

There’s always a risk of putting a laptop on your lap because it feels more comfortable. This is not a good idea due to a number of reasons including:

•  It encourages the user to curve their back which can create bad posture and in the long term, back pain. A CBS laptop stand therefore ensures the user is sitting up straight.

• It can cause the laptop to overheat and in some extreme cases burn the user.  When placed on laps, ventilation is greatly reduced therefore a CBS laptop allows the right amount of air flow to the laptop. Not only improving the machine's performances but protecting the user from any nasty burns.

Take more breaks

Ergonomics advises workers to take frequent breaks but it’s considered necessary to take more breaks when using laptop and tablets.

It’s recommended to take a break every 15 minutes and never stay at your workstation for longer than 40 minutes.

The body begins to shut down after a long periods of sitting which has been linked to serious health problems not to mention motivation and productivity issues.

Opt for an external keyboard and mouse

Tablets require a swiping and pressing action which can get repetitive. If you’re using a mobile device instead of a PC then workers may suffer from finger and hand cramps.   Therefore an external keyboard should be used. 

It will be interesting to see how ergonomics develops alongside technology and what challenges it will face in the future.

To view all of our desk ergonomics click here. 

However, LED lighting such as HumanScale Element Task Lights and HumanScale Horizon Table Light have the potential to change the future of lighting in our commercial spaces. LED lighting can help to save companies lots of money on their energy bills and it’s kinder to their staff and the work environment.

Never underestimate the power of good LED lighting. Research tells us that good quality lighting in the work place has a big impact on productivity and helps to decrease errors by up to 60%!   Other LED lighting benefits include:

• Improved accuracy
• Increased productivity
• Reduced eye and neck strain
• Less workplace accidents
• Over all improved health
  
  

Light - emitting diode (LED) is an energy efficient technology that allows companies to sufficiently light up their environment. The bulbs in HumanScale Horizon Table Light and HumanScale Element Task Light and other LED task lighting, last longer and offer better lighting than standard energy draining bulbs.

LED Task Lighting in the Office

Whilst natural lighting can improve mental and physical wellbeing, it’s not always enough to carry out specific work tasks.  Everyone has their own lighting needs due to eyesight abilities and age and that’s why LED task lighting, is considered as a controllable light and is often favoured.

 Task lights should are designed so that the user is able to not only turn it on/off but they’re able to position the light, control the brightness by allowing for light level adjustments.  This is the case with HumanScale Element Task Light and HumanScale Horizon Table Light.

Benefits of LED Lights in the Office:

• The bulbs in HumanScale Element Task Light and HumanScale Horizon Table Light have a lifespan of 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs.

•  HumanScale task lights use only LED and compact fluorescent (CFL) light sources, therefore, more cost and energy efficient than comparable incandescent bulbs.

• Modern LEDs use only 10% of the energy and last up to 60 times longer than incandescent.

• The Energy Department study concluded that LEDs contain no mercury as well as having a smaller environmental impact.

To view all of our desk lights click here.

The Benefits of Ergonomics?

Consider the benefits of setting up a workplace which is conducive to your team’s health.

• Reduces cost -  avoid compensation costs or having to pay sick pay or time costs associated with finding a new staff member.

• Better productivity - a happy and comfortable team member produces their best work.

• An improved working culture - staff members who notice their company is looking after them are more likely to not take as many sick days, it improves morale and interaction.

• Safer environment - with welfare of others at the forefront of your company, it helps to create a strong and safer environment as a whole and leads to better human performance.

Now you’re ready to set up a workplace that’s beneficial to your staff members, let’s cover 2 practical solutions that you can implement quickly and easily.

1. Introduce a HumanScale Footrest

When designing an ergonomic work environment, often the legs and feet are forgotten about and they shouldn’t! After all, they carry your body. 

If you overlook your legs and feet and not support them correctly, then you give reason for circulation and health problems to arise.

So why is a HumanScale Footrest important?

• Comfortable: Hard and cold floors are bad for your health in the long run. A HumanScale foot rest is comfortable and provides a nice and an essential  break from cold concrete.

• Active sitting:  sitting for too long has been deemed unhealthy but a HumanScale footrest encourages active sitting. This means, it’ll help with a rocking motion that assists with blood flow to the legs, aiding in better circulation.

• Versatile: anyone can use a HumanScale footrest even those who are considerably shorter.  Foot rest are ideal for helping the user keep their feet flat and weight evenly distributed which shorter people can find a challenge but not with a footrest.

Fun fact: Did you know footrest users can stand 30% longer?

2.  Opt for a CBS Laptop Stand

Technology has become a part of our everyday environment and we relying more on it each year. Computers and laptops are therefore an essential for many workers which means time spent at a computer desk is becoming more frequent yet it’s not great for your body.

• Choosing a CBS laptop stand can help to lessen aches, pains and strains due to not using one.
  
  
• A CBS laptop stand adjusts to the user's height therefore the user doesn’t have to strain their neck or eyes to view the screen.
  
  
• A CBS laptop stand helps comfortable viewing to the user
  
  
• A CBS laptop stand allows you to place an integrated keyboard at a level comfortable to your wrists.

Fun fact : Your skeleton is not designed to stay in a seated position for a long period of time.

Top tips for an ergonomic workstation

Sit correctly:

• Feet should be parallel to the floor with your feet flat on the HumanScale footrest. Adjust your chair accordingly.

• There should be two inches of clearance between the back of your knees and the front edge of the seat. Adjusting the seat pan depth will enable this.

• The backrest should be adjusted so it fits the small of your back efficiently.

•  Support varying reclines throughout the day by adjusting the recline tension. Remember to avoid recline locks!

• Lean back and relax allowing the backrest to support your body

Use the mouse properly:

• Minimise reaching by positioning your keyboard close to the mouse

• Avoid anchoring your wrist on the desk.

• Glide the heel of your palm over the mousing surface.

• Use your entire arm to mouse. 

Remember your monitor should:

• Be an arm’s length distance and slightly below the eye level.

• Be tilted away from you so your line of sight is perpendicular to the monitor.

Most importantly:

• Take 2 / 3 30-60 second breaks each hour.
• Get up and move around frequently.
• Choose to carry out some tasks standing up.
• Consider a sit stand desk.

View all of our Desk Ergonomics here.

Cluttered desks are an annoyance for most of us. Our whole working life ends up on our desk yet we don't have anything constructive to show for it.  Paper piled high. Disused pens thrown in with the new ones. Crumpled up sticky notes - some you need, some you don't.  And usually your tablet’s hiding under that mess and your monitor is taking up the space you could do with!

Sound familiar?

The average office worker spends 1.5 hours a week (6 weeks per year) looking for things!

What is a Humanscale Monitor Am?

A Humanscale monitor arm is a robust and flexible piece of office equipment that attaches to your desk and your monitor.

The Humanscale monitor arm then enables your technology to float above the desk - leaving you with precious room for the more important things.

What are the Benefits of a Humanscale Monitor Arms?

A clutter clearer:

A  Humanscale monitor arm will remove monitors off your desk so you’ve valuable for space for files, current projects and even a mug of tea.

Improve your health: 

Looking at your monitor can impact upon your health over time.  The most common health problems are neck and eye strain. This is because the monitor is in a fixed position which means it may not be easy for you to access at times. Monitor arms however, allow you to adjust the height, depth and angle of your monitor. This means it’s tailor made to your comfort with the added bonus of improving your posture.

Monitor arms work well with sit stand desks:

Since your sit stand desk is adjustable, the Humanscale monitor arm effortlessly also adjusts to your desk height and can be changed accordingly. Both products go hand in hand and integrate easily.

How does a monitor arm attach to my desk?

There are many different forms of Humanscale monitor arms but one of the most popular is a c-clamp desk mounting monitor arm. This version doesn’t require you to modify your desk in any way as it simply clamps.

However a Grommet mount will need a hole in your desk which is fine if your desk already has one. If it doesn’t, then your desk will need to be permanently modified to allow for the Humanscale monitor arm to attach.

Can my tablet and laptop attach to a Humanscale monitor arm?

Monitor arms were originally used for monitors but times change and so does technology. Now a tablet and laptop is more than capable of attaching to a Humanscale monitor arm.

A blue tooth keyboard and mouse can therefore be placed on the desk.

What Humanscale monitor arm should I buy?

Single Monitors:

Up to 9Kg in weight choose the Humanscale M2 Monitor Arm

Over 9Kg and up to 18Kg choose the Humanscale M8 Monitor Arm

Multiple Monitors:

Choose the Humanscale M8 Monitor Arm with crossbar for dual monitor support

Choose Humanscale M Flex System for a flexible mounting system for up to six monitors

Also, it’s been proved time and again that the sedentary office lifestyle that the modern life has been cursed with is causing worrying obesity levels, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression etc. Our coal mining days are long behind us, and let’s face we’re getting fatter and lazier, as each office day goes by.

After all, we are animals that were built to stand and walk not to sit and type relentlessly for endless hours.

However, we can’t be taking invigorating walks around the park every hour or taking leisurely strolls around the office (unless your boss is amazing),  we have work to do! So what could the perhaps life changing solution be for many of us stuck in a weary rut?

The Solution & Studies

Experts have designed sit-stand desks which are designed to work as a traditional desk but also transition easily to a standing desk when you feel like stretching your legs whilst continuing to work. This is an innovative desk leading us down the path of active working which has many advantages. 

Science is at the very core of this invention as many studies and theories believe that being active keeps the brain more productive. So these desks are not only designed to keep those pounds from piling on but also helps us work more efficiently.

A motivating pilot study published in the Preventive Medicine Reports on workers in a call centre found that the employees who stood up for around 60-90 minutes daily at their sit-stand desks were more productive than those who remained at their traditional desks.

A staggering 44% who increased their standing in the office felt “more satisfied” and “more productive” according to the research reported in the Daily Mail

The lead researcher, Dr. Josephine Chau, stated that investing in a sit-stand desk could be one of the ways to create a much healthier lifestyle.

The Humanscale QuickStand (A Sit-Stand Solution)

It’s important to note that getting a sit-stand desk solution is better than just getting a standing desk because you have the flexibility. You shouldn’t transition from standing up all day if you’re used to sitting. It’s a gradual process. The mixture of sitting and standing is also meant to increase productivity, concentration and posture.

The Humanscale QuickStand will fit any standard desk so is ideal for this transition. It’s light and sleek to operate so you can seamlessly switch from sitting to standing. It looks super modern and simplistic, it’s stable when in stand mode with no locks or bolts making it easy to use for first timers.

Humanscale Quickstand  functions as a traditional desk and when you want to stand, you simply lift the work platform up the shaft (where your computer/laptop and keyboard are) using the handles on each side. You can adjust it to suit your height so whether you’re tiny or tall, you can modify it for every user making it perfect to furnish an entire contemporary office.

This sit-stand solution was voted the best office accessory of the decade in 2015 in the Interior Design magazine due to its ultra-simplistic and stress-free design. For more info check it out here

Unleash your creativity and set your body free from the constraints of that office chair with a sit-stand desk!