A thoughtfully designed personal workspace is fundamental to productivity, engagement, morale and overall satisfaction. When employees have a space tailored to their needs, they can concentrate better, manage their time more effectively and perform tasks with greater accuracy.  

We asked NBF expert Megan Broderick, an esteemed Space Planner and Designer, for her tips on choosing the right individual workspace solutions for your business, whether that be cubicles, benching systems or freestanding workstations. Join us as we explore different ways of dividing open office spaces to help your employees do their best work with tips from one of NBF’s furniture experts.  

Cubicles and Workstations – Selecting a Solution That Works: Expert Video Transcript  

Introduction to Panel Systems, Benching Systems and Freestanding Workstations 

Interviewer: Cubicles and other workstations are not an easy purchasing decision. Megan, what are some of the features and benefits of each of them? 

MB: Panel systems [are] what people typically think about when they think about cubicles. They're very durable. They are customizable to people's workflows and the look of the office space, and the features that they have [are] really extensive these days.  

Benching [systems are] going to be much more open. Marketing, design teams, sales teams - they have a more collaborative feel and don't want to be so shut off in a cubicle area. 

And then when you're talking about your freestanding desks and dividers, they're much more flexible. So, you pick up your divider and move it somewhere else. Pick that desk up, and the employees can do that themselves. 

Reconfiguration and Flexibility of Cubicles and Workstations 

MB: Any of these options can be reconfigured. They can be changed. You might need an installer to reconfigure some of these bigger panel systems, but a wall is going to be a much more permanent solution. 

Now, if you have that employee come and go and you want to tear down, these panel systems give you that flexibility to change with what's coming in the future. 

Key Considerations for Choosing a Cubicle or Workstation 

Interviewer: How do I know what is best for my space and my employees? 

MB: It's going to really depend on your company. I would ask yourself two questions: Who's using it and what are they using it for? 

And that doesn't mean what's best in one area is the best thing for another area.  

You want to bring them back into the office. You want to cater to their needs and have them work in a great setting, a great place to work. And what better way to do it than make them feel important? 

Interviewer: Truly an investment in your office and in your staff and will help you ultimately be able to do your best work. 

Solve Your Space: Personal Workspaces 

In conclusion, choosing personal workspaces for your team requires thoughtful planning and consideration of your specific needs. You may even need to select a combination of options to best support how individual teams at your organization work best.  

According to the NBF 2024 Workspaces: Solved Report, 82% of employees believe that satisfaction with their personal workspace is crucial to working effectively.  By following the expert advice of NBF's Megan Broderick, you can effectively divide open office spaces into personal workspaces that inspire achievement.  

Connect with Pros Like Megan  

NBF offers a collaborative team that will provide the support and guidance you need to find your perfect workspace solution and deliver next-level results.  

With the knowledge and know-how of nearly 50 years of leadership expertise in Business, Government, Healthcare and Education environments, you can trust us to help you find solutions to meet your organization’s exact needs.  

Connect with NBF pros like Megan today to learn more about personal workspace solutions that empower your employees to do their best work.

Teacher burnout and poor retention rates have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, particularly in the K-12 education space. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 8% leave the teaching profession annually, with a significant portion citing burnout as a primary factor. This high turnover rate disrupts student learning across grade levels at private and public schools and imposes substantial financial burdens on school districts.    

While teacher burnout and retention are multifaceted issues that school administrators need to address on a large scale, there are strategies schools can use to boost engagement and morale. One of these initiatives is to ensure that teachers’ workspaces work as hard as they do. Updating the workspace can empower teachers to work more effectively, which may help reduce burnout and increase teacher retention.  

Understanding Teacher Burnout and Its Implications 

Teacher burnout stems from multiple factors, including high workload and long hours, lack of resources and support, and emotional and physical strain.   

• Workload – Teachers often work beyond the school day grading papers, planning lessons and managing extracurricular activities. This relentless schedule leaves little time for rest and personal life, leading to chronic stress and exhaustion.   

• Resources and support – Many teachers face adverse working conditions, such as large class sizes and insufficient materials, forcing them to spend their own money on supplies or use outdated equipment. Without adequate administrative support, teachers can feel isolated and undervalued.  

• Emotional and physical strain – Managing diverse student needs, behavioral issues and trauma can be emotionally draining. Additionally, long hours of standing or sitting in uncomfortable furniture can lead to chronic pain and fatigue.   

These combined stressors, and many others, can make teaching an overwhelming and exhausting profession – leading to burnout and high teacher attrition rates.   

Why Is It Important To Address Teacher Burnout? 

Understanding the root causes and implications of teacher burnout is crucial for addressing this pressing issue in education. Burnout directly impacts teacher retention and student outcomes.  

Increased turnover rates mean that schools are continually recruiting and training new teachers, a process that is both costly and disruptive. The shortage of experienced teachers often results in less effective teaching and learning experiences for students. Frequent teacher turnover also creates instability, affecting student performance and overall school culture and morale.  

As educators navigate through high workloads, inadequate resources and emotional strain, the resulting burnout not only affects individual well-being but also has far-reaching consequences for teacher retention and student learning outcomes. Delving deeper into these challenges sets the stage for exploring how optimizing the workspace can become a pivotal solution in empowering teachers and fostering a healthier educational environment.  

The Role of the Workspace in the Quest To Help Reduce Teacher Burnout  

Research indicates that optimizing the workspace can help improve teacher morale and alleviate the burden of burnout. A well-designed workspace not only fosters a sense of comfort and belonging but also equips educators with the tools they need to thrive professionally.   

Definition and Impact of an Effective Education Workspace  

A well-designed, effective workspace significantly enhances teacher productivity. Ergonomic furniture minimizes discomfort, while proper lighting and ventilation maintain energy levels and concentration. An aesthetically pleasing environment, achieved through simple changes like adding plants or using calming colors, can help improve how teachers feel about their workspace. An organized space reduces clutter and distractions, helping teachers concentrate better and work more efficiently. All in all, a well-organized and visually appealing environment can boost mood, productivity and job satisfaction – translating to a potential reduction in burnout and better outcomes for students.  

3 Ways To Update Education Workspaces   

Making updates to your space isn’t an all-or-nothing approach. When evaluating your education workspaces, consider how you can incorporate the following 3 updates:  

1. Ergonomic improvements – Investing in high-quality ergonomic improvements is a practical step schools can take. Adjustable-height chairs and desks can accommodate different body types and preferences, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal problems. Proper lighting, including natural light, can reduce eye strain and headaches, while good ventilation helps maintain a comfortable temperature and air quality.  

2. Creating collaborative and personal spaces – Ensuring that there is a balance between collaborative and personal spaces is also important. Shared areas for group work and meetings foster collaboration and a sense of community among teachers. These spaces should be equipped with the necessary technology and resources to facilitate effective teamwork. Additionally, private areas for focused individual work allow teachers to concentrate on tasks without interruptions, enhancing their productivity and job satisfaction.  

3. Enhancing aesthetics – Improving the aesthetic appeal of workspaces can have a profound impact on teachers' mental well-being. The use of colors and decorations can create a positive and inviting school environment. Incorporating elements of nature, such as plants, can improve air quality and provide a calming effect. Personal touches, like photos or artwork, can make the workspace feel more like a second home.  

What Are the Benefits of Updating Education Spaces?  

There are a host of benefits schools and school leadership can realize from workspace updates, including the following:   

• Improved physical and mental health – Updating teacher workspaces can lead to significant improvements in physical and mental health. Ergonomic furniture and proper lighting reduce physical discomfort, while aesthetically pleasing environments lower stress levels. Teachers experiencing less stress and fatigue are less likely to take health-related absences, ensuring more consistent student engagement.  

• Increased job satisfaction and morale – A well-designed workspace can enhance teacher satisfaction and morale. What’s more, according to the NBF 2024 Workspaces: Solved Report, the physical workplace is just as important as work-life balance, training and career opportunities. When teachers feel valued and supported through their environment, they are more likely to be motivated and enthusiastic about their work. This positive attitude can spread throughout the school, creating a more collaborative and supportive school community.   

• Enhanced teaching effectiveness – A comfortable and organized workspace can enhance teaching effectiveness. Teachers who feel good in their environment are more likely to engage creatively and innovatively with their students. They can plan and execute lessons more effectively, leading to better student outcomes. A positive workspace can also encourage teachers to try new teaching methods, further enriching the learning experience.  

• Long-term retention – Ultimately, improving teacher workspaces can contribute to long-term retention. Lower turnover rates mean that schools retain experienced and effective teachers, providing stability and continuity for students. This stability is crucial for building strong student-teacher relationships, which are fundamental to student achievement and professional development.  

Take a Step Forward With Workspace Solutions  

Implementing ergonomic improvements, creating collaborative and personal spaces, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of workspaces can lead to improved physical and mental health, increased job satisfaction and enhanced teaching effectiveness. These benefits ultimately contribute to long-term teacher retention, providing stability and continuity for students.   

In today’s dynamic work environment, personal workspaces play a pivotal role in enhancing employee productivity, engagement and morale. According to the NBF 2024 Workspaces: Solved Report (NBF report), 82% of employees said that being satisfied with their personal work area is very important for effective performance. As businesses navigate the complexities of attraction, retention and productivity, understanding the significance of personalized workspaces is more critical than ever. 

Productivity: The Foundation of Success 

A well-designed personal workspace is a cornerstone of productivity. When employees have a space tailored to their needs, they can focus better, manage their time efficiently and execute tasks with higher precision. In fact, satisfaction with one’s personal work area, along with having an ergonomic chair and adequate privacy, was cited as most important for effective performance in the NBF report. 

Personal workspaces can help boost productivity in several ways: 

• Reduced distractions – A designated area allows employees to minimize interruptions, enabling deeper concentration and faster task completion. Having these dedicated quiet spaces to work is essential for empowering employees to do their best work.  

• Ergonomic comfort – Proper furniture and equipment reduce physical strain, preventing fatigue and discomfort that can hinder performance. Examples of ergonomic furniture you could offer to employees includes height-adjustable desks, supportive chairs and adjustable computer monitor arms 

• Flexibility and customization – When employees have flexible workspaces that they can organize in a way that suits their workflow, from the arrangement of their desk to the tools they use daily, they can work more efficiently.  

A key to boosting productivity in your office is carefully considering how personal workspaces fit into your overall office layout. Excessive noise tends to be a top barrier to productivity, so be mindful of where collaborative and breakout spaces are in relation to personal workstations or cubicles.  

By investing in personal workspaces, employers empower their teams to achieve their best work, driving overall organizational productivity.  

Engagement: Cultivating a Passionate Workforce 

Employee engagement is the emotional commitment and involvement an employee has in their organization and its goals, resulting in higher levels of enthusiasm, productivity and motivation. While employee engagement includes employee satisfaction, they are not one in the same.  

Having a high employee engagement rate is crucial because engaged employees are more likely to contribute positively to the organization's success, leading to better performance, lower turnover rates and improved overall workplace morale.  

Personal workspaces can help boost engagement in several ways: 

• Ownership – When employees have control over their workspace, they feel a sense of ownership and responsibility, which can help foster a deeper commitment to their roles. 

• Personalization – According to a paper published in the peer-reviewed Organizational Dynamics journal, allowing team members to personalize their workspace design by adding family photos, plants or inspirational quotes makes their space feel like a personal haven, increasing emotional attachment to the job.  

• Creativity and innovation – A personalized environment can stimulate creativity, encouraging employees to think outside the box and contribute innovative ideas. 

Engaged employees are not only more productive but also more likely to go the extra mile, contributing to a vibrant and thriving workplace culture. 

Morale: Building a Positive Work Environment 

Employee morale is the emotional state of the workforce, and it significantly influences overall job satisfaction and performance. Personal workspaces play a crucial role in maintaining high morale: 

• Well-being – A comfortable and pleasant workspace contributes to physical and mental well-being, reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction. Factors such as natural light, good air quality, and ergonomic furniture can significantly enhance employees’ physical and mental health, leading to a more positive work environment. 

• Sense of belonging – Personalization allows employees to express their individuality, fostering a sense of belonging and community within the office. When employees feel they have a stake in their workspace, it can enhance teamwork and collaboration, making them feel more integrated into the company culture. 

• Motivation – A well-organized and aesthetically pleasing workspace can be motivating, making employees look forward to their workday. Thoughtful interior design, including the use of open spaces and flexible floor plans, can boost morale by creating a more dynamic and inspiring office environment. 

By prioritizing the design and functionality of personal workspaces, companies can foster a positive workplace atmosphere that promotes well-being, motivation and a sense of belonging, ultimately leading to a more engaged and loyal workforce. This approach not only boosts morale but also enhances overall company performance and success. 

Attraction and Retention: Creating an Irresistible Workplace 

In the competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is a significant challenge. Personal workspaces can be a unique selling point for employers: 

• Recruitment – Showcasing well-designed, personalized workspaces during the recruitment process highlights the company’s commitment to employee well-being and satisfaction. The NBF report found that employees hold the physical work environment at the same level of importance as work-life balance and training and career opportunities. A visually appealing and thoughtfully designed office can make a strong first impression, signaling to potential employees that the company invests in a high-quality, supportive work environment. 

• Onboarding – Providing new hires with a personalized workspace can make them feel welcome and integrated from day one. This immediate sense of belonging can lower stress levels associated with new-job jitters and accelerate the onboarding process, making new employees more comfortable and productive more quickly. A well-prepared workspace helps show new hires that the company is prepared for their arrival and values their comfort and needs from the outset. 

• Continuous improvement – Regularly updating and improving workspaces based on employee feedback demonstrates that the company values their input and is dedicated to their comfort and success. This ongoing commitment to enhancing the work environment can lead to higher levels of employee satisfaction and engagement, as employees see tangible evidence that their opinions matter and their well-being is a priority. 

• Retention – By prioritizing personal workspaces, companies can create a workplace environment that not only attracts top talent but also retains it, fostering a loyal and motivated workforce. Employees who feel their workspace is tailored to their needs and preferences are more likely to feel appreciated and less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. This can lead to lower turnover rates and a more stable, experienced and cohesive team. 

Investing in personal workspaces is more than just a matter of aesthetics – it is a strategic approach to building a work culture that values and supports its employees, ultimately driving the company’s long-term success. 

Invest in Personal Workspaces for a Brighter Future 

In conclusion, personal workspaces are more than just a place for employees to perform their tasks – they are a critical factor in boosting productivity, engagement and morale. As businesses like yours navigate the challenges of achieving peak productivity and accomplishing attraction and retention goals, investing in personalized workspaces can provide a significant competitive advantage.  

Creating a private office that fosters productivity is a goal for many organizations, but achieving the perfect balance of functionality and design can be challenging.  

We asked NBF expert Anna Reedy, an esteemed Account Executive renowned for her exceptional eye for design and organized project management, for her advice on the private office design mistakes she commonly sees and how to design your space better. Join us as we explore how to transform your workspace into a haven for productivity with tips from one of NBF’s furniture experts. 

Top 3 Private Office Design Mistakes: Expert Video Transcript 

Interviewer: A personal office should be a haven for productivity. So today we're with Anna Reedy, one of our furniture experts, to talk to us about those common mistakes people make when designing their private office. What are the top mistakes that you run into when it comes to private office designs? 

AR: Some of the things we see out in the field are measuring would be one, overcrowding would probably be another. And then I think just being mindful of what you really need in your space. 

Mistake #1: Measuring Improperly 

AR: I know typically people probably think length by width, you just kind of measure your office. But I would say [that it’s about] being a little more aware of windows or door swings or columns within your office. Those elements are important because they play into the layout of how the furniture is placed in the office and where the desk sits or how the guest chairs sit in the office. 
 

Mistake #2: Overcrowding the Space 

Interviewer: All right, so we measured appropriately. But overcrowding is still common and still occurs. Why is that and what are the impacts? 

AR: I would say that overcrowding is a mistake that people tend to make. I think they try to pack as much into a space as possible. And to be honest, I think less is more sometimes. So, whether it be a small meeting space or a private office that’s dual-purpose, just being mindful of where you're placing different items that people can easily get around the office and feel comfortable with in the space. 

Mistake #3: Choosing the Wrong Furniture & Layout 

Interviewer: So, we talked about measuring and overcrowding, but let's go back to selecting the right furniture in the layout. Tell me more about that. How do I know what to choose? What considerations do I have to make? 

AR: I think I would look in terms of the right furniture and layout as to what you need to do your job function. So, maybe you need more storage or maybe you need more seating within your office because you're meeting with visitors often. Whatever it might be that your job function needs in order to be successful, I think taking a step back and looking at that.   

The Key to Designing an Efficient Private Office 

Interviewer: Anna, we've covered a lot. Let's take a step back and in sum: I'm trying to refresh or redesign my office. What's your big take away? What key advice do you have to help me get started? 

AR: As for the key take away, I would say look at how you work as an employee. What do you need to be successful? Incorporate those elements into your office layout, which will hopefully help you to be more successful and in turn drive business forward. 

Solve Your Space: Private Office 

In conclusion, designing a private office that truly supports productivity requires thoughtful planning and consideration of your specific needs. Avoiding common mistakes such as improper measurements, overcrowding the space and selecting the wrong furniture can make a significant difference in the functionality and comfort of your private office.  

By following the expert advice of NBF's Anna Reedy, you can transform your office into an efficient and inspiring environment tailored to your work style. Remember, your private office is not just a place to work — it's a haven for productivity that should facilitate your success and drive your business forward. 

Connect with Pros Like Anna 

NBF offers a collaborative team that will provide the support and guidance you need to find your perfect workspace solution and deliver next-level results. 

With the knowledge and know-how of nearly 50 years of leadership expertise in Business, Government, Healthcare and Education environments, you can trust us to help you find solutions to meet your organization’s exact needs. 

Connect with NBF pros like Anna today to learn more about the power and potential of your workspace.

Many consider their physical workspace impactful on their overall productivity. One element that may be hindering your team’s ability to work effectively might surprise you: office noise.  

Fortunately, minimizing noise distractions in your workspace can be achieved. Learn more about how noise affects productivity and how to unlock your team’s potential through noise mitigation solutions below. 

How Does Office Noise Impact Productivity?  

According to the 2024 NBF Workspaces: Solved Report, 23% of respondents indicated that their physical office space has too much noise and distractions, and 60% said that controlling noise was a barrier to productivity. The statistics show that noise is a challenge to effective work, but let’s go one step further to understand why workers cite it as such.  

Research conducted by Interface Inc., revealed that 62% of surveyed U.S. office-based professionals believe workplace noise negatively affects them due to concentration difficulties and productivity levels. Additionally, a study from UC Irvine showed that it can take up to 23 minutes to refocus after just one interruption.  

Although these studies show a link between office noise and decreased performance, they do not indicate that you need to eliminate all noise. That’s simply not possible for most organizations. Rather, it indicates that there is an opportunity for you to implement solutions that both support your business’s collaboration needs and give employees the quiet spaces they need to be productive.  

Solve Your Space: Noise Mitigation 

Consider these tips to help your team overcome noise-related challenges in their workspace.  

Consider Office Layout 

Office layout significantly affects noise-related distractions for employees, with open-plan layouts promoting collaboration but potentially increasing noise levels, while closed offices offer more sound privacy but can feel isolating. Measures such as room dividers, privacy panels, workstations and cubicles and spatial arrangement, along with providing flexible workspaces and personalization options, help mitigate distractions. Cultivating a mindful communication culture, integrating technology and soliciting feedback are also essential for creating a productive and comfortable work environment. 

Create Adaptable Personal Workspaces 

Personal workspaces – whether it be a workstation or cubicle – play a crucial role in overcoming noise-related challenges to productivity by providing team members with individualized, semi-private spaces where they can focus on their tasks.  

By creating a physical barrier between employees, personal workstations help dampen ambient noise, reducing distractions and enabling better concentration. Additionally, having a designated space fosters a sense of psychological comfort and security, which can further enhance focus and productivity.  

These designated areas offer a sense of ownership and control over one's work environment, allowing individuals to customize their space according to their preferences and needs for concentration. When you’re building out personal workstations and cubicles, be sure to also consider power, storage, desking and chair needs. A well-designed personal workspace can help fuel achievement – meaning it should be a top business priority.  

Add Pods and Nooks 

Pods and nooks offer valuable solutions for teams seeking to overcome noise-related challenges in the office by providing secluded and acoustically controlled spaces for collaboration, brainstorming, and focused work. These compact, semi-private areas offer a retreat from the hustle and bustle of open-plan layouts, allowing teams to engage in discussions without being interrupted by ambient noise.  

Pods and nooks typically incorporate sound-absorbing materials and strategic design elements to minimize disruptions from adjacent areas, fostering an environment conducive to productive teamwork. Furthermore, the intimate nature of these spaces encourages closer collaboration and enhances communication among team members, leading to more effective problem-solving and decision-making. 

By offering designated zones tailored for team activities, pods and nooks serve as essential components in the modern office environment, enabling teams to work harmoniously and efficiently despite surrounding noise distractions. 

Optimize Your Space, Achieve Your Goals 

Your workspace is key to achieving your organization’s goals. By making changes to your workspace, you can help your team navigate office noise and overcome a significant blocker to their ability to work effectively. Your productivity goals are attainable – and solving your space is a great way to meet them.

The physical work environment of your office is just as important as work-life balance, training and career opportunities in terms of employee satisfaction. According to the NBF 2024 Workspaces: Solved Report, the physical workplace also plays a key role in employee productivity, with 44% of respondents indicating it has a great deal of impact on their productivity levels.   

Learn more about the top workspace challenges and opportunities for success in relation to promoting productivity below.  

Top 3 Barriers to Productivity 

Over 1 in 5 employees believe their workspace hinders their ability to work effectively. Top challenges detracting from employee productivity, according to the report, are:  

• Excessive Noise – 60% of respondents identify noise control as a barrier to productivity and well-being. 

• Inadequate Meeting Spaces – 39% of respondents cite inadequate meeting spaces as hindering productivity. 

• Lack of Privacy – Of those who were dissatisfied with their ability to work effectively, 79% cited a lack of adequate privacy. 

Understanding these challenges gives you insight into workspace adjustments you can make to achieve your organizational productivity goals. 

3 Ways to Inspire Productivity at Your Office 

83% of respondents said that their team is more productive when their physical workspace promotes their ability to perform their work. Consider these three tips to boost employee productivity:  

• Prioritize Focus-Promoting Spaces – 85% of respondents said that having a workspace that promotes focus is very or extremely important for them to feel like they can thrive.  

• Design Personal Spaces for More Privacy – 58% of respondents said that having the ability to have private conversations is very or extremely important for effective performance. 

• Add Ergonomic Furniture – 83% of respondents said that having an ergonomic chair is very or extremely important for effective performance. 

Design Spaces That Fuel Growth 

By harnessing the power of your workspace, you can elevate productivity and empower your team to achieve their best work. Whether it's addressing noise, enhancing privacy or investing in ergonomic solutions, now is the time to take action.  

Ready to transform your workspace and fuel your team's success? We’re here to help – shop our solutions or reach out for expert guidance today. Let's create a workspace that inspires productivity and propels your team forward.

Businesses of all shapes and sizes are worried about employee productivity. In fact, 43% of Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 executives cited low productivity as their biggest organizational challenge, according to research from Atlassian. While many leaders are debating the best ways to maximize employee productivity, one factor that is often overlooked is the physical work environment.

According to the NBF 2024 Workspaces: Solved Report, a staggering 92% of respondents cited their physical workspace as at least somewhat impactful on their productivity. What’s more – 44% considered their physical work environment to impact their ability to be productive “a great deal.” This underscores the need to pay close attention to the design and layout of our workspaces to ensure optimal performance.

Learn more about how workspace can drive – or hinder – productivity and how you can optimize your workspace below.

The Impact of Workspace on Productivity

The physical work environment of your office is just as important as work-life balance, training and career opportunities in terms of employee satisfaction. From the layout of your office to the furniture you choose, every aspect plays a critical role in shaping your work experience.

Continuous improvement and regular upgrades are essential to keeping your workspace conducive to productivity. This could mean investing in ergonomic furniture to support your physical well-being or creating focus-promoting spaces that minimize distractions.

Moreover, the physical work environment fosters face-to-face collaboration, which is often necessary for innovation and problem-solving. Being in a space that encourages interaction can boost employee motivation and foster a sense of camaraderie among team members.

3 Barriers to Productivity at the Office

According to the NBF 2024 Workspaces: Solved Report, over 1 in 5 employees express dissatisfaction with their ability to work effectively within office settings. Some of the top challenges hindering employees from being productive are:

1. Excessive noise – Inadequate noise control was cited by 60% of respondents as a barrier to productivity and well-being.

2. Inadequate meeting spaces – Offices lacking enough meeting spaces hinder productivity, according to 39% of respondents.

3. Lack of privacy – Of those who were dissatisfied with their ability to work effectively, 79% cited a lack of adequate privacy.

Take time to evaluate your space and see if it’s setting employees up for success. 

3 Ways to Inspire Productivity at Your Office

When the office is designed in a way that promotes employees' ability to perform their work, 83% of respondents believe their team is more productive. To harness the full potential of your workspace, consider integrating elements that promote focus, privacy and comfort.

1. Incorporate Focus-Promoting Spaces – Controlling noise and providing adequate meeting spaces are key factors in enhancing productivity and well-being. By offering employees both collaborative areas and private workspaces, you cater to their diverse needs and working preferences. Having a workspace that promotes focus is very or extremely important to 85% of the respondents for them to feel like they can thrive at work.

2. Design Workspaces to Promote Privacy – Lack of adequate privacy can hinder productivity and lead to dissatisfaction among employees. Providing spaces for private conversations and personal work can significantly improve their ability to focus and perform. For 58% of the respondents, being able to have private conversations is very or extremely important for effective performance.

3. Invest in Ergonomic Furniture – Adding ergonomic furniture throughout the office is a no-brainer when it comes to boosting productivity. Not only does it support physical health, but it also enhances comfort and reduces the risk of workplace injuries. Respondents overwhelmingly agree that ergonomic furniture is essential for effective performance, with 83% rating it as extremely or very important.

Promote Productivity Today

In the quest for productivity, your workspace is your secret weapon. By prioritizing its design and functionality, you can unlock new levels of efficiency and creativity.

As you reflect on your workspace, consider the changes you can make to optimize productivity levels. Whether it's upgrading your furniture or creating designated focus areas, small adjustments can yield significant results.

Need help designing a space that fuels your success? Looking for inspiration? We’re here to help. Fill out the form below and an NBF expert will be in touch.

Your office is the place where employees collaborate, brainstorm and produce the best results for your organization. How it is set up can either inspire or hinder employee productivity. According to the NBF 2024 Workspaces: Solved Report, 77% of workers surveyed reported that their physical work environment has a “moderate” or “great deal” of impact on their productivity.  

Think about your workspace. Is it set up to help achieve your business goals? Do employees have all they need to succeed in their space?  

We’ve got a tool that can help you answer these questions. This scorecard will help you determine whether your space is designed to inspire productivity and progress, or if you need to incorporate elements to accelerate growth.  

Download this innovative tool today to get started. Remember, when a workspace is thoughtfully designed, employee productivity can flourish.  

Pro Tip: Say Yes to Expert Support  

Whether you want to get the conversation started or need a second opinion, we’re here to help. Enter your information below and an NBF pro will be in touch.

In today’s dynamic landscape of modern workspaces, a space’s design and layout significantly impacts productivity, creativity and overall job satisfaction. Private offices can pave the way for fewer workplace distractions, increased productivity and a higher sense of security for professionals across all industries. There may be additional benefits enjoyed by those who use private offices, as these spaces can be designed to support the needs of each employee. Learn how creatives, salespeople and tech workers can benefit from a private office workspace below.  

Creatives: Graphic Artists, Audio/Video Editors, Writers and Advertisers

Private workspaces allow for better productivity for creatives and those around them. While creative ideas are often born in collaborative environments, quiet focus time plays a critical role in taking an idea from point A to point B. In private offices, creatives can immerse themselves in their craft, free from the noise and interruptions that stifle creativity.

Additionally, reviewing audio and video content in open floor plan workspaces can be distracting to nearby employees. When creatives can work in private offices, they can effectively do their work without disrupting co-workers. Whether it’s brainstorming a new concept, refining a design or fine-tuning a written work, having a private space can help to encourage bold exploration and innovation.

Salespeople: Sales Reps, Account Managers, Customer Success and Business Development

Private offices offer specific benefits for sales professionals, with one of the most prevalent being privacy. Salespeople are often tasked with making calls, preparing proposals and strategizing sales pitches — all of which are not necessarily conducive to an open office environment.

For these professionals, private offices provide a quiet environment to focus, with fewer distractions.  For instance, a call riddled with background noise and distractions can be the difference between engaging and losing a prospective customer. Additionally, some sales discussions involve sensitive information such as pricing negotiations, contract terms or client feedback. Private offices offer a secure setting where salespeople can have confidential conversations without the risk of being overheard or compromising client trust.

Tech Workers: Programmers, Administrators, Analysts, Web Developers and IT Staff

Private offices enable tech workers to get into the deep flow state and reach maximum productivity by providing privacy and minimizing interruptions. Chunks of deep focus time are essential for tech workers to accomplish common tasks like writing, modifying or testing code, creating or maintaining websites or analyzing websites to improve user experience. In this field, context switching, a concept that refers to the process by which developers switch their attention from one task to another, has a real cost to organizations.

Create Private Offices That Work for Your Business

Thoughtfully crafted private offices influence employee satisfaction, engagement, motivation and beyond. Professionals across industries can all benefit from having access to a well-designed private office space. Organizations that prioritize creating workspace solutions that meet the needs of their employees are empowering themselves to reach new heights of productivity, creativity and success.

Design your private office space with NBF to promote inspiration, focus and productivity.

What Makes a Great Huddle Room?

The huddle room is an emerging trend in office design that facilitates collaboration and communication among a small group of people. While conference rooms do the same for larger groups of people, huddle rooms provide quiet, semi-private venues for fewer than six people to discuss ideas, make phone calls, hold hybrid meetings, conduct interviews and even just work away from their desks.

Considering the following factors will help make your huddle room a fully functional, optimally designed, and highly sought-after workspace.

Choosing the ideal space

To design a comfortable huddle room for up to six people, you’ll want a space that’s about 100-150 square feet. If you’re able, choose a space that’s removed from high-traffic areas to minimize noisy distractions.

Right-size your furniture options

The smaller size of huddle rooms can make furniture selection more difficult. High-top tables with stools provide a comfortable environment for shorter, more casual meetings. Modular and flexible furniture pieces are also popular options to accommodate different meeting styles in a smaller space.

Check the acoustics

We’ve all been in the middle of a phone call, interview, or small group meeting when noises coming from outside the room become a distraction. It’s a good idea to test the acoustics in your space to see if it could benefit from soundproofing. If so, consider these options:

• Use weather stripping, door sweeps, or caulk to seal gaps and/or cracks in doors, windows, or walls.

• Add acoustic panels to absorb sound and reduce echoes throughout the room.

• Use area rugs or carpets to absorb sound and reduce the sound of footsteps or chair movements.

• Place bookshelves or storage units with soft materials, like books or fabric, along the walls.

Ensure access to tech infrastructure

To foster collaboration in-person and virtually, access to tech infrastructure can’t be ignored. Ensuring the huddle room has sufficient power outlets and Wi-Fi connectivity is paramount.

Why Huddle Rooms?

As workers continue heading back to in-person work environments, huddle rooms provide valuable places for focus and collaboration. Consider some of the most common uses for office huddle rooms.

High-functioning small meetings

Perhaps the most common use of huddle rooms is for meetings of small groups, less than six people in size. Using huddle rooms for small meetings helps to remove demand from larger conference rooms and provides more privacy than a touchdown space.

Informal collaboration

Maybe a teammate stopped by your workspace and you’re having a great discussion but prefer more privacy. Sometimes the best collaborations aren’t planned. Huddle rooms make ideal spaces for less formal collaboration.

Individual work in comfort

We all benefit from an occasional change in scenery during the workday. Beyond that, some work – planning, writing or phone calls – is done best in a quiet place. These two reasons make huddle rooms ideal places for individual work. 

Individual or small group video conferencing 

According to a 2023 Gallup study, hybrid is the most common style of work for remote-capable employees. With hybrid work becoming more prevalent, huddle rooms solve the increased need for spaces that can facilitate individual or small group video conferences.

By considering the above factors, you’ll help to design a huddle room that’s versatile and efficient for small group collaboration.

Meetings come in all shapes and sizes and so do the conference rooms that host them. Thoughtful design and careful planning ensure you make the most of every gathering in your conference space. Here are answers to top conference room design questions: 

Is Effective Conference Space Important?  

Comfortable and effective conference space impacts how productive meetings are—and meeting productivity is likely a top concern of many of your employees. According to Forbes, poorly organized meetings are a top ten office annoyance, with more than two in three office workers surveyed citing it as a pet peeve.  

Too often, workers are forced to convene in cluttered spaces that are not set up to contribute to productive work. Simple fixes—from including appropriate seating options, to the appropriate number of seats around the table and taking things like storage, hospitality, tech integration and room features that facilitate ideation—can better support using meeting time productively.   

Our experts have prioritized a budget-friendly approach to make your conference space an incubator for productive meetings.  

How do I design a conference room on a budget? 

There’s not a one-size fits all approach to conference room design: What team needs to make conference rooms high-performing spaces varies. Budgeting for your conference room refresh should be driven by what you need the room to accomplish. A simple in-person ideation space versus a video conference destination come with different costs. 

Where should you spend vs. save when outfitting your conference space? 

We recommend starting with what your room needs to accomplish and using that to drive your design and budgeting approach. That said, there are some key areas our customers tend to appreciate spending a bit more and some key areas where we help identify opportunities to save: 

Spend: 

• Outfitting your space with high-quality; durable options: Your conference space will be a high-traffic area. Ensuring you select commercial-grade options that will continue to look polished and professional over time. Conference spaces tend to show wear and tear faster than other office spaces.  

• Storage: Adding storage will help encourage employees to keep the room organized. Keeping remotes and cords stashed minimizes the clutter. 

• A food and bev service area: Including items like a laminate credenza will double as storage and serve as space for a coffee center or buffet lunches. Adding hospitality goes a long way in creating a place where employees feel productive.   

• Tech integrations: Conference tables with integrated power and wire management will minimize disruptions and keep people powered-up and ready to check off meeting agendas. 

Save: 

• Buying appropriate conference seating: Don’t over-outfit your conference room with seating. Save the fancy ergonomic features for desk seating. The ideal conference chair is comfortable but not super adjustable because occupants are not often sitting there for very extended periods of time.  

• Conference tables made from delicate materials: A stylish wood-grained laminate table can provide the warm, residential look and feel and be durable to look great over time in this high-traffic space.  

But the No. place to focus your spend is on seating. Giving people the appropriate conference chair will go a long way in helping them stay focused and productive while in the conference room. 

What are top conference room design mistakes to avoid? 

A top conference room design mistake is overcrowding the space. Squeezing too many chairs around the table likely will hinder meeting participation and effectiveness. Here are some guidelines to help make sure you’re giving conference room users room to do their best work: 

• How many chairs fit around a conference table: The rule of thumb here is that the table length dictates the number of chairs. A 6-foot table can comfortably seat 6 people; an 8-foot table, 8 people. This holds true for rectangle, racetrack and boat shaped conference tables. 

• How large should a conference room be: You generally want at least 3-4 feet between the table and the walls on the sides of a conference table. You’ll want more space at the head of the table if the room is meant to hold presentations. You’ll want 5 feet of space for the speaker/presenter.  

How do I design a conference room for video conferencing or virtual meetings? 

Effectively connecting with virtual meeting participants is a top consideration of our customers. Additional considerations for these spaces includes: 

• Pushing the conference table against a wall to form a collaborative half circle 

• Including mobile TV stands  

Learn more about conference room design with our Conference Room Planning and Measurement Guide, Collaborative conference room ebook and post on wire management for your conference room. 

Every government buyer has their own unique purchasing requirements, which is why we don’t offer a one-size-fits-all approach. We offer curated service to each of the 20,000+ government orders we fulfill per year, and in our 40+ years of business, we’ve learned a few tips about how government buyers can set themselves up for success to make the office furniture procurement process as simple as possible. Follow these tips to make government shopping at the end of the fiscal year (or anytime) a breeze.

Know Your Individual Buying Requirements

The best place to start is to learn the specific buying requirements for your office. An Air Force installation might have different purchasing requirements than a Social Security office or a National Parks Service facility. What makes it even trickier is that even individual Air Force bases or National Parks facilities might even vary in their requirements. 

If you can find someone in your office who can point you to a list of your specific purchasing requirements—or if you can identify your local purchasing authority—that might help you focus your furniture shopping on items that are more likely to be approved. 

Look for Vendors Who Offer Government Contracts

Take some of the initial headaches out of getting your government purchase approved by shopping with vendors who meet federal acquisition regulations. This is pretty much the bare minimum when it comes to purchasing requirements, so you’ll likely still need to ensure that a product meets your specific set of buying requirements, but it’s a start.

GSA (Federal Contracts)

NBF's GSA contract (GS-27F-0024V) covers 1000s of products, including desks, chairs, partitions/cubicles, and conference furniture.

State and Local Contracts

NBF offers several contracts for use by state and local government agencies, including the Association of Educational Purchasing Agencies (AEPA), Buy Board, and The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) cooperative purchasing agreements, as well as a California Multiple Award Schedule contract.

Shop for Items That Ship Quickly

Government purchases generally need to be charged when the item ships, rather than when the purchase is made. If you’re trying to use your budget before the end of the fiscal year, you want to look for furniture that’s in stock and can ship quickly, ensuring you won’t lose your budget on a technicality. 

Our in-stock products usually deliver within 2 weeks, and many items even ship the same day you order them. Explore “Ships Today” GSA-approved furniture. 

How to Shop GSA-Approved Furniture

We’ve got several different ways for you to shop for GSA-approved furniture.

• Visit NBF.com/GSA to shop more than 2,000 GSA-contract furniture items. For live GSA pricing, create an account or sign in. 

• Visit GSAadvantage.gov and search "GS27F0024V."

• Email [email protected].

• Call us at 800-588-1010.

Need to meet set-aside purchase requirements? You can purchase NBF products through our network of small business dealers. Email or call us to learn more. 

The material on our site is for informational purposes only, is general in nature, and is not a substitute for professional advice regarding specific government purchasing requirements. 

Create a Comfortable, Productive, and Personalized WFH Space

Create a comfortable, productive, and personalized work-from-home workspace. A few quick changes can make all the difference:

• Level up your office organization by taking advantage of vertical space, allowing for more supply storage as well as a little decorative flair

• Make the most of your desktop with compact L-shaped desks that can fit snugly in a corner

• Create mixed-use spaces with furniture that can get the job done during the workday but move out of the way while the room serves a different purpose

• Use bins, baskets, and desktop organizers to DIY your storage in a way that's functional and fun

Work/Life Balance When Working From Home

When work makes its way into the living space, it starts to feel as if work is everywhere. Work/life balance has always been a challenge, but it’s especially difficult to conceptualize and enforce when working from home. 

While it might feel like work is everywhere and everywhere is work, that's just not the case. Acknowledging your needs, enforcing your boundaries, and remembering you're only human is the start of creating a healthy relationship with work, even when it's so close to everyday life.

NBF partnered with Kelton Global to survey more than 1,000 American workers. We examined how people feel about their work-from-home workspaces and what they need to make their days better and brighter using a combination of finding the right furniture, designing a beautiful workspace, and building behaviors that can create long-lasting workplace wellness.

Ergonomics Are Essential

At the office, your company chose desks, chairs, and supplies they thought were ideal for the entire company. At home, you might not have these workplace essentials ready to go. As you settle into your workspace, consider furniture that is a net benefit for physical health.

We found that 22% of those frustrated with their current space are using outdated furnishings or equipment that impact productivity. Meanwhile, 3 in 10 believe their workspace needs an upgrade. If you're part of either group, make sure that your new-and-improved setup is doing its best to help you stay on task.

Take a Seat

It's no surprise that seating is a constant struggle for work-from-home employees. As you look for the right seat, you aren't bound by traditional office options. Consider finding a task chair with the same support and features that are staples of workplace seating.

Size and Shape

Whether you're big and tall or petite and small, there's a chair that's suitable for your stature. Find a chair designed to fit your body type with as much or as little padding as you'd prefer.

Materials

While the colors and styles are endless, a few standard materials are used in office furniture. Polyurethane and other faux leathers are easy to clean and durable, while real leather is a luxurious option for an elevated office. Cooling mesh can make working a breeze, and fabric can add style without sticking to your skin.

Ergonomic Adjustments

The right combination of adjustments can make your workday experience feel like a dream. Mix and match the right tilt (synchro, knee, or center), lumbar support, arm movements, and seat depth that works for you.

Desk Decisions

From traditional tables to storage-rich setups, desks come in a wide array of configurations and features to help you customize your workspace. No matter what size space you're working with, there are endless options to fit every floor plan, design scheme, and budget.

Desk Height

Standard-height desks are the standard for a reason, but people are turning to standing-height solutions for an added ergonomic benefit. Height-adjustable options marry the best of both worlds for those who like to sit or stand at any stature.

Storage Options

Pedestal desks have a wealth of supply and file storage, while others are lighter on storage and encourage users to use mobile filing cabinets and other storage units to conceal their workday musts.

Tabletop Organizers

Coordinating hutches, both big and small, are there for your right-at-hand needs. These can occupy valuable vertical real estate to further enhance small space work areas.

Set (and Stick to) Boundaries

The boundaries you set with management, coworkers, and yourself will determine the success of your work/life balance. Likewise, leaving loopholes, creating exceptions, and relaxing boundaries can quickly erode any positive groundwork.

After determining reasonable boundaries, communicate them to managers and colleagues. Then? Stick to them. Calendar programs often can set available hours to establish a rough guideline that's visible to everybody, while other nuanced boundaries may need more direct communication.

• Determine what hours are available for meetings and reasonable for responding to emails, calls, and instant messages.

• Decide whether you will check incoming communication during nights or weekends. It's OK if you keep all work-related communication to working hours only.

• Select what applications you'd like to install on personal devices and set notifications to correlate with your available hours.

• Realize that it's OK to keep work time separate from personal time. If possible, determine who can take care of emergencies in your absence should you be unreachable.

Build a Routine

Thoughtful boundaries will naturally establish a workday and workweek routine. Once your working hours are defined, begin to schedule important activities at easy-to-anticipate times—and don’t forget to include what's important to you. These little rituals can have a big impact on workday happiness.

Start Strong

Find the right way to start your day on a positive note. Brew a great cup of coffee, tidy up your desk, or do a quick sweep of your mailbox while listening to your favorite podcast.

Take a Break

Real, scheduled breaks can feel like a luxury when working from home. Build in time for lunch, a quick walk, or any necessary appointments that might conflict with the workday. Even a 15-minute meditation session can make its way into the daily routine as a way to clear your mind and get ready for the next task.

Add a Little Personal Time

While it's ill-advised to blend your work life and personal life too much, it's OK to schedule some time to accomplish a household chore during the day. Use one of your breaks to run a recurring errand or quickly tidy part of your house without feeling guilty for wasting work time.

Make a Perfect Playlist

Everybody has a different ideal soundtrack for their workday. Find a great auto-generated playlist, explore curated collections on your favorite streaming service, or subscribe to a podcast you can play in the background. White noise apps are another great way to keep the room tone lively without adding distracting words or lyrics.

Wrap Up and Wind Down

Ease your way out of the workday mindset with a relaxing task that will leave you in tip-top shape for the next day. Take the last 15 minutes to leave your workspace organized, sterilized, and clean so that your early morning self can start the day off right.

Need a Helping Hand?

When you're alone at home, it's easy to forget that resources are available through your employer.

Employee Assistance Programs 

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) aren't all created equal, but look into what your company offers and keep these benefits in mind. Some EAPs offer free counseling for workplace and personal issues, which can be used as a singular solution or a stepping stone to additional help. Childcare support, legal advice, and gym discounts are commonly available in EAPs, but these programs differ from company to company.

Talk to Your Manager 

The pandemic presented a new set of challenges that impacted every employee differently. Discuss your needs with your manager, including how your personal needs intersect with and affect your work. Accommodations can be made to ensure that employees' professional success and mental health are all accounted for, but sometimes this takes input from one's supervisor or human resources.

The Design Guide for Painting Your Office

The shade of paint you choose can make or break a space. The all-around wrong color, clashing accents, mismatched lighting, and myriad reasons can create a disaster that's all-surrounding during the workday. As you choose your color palette for your home office or corporate workspace, consider the factors that go into a great color scheme that becomes the foundation for a great workspace.

Corporate Offices

It doesn't matter if you're a small business or a corporate giant—designing a professional office space is less about one's personal taste and more about what's best for everybody. Sure, this sounds like it might be a bit restrictive, but that doesn't make any of your choices any less meaningful.

Consult a Professional 

An educated and experienced interior designer will have a wealth of knowledge and recommendations for your space. There's no harm in reaching out to a person who's used to finding the right fit; in the long run, it's worth it. Especially if you're painting multiple rooms, a designer or planner will know how to tell a visual story that compliments your entire office.

Try Before You Buy

No matter who is calling the shots, paint samples are vital to better understand your choices. While conventional paint chips might help, if larger swatches are available, take advantage of them.

No-Brainer Neutrals 

Your primary color will probably be a variation of off-white, light gray, or a faint taupe, and that's not just OK—it's advisable. These no-nonsense colors are tried and true, though they're not as harsh as a bright white.

Agreeable and Accessible 

Be mindful of different employees' needs that may be applicable now or possibly down the road. For instance, colorblindness can affect the way a person perceives bolder accents. People with visual impairments may need an emphasis on bright spaces and proper lighting. Even if this doesn't apply to your current staff, looking toward the future is never ill-advised.

Different Space, Different Mood 

The open office isn't the only space worthy of consideration. Think about how your paint choices tell a story throughout the office, and aim for a cohesive experience that won't distract employees or guests. Be particularly mindful of your reception area. For workers, it's symbolic of the start of the business day, but for guests, it's necessary to make a great first impression with tasteful design.

Acceptable Accents

If you have a big room, it's a given that you have big walls. If you're trying to add an accent wall, avoid doing so on any wall close to employee desking. Entryways, nooks, or infrequently used spaces can benefit from an accent that doesn't overwhelm you. Especially in a main space, consider using your company's colors to offset the ubiquitous neutrals.

Consider Your Upholstery

Are you designing your color palette around your furniture, or are you designing your furniture around your palette? Make sure all choices are well-coordinated, and you're not pairing cool and warm tones that will clash and distract. Be mindful of upholstery on seating or even on cubicle panels.

Creative Conference Rooms

Especially if your business has a plethora of conference rooms, this is a great opportunity to get creative with your color schemes and furniture choices. While you'll certainly want to reserve one as a highly professional space, use smaller collaboration areas to choose interesting colors or out-of-the-box furniture without committing to a large space.

The VIP Treatment

Allow incoming leaders to personalize their private office. Use a wall that isn't completely occupied by large furniture as an accent wall. When one person leaves and another person moves in, ask them what color they'd like it painted. It's a personal touch that won't break the bank or take up too much time.

Home Offices

There's a big difference between an office designed by you, for you and a multiperson office that needs to appeal to all. While you have a lot less space but a lot more flexibility, several considerations can still improve productivity, increase energy, and promote workday wellness.

Push the Boundaries of Neutral

Eggshell, ivory, and alabaster are played out shades of off-white that can stay in the past. In the home and the home office, neutral color palettes can play with different shades of gray and taupe. More daringly, a pastel palette can create a peaceful atmosphere in your workspace that's far from drab.

Invigorate With Paint

If you're trying to create a high-energy space, ditch the neutrals and pastels and embrace bolder, more stimulating colors. If your space allows, use a combination of palatable neutrals and exciting hues for accent walls or details.

Dark Colors Aren’t Dull

For some, dark paint colors can make a room feel serious or studious, which may be what you're going for. If this fits your personality, don't shy away from working with deeper tones to get the right look. If you're working within a small space, try to mix dark and light colors on different walls to keep the space from feeling too cramped.

Avoid Antagonistic Colors 

As you work your way through the rainbow, there are a few less-advisable colors to avoid. For instance, reds are known to inspire anger and intensity. 

Add Accents

Accent colors aren't just reserved for accent walls. Baseboards, molding, fixtures, and other odds and ends are often painted. If you're going to deviate from your wall colors, make sure that you pay attention to these bonus colors so that they don't stand out negatively.

Let There Be Light

If you're lucky, your at-home workspace will benefit from natural light. Even when the sun goes down, there are still major considerations with what lighting you use. Whether overhead lighting or dedicated task lighting, choose light bulbs that fuel your mood. Some people enjoy brighter blue-toned bulbs while others benefit from softer, more docile tones. Not sure? Your smartphone can control many digital light bulbs to find the perfect balance.

Think Long-Term 

We perceive color differently as we age. If you're designing for the long haul, go with a color and design scheme that will be pleasing as you advance. This is particularly true if you're putting together an office for an elderly person. If you've got multiple occupants, collaborate on your palette to ensure it's pleasant for everyone.

Optimizing Outdoor Workspaces

As dinner on restaurant patios and weekend trips into the wilderness become mainstays of summer 2020, days at the office are spent more sequestered than ever. Instead of eating in cafeterias and gathering in conference rooms, employees are highly deskbound to stop the spread of COVID-19. But add the open air to office productivity, and you've got a great solution for any company culture.

Depending on your location, there may be room to transform outdoor spaces, such as patios, surrounding green space, or even smaller entryways, into an outdoor oasis for employees. Create areas for collaboration or solitary work with a few easy upgrades. No matter the climate, you can harness the end of summer or a temperate fall and make long-lasting outdoor spaces that employees will love. 

Step Up the Wi-Fi

A major hurdle for outdoor enjoyment starts with technology. Employees can only do so much work without laptops, and even meetings require some tech to keep things running smoothly these days. Add Wi-Fi extenders and additional routers to the edges of the outdoors, ensuring that there's a strong enough signal to run your most necessary operations from anywhere.

Choose the Right Seating

Choose seating and tables that can facilitate all sorts of working needs. While there's always room for laid-back, relaxing options, more traditional tables and benches can accommodate meetings, lunches, or independent work.

Outdoor mainstays are readily available for these workspaces. Picnic benches can replace conference tables, though keeping employees well-spaced with tape or markers to show proper spacing is imperative. Portable acrylic screens can be grabbed and utilized to make face-to-face seating safer.

Materials Matter

Use materials designed and proven for outdoor use to protect from the elements and ensure that your outdoor furniture will make it to summer 2021. Solid plastics, resin, and outdoor laminates will be indicated for indoor/outdoor use. If you're looking at anything metal, make sure that it's stainless and will stay corrosion- and rust-free indefinitely.

Create Some Shade

To keep laptops glare-free and protect against midday sunburn, ensure your space has enough shade to keep employees out of the sun if they wish. Umbrellas, either mounted through tables or in a cantilever style, can provide a temporary solution, but areas with a partial overhang may benefit from an extended awning. Whether automatically retractable or removable at the end of the season, temporary shelter can also keep your furniture in tip-top condition in any climate.

Expand Your Area

Not all offices are equipped with ample outdoor seating or a prime location for a patio. Leverage the areas available, even if they're small, to add a little bit of respite from the office. A couple of chairs out front, simple benches, or off-to-the-side seating can still make a huge impact.

Seating alone doesn't suit everybody's working style. Even in the most constricted areas, keep a few folding tables off to the side for employees to grab, use, disinfect, and return for quick and casual use. Movable outdoor furniture may need to be secured depending on the location, but semi-mobile choices can encourage employees to move meetings outdoors without committing to a conference-like setup in a small space.

Power Up

Make sure employees keep charged with any necessary extension cords or power stations they can move throughout the outdoor space. Keep a few of them handy and easy to extend, ensuring that there isn't any need to crowd around scarce outlets.

Embrace the Great Outdoors

Throughout the office, fake plants reign supreme. When the weather's right and the sun is shining, a few potted plants or pleasant landscaping can elevate the mood in an outdoor area. Take advantage of seasonal foliage and beautify your outdoor oasis. Use taller greenery to create separation between tables to ensure proper social distancing.

Don’t Stop the Cleaning 

Small Space Solutions With Serious Style

Where you work is as unique to you as how you work. Sometimes, you might be stuck working with less real estate than your ideal. These unique layouts pose interesting challenges with creative solutions that need a little extra thought, careful planning, and a selection of furniture that can make the most out of any situation.

Our Brite collection is a mainstay in the modern, minimalist, and flexible home office. With a wide variety of desk sizes and storage types, it's easy to mix and match pieces to optimize your environment. ach piece features superior quality at an affordable price point, allowing you to pair multiple selections from Brite to highlight the qualities of your home.  

The Double-Duty Desk

It's not fair to have to choose between work and play when you're short on space. Instead, find a furniture setup that does both, like the Brite Compact Home Office Set. When building a double-duty space, select furniture that can be assigned a purpose or, for some items, a dual purpose. For the most part, make sure your desktop has enough room to accommodate both your workday mainstays without needing to do much when the day is done. Use storage pieces to keep your intentions separated, dedicating one rolling pedestal to workday supplies and the other to the tools of the trade for whatever you're passionate about.

The Two-for-One Special

Working from home might mean you have coworkers who don't even work at your company. For home offices with 2 or more people, blend form and function with coordinating desking tailored to each person's individual needs. Expansive collections offer a wealth of design options that differ in height, width, configuration, and even tech-ready details, such as wireless chargers or cable management. Let each person pick the right fit for their needs while still adhering to a beautiful design scheme, right down to coordinating seating with the same patterns on different pieces.

The Angular Approach

Many renovated flats, urban apartments, and quirky old houses have curious bonus areas that embrace difficult-to-use spaces. When your main rooms are occupied, it’s great to take advantage of these attics, enclaves, and under-the-stairs escapes. Sometimes you'll need to split your workspace to work within these difficult layouts, opting for multiple desks that are close within reach but not quite together. Fill in the gaps with décor or open-air storage to keep the area from getting overwhelmingly cramped while still giving it a sense of style.

The Cozy Corner

A sliver of the living room or a corner of the dining nook might be your best bet for a work-from-home workspace. While you might share space with a completely different purpose, the need for a focus-friendly setup remains. Choose a desk with built-in storage so your workday musts can all be concentrated in one space, eliminating the need to interact with the world around it and risk becoming distracted. A standing-height desk can also offer flexibility and comfort, especially when paired with a stool that's just the right height for a quick rest.

The Simple Setup

Designing a Remote Work Policy That Works

If we learned one thing during the COVID-19 crisis, it’s that we're a more independent workforce than we once thought. Companies in high-risk areas quickly transitioned to mandated (or highly recommended) work-from-home policies using the tools they already had. It begs the question—how would this have been even easier if preparations started ahead of time?

Lay a foundation for success from the very start. Remaining mindful of employee needs, wants, and everything in between will help your organization thrive no matter where your employees reside. A healthy remote work policy will increase productivity while employees are in the office, so long as they know that they have the trust, support, and flexibility that comes with a well-thought-out remote work policy.

Start Sooner Than Later

Your company should establish your remote work policies long before an emergency strikes. Take steps to implement the tools and rules necessary for success, and consider the different situations that could keep office-dwelling employees homebound for varying lengths of time.

Not all remote work factors are equal. To create the most comprehensive policies, understand the different reasons why employees may become homebound:

• Global Health Risks: These situations are precautionary, but they often occur during the most severe and threatening situations. Directives to stay home can come from a parent company, senior leadership, Center for Disease Control recommendation, or even a government mandate. While severe, there's often enough lead time to allow employees to return to the office to gather files and other items they need to do their job long-term. These measures can often last for a significant amount of time.

• Individual Health Risks: When an employee is recovering from an illness, becoming sick, or transitioning back to work from a medical procedure, it's often advisable to stay out of the office until they're at full speed. These situations often arise suddenly, but there should be clear expectations of productivity to determine whether they should use PTO instead. These measures can range from half a day to a few days off work.

• Inclement Weather: When severe weather strikes, coming into the office could be the difference between making it in for the day or never returning to work again. Depending on an employee’s location and the severity of conditions, it is often advisable to let employees stay put and avoid risk. These are often short instances but hard to anticipate.

Human Resources Is Your Best Resource

When it comes to remote work, there are a few different prevailing schools of thought in the HR community. They can guide you in the direction of what best benefits employees, and, depending on how progressive their policies are, they can recommend solutions to senior leadership and direct managers.

Today's HR departments understand that each department faces unique circumstances, noting that different job duties have different needs when it comes to remaining in the office. Instead of creating sweeping policies that may not benefit every employee, consult the leaders of individual departments to determine the best course of action.

Be Prepared With Software and Hardware

A setup for success starts with day-to-day tools that can work both in-house and remotely. Ensure your hardware and software choices have full functionality in and out of the office. These days, prices are negligible when it comes to choosing between desktops and docked laptops, allowing teams to stay flexible outside the office while making it easier to bring information to on-site meetings.

When it comes to software, use cloud storage solutions to keep files easily accessible at all times. Virtual private networks (VPNs) can protect sensitive data, web-based applications can provide flexible use over an internet connection, and a robust chat system will keep employees in close contact even when they're apart. These tools are just as useful in the office as they are outside.

Create Chains of Communication

When that snowstorm strikes or it's time for nonessential employees to work remotely, a clear and easily understood chain of communication is integral to prevent confusion. Not all employees have cellular access to their work email, making it necessary to communicate through outside channels. You can call it dated or tried-and-true, but a phone tree can be the most logical tool to spread information. Deliver messages to every employee by making it clear that their direct supervisor should contact them in case of closure or emergency, ensuring everybody knows who they should turn to for guidance and instruction.

Your Human Resources Information System (HRIS) may have integrated tools to expedite communication, enabling it to come from a single, trusted source. Whether that's an email blast that goes to employees' personal accounts or a mass text that gives immediate updates for building closures, it's worth exploring the added tools that can streamline the chain of communication.

Embrace a Trusting Environment

Remote work comes with a degree of trepidation. It's dangerous to assume that your perfectly productive in-house employee will suddenly slide off the radar when transitioning to a remote role in an emergency. Just because they're out of sight doesn't mean their work is out of mind. It takes strength in management to remember that work is still the main component of remote work.

Think about the metrics you use to evaluate in-office performance. Every position has benchmarks that you've seen in action—setting those benchmarks as expectations can ensure that remote sessions have the same output as a day in the office.