5 Types Of Chairs You Would Find In A Modern Office

In today’s day and age the average employee has all they need to work either on their laptop or on their smartphones. What they require is essentially a place to work. Even as there are ongoing debates about open offices vs enclosed office spaces, a chair is a constant in both the scenarios.

An employee spends an average of forty hours of a week in their workplace. It can be safely said that a minimum of thirty hours are spent sitting on a chair which is why chairs play a crucial role in an employees’ life. The comfort that the chair provides ultimately affects the productivity of the employee and consequently of the organization itself. It is therefore advisable to have chairs that are comfortable and aid the person seated on them.

Here is a list of chairs most often found in an office.

 Task Chairs

Image Source : pluschairs.com

These are the most common types of chairs that can be found in every office. A task chair has wheels and can be moved around easily. It generally also has armrests and can be rotated. Task chairs are a piece of modern workstation furniture that recline to about 45 degrees. This feature helps ease back cramps that are caused due to long hours of sitting straight. These kinds of chairs sport a lever that can be used to adjust the height of the chair according the preference of the person sitting on them. Task chairs can be bought in a range of materials such as rexine, leather, foam and mesh to name a few.

Executive Chairs 

                    Image Source : business-buying-help.com

These chairs are eponymous. Executive chairs are an upgraded version of task chairs. They have the same armrests, lever and rotation properties like task chairs do. The difference lies in the increase in degree that they can recline upto as well as the materials used. These chairs are generally made with leather in various colors and designs. They are much more comfortable and far more attractive.

Ergonomics Chairs

Image Source : ergoware.com

This kind of chair should ideally be provided to every employee as it lends support to the lower back and helps maintain better posture. Long hours spent sitting on regular chairs may cause people to develop spondylitis and other back related ailments. These chairs are designed keeping the formation of the human body in mind and are extremely comfortable to use.

Lounge Chairs

                                                                                

         Image Source : salestores.com

Lounge chairs can be used in a few semi-formal settings such as the balcony or outdoor area of an office. It is also a good idea to install a few lounge chairs in the reception or even in the cafeteria. These chairs do not have wheels but have comfortable arm rests. They are great for relaxing when taking a break from work.

Pebble Chairs

Image Source : johnstonreid.co.uk

Pebble chairs are like stools with comfortable cushioning. They are generally short and do not have either arm rests or back rests. Such pieces of furniture can be used in a modern workstation to add color and break the monotony of the furniture partitions. They can be strategically placed anywhere to add vibrancy and fun to the work place. Placing them in the reception or waiting area is a good bet.

.

Best Desk Gadgets And Accessories For The Workplace

We spend a major part of our day in the office and surround ourselves with things that can cheer us up. Sometimes it is the photo of a loved one and at times a special gift that brings a smile to our face.

Although technology cannot replace these emotions, it can certainly help us relax and make our modular office desk interesting and a lot more fun. Here are 5 desk gadgets that will not make your life easier, without taking up too much space.

1) Foot hammock

 Image Source : coolpile.com

Although modular office furniture is designed to make you feel comfortable sometimes you wish there was something to relax your feet on. This adjustable hammock works well with ergonomic office chairs, simply lock your chair to a comfortable position and relax your feet on this foot hammock. The best part, it’s hidden beneath your desk!

2) Solar USB charger

              Image Source : literarytraveler.com

If your desk is placed near the window, this charger can be of great help. It draws its charge from solar energy and then recharges USB enabled devices such as cell phones, tablets, etc. This portable little charger is perfect for those who need to charge their devices from time to time while travelling or at work.

3) Cable clips

Image Source : infmetry.com

Turn your office space into a modern workstation with these cute clips. They manage your wires and cables and makes sure they don’t fall off every time you unplug your phone or laptop. A solution for all those who love staying organized and hate tangled wires, after all nothing looks better than a neat and organized desk.

4) Coffee warmer

 

  Image Source : shopclues.com

Calls, meetings and getting totally engrossed in work are few reasons why you never get to drink that perfectly hot cup of coffee or tea. Going all the way to the coffee machine to get a fresh cup will again eat up precious minutes in your busy day. So here’s the solution, a USB drink warmer! Enjoy a hot cuppa at any time.

5) Desk Cycle

  Image Source : newsmobile.in

Sitting in the same position for a long time invites health problems like diabetes, heart disease, neck and back pain. Regular exercise and regular visits to the gym keeps these ailments at bay. Lack of time often keeps us away from exercise so how about turning your desk into a mini exercise space? This Desk cycle hides under your desk and allows you to work out while you work.

The Changing Philosophies Of Office Furniture

Office furniture, as we know it today, is much more than a supportive object made of dry wood or metal. It is not just a commodity but a signifier of preference and beliefs.

The philosophies that drive office furniture design have seen a lot of change in the past two centuries. A century ago, the term ‘office furniture’ was fairly confusing. There were premium office furniture suites designed for the wealthy or the gentry and in contrast, simple basic furniture that was often neither comfortable nor very aesthetically appealing for those less financially well off. There was a singular split between furniture styles at the work place, one was driven strictly by economical pursuits, while the other was an earnest display of power and prestige. Much like the political landscape, these philosophies were polarized extremes.

However, things began to change during and after the First and Second World War. The post-World War II period witnessed a new decolonized world that sprung up with enthusiasm in almost every sphere. A new system of organizational bureaucracy took root, as production and processes were methodically systematized. The workplace was divided as well, into specified cubicles and office furniture became a utilitarian commodity to support the efficiency of a worker. The chair, the desk, the drawers and cabinets in each cubicle existed for no reason but to support an employee. It was here that the design philosophies of modernism and post modernism shone brightest. Embodying these beliefs, office furniture was designed based on the ideals of practicality, commodification, and trimming excesses. It is perhaps ironic that in the 21^st century many utilitarian pieces of furniture designed with this aesthetic are now considered the epitome of luxury and a symbol of the rich.

Towards the end of the last century, a sudden boom in technological advancement revealed the magic of team work. Collaboration took precedence over privacy and cubicle culture began to grudgingly give way to collaborative open work spaces. Motivation, dialogue and creativity turned into key buzzwords and furniture design gained a new lease on life. In a true expression of post-modern philosophies, office furniture was now driven by ideas of innovation and expression married with form and functionality. As science began to explore new frontiers, ergonomics began to dominate or heavily influence office furniture designs.

With working hours increasing by the year, ergonomics rose to the forefront office furniture design. This coupled with the abstract expression of postmodern or alter modern philosophies led to a complete revolution in office furniture. Invention and innovation were beginning to drive design. This phase began to see some innovative creations in the work place such as the standing desk, the adjustable office desk and even a desk with an attachable pod. Simultaneously, with companies growing larger and larger, office furniture turned into an expression of brand identity. Many large companies chose custom office furniture to reflect their philosophies and ethos.

Sitting on an ergonomically designed and comfortably stuffed rotating office chair, as we look back today, we can see how furniture has always been the litmus which helped us to detect the change in the office zeitgeist. We can see how the changing avatars of office furniture have been faithfully illustrating the changes in the very core philosophy behind how men and women work in an office.

Unique Conference Room Tables

A meeting or conference room is where all your major decisions, conferences and brainstorming takes place. When furnishing a conference room it is essential to think beyond just shape, material and color. Creativity, innovation and inspiration must drive the aesthetics of the conference room.
To show you how interesting conference room tables can be here are 5 out of the box conference tables that we love.

1)    The swing table

Image Source : odditymall.com

Instead of making employees sit from one chair to the other how about this swing table and chair set? It is elegant yet full of fun. It is designed to create just the right impression on visitors and clients. Employees will have a blast swinging and thinking during intensive brainstorming sessions.

2)    Ping pong table

 Image Source : telovation.com

Hong Kong Procurements came up with this unique idea of a conference table that doubles as a ping pong table. The net, paddles and ball are neatly kept in the drawer underneath its surface. Is there anything better to relieve stress then a quick ping pong game after a long meeting.

3)    Pool table

Image Source :hcamag.com

Boss and employees at Puma’s Bangalore office have a conference table which doubles as a pool table. If you and your employees head out for a game of pool on Friday evenings after work then this desk is for you. Not only is this extremely striking, it is a great way to show employees that the workplace can be fun!

4)    Grass table

   Image Source : demilked.com/

You might have seen a plant on someone’s desk at work, but have you seen a removable planter placed in the center of a conference table? Designer Emily Wettstein incorporated nature in this conference room furniture and in a way nobody would have imagined. What’s cool about this table is you can fill this planter with your choice of greenery.

5)    LEGO table

Image Source : abgc.ie

As young engineers we always wanted to create something cool out of LEGO. When advertising agency Boys and Girls wanted a cool table to be a part of their meeting room furniture, designers at Abgc made this table using 22,724 LEGO pieces clicked together without using any glue. Now that’s what you call creativity!

How to enhance collaboration in the workspace

“...events, threats and opportunities aren’t just coming at us faster or with less predictability; they are converging and influencing each other to create entirely unique situations. These first-of-their kind developments require unprecedented degrees of creativity.”

- Former IBM CEO Samuel Palmisano

Collaboration is often considered a characteristic that is inherently dependent on the people in the workplace and the culture of an organization. It implies that collaboration is possible anywhere, if people are willing. However, a culture of collaboration needs to be fostered from within an organization. It is not just an attitude that needs to be nurtured from the top down but also one that needs to resonate within the very fabric of the work place.  

Tech giants like Google and their innovative approach to work space design are demonstrating that there is a strong and unmistakable correlation between collaboration, corporate success and innovation. Collaboration is not just an act but an ethos that gives companies an edge over their competition as it allows them to tackle problems far more cohesively than their less collaborative counterparts. 

So how does a company begin to inculcate an ethos of collaboration at the work place? Apart from management methods, and instilling a culture of dialogue that originates from the top down, companies need to factor in technological innovation as well. Considering these factors, companies also need to design the work space or the office in a way that it intrinsically pushes people together.

According to research 70% of collaboration at the workspace actually occurs at an employee’s desk. Most employees only seek out meeting spaces actively when they need privacy or anticipate that the meeting will take a while. Furthermore, collaboration is not something that is planned and often happens instantaneously. This means that simply adding a few more conference rooms to an office is actually not enough. The entire workspace needs to be designed, from the conference room furniture to the use of clustered seating, to promote collaboration. 

1. Increase Collaborative Space

According to a research report by Herman Miller 60% of the time workstations are not occupied by employees across industries while private offices are unoccupied 77% of the time. Considering this information, companies are slowly moving away from assigned workspaces and are instead focusing on increasing collaborative spaces. However, as we said before it is not about just adding more conference rooms but about creating actual work spaces or project areas, where employees can collaborate and work together on a project basis. Creating work clusters with office partitions, or just designated work areas without assigned seating can go a long way towards fostering collaboration.

2. Display Environments 

As office layouts have gotten smaller and walls have gotten shorter, people have run out of space to tack up schedules, mind maps, diagrams, lists and other work-related material. Even though people can now use computers for such information, research suggests that employees prefer working with physical material which they can refer to easily. Creating an office that provides employees with enough vertical space on which to display work related material is a great way to enhance collaboration. It also provides them with an inspiring and dynamic environment to work in. 

3. Create Variety through Landscape Planning 

Many businesses are learning to look at offices like urban planners look at cities as “highly image-able” places with qualities that are stimulating and create an atmosphere of exploration, attention, and engagement. This means that just as cities or neighborhoods have designated spaces for different activities, an office need to offer different spaces to cater to different working needs of employees. Creating a workspace that has varied seating options and multi-use spaces helps to reify an air of collaboration while helping an organization create a vibrant workspace that helps get the most out their workforce. 

Browse through an exclusive collection of office furniture at www.courtofficefurniture.com. Consult our experts for all your office décor related needs and to help you choose the perfect furniture for the workplace.