7 Key Items Your Desk Needs To Increase Your Productivity At Work

items your desk needs

A staggering $7 trillion in productivity is lost globally every year. Do you know how to increase productivity at work to stop the bleeding?

A few small tweaks to your office environment can have a huge payoff. Here are seven items your desk needs so that you stay on track and boost productivity.

1. Go Green

A few plants in your office can brighten up your space, keep you healthy, and make you more productive. The best part is they can be as big or small, high or low maintenance as you need them to be.

Succulents, like jade plants or aloe vera, don’t need a lot of attention. If you don’t have a window or a lot of natural light, you can still have a snake plant.

2. Sticky Notes

This method is a little old-school, but it works. Keep sticky notes on hand to jot down ideas, tasks, or even motivational sayings.

You can get sticky notes in bright colors, with lines, or in different sizes. You can even get reusable sticky notes if you’re concerned about piling up trash.

3. Headphones

Over 70% of workers get more done when they can listen to music. The thing is, you don’t want to blast your favorite tunes and annoy your coworkers.

Get a good quality pair of headphones for your workspace so you can listen to your favorite music.

4. Stay Hydrated

Research has shown that staying hydrated can help boost productivity. The more dehydrated you become, the more your energy, focus, brainpower, and productivity decreases. A small 1% drop in hydration could lead to a 12% drop in productivity. A 3% to 4% drop in hydration could lead to a 25% to 50% drop in productivity!

Motivate yourself to get your daily H2O with a cool water bottle. There are even some that mark how much water you’ve had so you can stay on track.

5. The Write Stuff

Ever reach for a pen only to find out it’s dry? Keep your writing utensils in perfect order and you won’t suffer that heartbreak again.

A colorful cup with your favorite pens is a great addition to your desk. Now you’ll have something to use with your sticky notes.

6. A Great Chair

Your desk is not only your desktop. Your chair has a lot to do with your comfort and ultimately, your productivity.

Think about it: you’re going to be sitting in that chair for hours. You don’t want aching back, hips, and legs to interfere with your work.

7. Nothing

This one’s a bit of a “gotcha”. Sometimes what your desk needs is nothing at all.

There’s nothing wrong with photos of loved ones to keep you motivated, colors that inspire you, or items that make you happy. But there are times you need to clear it all off, go zen, and give all your attention to the task at hand.

The Best Items Your Desk Needs

Are you ready to have your most productive year ever? This list of the best items your desk needs is going to help you meet your goals.

Start out small and see which one works best for you. There’s not a “one size fits all” answer.

We’ve got more office solutions for any problem, big or small. Contact us today to get the most out of you and your business!

The 7 Most Popular Office Desk Objects

The office environment can feel mundane when your desk is the same as everyone else’s. That’s why you should make yours your own with accessories. In this post, we’ll tell you which ones you need.

Read on to find out which desk objects you should have.

Desk Objects to Jazz Up Your Work Space

Without these must-have items, your desk isn’t complete.

1. Storage Trays

To stop loose items like pens, paperclips and sticky notes cluttering your desk, get yourself a space-saving storage tray. A transparent acrylic option will help you see where everything is at all times, as well as making your desk look more modern.

2. Newton’s Cradles

Newton’s Cradle is a classic desk object that has been an office staple for decades. Now, you can take it to the next level with an updated version. Designers have come up with more modern takes, using LED lights that change color to make it even more mesmerizing.

3. Plants

Having a plant on your desk will bring some life and color to your workspace. They’ll also boost your mood and productivity, too! You don’t need a green thumb to take care of an office plant. Some plants are low-maintenance, requiring almost no attention at all. Read our post on how to choose an office plant for more information.

4. Business Cardholders

Have you ever wanted to hand someone a business card, only to find yourself scrambling around your desk looking for one? Avoid this networking faux-pas by getting yourself a business cardholder.

This will keep your business cards organized and in place at all times, so you always know where to find one.

5. Calendars

A desk calendar is a must-have for keeping track of all your upcoming appointments and events. But don’t just get yourself a bog-standard type. You can get a calendar that gives you a new fact, quote, historical event, or piece of artwork every day.

No matter what drives you, you can find a calendar out there to give you some daily inspiration.

6. Clocks

You might think that desk clocks are obsolete since we always use our phones to check the time these days. However, phones are one of the biggest threats to our productivity. How many times have you looked at your phone to check the time, only to get lost in apps and notifications?

Get yourself a fancy desk clock to avoid wasting precious time.

7. Phone Stands

Looking down at your phone all the time encourages terrible posture.

You can rectify this by putting yours in a stand that sits on your desk. It will position your phone upright, so you don’t have to bend your head down just to see your notifications.

Create a Happier, Healthier Work Space

Now that you know what desk objects to look out for, the next step is to start shopping!

While you’re looking for your new items, think about how you want to curate your workspace. The amount and style of objects you put there will have a direct impact on your productivity, so choose wisely.

To find out how read our post on how to optimize productivity with a desk setup.

3 Office Desk Setups for Increased Productivity

According to recent statistics, workplace productivity is declining. Employees are less engaged, taking more sick days, and are increasingly turning to the internet as an escape from work. To reverse this trend, consider how important the office desk is in improving productivity.

Optimizing the Office Desk

When you think about the most important tools at your job, what comes to mind? Your computer is probably at the top of the list, followed by your phone. But what do these devices rest on during the day?

Your desk and chair represent two of the most important office components. Together, they create your work space. But what can you do to maximize this space?

Incorporate Movement and Ergonomics

Height-adjustable desks have a number of benefits. Users can sit or stand alternatively throughout the day. This not only improves comfort, but also enhances health and wellbeing.

We all know that sitting for hours on end is bad for your health. By being able to stand and continue working, employees can improve their circulation by simply moving around. This increased activity is not only good for the employee, it also improves productivity.

More movement means more blood flow. And more blood flow means more oxygen getting transported through the body. This oxygen is necessary for our mood and creativity.

Add the Right Accessories

If your workplace allows some personalization, use this to your advantage. While things like motivational posters and calendars will boost your mood, other elements may boost your productivity.

First, how’s the lighting at your office desk? If you’re not near a window, or you feel yourself squinting to see your screen, a new light might help. Something as simple as a desk lamp may improve your mood by providing light therapy. Especially during winter months, this can be a huge help.

Also, consider adding some greenery to your space. A desk plant will help purify the air around you, which is a plus. And research shows that the color green increases productivity – a major benefit!

Even if you don’t have a green thumb, there are many plants out there that do well with little care. Air plants, cacti, and succulents require very little water or attention, making them perfect for the office.

A Little Privacy Goes a Long Way

While open offices have been gaining popularity, privacy is extremely helpful for productivity.

Think about it – if you had a large project to finish, would you want to work with fewer distractions or more? When designing an office desk space, even a collaborative one should have some private stations available for important phone calls, meetings, or simply to get things done.

Noise canceling headphones go a long way, too!

Finding the Right Desk for Your Office

Designing your office all comes down to improving functionality. Think about each employee and what their role entails. If they’re at their office desk all day, the flexibility of a height-adjustable desk is important.

If employees are frequently meeting with other associates or customers, they should have a desk large enough to accommodate everyone and some privacy for important conversations.

Designing a productive workspace takes time and skill, but you don’t have to go it alone. See how we help businesses with office design and planning to improve performance.

The Benefits Of Using A Sit-to-Stand Desk

height-adjustable desk

Altitude Height-Adjustable Desk by Allsteel.

Did you know that sitting for extended periods of time can actually kill you? Perhaps you’re aware of some of the risks of sitting throughout the day. Maybe you even get up and walk around a few times during the day. But, even if you spend hours being active, after sitting all day at the office, you’re still at risk. The risks are the same as if you didn’t move all day. Surprising, right?

Whether you work from home or in an office setting, it’s time to wake up and take your health seriously. Buying standing desks or focal upright chairs are excellent options to avoid these risks. And have become increasingly popular in office settings.

You may not be aware of how detrimental sitting can be for your health. Keep reading to learn the benefits of using a sit-to-stand desk at your office or home.

1. They Decrease Risks of Cancer

The American Cancer Society states excessive sitting can enhance your risks of cancer. This is only one of many studies that have concluded the same thing. This study concluded inactivity is linked to more than 173,000 cases of cancer. 49,000 cases of breast cancer and 43,000 cases of colon cancer each year in the US included.

According to another study, sitting can increase your risk of cancer by an alarming 66%. If every office invested in standing desks this number would decrease majorly. It could be a lifesaving move for you and your coworkers too.

2. They Boost Your Productivity

Who doesn’t want to be more productive during the day? Of course, we all do. But what happens when you’re plagued with distracting neck and back pain all day?

A study showed that worker’s performance was affected when they were in discomfort. In this study, only 38% were able to focus on their work. And 37% felt they weren’t doing their best work because of the discomfort they felt.

A sit-to-stand desk is a surefire way to be more productive during the day. This is why more offices are converting to standing desks — nobody wants an unmotivated employee!

3. Aids Back And Neck Issues

Chances are if you work a 9-5 sedentary job, you’ve felt a sore neck or back at some point. But do you realize the long-term toll it’s taking on your body? Most of us aren’t using correct posture while working, and tend to get ”computer hunch”.

Poor Posture Can Affect Your:

  • Your back
  • Neck
  • Shoulders

Fort Wayne Chiropractor, Dr. Richard Busch of Busch Chiropractic states, “You may assume that the pain you feel while sitting at work is a momentary discomfort that will pass, but what you don’t realize is that poor posture can affect you the rest of your life.”

4. Reduces Your Risks of Various Other Diseases

If it’s not scary enough that sitting can cause cancer and severe neck and back issues — the other diseases you’re at risk for should be downright terrifying.

Other Diseases And Conditions Linked to Sitting:

  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Obesity
  • Death

“As extreme as it may sound, sitting for hours each day can cause diseases like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and even death” states Dr. Busch. This can be avoided by investing in something like a sit-to-stand desk and being more active.

Final Thoughts on the Sit-to-Stand Desk

They’re saying ”sitting is the new smoking“. It’s become an epidemic that many people aren’t even aware of. Most Americans sit an average of 7 hours a day on a computer. That combined with the amount of time we sleep is a shocking quantity of time to be sedentary.

Standing desks are all the rage now, as well as other comfortable office chairs, that can make a tremendous difference to your health.

If you’re tired of slouching and having neck or back pain and ready to transition into something more suitable, come visit us or contact us today to view our sit-to-stand desk options.

Alloy Benching – Desks & Workstations

Define Personal Space, Encourage Interaction

Alloy Benching by National Office Furniture bridges the gap between personal offices and open plan spaces. Alloy Benching offers standard, standing-height, or adjustable-height desk options, multiple-configurations possibilities, base color choices, and various electrical solutions allowing you to easily tailor it to fit your needs.

Fixed height powered units feature an integrated trough for easy plug and play capabilities and cord management. Add desktop grommets to further expand power, data, and technology management options. With power and data options within arm’s reach, Alloy facilitates a hub of activity within individual work zones.

 

 

7 Cool Computer Desk Ideas for Your Startup

computer desk ideas

Looking for computer desk ideas? You’re in the right place!

There are dozens of potential computer desk ideas, ranging from “extremely zany” to “totally functional and designed to make the user more productive.” Where you fall will depend on your personality, but here are 9 cool computer desk ideas to consider.

1. Go the minimalist route

Minimalist computer desks can be a good play for some work-from-home types because they reduce distractions and provide an overall sense of calm and effective organization. Have you tried AllSteel desks?

2. Use a Portfolio

Computer desks — well, long before computers — used to have a panel that lowered to become the writing surface, often called a portfolio desk. These went out of style because of the inconvenience of moving all your papers to lift the portfolio up again.

But now it might attract some attention from potential clients as “classic,” right?

3. Consider Gunlocke desks

Saranac Collection

The Gunlocke furniture line is comprehensive and includes conference tables, AV cabinets, credenzas, and even tables. But the desks are traditional and elegant. Many of our clients have viewed them as completely tying together their office.

4. Try the Hon Voi series

The Hon brand‘s Voi series combines durable steel with solid and woodgrain laminates to great a desk that’s striking, architectural, and very well built.

5. Forget the Computer Desk Ideas and Go “Matrix” Style

That’s what happened at the NYC-based offices of digital media powerhouse Gawker, who forego some traditional desks and chairs and offered a large roof deck — once called “straight out of the Matrix” — where employees could work. It’s not quite a desk, but lying around wherever works for some, of course.

(We obviously don’t sell this kind of desk as, well, it’s not a desk. But we also like giving people some cool ideas along the way.)

6. Get office furniture from National

National is a top-flight manufacturer of office furniture. The office desks tend to have durable laminate tops for specific application needs.

7. Get flexible with top shapes

ULT-001-17

One of the best ways to vary out your computer desk ideas is to get flexible with options for the top, which is why you should consider TablEx.

Need to Know the Tips and Tricks?

Buying office furniture — whether for an established company, a startup, or an individual venture — is tricky. That’s where we come in. We try to make sure you get the most bang for your buck on any furniture purchase, using a process we’ve perfected across hundreds of clients.

Remember: we don’t think of it as simply selling office furniture. We create spaces. So whichever of the above computer desk ideas you might be considering (or something else entirely), why don’t we help out?

How to Stay Active at Work

Don’t Get Trapped At Your Desk

Studies show that those of us who spend the majority of our day sedentary are probably doing serious harm to our long-term health. Most of today’s jobs require a lot of time spent in front of a computer. On top of that, for many of us, most of our free time is spent engaging in sedentary activities as well, such as watching TV and playing video games. Even if you exercise regularly, there are still many hours in the day spent in a sedentary position.

Research shows that the body’s metabolism slows down when major muscles — like your back and legs — aren’t moving frequently and regularly. Findings indicate that people who sit the majority of the day have unhealthy levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglycerides — which can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and other health problems.

Fortunately, finding a solution for this unhealthy behavior is fairly simple. Researchers have found that workers who regularly broke up their sedentary time with movement had a healthier body mass index and lower levels of triglycerides than people who didn’t take breaks during long periods of sitting. If you would like to incorporate some healthy behaviors into your work day, simply taking some breaks to move around and get the whole body moving can make a huge difference.

Here are some suggestions to get out from behind your desk and move, so you can begin incorporating some healthier habits into your workday.

  • Set a timer to remind yourself to at least stand up and stretch every hour or so.
  • Take a quick stretching break every time you cross something off of your to-do list.
  • Take walking meetings — instead of sitting down for one-on-one meetings take a stroll around the block.
  • Stand up when someone enters your office to chat or even if you’re on the phone.
  • Take the stairs instead of your building’s elevator.
  • Invest in an ergonomic office chair that offers lumbar support
  • Park on the far end of the parking lot.
  • If you work from home, use the breaks between tasks or cell phone time to walk up and down your stairs.
  • Perhaps invest in a standing desk to help get you on your feet and moving around

Quality Ergonomic Office Furniture at Workspace Solutions

At Workspace Solutions in Fort Wayne, we have a wide variety of ergonomic office furniture that can help you incorporate some healthy habits into your workday. If your office could use some change for the better, our office planners can help you design an office space that works for you.

Standing Desks vs. Sitting Desks

quickstand-standing

The Benefits of Standing at Work

A few years ago, health experts began to discover the benefits of using a standing desk at work. After all, the effects of a sedentary lifestyle include many conditions such as weight gain, spine problems, back pain, heart issues, and many more! If you have been thinking about trying to include some healthy habits and better ergonomics into your work day, consider a standing desk. Before you decide on whether or not a standing desk would make a good addition to your office furniture, there are some things you might want to know.

The Effects of Sitting at your Desk

Many people do not consider the effects that sitting all day can have on your body. The fact is that sitting all day is so bad that it can’t even be outdone by exercise. Evolutionary biologist and writer for the New York Times, Olivia Judson says:

“It doesn’t matter if you go running every morning, or you’re a regular at the gym. If you spend most of the rest of the day sitting — in your car, your office chair, on your sofa at home — you are putting yourself at increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, a variety of cancers and an early death. In other words, irrespective of whether you exercise vigorously, sitting for long periods is bad for you.”

Because of these issues, a popular trend is standing desks. There are many benefits of standing while working. Along with increased muscle activity that goes along with standing, those who stand at work also move around more, which leads to:

  • burning more calories
  • lower levels of triglycerides and fats in the blood
  • better processing of glucose (high levels of glucose lead to diabetes and heart disease)
  • increased alertness and better moods

Many researchers claim that continual standing is actually more beneficial than regular exercise. Exercising has proven benefits, of course. But those who stand at work gain more benefits from the constant (though almost non-perceivable) increase in muscle activity that standing encourages. Simple, frequent movement may have longer term benefits than regular exercise.

Tips for Standing at Work

In order to maximize your comfort and ergonomics while standing at your desk, your monitor should be at eye level, and your desktop should be at the height of your hands when your elbows are bent at a 90 degree angle.

If you decide that you would benefit from a standing desk, there are some things to keep in mind in order for you to get the most out of your decision. First, don’t just immediately begin standing for 8 or 9 hours a day. In order for your back and leg muscles to adjust, it is best to gradually work up to a full day of standing.

01-HAT
Because you will most likely want the option of sitting, it might be best for you to invest in an adjustable desk. In order to allow the option of sitting, there are many desks available from quality office furniture manufacturers like Hon, Allsteel, and SurfaceWorks that adjust to a custom height either electrically or manually.

 

quickstand

Still, another option is the Quickstand from Humanscale. This stand sits on your existing desk, and allows you to raise and adjust the height of your keyboard and monitor; allowing you to turn your desk into an ergonomic standing desk quickly and effortlessly.

The Best Sit-to-Stand Desks at Workspace Solutions

Whether you need an adjustable sit-to-stand desk, or just would like to add a standing option to your existing desk, Workspace Solutions in Fort Wayne can help you find any kind of desk you’d like. They are experts in space design and ergonomics and will help you to make sure that your office furniture is providing maximum comfort, boosting your productivity, and promoting your overall health.

5 Essentials for Your Office Space

5 office essentialsIs your Office Furniture working for you?

The furnishings and accessories in your office space can have an impact on your productivity, efficiency, and even your physical well-being. It’s important to understand the functions you require from these essentials — and to invest in items that are both designed to meet these functions and built to last. Here are some things to look for as you decide if your office furniture is helping — or hindering — your workplace productivity and happiness.

Is your Desk working for you?

There are endless amounts of options when it comes to office desk sizes, shapes and features. The style you would like (e.g. traditional, contemporary, solid wood, etc) along with your budget are important factors in making your choice. But equally, if not more important is to consider how you will be using the desk. Does it need to fit only a computer or will other types of work like drafting blueprints or sorting and organizing paperwork require more space? The height of the desk is also an important element when considering comfort and usability. Are there options that need to be included like drawers, hutches, shelves or extensions? Will the desk fit in the office space and allow room for other necessary furnishings?

How about your Seating?

An adjustable chair is best for use at the desk — allowing the user to change its features for maximum comfort. Adjustable features may include: height, tilt, back angle, seat angle, and lumbar support; along with options like arms, castors, and the variety of upholstery material. When choosing an office chair, it is important to keep in mind which features you will need in order to keep you working hard all day, while maximizing comfort.

Is your Storage Space Organized?

Even in our computer focused era, almost every office is still going to require some system for organizing and storing papers and files. Piles of unorganized paperwork can waste your time and increase your frustration level. Options for organization could range from large lateral filing cabinets to more simple desktop organizing trays. Don’t forget a wastebasket and recycling bin as key components of paper management.

Is your Workspace Ergonomic?

As desk height and an adjustable chair are important for workplace comfort, certain computer accessories can also increase productivity. Ergonomic options such as an adjustable keyboard drawer, a wrist rest in front of a desktop keyboard, or a riser to place the monitor at proper viewing level can all contribute to a more comfortable and efficient work area.

Does your Office have Proper Lighting?

Both comfortable ambient lighting and appropriate task lighting are essential to a comfortable office space. Poor lighting can lead to eyestrain, vision problems, and reduced work performance. Computer work can be particularly visually demanding under improper lighting situations. Overhead lighting should be low or glare free. Task lighting lamps should be adjustable, low-glare and located in a convenient position appropriate for your tasks.

Workspace Solutions has all the Office Essentials

At Workspace Solutions in Fort Wayne, we can help you select and prioritize your office furniture based on our years of experience helping a wide-range of businesses design and furnish their workspaces. We offer only products from manufacturers that we know offer the best quality and value. Let us help you design your office space for maximum efficiency, usability and comfort.

Is Your Office Desk Breaking Your Back?

desk causing back painYour Workspace Should be Pain-free

Many of us work at jobs that require spending a large part of the day in a sedentary position in a chair, in front of a computer. This actually places a lot of stress on our bodies and can even lead to the development of physical pain and ailments. OSHA (The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration) defines working environment ergonomics as: “The Science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population.” If your desk was set up without any consideration to ergonomics, it may be contributing to — or causing — a range of aches, pains, and even injury.

Dr. Richard Busch of Busch Chiropractic in Fort Wayne, who has treated thousands of patients who suffer with neck and back pain states, “Some of these injuries could have been avoided. Years, even months, of using poor quality office furniture, furniture that has not been set up properly for the user, or bad posture, may lead to early wear and tear, chronic back pain or neck pain including disc degeneration or herniated discs causing back pain and/or neck pain.”

Below are guidelines for workspace use that will reduce physical strain and increase comfort and productivity:

Proper Seating

  • maximize the options of an adjustable chair to find the best fit for you
  • keep a couple of inches between the front of the seat and the back of your knees
  • support your lower back with the chair’s lumbar support or add a small cushion
  • sit reclining slightly away from your desk — a stiff-backed posture is stressful for the spine
  • keep your feet flat on the floor, about hip-width apart, and don’t cross your legs
  • adjust the seat height so that knees are at a 90 degree angle — or lower — from the hips

Upper Body Relaxed

  • the alphabetical part of the keyboard should be centered in front of you
  • with hands on the keyboard, wrists should be in a neutral position or supported by a wrist rest
  • elbows should be at a 90 degree angle when hands are on the keyboard
  • keep the mouse as close to the keyboard as possible
  • use keyboard shortcuts instead of the mouse — when using the mouse move it from your elbow rather than your wrist
  • consider an adjustable keyboard tray attached to your desk for proper wrist and arm positioning
  • keep shoulders relaxed when holding the phone — consider a headset if you are on the phone for long periods
  • don’t crane your neck towards your computer — its weight should be supported by the neck and spine

Limit Eye Strain

  • keep the monitor at arm’s length from your eyes; raise it so that the top of the screen is about eye-level
  • tilt your monitor 10-20 degrees away from you
  • avoid glare on the screen from windows or other light sources
  • give your eyes frequent breaks by looking at a far away objects for a few seconds
  • if you reference paperwork while typing, use an attachable holder to place documents as close to the screen as possible

Get up!

  • take frequent small stretching breaks for hands and fingers, legs and ankles, neck and shoulders — you can even do these while seated
  • throughout the day, take occasional longer breaks to move your whole body — stand, stretch, walk, and climb stairs

A note on laptops:

Laptop use at the office is on the rise. Unfortunately, the ergonomics in laptop design are poor — if the screen is at an appropriate height and distance, the keyboard is impossible to use, and vice versa. If you work at a laptop for a significant amount of time, add an external keyboard or monitor so that less stress is placed on your body and eyes. Keep in mind your office chair and desktop height, as described above, for the least stress possible.

Your workspace arrangement may be putting more stress on your body than you realize. The knowledgeable professionals at Workspace Solutions in Fort Wayne can help you identify the best office furniture and designs for a more ergonomic office space and improved work flow. Our goal is to help you work better — more efficiently and more comfortably.