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Key Elements of a Modern, Functional Reception Space

The reception area is the entrance to your business, and generally, the first impression clients get of your business up close. The longer your clients and visitors are likely to sit here, the more important that the area create a comfortable and enjoyable experience. In 2020, we must add to that, a “safe” experience as well, especially as pertains to your employees. Businesses that rely significantly on a reception area for guests, potential hires, VIPS, and clients, should go the extra mile to ensure waiting and being received is pleasant, safe for all concerned, and says or presents something about your brand..

That being understood, there are a number of common elements that make for outstanding reception area’s, even on a limited budget. Here’s a few thoughts from the experts at BE.

Invest in a Proper Reception Desk

Reception desks are very specific pieces and come in all shapes and sizes from a wide variety of different manufacturers. Reception desks are generally a bit higher than a normal desk and can go from between 28” and 34” high. Key considerations include whether there will be more than one receptionist, will they stand or sit? What kinds of work will they be doing when there is no one to receive? What kind of phone system will you have and will the desk require a computer, special video, building management consoles, or other equipment? At BE we help companies select from hundreds of styles with all these capabilities and more, even custom built items.

The reception desk is functional for sure but it should have a style consistent with your brand and the impression you are trying to create. Stability, for a law firm, and creativity for a marketing firm, etc…

New to some reception desks in 2020 are sneeze guards though many desks used in the healthcare industry have long had these in some form or another. A sneeze guard is typically a clear acrylic barrier that is both easy to clean and prevents direct exchange of bodily fluids however they may be discharged. These can be easily retrofitted to most existing reception desks so no need to chuck out your old furniture if it suits you in all other respects. Sneeze guards on your reception desk protect your clients but mostly they protect your employee’s and are probably something that will be around now, long after COVID-19 is done.

Seating

Seating choices in your reception area are dictated by a number of things:

How many people will be waiting simultaneously?
How long will they typically wait?
How often is your reception area used?
How comfortable do you want it to be?
Are your visitors typically alone or in groups?

Your answers to the above questions may dictate whether you use couches or chairs, how separate the areas are, whether they share lighting and tables while they wait.

Then there are the matters of color, company brand style, durability of fabrics and for 2020 the cleanability of the furniture and materials used. As the area with the highest potential for bringing uninvited microbes into your business, your reception seating needs the most diligent cleaning protocols of any area of your company. New furniture and materials make this much easier, while allowing you the diversity of colors, patterns and materials to design to your heart’s content.

Functional Colors

In a recent study “Impact of color on marketing,” it was found that up to 90% of choices made about a particular product or brand all other things being equal, are based on color alone. Your reception area is a gateway to your business, and your color choices need to be deliberate based on what you are trying to acheive. Do you want a calm, functional space? Then look for mostly natural, muted colors and add accents of color with chosen pieces. Do you want to be dramatic? Then rich, vibrant colors are the key. Whatever your choice, it should be consistent with your brand image, and the impression you are trying to create.

Accessories

Make sure your reception area is up to date with modern lifestyles. People often want to recharge – their phones, laptops, earbuds, or iPads while waiting. Install easily accessible USB or power outlets wherever you can. A key element to a modern reception area is good Wifi. Your customers won’t mind the long wait as much, if they have a hot coffee, a place to charge their device, and good Wifi.

Signature Statements

Consider investing in signature items in your reception area that makes space truly yours. Things like fresh bouquets, a functional art piece from a local gallery, a bold company graphic, or a statement chandelier can leave a big brand impression.

Businesses don’t need to sacrifice their style to make a reception area accommodating. Spend time and the money to make this room as clean and welcoming as possible while keeping your company style and brand present

Modern Reception Design Ideas for the New Office Reality

BE Furniture is a full-service corporate office design and contemporary office furniture company, offering a wide range of environmentally-sensitive, healthcare conscious, and innovative products for reception areas and so much more.

For more information, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.befurniture.com/

For Your Company’s Return to Work, its about Rework, not Replace

With so many companies planning their return to work, our phones are ringing off the hook with clients wondering whether their current office furniture, layout and workflow is able to be made into a more bio-safe and hygenic workspace for now and the foreseeable future. What we’re telling our clients is basically a version of “don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.” Use the necessity of changing your office design to become both a safer, and a more attractive workplace. Office remodeling can change the personality of your office as well as motivate your employees, improve employ performance, and attract new clients, while better retaining employees. But in these times your remodel can also add design and furniture features that improve employee separation, facilitate social distancing yet allow for teaming, introduce bio-engineered worksurfaces, and make new cleaning and workflow protocols work better. To make your office remodeling work for everything you need, in 95% of cases you don’t have to throw everything out (unless you want to of course!) you just need to consider the modification and addition of a few elements.

Consider Movement In Your Office

Design and layout choices now are about limiting incidental interaction, while allowing efficient movement to important area’s. What was less important in a pre-covid world has now become a central fixture of office layout. The introduction of natural barriers full of plants or artwork, become both beautiful visual elements and practical barriers that direct employees where you want them to go and how you want them to get there.

Consider Bio-Toxic Worksurfaces

Several Manufacturers provide copper or copper infused chairs and work surfaces. For critical area’s such as conference rooms and touchdown stations, its worth considering an investment in work areas that will not harbor virus’ or bacteria for long. Even certain kinds of fabrics and backing materials are known to be less friendly to germs are can be easily cleaned with stronger cleansers without losing their beauty. It’s all about cleaning friendly materials now.

Partitions that Protect but Don’t Separate

Visible, view through partitions distributed through BE Furniture from several manufacturers, can be added to most work surfaces. Made of clear acrylic they fully protect workplace neighbors from the worst effects of errant sneezing and other contact, while allowing employees to see each other and remain in close proximity desking layouts.

Teaming Areas

The days of packing to standing room only into a tiny conference room are probably over for the foreseeable future. Conference rooms seating has to be pared back, worksurfaces cleaned after every meeting, and virtual meeting elements should be part of every teaming area now. Meeting in smaller groups will drive changes to workflow that may require the creation of more but smaller protected teaming areas. BE’s Movable Wall solutions have long been a cost-effective solution to the challenge and are more than ever relevant now. They even come with potential tax benefits for the business owner, check them out at our moveable glass walls page.

Keep the Air Clean

In an age of concern about airborne disease, paying attention to the quality of your office air is a pretty good idea. If you rent office space, ask your landlord to have the ductwork professionally cleaned. Better yet consider the installation of a UV Ductwork Sterilization System. But finally consider the installation of a local commercial air filtration system. One of the most advanced on the market is the Dyson Pure Cool, by Dyson for business. Using a combination of Hepa filtering and UV light, the Dyson Pure Cool can remove up to 99.97% of particulates from the air, and a single unit covers more than 400 square feet. Actually all Dyson products represent the leading edge of hygienic technology, you can see it all at BE’s Dyson Products for Business page

Design for the New Objectives of Workplace Safety

A few decades back, workplace safety meant not getting hit by falling boxes, run over by forklifts, or keeping your hands away from the printer head. But the concept of workplace safety post COVID has just been reinvented, my friends.

For those who are planning to remodel or start over with their office environment, you need to partner with a company that leverages a deep understanding of the new meanings of workplace safety. Please contact us at Business Environments, we want to help you with that.

Tips for Surviving Your Office Remodel

After great consideration, the time has finally come for an office renovation. There is big excitement in the air and you can’t wait to start working in your new office space. But the excitement is soon short-lived as you realize you’re going to have to work with noise, dust and the confusion.

We’ve put together a few tips to help you manage this exciting yet frustrating time.

Craft a renovation strategy.

To get the best return on your investment you have to create a well thought out strategy for creating a new and improved office space. The first part of your strategy should be creating an estimated renovation budget. Add up the costs of construction, needed materials, new furniture, labor, etc., and make sure to leave some room for unexpected costs. Next, you are going to have to plan what you’ll do with employees during the renovation. Can they continue working in the construction area or do you have a vacant space you can relocate them to? Lastly, plan your office space design, keep in mind the current number of employees, future growth, technology, functionality, how employees prefer to work and office design trends. To reduce unplanned costs work closely with your contractor and designer to create a timeline and plan of action for a trouble-free renovation project.

Communication.

Conveying a positive perception of the office renovation is one of the most vital parts of an office renovation. Make sure to keep your employees informed of what you are planning to do and why it is important. Changes when renovating your office space can create some concerns, especially when the staff feels like they are left out. Disclosing your visions using sample boards is a good way to avoid concerns and keep employees informed. Remind your staff and clients although the noise and debris may seem endless, it’s temporary!

Contain the Dust.

It will be hard to get away from dust from sanders, electric saws, and chemicals from spray paint. To help minimize the amount of pollution that may come from remodeling, make sure that it is stated in your contract with the contractor that barriers such as heavy plastic sheeting or compression-fit temporary walls must be in use for the period of the project. If it is possible to consider for you and your personnel to temporarily work from home. This would be a good option for those members of your company who suffer from breathing issues.

To try to minimize the impact of pollution in your office:

Be sure your contract requires that the contractor is responsible for the final cleanup
Consider hiring an additional cleaning company to clean as the project progresses.
Use compressed air to occasionally blow dust from your computers and keyboards.

Maintain good productivity levels.

An office renovation can have an impact on employees’ productivity unless you take care of a few things. Make sure to keep productivity levels high in the office throughout the project. Try your best to keep the clutter, noise, and dust to a minimum. Unusual noises are distracting can have a negative impact on employees. If you notice that the office light is being affected by the remodeling consider alternative lighting options. A study found that lighting is a key factor affecting employee productivity, so make sure windows aren’t covered and artificial lighting is available to provide enough energy and good moods for productive employees. If possible try scheduling contractors to work in the late afternoon/evening hours when employees are gone or letting your employees work from home for a while.

Modern Reception Desks that Enhance Your Workspace

At BE Furniture, we assist our clients in achieving an optimal workspace for their business. Whether you are looking to remodel your current reception area completely or replace your furniture with modern reception desks, our experienced team can handle it all.

For more information about our design services for office reception areas, which includes glass partition wall units, desks furniture and more, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.befurniture.com/

Setting Up Your New Home Work Space.

As COVID-19 continues to be a threat, more and more people are now working from home, many for the first time. One of the first things you have to do if you are going to work from home is to set up a work-from-home space that’s as functional and comfortable as possible. Whether you are self-employed or working for a company, take time to formalize a professional working space that divides your office from your personal spaces. Working from home offers many advantages, including the flexibility of setting your schedule and saving time and money by eliminating your daily commute. However, that said, setting up a home office requires a significant change if you’re used to working in a formal office setting. It takes a bit of planning and effort to make sure this space boosts your efficiency and productivity.

Pick the right spot.

Identify your WFH spot where you think you will be the most productive. Living in a tiny apartment or sharing a space might limit your options but in a large home designate an area away from distractions (whether that’s a TV or all the snacks). Also, make sure that you get enough natural light coming through. Get some modern office design ideas and transform your space into your work sanctuary.

Set up proper lighting.

If you are going to spend most of your day in the office set up sufficient lighting to reduce eyestrain. Choosing a sunny spot near a window would help but if you need more lighting consider a floor or desk lamp. If after some time you feel that your eyes are irritated, you need to try adding another source of light or adjust the position of the current lighting. Improper lighting can cause eye fatigue and drowsiness, which leads to less productivity. The hue of light is also a factor to take into consideration. Warm color temperatures are calming, while cool color temperatures stimulate productivity so take into consideration the hue of your lighting. Most furniture companies sell Contemporary office furniture where you can get an LED task light that allows you to change color temperature settings.

Invest in a proper office chair.

We have a misperception that having your desk at the correct height and hands at the proper position for typing that we can disregard the importance of a proper chair in our home office. So what is the link between a good office chair and health? Well, it’s all about the back support. A good chair provides proper lumbar and pelvic support and in return puts less stress on your back muscles.Sitting for long periods at a time on a chair that doesn’t have sufficient back support can cause long term back problems. The more we sit, the higher our risk of herniated discs and other back troubles.

Get connected.

Make sure your workspace is located in such a way that it is near a power outlet If you can’t be close to an outlet make use of a multi-plug extension cord so you can plug in everything you’ll need. If you’re going to be doing a lot of video calls, do a test call with family or a friend to see if you are positioned correctly in front of the camera. A plain wall can be a good backdrop, and with proper lighting, you will be all set up. Also, test out the WiFi signal in that area of the house to make sure it is strong.

Improve Your Home’s Air Quality.

According to a study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and SUNY-Upstate Medical School, those who work in environments with better air quality have higher cognitive functioning scores, compared to those working in conventional airtight environments with poorer air quality. There are small things you can do to improve your air quality like the use of indoor plants also try to keep your environment clean from dust by frequent vacuuming. Furthermore, letting in fresh air by opening windows and using fans can improve air circulation and can also be beneficial.

Multi-Generational, Agile, Inclusive Office Design from Commercial Office Furniture Specialists

BE Furniture is a New Jersey-located company that strives to meet all your contemporary office furniture and office design needs. We can assist you with everything from furniture selection, architectural walls and contemporary office interiors to remodelling and furniture recycling. For more information on the latest modern office chairs, ergonomic desks, and standing office desks, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.befurniture.com/

4 Expert Tips to Plan the Perfect Conference Room

The key to creating a functional conference room is to take a custom approach. For instance, the conference room of a tech industry giant should look nothing like the conference room offered by a hotel or a small creative agency. It’s all about optimizing the space to your business’s needs, right from the size of the space to the boardroom furniture in it. Here are four tips to help you plan the perfect conference room.

1. Who Will Use the Space and What Will They Use it For?

If you want any product or service to be a success, you have to know your audience, That’s the same approach you should take when you are designing a conference room. Ask yourself if the space will be used for internal meetings, meetings with clients or a mix of both.

If you are using it to impress new clients and convince them to partner with you, then it needs to have a wow-factor – it should showcase your brand and have the bells and whistles that show your business is at the top of its game.

If it’s for internal meetings, then it’s more about making it a usable and comfortable space. In this instance, branding needs are minimal. So, focus on furniture that should be comfortable, functional, and adequate. And, the room should have built-in functionality so that people can use laptops, charge phones, and make presentations.

2. What Will the Design Say About Your Brand?

A conference room should fit in with your overall brand. Only a hotel conference room or a conference space for hire should be a muted blank space. Think about your brand’s vision and your company culture, looking at similar organizations for inspiration. For example, you may want a fairly relaxed but visually interesting space if your company is a small creative agency, or a more old-school luxury conference room if your company is in a more conservative industry like the law or finance sectors.

3. Consider Tech Functionality

No matter what industry you are in, it’s important that your conference space can support modern tech needs. This includes connectivity and charging points for smartphones, tablets, and laptops, high-quality audio and visual equipment for presentations, video conferencing and conference calls, and a reliable, high-speed connection to the Internet.

4. Invest in Versatility

For most businesses the conference room is a large space that generally goes unused; however, it can’t be removed because it’s essential for certain hours each week. This is an incredibly inefficient use of space in a time where office space costs a premium.

Instead, talk to your office design team about making your conference room and furniture more versatile. For example, using modular furniture that can be broken up for smaller meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaboration, then reassembled when needed for large or important meetings. The space itself can also be broken down using features like movable office walls. In this way, a large room can be set up for certain meetings, then broken down quickly into two or more smaller rooms that employees can use for small meetings or as private working space when not performing collaborative tasks. In this way, you utilize your floor space more effectively while giving employees more options on where and how to work.

Modern Boardroom Design and Boardroom Furniture Specialists in NJ

BE Furniture in New Jersey can help you create a functional and appealing conference room or boardroom that supports your brand and optimizes workspace. In addition to our wide range of contemporary office furniture, which includes office boardroom furniture, conference tables, and modern office workstations, our team can also assist you with modern boardroom design and office furniture fit-outs.

We also offer eco-friendly recycling and used furniture removal options for all your old office furniture and fittings. For more information on our services and products, including our range of contemporary office furniture, please contact us https://www.paperwritings.com/ today or visit our website at https://www.befurniture.com/

5 Things We Can Learn from Past Office Design Trends

Since the rise of office work, the workplace has continued to evolve and transform to meet the needs of an increasingly dynamic, unpredictable, and technologically-advanced business world. The most successful workplace designs look to the past for lessons in both what works and what doesn’t, and we can build on this experience to improve our enjoyment, productivity, and efficiency. Just take a look at the differences between original office cubicles and modern office cubicles! Here are some great examples of what we’ve learned from office design trends of the past.

1. How to Bring People Together to Maximize Efficiency

The pre-1945 generation pioneered the idea of a mass office space, bringing hundreds of workers together to work in their individual roles towards common organizational goals.

An American engineer, Fredrik Taylor, has been credited with starting this trend that became the foundation of the traditional office space as we know it today. He designed ordered, efficient mass office spaces, spreading staff over a single floor with a separate space for management. In this way, the use of space was optimized to ensure every square foot was being utilized.

2. How to Separate Groups of Workers to Streamline Workflow

If you go into almost any office space, you’re going to recognize a common pattern in the design of their floorspace – departmentalization. This concept was first brought into practice in the 1950s, and is thought to have been pioneered by the Schnelle brothers, two German designers.

The idea was to create an office landscape that could be applied in any industry to businesses of any size. As a result, we still tend to compartmentalize office space, giving different departments like IT, accounting, HR, administration, marketing, and so forth their own, designated space complete with the functionality they require.

3. The Need for Privacy

In the 60s and 70s, telephonic communication became the key to booming industries. This meant that you not only had to maximize floor space use and productivity, but you also had to try to contain the noise that resulted from telephonic communication.

This made cubicle systems the go-to solution, while offices were still reserved for management who needed the most privacy in which to conduct business. Everyone else got partial shelter from the ringing by using portable walls.

4. The Need for Collaboration

Again, technology was the driving force behind this office design change. As computer technology gained ground in leaps and bounds, and the Internet transformed how we do business, organizations implemented critical changes to design that we can still see today. This was the rise of the open-plan office; a space that allowed teams to collaborate and work together effectively, driving creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.

Understandably, tech companies were the driving force behind these design changes. Today’s office designs still make use of a collaborative approach as the foundation for most organizations.

5. How to Be Creative With Style and Space

If we look at some of the most innovative and creative office designs of today, like those created by Google and Facebook, they seem unrecognizable from the traditional offices of the past. But, that’s where these lessons came from.

In the 1970s, offices started getting more creative and more comfortable. You saw bright, bold colors indoors and the installation of sculptures and artworks in offices. This was also the period when ergonomic office furniture was first created, recognizing the need to support the health of workers by allowing them to adjust the workplace to their needs.

We can see this mirrored in the most innovative office designs, where the staff is encouraged to utilize furniture and spaces to suit their different tasks. With collaborative furniture and private workspaces, informal meeting spaces and cafes, sit/stand desks, and ergonomic furniture, today’s office workers have more ways to make the office work for them, not only supporting health but also productivity.

Modern Office Cubicles, Ergonomic Desks and Office Design Services in NJ

At BE Furniture, we assist our clients in achieving an optimal workspace for their business. Whether you are looking to remodel your office design completely or replace your outdated furniture with modern office chairs, modern office cubicles, and cubicle desk systems, our experienced team can handle it all.

For more information about our modern office design services and office furniture solutions, which include glass partition wall units, modern office cubicles, ergonomic furniture, and more, please contact us today or visit our website at free citation generator