Guest Post from Josie Office Design – Standing Desks
I am sure we all know by now that sitting at a desk all day is bad for one’s health. It has been mentioned time and time again, in a number of different articles. I am assuming that it MUST be true at this point.
Actually, I am a true advocate for standing while working. I have been using a standing desk for over a year, and I will probably never go back to a conventional sitting desk. Standing while working at a computer makes a huge difference in one’s physical wellbeing. I feel more alert, energized, and I have less tension in my neck and shoulders from mouse and keyboard use. Foot fatigue can be an issue, but using an appropriate floor mat helps alleviate the problem.
The only real issue with a standing desk is getting your hands on one! They are pretty hard to come by, but with a little imagine, innovation, and elbow grease you too can have a standing desk! I did it! I created my own standing desk by sawing the legs off a convention desk and mounting it to my wall with L-brackets.
Here are a few other DIY standing desk ideas I found. Just don’t forget to remember proper standing ergonomics when setting up your standing desk!
Author – Josie from Josie Office Design
Chelsea Home Office – London
The design and architecture firm Synthesis recently installed a home office in Chelsea for a private personal investment advisor. The client wanted a discrete yet sculptural design to allow working from home. The solution was to include a work desk, storage units, printer, paper shredder etc. We especially like the horizontal spacers that are arranged in the pattern of a world map, allowing the owner to map out his travels.
Bloomberg Finsbury Office – London
Bloomberg is an international business news and financial organisation. Their offices are based at Finsbury Square in London. Jump Studios were commissioned by Bloomberg to create an installation as part of their ongoing arts program. They were given a space spanding three floors, the brief was open with the only caveat being that the design must be useful and accessible to staff. Thus, Jump Studios designed this funky three part broken down tree that appears to rise through the floors. The installation is not just aesthetic, it forms meeting and social spaces for all staff to utilise.
The trunk acts as a private nook or enclosure, the branches form a thicket with integral benches, and the canopy is made up of more informal soft-foam parts for lounging. The idea was born out of a desire to temper Bloomberg’s massively technological and frenetic environment of TV screens, monitors and audio broadcasts.
Porsche Pavilion – Germany
HENN Architects are behind this beautiful pavilion for Porsche at Autostadt in Wolsfburg, Germany. Autostadt literally translates to Auto City, and is a visitor attraction adjacent to the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg with a prime focus on automobiles.
According to the Architects:
The organically shaped building is sitting in mirrored location to the Volkswagen Pavilion- at the central axis of the theme park and offers 400 m² of space for exhibitions and presentations. Its characteristic silhouette will become a distinctive icon amid the lagoon landscape of the Autostadt.
[via]
NINO – flexible office system
NINO is a dynamic and flexible office system developed during a 2 year research.
NINO proposes a new approach to the workstation which aims to enable chance encounters, communication and possibly collaborations.
In depth practice-based research highlighted the need for tools and conditions capable of supporting mobile, flexible and social dynamics within the work environment.
Since the digital revolution the work environment has gone through big changes: new work dynamics and new workers typologies have appeared. Consequently the products we use at work on a daily basis have become more mobile and flexible. But what about our workstations? Why have they remained static and rigid?
Nowadays most workers spend 60% of their working day away from the desk and all the tools we daily use at work (laptops, mobile phone, cloud computing etc) do not require anymore static and fixed positions. But companies still allocate a huge expense to buy and install workstations that are occupied only a few hours per day. NINO office system introduces a new mobile and multifunctional solution which allows companies to provide fewer workstations used as working hubs in a more suitable way for the contemporary worker.
The project provides a furniture system that is as flexible, dynamic and social as the products we daily use at work and takes over the outdated work environment structure imposed by rigid and static workstations.
NINO is composed of a stand and a set of satellite objects which the user can assemble as required.
NINO moves, NINO morphs. NINO does not prescribe ergonomic positions but gives to the user a chance to discover.
NINO does not belong to anyone. Every worker is free to use the system by placing the tools he needs, encouraging this way new encounters.
NINO can be easily set up to create a formal, informal, social or private scenario according to the user’s needs.
NINO is a dynamic and flexible office system developed during a 2 year research.
NINO proposes a new approach to the workstation which aims to enable chance encounters, communication and possibly collaborations.
In depth practice-based research highlighted the need for tools and conditions capable of supporting mobile, flexible and social dynamics within the work environment.
Since the digital revolution the work environment has gone through big changes: new work dynamics and new workers typologies have appeared. Consequently the products we use at work on a daily basis have become more mobile and flexible. But what about our workstations? Why have they remained static and rigid?
Nowadays most workers spend 60% of their working day away from the desk and all the tools we daily use at work (laptops, mobile phone, cloud computing etc) do not require anymore static and fixed positions. But companies still allocate a huge expense to buy and install workstations that are occupied only a few hours per day. NINO office system introduces a new mobile and multifunctional solution which allows companies to provide fewer workstations used as working hubs in a more suitable way for the contemporary worker.
The project provides a furniture system that is as flexible, dynamic and social as the products we daily use at work and takes over the outdated work environment structure imposed by rigid and static workstations.
NINO is composed of a stand and a set of satellite objects which the user can assemble as required.
NINO moves, NINO morphs. NINO does not prescribe ergonomic positions but gives to the user a chance to discover.
NINO does not belong to anyone. Every worker is free to use the system by placing the tools he needs, encouraging this way new encounters.
NINO can be easily set up to create a formal, informal, social or private scenario according to the user’s needs.
Office Space China – KHGears
KHGears is a Chinese company which specialises in manufacturing customized gears for export, thus their office headquarters are not surprisingly designed around gears! The aim was to demonstrate a sense of power, industry and technology. The HQ is based around a 5,3000 sqm industrial laboratory and office space. It is one of the largest gear production centres in the world, based in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.
The Hong-Kong-based Arboit, which is lead by the Italian-trained founder Alberto Puchetti, designed the space.
The overall goal was to refresh the brand image of the well-established company, to emphasize its strong scientific heritage and the high value of its products.
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How to Design a work place that promotes productivity?
An employee’s work environment directly affects his productivity. In ad agencies, you will often see design inspirations all over the work place. This is to help in unleashing the creative juices of the team. When you spend 8 hours of your day at work, you need to maximize your stay and accomplish as much as you can. As an employer or manager, it is important that you create a work environment that naturally moves your people to be productive. Here are some ways to help you accomplish that.
Replicate locations that encourage productivity. Elizabeth Grace Saunders of the famous The 99 Percent blog (a blog on productivity and creative thinking) said that we have emotional and mental responses to specific places. She added that if we leverage on this, it can increase our productivity. For example, if you work well on a coffee shop try to replicate the things you see in that place. Take note of the color schemes such as the earth tones, plants, and adapt them in your workspace.
Provide the gadgets needed. Employees are able to function well if they have the gadgets to back it up. A high-speed PC, a fast and
reliable WI-Fi connection, office supplies, and all the other things needed to help them work efficiently. It will be good to have easy access to water and coffee should they need something to fight off sleepiness or sluggishness. Make sure that all the office equipment is also maintained properly. The photocopying machine, fax machine, scanner, and all that should be functioning well all the time so that employees can use them as needed. All these things contribute to employee productivity
Lighting and Ventilation. Good lighting and ventilation are major factors in creating a productive work environment. In looking at
workspace lighting, it’s important that there’s ample source of natural light coming in. It’s not only economical but also rejuvenating. Lighting should also be tailored according to the kind of work an employee is doing. A graphic designer needs more light to see the nitty gritty details of his work compared to a vice president who spends most of his time signing documents and attending meetings.
Ventilation is also crucial to one’s work environment. Your office shouldn’t be too hot or too cold. Uneasiness with the ventilation can
deter one’s productivity because it makes employees jittery while working. It’s advisable that the temperature shouldn’t be centralized in a
sprawling workspace because not everyone has the same tolerance to a specific temperature. Independent air conditioning units can be placed in strategic corners of the work area where employees themselves are allowed to adjust the temperature. By doing so, they can be more productive and focused in what they’re doing because the distraction brought about by the ventilation can be addressed quickly by them. 
Go ergonomic. There’s a science to the things we use in our offices. Ergonomic tables and chairs assist employees in proper posture and body positioning while doing their jobs. These may be more expensive but it’s worth the investment than having your employees suffer carpal tunnel or other related conditions due to their mediocre tables and chairs. Being concerned with your employees’ health and well-being affects their productivity. When they are provided with functional, comfortable, and ergonomic furniture design it fuels their productivity all the more.
Open your doors. Part of creating a productive work environment is having open communication. Instil in your people that you’re open to suggestions and criticisms. You can agree to disagree and still come up with a solution to the challenges in front of you. Foster an environment where employees are free to speak up their minds. Feedback is a great source of vital information and brilliant ideas. When you’re able to
communicate with your people and they’re able to do the same to their co-workers, productivity is easily achieved.
Motivate and appreciate. Every employee needs to be recognized for their efforts. A simple pat on the back or a quick “good
job” can make a person’s day. As a leader, you should motivate your people to excel and be productive. Be verbal about it and reward them for it. You can give monetary incentives, certificates of appreciation, a loud commendation that everyone can hear, and other positive reinforcements to show them that their efforts are valued and appreciated. Since these rewards are commensurate to employees’ performance, they also know that an improved performance will warrant them another reward. This leads to increased productivity as employees strive to do better to receive an incentive. Productivity is an end-result and only happens when it’s fuelled by something. Motivation and appreciation are great fuels that drive productivity to new heights.
Create an atmosphere of learning. Provide books and references that will further enhance the knowledge of your employees. Send them to seminars and trainings to keep them updated on the latest in the industry. Circulate the latest news about the business and the latest moves of competitors to keep your employees on
their toes. When your employees gain more knowledge and become more equipped
at what they’re doing, their productivity will naturally increase. The new information they’ve acquired will help them do their work better since they are now more confident to do so with the knowledge that they have. Some companies even have a training bond wherein if an employee decides to leave after the training he acquired, he would have to pay for it. Ultimately, this is an investment that leads to a better and more productive performance for your people and you need them to live up to that expectation.
A productive work environment is achieved by combining physical, mental, and social factors. It’s important to listen to what your people need and respond to it. It is important to factor in The Hawthorne Effect on this. This is the study done by Professor Elton Mayo on an experiment conducted at Western Electronic Hawthorne Works. The experiment measured the productivity of factory workers when certain conditions were changed in their workplace such as lighting, humidity, duration of break times, etc. However, the
result of this experiment was that the productivity of the workers increased due to the knowledge that they’re being studied or experimented on and not because of the change in working condition. At the end of the day, productivity can be attained by having a balanced working environment that is flexible and adaptable, comfortable and functional, engaging and
encouraging, and most of all learning and evolving.
Author bio:
Alexis Thompson is a former Mountain Backpacker and a 26 year old mother of 2 daughters, Sophie and Rhian. She is into almost all types of Music especially The Fray and Hillsong. She also has a passion in Singing and Scrap Booking. Follow her escapades on her Twitter.
Office Desk Design – Converted Car
Office furniture can sometimes be bland and boring, especially the humble office desk. But despite this the office desk is a very important, often integral, part of a working person’s life – after all the majority of your time is spent on it. This cool desk converted from a mini car allows for the expression of individual style, class and creativity. If you’re willing to spend circa $5000 USD this desk could be yours, though it clearly needs a particular type of office space as it may be too “progressive” for some institutions!
Pier Paolo Mucelli, the founder of eOffice, has recently begun his presence on the new social kid on the block - Pinterest. He will be using the site to showcase great modern workplaces, interesting furniture, concepts for interior design and various new technologies relating to commercial spaces. With an average of 1.36 million users daily, the social photo pinboard has taken the web by storm. Click here to see his boards.
Here are some examples of his cool boards (Click the picture to go to the site):
At eOffice we aim to provide one of the best collaborative work spaces in London, creating a business culture surrounded by technology and infrastructure conducive to co-working. Our aim is to help business executives work in a cost-effective environment without having to sacrifice professionalism and prestige. With this aim in mind eOffice provides office space, meeting and video conferencing rooms, and even virtual office services.
Think outside the box – say no to cubicles!
The New York Times recently posted a study undertaken by the University of Michigan which seems to show that our physical bodily experiences can actually help generate and stimulate cognitive solutions. The study, which will be published in the journal of Psychological Science soon, involved 102 New York University undergraduates who were asked to generate a word (“tape,” for example) that related to each of three presented clue words (“measure,” “worm” and “video”). Some students were randomly assigned to do this while sitting inside a 125-cubic-foot box made of plastic pipe and cardboard while the rest got to sit and think outside (and next to) the box. The study found that those thinking outside the box were significantly more creative as compared to those thinking inside the box – in fact they came up with over 20 percent more creative solutions.
The City of Vancouver's Engineering Office
CompTIA, IT company based in the USA
Studies such as this demonstrate what eOffice has always stood by – great design not only looks nice but also has a positive practical effect by increasing productivity and creativity in the office. That’s why we love to showcase the various offices around the world which are not only designed impeccabily, but are also adopting innovative approaches to the work place such as coworking and hotdesking. Such modern approaches are not just gimmicks, they are clearly the way forward!
[via New York Times and Fast Code Design]