Whether you realize it or not, the furniture you choose for your office can speak volumes about your company. It can tell your guests and employees your company philosophy, how much they are valued, and even your awareness about environmental issues. If your company is undergoing an office redesign or simply replacing some old furniture, it is important to consider all of the options and choose wisely. Companies tend to make these three common mistakes when buying office furniture that end up costing them more in the long run.
1. Not Considering the Various Needs of Your Employees
Diversity is an important component of a workforce that most companies like to strive for. This diversity, however, means that not every employee’s needs will be the same. Some people like to thrive in the open office design, but even these workers need some privacy and quiet at times. Consider the needs of all of your employees and purchase furniture accordingly. Increased employee satisfaction will help you increase retention rates, which can help your bottom line.
2. Buying Office Furniture that Cannot Adapt
The business world is dialectical, meaning that it is in a constant state of change. For example, isolating cubicles are quickly becoming obsolete with the frenetic rise of employee collaboration. Having office furniture that can serve more than one purpose and adapt to the ever-changing demands of business will serve your company well in the long term. Mobile furniture is a great idea in this respect. It can be moved and rearranged to suit the needs of your business and workforce quickly.
3. Choosing Low Price Over High Quality
Employees use office furniture every single working day, so it’s no surprise that chairs and desks will undergo wear and tear fairly quickly. But also consider the wear and tear your furniture will put on your employees. Sure, it’s nice to cut costs in the short term by choosing some inexpensive furniture, but it is almost always worth spending a little more for quality. Not only will these pieces hold up to wear and tear longer, they’ll also be more comfortable for your employees, increasing productivity and saving you money over the long haul.
Ready to Transform Your Office Design?
American Design Associates, Inc. is a furniture dealer and design firm serving clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. We strive to ensure that every customer ends up with the office design and furniture to help their business run for years to come. We have the expertise and resources to help you get your move off to a great stress-free start. Visit us online to see what we can do for you, or give us a call at (410) 823-5500. To see examples of our work and get more advice on furnishing your office space, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Google+.