Good Business Office Furniture is Important

Business office furniture is probably something most people simply overlook, or at least don't get that excited about. Chances are pretty good that most don't even have a ready opinion on the subject. However, it is something that many should give at least some thought to since so much time is spent on and around it. If I asked you if you preferred to spend the day at your desk in a folding metal chair, or a luxury office chair it wouldn't take more than a split second for you to respond. You inherently know that you'd rather spend your time in the relative comfort of a nice chair, right? Me too. So now that I've drawn your attention to this subject, let's take a fresh look at business office furniture.

First, what is it? There are lots of pieces of furniture that make up a workable repertoire of business office furniture: desks, chairs, credenzas, bookshelves, printer stands, conference tables, file cabinets, break room and reception furniture. All of these things and more are part of what makes our places of business functional and effective. When the people who work there have the business office furniture they need they are more productive, happy, and comfortable.

An obvious second thing to ask about business office furniture is if it really makes a difference to people that use it. Of course it does. Think about my original question about what chair you would prefer to use. A metal chair may be okay to sit in for a few minutes at your son's cub scouting meeting. But beyond that, those things can get pretty uncomfortable. They make my back sore. However, I could sit in a quality leather office chair for hours and show no ill effects. I have discovered that I am able to get more done and with greater focus and satisfaction with the right chair. And I'm not alone. Studies have shown that when workers have quality chairs they are not only more productive, but they actually have less work related stress injuries and missed work days. We invest lots of money on lots of things. It only makes sense to get the best office furniture we can afford.

Chairs are probably the most central piece of business office furniture, but let's talk about desks for just a minute. They are just as varied and important in the work place. And, expecting people to work with a chair and no desk is ridiculous. Any old folding card table will do, but don't make me laugh. Can you imagine the look on people's faces when they come into your place of business and see  those wobbly wonders at work. No thanks. Now picture everyone working at their beautiful oak or mahogany desks and matching bookshelves and credenzas. Much better. But those are expensive, right? Right. But don't worry. If cost is a concern, there are some wonderful less expensive options out there that include veneered and melamine pieces that look like expensive wood, but cost much less.

The right business office furniture will pay for itself many times over in increased productivity and worker satisfaction. Don't underestimate the effect that the right (and the wrong) pieces of furniture have in the workplace. If you are an employer, think about what your employees have to work around. If you are an employee, be grateful if your employer provides nice desks and chairs for you. If they don't, and you have a way to do so, let them know the problem and work together to improve the business office furniture where you work.