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29 Apr

Posted at 14:00h in Business Resources, Office and Cubicle Resources
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Downsizing Your Office? Tips On How To Use Your Space Efficiently

 

All too often, valuable office space goes unused. Whether you are moving to smaller office or just decreasing the available square footage of your current office, be sure to maximally utilize your space. With a strategical plan you can make your workspace appear larger, and encourage employee productivity. Consider these tips when mapping out your workspace.

Be “Size Wise”

Nothing makes a tinier workspace appear more claustrophobic than oversized furniture, so aim to purchase smaller office furniture. No room in the budget for new furniture? Simply donate the furniture pieces that take up a lot of space, but are not really used.

Brighten Things Up

Try to avoid dark colors, they can make the space seem more enclosed.  Brighter colors will not only open up the space but can also contribute to a productive and positive psych. For example yellow inspires creative mind, blue stimulates sharper intellect and green offers a calm and collected temperament. Think about  the mood you want to encourage when designing your workspace. Also, don’t forget that there is power in good lighting! Open up your blinds to let in some natural light, bring a little bit of outside-inside.

Prevent Clutter

When office space is limited don’t take up valuable real estate with clutter. Plus, there is research which indicates that clutter tends to disturb productivity, while an organized workspace fuels motivation and creativity. Utilize simple tools, such as a desk organizer and labeled folders. Eliminating unessential items leads to more space and more productivity.

Embrace the Cloud

In today’s day and age, why not take advantage of our innovative technology. Rather than keeping excessive amounts of paper, digitize as much as possible. Digital storing is time efficient and extinguishes the need for bulky filing cabinets. Consider uploading your files to cloud-based programs, allowing for data backup and instant employee access both in and out of the office. Remember, if making the switch to the cloud, to keep your information secure, as information is at risk on the Internet. Take precautionary measures to ensure maximum company privacy, by frequently updating passwords and monitoring for any suspicious activity.

Veer Vertical

To save space, build upwards! Install wall shelving, and stack them one on top of the other. Hang magazine racks to store accumulated magazines, newspapers, and papers. Items, such as reading lamps, televisions, and other electronics don’t need to occupy floor space—mount them. So, don’t limit storage space to solely your desk and grounded furniture. Think vertical!

23 Apr

Posted at 10:30h in Business Resources, Healthy Office Lifestyle, Office and Cubicle Resources
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Transform Your Small Business: Go Green!

 

In a budding small business, it is important to get off to a good start and make a meaningful impression on costumers. Be economical and ecological. A greener workspace allows for a reduced ecological impact and improved productivity in the office. All too often, we forget to execute simple tasks in order to conserve energy and save money. Make it a priority. Take time to reflect on your company’s current footprint and plot strategies to aim towards a more environmentally friendly establishment. Consider these few points in getting started, and share them with your colleagues. Go green!

Let the Natural Light In
A well-lit working environment is important, but aim to use artificial lighting sparingly. On average, artificial lighting encompasses forty percent of total electricity usage in a standard office building. In addition, there seems to be a strong relationship between excess artificial lighting and minor health issues, as well as a correlation between natural lighting and increased efficiency amongst employees. So, keep the shades open and reduce the use of strong overhead lighting, which may contribute to headaches and eye- strain. Light colored walls and furniture will best reflect natural light, making the office appear larger and encouraging efficiency.

Implement “Task Lighting” and Purchase Fluorescent bulbs
Strong overhead lighting is often unnecessary. Set a plan to utilize adjustable task lighting in order to illuminate specific reading areas. Task lighting not only directs the light towards specific tasks enabling concentration, but also increases contrast and focused visibility for employees. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent. They last up to fifteen times longer and absorb only one-quarter of the energy. Observe your surroundings and take initiative. Turn off all lights in an empty room and, of course, remember to switch off all lights in the office when leaving for the day. Find our more about task lighting and other lights on our cubicle terminology page.

Digitize
In today’s technological era, there is no excuse for overusing wasteful materials. Excess materials contribute to clutter and a disorganized environment. Studies indicate that the average person wastes about four hours per week searching for papers, contributing largely to unnecessary stress and stunting concentration and creativity. Whenever possible, digitize. Categorize information into labeled desktop folders and communicate via email. Convert documents to PDF’s to efficiently share with colleagues. Digital planners, calendars, and reminders are useful tools to stay organized as well. The more you aspire to digitize, the less paper and wasteful materials you expend.

Put off Printing
Regardless of valiant efforts to digitize, all offices require purchasing paper. When shopping, choose recycled, chlorine-free paper to save money and energy and buy in bulk. When you must print, format double-sided documents and choose a smaller font to conserve. Avoid color printing whenever possible. Utilize software programs, such as GreenPrint and EcoPrint2, which locate and delete that pesky waste space at the end of documents, such as advertisements or web page listings. Aim to reuse misprints and scraps as notepaper. Recycle printer cartridges and purchase recycled new ones.

Unplug
When a machine is not being used, don’t just power it down—unplug! Simply switching the off button may send the machine into “standby” mode, still absorbing power. Neglecting to do so not only wastes energy, but also racks up your expenses. When leaving your desk for a moment, set your computer monitor to sleep mode instead of setting a screensaver. You’d be amazed at the positive impact on your electricity bill and reduced ecological impact.

Monitor Office Temperature
Even in the summer, cranking the air conditioning in the office to full-blast is not usually necessary. Monitor temperatures and find a comfortable setting, or instead of using central air conditioners, try purchasing portable ones. Portable air conditioners will enable you to efficiently fluctuate temperatures in certain areas, while saving energy in unused or unnecessary areas. Portable fans are an option as well, as they consume much less energy than installing a central air conditioning system. Of course, if weather permits, open the windows! Fresh air and sunlight will positively transform the office environment.

 

17 Apr

Posted at 09:58h in Business Resources, Office and Cubicle Resources
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Climb the Corporate Ladder of Your Small Business: Tips from a SMB Owner

 

You are a diligent worker. Your natural talent and strong work ethic enables you to shine in the office. Yet, you still can’t seem to snag that promised promotion. Something’s got to give. The fact is, no one is entitled to a promotion or raise—you must earn it. Remember, everyone is working towards the same goal. Consider these few steps in order to exceed expectations in the office and climb the corporate ladder of your small business.

Look for an Opening in the Company
Always be willing to jump on the opportunity to fill an opening in your company. Studies show that about 80% of jobs are never advertised. So, stay on the lookout and do your research. If you want a change, make it happen. Look on your organization’s homepage to see what the Human Resource department has to offer in terms of training, or make an appointment to discuss your interest personally—more training, more promotions!

Scout Out a Mentor
In any business, experience is key. Aim to ascertain a suitable mentor, which will help you grow in your area of business. Observe your superiors in order to see who has significant experience in the area that you are interested in pursuing. When searching, look for the employee who has the respect of his/her boss, staff, and peers. Ask them to mentor you. A mentor will help you identify your own strengths and weaknesses while navigating the political land mines of most organizations.

Pick up the Slack
Differentiate yourself from your colleagues by aiming to complete the tasks that are commonly overlooked or put off. If given a project to be submitted in two weeks, try to complete it in one. Take initiative. A little extra effort won’t go unnoticed. Everyone is busy and can use a helping hand now and again. If a colleague is under a time crunch with a project, go out of your way to help them manage it. Time management will help you immensely when balancing multiple projects and tasks. Get to work early and leave late. Remember, this may be a distinguishing factor between you and another employee.

Keep Yourself Visibly Organized
This not only pertains to the way in which you dress and carry yourself professionally, but also the extent to which you care about keeping your desk and personal space clean and organized. Of course, appearance may not be a distinguishing factor, but it is important to put yourself together well. Put in conscious effort to stay groomed and avoid looking like you just rolled out of bed. Presenting yourself in this way sends the message that you take both yourself and your job seriously. Think of your cubicle or desk space as a reflection of yourself as well. Don’t leave a mess. Utilize your filing cabinet, and sort through digital clutter, saving and filing documents regularly.

Learn Something New and be Open to New Activities
Be curious about learning new things, and always ask questions. Never underestimate how much people enjoy talking about what they do.

Ask for feedback and accept constructive criticism. Be energetic in the office and project positive energy. Join activities to connect and network with the staff at all levels. Participating in the corporate run, or other such activities, is not only good exercise, but will possibly benefit your career as well.

Know Your Stuff
Remain up to date on relevant news and events pertaining to your industry. Send out any interesting information to your colleagues. During meetings, grasp the opportunity to speak up and showcase your knowledge. Have an educated opinion. Don’t be afraid to disagree. Fresh viewpoints are always welcomed, as long as they are informed. Show your boss that you have a solid grasp on the inner-workings of the business and an understanding of the “bigger picture.”

Cubicle By Design has over 25 years of experience aiding small businesses with their office furniture solutions. We not only provided services and products, but spent the years listening to our customers vent about all of their small business needs. These are helpful tips based off of their input and what we have learned. You can find more small business tips on our CBD Blog.