Creating Comfortable and Supportive Workspaces with Custom Furniture
The importance of workplace design has been gaining traction for quite some time. We are constantly making new discoveries about the influence of the physical environment on employee wellbeing. As we do, we have begun to see a transformation in the corporate world’s approach to office design, with a move beyond aesthetics to focus on holistic health. It’s a shift that makes sense for both employees and employers, resulting in a mutual win for both. By prioritizing health and wellbeing, employees experience more satisfaction with their jobs, and businesses reap benefits that fuel their success.
From ergonomic seating to versatile desks and collaborative spaces, custom furniture solutions are becoming especially prominent in modern workspaces. These pieces are typically designed to satisfy specific needs, so that employees feel comfortable and equipped to perform to the best of their ability. Below, we have highlighted the benefits that come from supportive workspace design, as well as the most important types of custom pieces that enhance employee wellbeing. Take a look to learn how custom furniture can transform your office into a thriving environment, where employees are motivated to excel.
The Impact of Workplace Environment
Although it has been overlooked in the past, employers are beginning to better understand the relationship between employee wellbeing and job performance. The environment of a workspace influences the physical, mental, and emotional health of employees. Physically, it can affect posture, energy level, and potentially even heart rate. Mentally, it contributes to stress levels, job satisfaction, social interactions, and overall office morale.
Studies have shown that employees who enjoy their environment are not only happier, but also more engaged and efficient in their work. By prioritizing wellbeing, employers can increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, improve employee retention rates, and establish a desirable company reputation.
Custom Furniture Solutions
From lighting and layout to air quality and noise level, there are a lot of factors to consider for a workspace design that fully supports employee wellbeing. Perhaps the most important one is furniture. Modern work culture often revolves around staying busy and working long hours, so it is essential for employees to be able to work comfortably during time spent behind a desk. Custom furniture is a feasible solution because it can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each employee and the company that they represent.
To get a better sense of your employee’s needs, it’s a good idea to gather their input through surveys and feedback sessions. Involving employees in the design process ensures that the furniture meets their specific requirements and preferences. Designing for flexibility is also crucial, so adaptable workspaces can accommodate future changes and growth.
When you work with our team at DTANK+, we take the time to learn about your needs and goals before we dive into custom furniture design. We believe that the best designs come from informed and thoughtful decisions.
Furniture Focus Areas
With thoughtful design in mind, we encourage our clients to focus on a few specific furniture pieces that have the greatest impact on a workspace environment. Check out the examples below to learn more about these focus areas, and gather ideas to incorporate them into a supportive work environment.
Ergonomic Seating
We recommend that you make ergonomics the top priority for custom furniture in a workspace. Ergonomic chairs and seating options are essential for the comfort of your employees. Customizable features, such as adjustable height and lumbar support, will help to promote proper posture. This ensures that your employees can keep their energy up and stay focused throughout the work day. Chairs made from high-quality materials are designed for long-term use, so they will also be very durable.
Desks and Workstations
While ergonomic chairs are essential to a workspace, so are the desks and workstations that make an office complete. It’s important to make sure that workstations offer plenty of room for employees to spread out projects and papers, as well as ample storage to keep it neat and organized. Because they are most often used individually, workstations should also provide some degree of privacy. This could include a mesh screen, a partition, or even a wall to block out noise and distractions.
Keep in mind that requirements may vary for different roles within an office. For example, personnel who regularly work with clients may need more storage to keep papers neatly tucked away during meetings.
The layout of your office should also play a part in determining the details of workstations. The beauty of custom furniture design is that it can be configured to coordinate with any space requirements and brand aesthetic. Here are a few examples:
Desks and workstations should also be ergonomic. Sit-stand desks and adjustable, modular designs allow employees to change their working positions throughout the day, reducing strain and increasing comfort.
Collaborative Spaces
In collaborative spaces, flexible furniture that can accommodate various group activities is a must. Think lightweight seating that can be moved around easily, workstations with partitions that can be lowered for collaboration, and other multi-purpose pieces that adapt to changing environments.
It is becoming more common to incorporate breakout areas into workspaces as well. We all need to take breaks every now and then, even when we are focused on work. Breakout areas offer employees a place to unwind and recharge, which is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional health. They may include soft and comfortable seating options, partitions, or even acoustic booths for privacy.
We understand that functionality is not the only aspect that matters for a custom furniture piece. We also consider aesthetics carefully by looking at how the furniture aligns with your company culture. With custom pieces, color options and opportunities for branding are limitless. Sustainability and durability are important, too. With our strong knowledge of materials, we can help you identify and select finishes that are long-lasting and easy to maintain.
By investing in custom pieces tailored to specific needs, companies can effectively foster supportive work environments where employees can thrive. This investment leads to a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce, which will ultimately contribute to the company’s success. If you’re looking to enhance your workspace, we would be happy to design custom solutions that meet your team’s needs and contribute to employee wellbeing. The first step is to submit your project requirements to us, so that we can get to know you and your employees. Together, we can explore the possibilities and help you create a more positive work environment!