31 Dec The Benefits of a Stand-Up Desk

The health benefits and health risks of standing vs. sitting are still an ongoing debate in the medical community, but more and more research is coming out in favor of standing. While only some of what we know regarding the health benefits of standing is conclusive, all research is pointed in that direction. As a result, this new information is being applied to the workplace, especially the furniture that employees are using in their office cubicles and workspaces.

Heart Health

The idea that standing might be better for your heart than sitting was first looked at in the 1950s when it was noted that bus conductors were more likely to die of heart disease or complications related to heart disease. More and more research has been done in the decades since, and we now know for a fact that prolonged periods of being sedentary can greatly increase your risk for developing health-related issues.

Back Pain

Poor posture is often associated with back and neck pain, but poor posture alone may not be the culprit. Research has been done to look specifically at the effects a stand-up desk has on the body. One study, in particular, has found evidence to suggest that a stand-up desk helps with lower back pain. It found that they had less low back pain, were feeling less fatigued, and became more productive.

Improved Mood and Increased Energy

Seeing as there’s also research on the way remaining sedentary can affect our mood or anxiety levels, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that having the freedom to sit or stand as desired has the opposite effect. Research shows that being able to stand helps with stress management and fatigue, both of which are contributing factors to poor mental health.  And when both morale and energy levels are high, productivity is bound to go up as a result.  While this isn’t attested to by research yet, common sense tells us that employees who are happier and more alert can focus better and stay engaged with their work.   

A Healthier Office is a Happier Office

If you want to create an office space that prioritizes employee health as much as it does productivity, get in touch with us at Cubicle by Design.  Our catalog of office cubicles, desks, and cubicle accessories has something for everyone.  Design a comfortable workspace that matches your style with Cubicle by Design. Contact us by phone or email today, and tell us how we can help you create your ideal office.

01 Dec 3 Ways That The Right Choice Of Furniture Can Keep Your Employees Focused

Having the right space to work in means having a space that’s conducive to productivity and doesn’t allow for distractions, as focus is a very precious commodity.  The office furniture you choose to put in your company building can have a very noticeable effect on the performance of your employees as well as their overall satisfaction in the workplace.  These can be the make or break for how well your business runs.

1. Physical Comfort

Pain is a very large distraction.  As counterintuitive as it may sound, sitting for extended periods of time can be harder on your neck, back, and shoulders than sitting.  Giving your employees the option to move as necessary with furniture such as sit-to-stand desks can help reduce pain experienced throughout the day, making it easier for them to focus on the work in front of them instead of trying to work out stubborn knots.

2. Options Provide Stress Relief

Our mood is heavily influenced by our environment, and our mood directly affects our ability to concentrate.  If employees feel isolated by cubicles or overwhelmed by open spaces they’re more likely to feel such high levels of stress that it impacts their productivity.  When employees have a say in their workspace that not only allows them to create the ideal space for them, it gives them a stronger feeling of control over their environment.  It’s much easier to relax when we’re where we have control and decision making power. 

3. Room to Breathe

If you’re going to create a space that allows for intense focus then you will need to balance that out with space intended for unwinding and casual conversation.  Social areas like well furnished break rooms, meditation and exercise rooms, or outdoor sitting areas in sunny spots are a great way to start.  Concentration and relaxation should complement each other, not compete with each other, so a successful work area will promote both. 

Design Your Success Today

We understand the importance of giving employees the power to design a workspace that makes them feel capable and motivated, which is why our company is so aptly named Cubicle by Design.  We carry a wide selection of office furniture that will make your employees comfortable, keep your space efficiently and properly utilized, and your company’s day-to-day operations running smoothly.  Visit us online to see some of the great products we carry, or contact us to request our full catalogue.

03 Nov Open-Plan Offices vs. Cubicles?  Pros and Cons

Creating a workspace that promotes productivity and morale should be the objective of every supervisor, manager, and CEO.  But there are many different ways to accomplish this and the data is always conflicting.  

One of the most popular ways to achieve this is the layout of the workspace, and there are currently two different setups that are competing for the heavily coveted title of most ergonomic.

Open-Plan Offices

Pros:

• Accountability in the workplace. When coworkers and supervisors can see each other working, it is less difficult to waste time doing nothing. 
• Flexible seating arrangements make it easier for people to relocate as needed.
• Easier to communicate with others in the office. This is especially useful when the information is time sensitive.

Cons:

• Feeling that you’re being watched can cause employees to feel anxious and uncomfortable, which can diminish their productivity. 
• Loud and visually distracting. This can be particularly frustrating for employees on the autism spectrum or who have ADHD and may require accommodations to counteract the distractions
• Difficult for some workers to thrive if they don’t feel that they have ‘their’ space and no clear sense of boundaries.

Cubicles

Pros:

• Easier to focus, workers have more control over who they interact with and how much sensory stimuli they’re exposed to.
• Reduced physical interaction and more barriers between individuals can reduce the spread of germs in the office.
• They create a feeling of privacy and personal space, which some employees may feel more relaxed in.

Cons:

• It may, however, make it easier for employees to get distracted if there’s no one to keep an eye on them and make sure they’re working
• Physical barriers may discourage communication, inhibit collaboration, and create a feeling of isolation
• Making a cubicle available for every employee can be costly depending on how many employees a company has.

The Final Verdict

Both the open-plan office and the cubicle reflect two basic human needs- the need for shelter and the need for interaction.  Too much shelter turns into isolation and too much interaction turns into unproductive behavior.  The solution? 

Providing workers with options to choose which suits their workstyle best using activity-based working.  Activity-based working is built on the concept that when employees have options to choose which environment best suits they’re work style, they are more likely to thrive.  This can look like creating open spaces in the office without leaving it entirely open, and using office furniture such as a sit-to-stand desk.

04 Jul It’s Time to Bring Back the Office Cubicle

I’ve had it with the modern-day open office: bright fluorescent lights; fish-bowl distracting conference rooms that always leaves you wondering who your manager is meeting with; long shared desks.

When I worked on a Wall Street trading floor years ago, there was nowhere to hide; nowhere to find some peace and quiet; nowhere to think deeply. My entrepreneurial friends have also opted for shared working

08 Nov The Perfect Office Layout for Your Business

Open Office versus Privacy: Cubicles Offer the Best of Both Worlds

Open office workspace is the new thing with nearly 70% of offices now using open plans. But are totally open office layouts actually the best and most productive office layouts for employees? In an effort to appear “up to date” some businesses have actually created more stressful work environments for their employees. Studies show that the majority of employees prefer private space for most types of office work AND that they are more productive and less stressed when cubicles are used correctly in an attractive office layout.

Cubicle Advantages

Most employees say that cubicles give them the privacy they need to concentrate without disruption, thereby increasing their productivity. Sure, most workplaces need collaborative efforts at times, but having workspace set aside for collaborative time is a better option than having workers in an open environment all the time. By using private cubicles combined with more open benching, you can have the best of both worlds.

Employees Want Privacy

Some industries such as video game design studios might benefit from a totally open office design, but most businesses need the correct balance between private and open space. Most businesses need the majority of their office layout to offer privacy and quiet. The majority of employees say an open workspace is distracting, especially because most of the time they aren’t collaborating.

Here are some sample comments we heard:

“Hated our open office. Needed sound-proofing and privacy. Couldn’t hear myself think.”
“Clients hated hearing noise in the background, and it was hard to concentrate on them.”

Plan for you Unique Needs

Take the time to really analyze what each of your employees does and what provides them with optimum surroundings. Consider questions such as:
-Do they spend a great deal of the time on the phone where their conversations would bother others and they need quiet?
-How much room do they need to do their job well and have the space they need?
-Does their job involve quiet to concentrate on things like research or design?
-Should you group certain team members near each other but in their own workstations?
-How often do employees need to brainstorm and collaborate in the jobs they do?
-Should some employees be in an open space together to be in frequent contact and bat ideas around?
-Who needs a truly private office? Did you know that you can have a floor to ceiling private office cubicle?

Bringing Your Vision to Fruition

Once you have a clear vision of the needs of your employees, you will have a much clearer idea of your ideal office layout. That layout will be one to assure employees comfort and maximum satisfaction and productivity.

Luckily with all our new cubicles, benching and workstations, you can get the privacy you need and still have an office layout with a very modern feel. Using different combinations of cubicles and benching is the way to go. Cubicles can be very private and feature sound control. You can even include floor to ceiling private office cubicles in your layout. You can include collaborative areas also. Employees can then spend most of their time in a private space and go to workspaces designed for collaboration and teamwork when needed.

Cubicle By Design Can Help

Cubicle By Design offers aesthetically pleasing cubicles and workstations of all types and configurations. Today’s options are “Not your Father’s Cubicles.” You can have a very modern look and still have an office layout that best suits the way your business functions. Your office layout will be focused on the needs and well-being of your employees which is your key to productivity. Let us help you through the entire process, from your vision through installation so you have the office that is unique to your needs.

29 Jul Should I Buy New Or Used Cubicles?

Buying new or used cubicles is a question that has been asked as long as cubicles have existed.

Sure, you spend less when you buy used cubicles, but over time you’d likely gain much more value from buying new cubicles. This is why we almost always recommend shoppers to buy new when they updating their office space.

Why?

Your company was created as an investment for future growth and longevity. Thinking with a short term mindset undermines your goals. Here is why buying new is the way to go.

You get exactly what you want

Your environment tells clients and employees who you are. Settling for an environment that doesn’t show that you have confidence and plan to stay in business for a long time is a mistake.

When you buy new cubicles you get the exact style, colors, fabrics and configurations that you want for your office. You aren’t settling for used cubicles that are tan and burgundy if silver and black is what speaks to your brand. You’ll get a more modern look, more open designs and more flexibility to move things around for different purpose.

Everything can exactly match the function your business requires.

You get a lifetime warranty when Cubicle By Design installs

When you buy new cubicles instead of used cubicles, you often have a warranty or a guarantee to fall back on.

Here at Cubicle By Design, we take great pride in our gurantee.

Something wrong? Just give us a call.

This guarantee of replacement and service will prove invaluable over the long term.

And you will have few problems since new cubicles meet much stricter compliance guidelines and will have far fewer problems.

You get the most up to date technology

New cubicles will have include the most up to date technology and power options while hiding all the wires and supporting communication. You will have the best in sound control, fabric protection and construction.

You get the newest in cubicle ergonomics

Employee satisfaction, wellness and productivity can soar when they are comfortable and feel valued. Sit-stand desks, correct seating, proper keyboards and monitor arms are all part of new cubicle design that is often unavailable from used cubicles. Investment in employee comfort has been shown repeatedly in research to increase productivity and save money over time.

You get potential for growth

With new cubicles you will be able to match all the fabrics and finishes. As you grow and your needs change you won’t end up with a mismatched office. You will also be able to reconfigure more easily since new cubicles are often modular and give you the ability to easily reconfigure your space.

You get a tax deduction

Consult your accountant on what is permitted, but for small business the cost of office furniture is a tax deduction. Make sure you order well in advance of your fiscal year end to be sure to gain the advantage.

09 Feb Why Your Business Needs Sit Stand Desks

Your business needs sit stand desks. I wholeheartedly believe that statement, but I understand many of you may need more justification. There are numerous reasons including showing your business as an innovating leader, taking care of your employees and boosting team productivity as well as profits.

Read on to learn more.

Showcase Your Company and Join the Ergonomic Revolution

A workspace tells the world what a business is and what it stands for. It’s important to make sure your business environment tells customers and employees that you are passionate about your mission and your employees.

Incorporating sit stand desks and ergonomic accessories goes a long way in this mission while also showing that your business is innovative and cares about its team.

Employees are Your Most Valuable Resource

Employees are your business’s most valuable resource. Without them, your business wouldn’t exist. In today’s competitive market, employees are quick to jump from job to job in pursuit of better working conditions.

A healthy, ergonomic workplace that incorporates adjustable-height desks isn’t the only thing you can do to keep your team happy and healthy, but it certainly does show them you care.

Why you might ask? Research has shown that our bodies aren’t designed to sit all day, but between working, driving and entertainment, we sit for 7-15 hours per day.  Research has gone further to postulate that prolonged sitting increases the chance for many health risks including:

• Weight gain and obesity
• Upper back and neck pain
• Depression and low energy
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Cancer

By providing sit-stand desks to your employees, you’re effectively helping your employees reduce their risks for all of these health risks, thus, showing them you care.

Stand Up to a Culture of Sitting!

Sit stand desks with ergonomic accessories provide the perfect balance between standing and sitting.  Height -adjustable standing desks give you and your employees freedom and choice.

You may think to yourself, “I exercise several times a week. That takes care of the issue of sitting all day!” Don’t be fooled- going to the gym and other exercise programs are not able to erase the lasting effects caused by sitting.

You have to incorporate standing and moving into your everyday life. If you do, you’ll be in good company. Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo Da Vinci and Winston Churchill all had standing desks.

Healthy, Happy Employees Increase Profit and Productivity

Employee time off and turnover can cost businesses billions of dollars per year.  Show your employees you value them and that you’re committed to reducing stress to keep them in the office and at peak productivity.

Embracing a healthy, forward-thinking business model has been proven to:

• Attract top talent
• Retain your most valued employees

Employees are looking for balance in their lives. Millennials in particular want a life-work integration and value health, flexibility and fun. Sit-stand desks and other ergonomic products lets your employees know you care and are innovative.

Cost Versus Value

The short- term cost of sit-stand desks and accessories will be returned in full by their long-term value in increasing your business’ productivity and profit.

A proactive ergonomics program is a proven cost-effective way to improve performance.

Research has shown that an ergonomic, healthy environment reduces:

• Sick days
• Days off
• Workplace injuries
• Workers Compensation Claims

Tip: Check with your insurance company to see how to use wellness credits toward your purchase.

Let Us Help

Our Certified Ergonomic Evaluator can evaluate your office and recommend an individualized, personal plan including adjustable-height desks, to create a healthy, ergonomic office within your budget.

Whether you redesigning your office, relocating or simply want to upgrade, let us help so you can add the right sit stand desks and accessories for your needs.
We at Cubicle By Design will take care of the entire process and make the installation and transition positive and seamless.  We will do the work so you can do what you do best- run your own company.