Signs That It's Time for an Office Furniture Upgrade

There are many telltale signs that your office is due for a furniture upgrade. Whether your furniture dates back to when your business first started or it no longer fits your company culture, it’s important to understand when the time is right to make the upgrade. Think your office furniture has seen better days? Here are five milestones that can help you know when to update your office furniture. 

1. Your business is changing locations. 

Chances are that your change in office space will also require a change in your furniture. After all, no two office spaces are the same. Depending on the overall size, flooring, ceiling height, lighting, and room dimensions, you may need new furniture to better suit the new space. As your business moves locations, remember that in a few years' time, you may need to invest in new furniture anyway. Taking the time to upgrade now may save you time and money in the long run. Plus, your employees will surely be grateful for the updated space. 

2. Your company’s collaboration culture has shifted. 

Companies all over the world are becoming more and more team focused. Because of this, your employees may be spending hours of their day collaborating, instead of working alone at their desks. This creates a demand for comfortable, yet functional spaces that allow for collaboration. For example, you may need to introduce larger tables, mobile chairs, brainstorming boards, and other movable office equipment to your office space.  

3. Your current furniture is not ergonomic.  

If you've noticed your office furniture is not particularly comfortable or functional, you may not have an ergonomic workplace. Ergonomics refers to how people perform in their work environment; meaning that the comfort and functionality of your office space can directly impact your productivity levels. A lack of productivity among employees is an issue that can negatively affect your bottom line. The best thing you can do to solve an ergonomic problem is to undergo an office furniture upgrade. There are many options to choose from in order to create an ergonomic workspace including chairs, computer displays, and desks.  

4. Your current office furniture presents safety issues. 

Safety codes in the office are ever-changing. Surely the last thing you have time to think about are the Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines (OSHA), but there are multiple regulations that could mean your office is a hazardous work environment. For example, furniture must be placed far enough apart from each other to create aisles that are wide enough to meet OSHA standards. Without the right furniture selection that works with your office space, you could be placing your employees at risk. Plus, OSHA fines can be costly.  

5. Your furniture looks (or feels) outdated. 

Styles change drastically, even over short periods of time. You may be thinking, “I just made a HUGE investment in office furniture seven years ago.” We get it, it’s not ideal, but it’s important to take a look at your space and make sure that it matches the vision of your company. For example, companies who want to be portrayed as forward-thinking and innovative should ensure their office features modern designs and décor. Clients, competitors, employees, and even the community are filing into your office daily, so think about the impression you want to make. 

Beyond the general style, your furniture may be showing signs of wear, or in the worst case, falling apart at the seams. While you may be able to tighten screws or fix other minor issues yourself, it’s best to invest in an upgrade to new, higher-quality furniture.  

Where do you go from here? 

No matter the reason for upgrading your office furniture, the task can be daunting. With hundreds of styles and furniture solutions to choose from, the options are unlimited. And with the right help, there’s no need to stress. At OfficeWorks, we take pride in our ability to make the most of your space with furniture that meets your style and functionality needs. Contact us today to take the first step in refreshing your office space.