For small businesses looking for a new office or studio there are many costs to consider. Taking on new office space can certainly be an exciting prospect, yet it can be quite financially daunting at the same time. You may be moving into a co-working space where there is already office furniture and services, although if you are walking into an empty shell there is more to consider. We hope this blog will help you as we share some tips on re-creating a comfortable workspace without breaking the bank.
Read on to find out more about furnishing your workspace without breaking the bank …
It is important to think carefully about how to spend the available budget and to separate the must-haves from the nice-to-haves! It also helps to plan the space and work out how the office will function and to work out the most cost-effective desking and seating solution. Here at Office Reality, we offer a free space planning and design service to help you visulaise your new space using the latest in 3d technology, ahead of the procurement process, which in turn provides complete peace of mind.
It is important to think carefully about how to spend the available budget and to separate the must-haves from the nice-to-haves! It also helps to plan the space and work out how the office will function and to work out the most cost-effective desking and seating solution. Here at Office Reality, we offer a free space planning and design service to help you visulaise your new space using the latest in 3d technology, ahead of the procurement process, which in turn provides complete peace of mind.
Think about desk size
Office desks are available in various sizes and are priced accordingly, so try to work out the most practical and cost-effective size. Traditionally, desks are 800mm deep this standard depth accommodated old fashioned big clumsy computer monitors. Technology has moved on and most monitors have flat screens, so take up less space, meaning we can save some costs by opting for shallower desk tops at 700mm or even 600mm. Our Tozer range is a great example of budget office furniture which includes 600mm desks.
Consider bench desking
Bench desking is cost effective because individual desktops are fixed to a framework system with a shared central leg. This means there is less metal work and mfc modesty panels than there would be if you were to opt for individual desks. Cable trays and cable management systems are shared with bench desking making more savings compared to individual metal cable trays. Our Vita Two Person Desk bundle is a good choice for bench desking at a budget and includes pedestals and desktop screens.
Consider budget for ergonomic office chairs
When it comes to office chairs, essentially where people sit and will be spending most of their time, it will pay handsomely if you invest a little more. Your staff will thank you for this later because being uncomfortable or suffering with back pain will not create a happy or productive working environment.
Consider the ergonomic features of each chair such as adjustable arm rests, seat tilt and lumber support. By considering these features you will hopefully be preventing problems associated with prolonged sitting, like back pain, neck stiffness and poor circulation.
Aero Contract Task Chairs, Sapphire Operators Chairs, Chiro High Back 24 Hour Use Ergonomic Chairs and Orthopaedica 90 are just some of our chairs that boast ergonomic features that wont break the bank.
Acoustics
Acoustics will most likely be low down on your list when planning to furnish a new space. This is partly to do with the fact that we do not see sound and so therefore think we do not necessarily need to act. However, it will soon become apparent that the noise levels will become a problem. If the walls and ceilings are left blank telephones, chitter chatter and general office noise will bounce off the hard exposed surfaces and cause a noticeable echo.
Acoustics do not have to be an expensive outlay because there are several solutions which will make the world of difference when trying to create an acoustic environment on a budget.
Our Fluffo Hexagonal Acoustic Panels, Fluffo Rectangular Acoustic Panels, Fluffo Hexa Acoustic Hanging Tiles and our Repose Four Seater Booths are some examples of acoustic solutions that wont break the bank.
Plants and artwork
Plants are an inexpensive way of brightening up any office space and they have also been proven to reduce stress and improve well-being levels for very little outlay. Another benefit of having plants in the workplace is that they have acoustical properties. They can act as sound barriers within an open plan environment. You will be saving money and doing your bit for the environment because plants are more environmentally friendly too!
Artwork can be expensive and may sadly be seen by some as a waste of money. However, the benefits of having art in the office are enormous. Artwork helps to reduce stress and anxiety amongst staff, creating a happier, more productive workforce in general. There are many ways to introduce artwork to your office space without breaking the bank, for example you may know a local artist who would be willing to tag a blank wall with their signature graffiti style. There may be a photographer in your circle of family and friends who could offer some of their work as an extension of their portfolio or for more exposure. You could go retro too and source some antique stores for interesting pictures and ornate picture frames? There are so many fun and inexpensive options when it comes to creating artwork for your offices.
Co – working desks or multipurpose desking
With Agile working and Co-working practices on the rise it’s worth considering if the desks you are planning to buy for each member of staff will be used effectively (or if at all!). People like to be mobile and do not necessarily want to be working from the same desk or workstation all day. People appear to be more productive and happier if they can choose a place in the office that suits their working style and type of work they do. A private acoustic pod would be preferable for those who spend time on the phone and an open plan area or collaborative desk would suit those who need to keep communications open. By specifically looking for Co-working style furniture you may find that a desking system can also be utilised as a meeting table, saving money whilst taking up a smaller footprint.
Our Unity Large Work Table and Atil Classic Chair Bundle Deal is just one good example of how this type of multipurpose and coworking solution can be achieved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, by prioritising cost-effective options such as desking, acoustics and flexible multifunctional furniture, businesses can allocate resources more efficiently without compromising on quality or functionality. It is also important to mention that by carefully considering the office furniture budget you will also be helping the environment. Sustainable practices, such as repurposing or refurbishing existing furniture, not only reduce costs but also aligns with environmentally responsible business practices.
If you would like any more money-saving tips for office furniture, please do not hesitate to get in touch!
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