Exhausted. Bone tired. Eyes gritty from lack of sleep. After days of visiting office spaces and browsing on the net for the “perfect office” that suits your business and budget, you’ve finally found the one! You’re ready to hit the sack and sleep like a log and then you realized you still have to buy furniture to go with your new office.
Choosing the right furniture is as important as choosing the right type of office. It not only contributes to well-being, it also affects office productivity and entices prospective employees. Therefore, before marching to the nearest furniture shop, here are 6 things you must consider.
- CostFinancing startups is not easy. Every penny spent is an investment. You have to show to your investors that you’re wisely spending the money entrusted to you. Thus, before buying any furniture, consider the cost. How much money will you spend on a particular desk or chair? How many will you buy? Determining your budget beforehand will help you narrow down your choices without compromising quality.
To save, you can always opt to shop at a second-hand furniture store. Do your research on which thrift stores you can acquire slightly-used yet decently-priced items.
- NeedsEmployees will be sitting and working most of the day, so providing them a comfortable chair and desk is a must. Nowadays, ergonomic chairs and desks become a trend for they make working easier, as supported by health studies. With the plethora of these products in the market, you can buy one at an affordable price.Aside from chairs and desks, you can also buy other furniture and style your interior depending on your business type. Are you aiming for a cafe-like atmosphere where employees can easily communicate and collaborate with each other? Buy a huge table and a few chairs. Are you going for a formal feel with cubicles so that they can focus? Buy a desk with cubicle-dividers. Whatever your plans are, keep in mind that your choice should make your office a conducive environment for work.
Whatever your plans are, keep in mind that your choice should make your office a conducive environment for work.
- Flexibility and functionalityThe next thing to consider is flexibility and functionality of the furniture. Does your desk have storage for files? Can you stretch your legs or take a cat nap under your table? Are they comfortable enough for your employees? If your answers are yes, then you’ve made a wise investment.Furniture with multiple functionalities is always a better choice. When you balance functionality with low cost, you’re hitting two birds with one stone.
- Size
It is common sense to buy furniture proportionate in size to your office space. Bringing bulky ones will consume a huge chunk of your office. With the cramped space, you and your employees won’t be able to freely move around. Thus, first know the dimensions of your office and from there, research for ways on how to maximize it. Arranging furniture in a certain way can also help make your office look more spacious. The bottomline is to provide your office with the right furniture and remember to leave enough room for your team to be comfortable in.