Posts

Showing posts from 2022

Two Major Ways the Office Has Changed Over the Years

Image
December is almost over, and as the New Year is quickly approaching, many office executives are taking the time to reflect on how the modern workplace has changed. More importantly, we’re going to weigh in on if these two major changes are a good or a bad thing – because not all change is progression. Especially when it comes to office design that sacrifices efficiency for aesthetics.  In this article, our in-house team of  modern office designers  have compiled two big ways business has changed and their professional opinions on how effective these changes are today.  #1. Goodbye cubicles, hello open plan layout Up until the early 2000s, many businesses opted for confined cubicle layouts within their corporate offices. The main intent of cubicle layouts was to promote more individualized and focused work and eliminate distractions. Traditionally, each cubicle enclosed a single employee and kept them separated enough from other coworkers to discourage socialization during work ho

Why Performance Evaluations Have to Take Place in Person

Image
It’s the end of the year, which means it’s time for performance evaluations. Whether that means rewarding team members that are performing above standards or discussing what has to change, ensuring your team is operating to its full potential is absolutely necessary for any business. While many believe these evaluations can be conducted successfully online, there are indisputable reasons why a face-to-face meeting is the way to go. In this article, our  office design specialists in NJ  will discuss why end-of-year performance evaluations should happen in the workplace – as well as how to create the optimal setting for these reviews to take place.  Scheduled face-to-face interaction shows each team member that they are a priority In the world of daily Zoom meetings, having yet another Zoom call for a performance review can definitely feel less meaningful. Especially if you are one that usually keeps your camera off. Planning to meet in person sets a more professional tone. Think about i

Technology and Design, It Doesn’t Have to Be One or The Other

Image
Designing your office used to follow this line of thinking, “how many computer and desk set-ups could I fit into my office space?” A great example of this outdated ideology would be the set of the hit TV Show  The Office , where everywhere you looked you saw a boxy office cubicle and somebody who looked less than thrilled to sit in it. Thankfully, office design has come a long way. Now, more importance is placed on balancing function with design – and luckily one doesn’t have to dictate the other. In this article, our team of modern office designers will discuss how you can successfully incorporate both technology and progressive design elements into your modern workspace.  Workstations that Configure and Reconfigure  First and foremost, we recommend really sitting down and planning out the ideal layout of your space. The floor plan is a major factor that influences your workflow – how your core teams collaborate and complete tasks for your business. This can be tricky, especially

How Technology Impacts Office Design

Image
When we think about technology in the office space some of us may remember fondly (or not fondly) days when cool office ergonomics was limited to a desk with hole in the corner to pass all those cables. But as anyone who has shopped for office furniture in the last 20 years may have noticed, the offering has evolved into something far more complex, exciting and interesting. If you’re considering building out your new office space and are looking for some cool furniture tech, read on and you’ll understand some things about how all this works to make your office environment not just modern, but a dynamic space that people will want to come to. It’s Not Just About Enough Space and the Right Tech  The problem with shopping for office tech is that many furniture distributors will push it without much thought to the underlying design it is to be used in. Their goal seems to be to make sure you have enough furniture to completely fill the space, throw in some cool gadgets and call it a da

The Great Resignation Continues, But It’s Not What You Think

Image
COVID-19 was a wake-up call for many who realized that the 9-5 corporate grind wasn’t for them. Millennials abandoned the workforce in droves early on in favor of more work/life balance. But that tide has largely peaked and it’s no longer just the millennials who are having this epiphany. Older workers over 50 have jumped on the bandwagon, with many of those leaving corporate America these days. As with many millennials, older workers want to create an environment that works for them. We see this every day and we’ve been at the forefront of helping start-ups and businesses negotiate the work/life balance, creating environments that make for a fun, friendly and flexible workspace. Quit rates – and what’s driving them In March of this year, quit rates reached 3% – the previous high set during the pandemic, with 4.5 million people leaving their jobs in that month alone. This August, it lowered every so slightly at 2.7%. The industries with highest quit rates for this year include the

Considering a Kitchenette in your Office?

Image
When it comes to designing an office, it’s natural to think about  desking systems , boardrooms, and reception areas first. But it’s also important to consider break spaces and less formal – though no less functional – rooms like kitchen spaces, recreational spaces, and dining areas. Although it’s not the first consideration for your office remodel, it should absolutely be on the list. Here are some of the top benefits of adding a kitchenette into  your modern office space : 5 benefits of a kitchenette in your office 1 – Relaxation Spaces to relax in are actually very important to maintaining the productivity levels of a high-performance team. Research has shown that a 10–20-minute break every 50 minutes improves productivity, creativity and engagement, making for more powerful, effective teams. This is because taking a break allows our minds to explore thoughts and concepts, can drive problem-solving and boost energy and focus levels. 2 – Reducing screen time According to ex

Is Your Office Disability-Friendly and ADA Compliant?

Image
Sure, it’s first priority to make your office aesthetically pleasing and efficient with  top of the line workstations , ergonomic chairs and modern design pieces. However, your office also needs to be easily accessible to those with disabilities and different needs. A major part of the office design process is ensuring you maintain your brand image, while also making your workspace compliant with ADA guidelines. Here at BE, our office design specialists outline why having a disability-friendly and ADA compliant office space is so important – and we can help you achieve this and more through our  office design services in New Jersey . It’s about more than compliance Of course, there are state and federal laws that mandate your office is ADA compliant, and it’s important to review and understand these laws when you begin the office design process. But this is about so much more than just being compliant with the law. Here’s why:  Diverse teams are more productive, driving va

Common Office Design Mistakes You Want to Avoid

Image
  Today more than ever, office design is recognized as a key element for a productive, high-performance organization. Your layout and office furniture should be set up to support everyday workflow efficiently and prioritize the wellbeing of your employees. Modern office design should also make a statement. How do you want to appear to potential clients who first walk into your space? There is a lot to take into account when  designing your modern work environment  and it’s important to be aware of common mistakes people make during the design process. Our key office design team at BE has compiled a list of the most common office design mistakes that you don’t want to overlook. Incorrect layout.  Your physical layout – from the space allocations for teams and equipment to how you plan these spaces – directly impacts workflow. It’s not really about trends, although these can be a great source of inspiration. Instead, it’s all about making a physical environme

It’s Back to School Time!

Image
For educational programs to be a success, you need a great recipe – passionate and qualified teachers, innovative educational techniques, and a vibrant learning space where children feel safe. In this article, we’re looking at how the right design and furniture work to support learning, make teaching and administration easier, and create an environment where kids can really thrive. Education has changed – so should your space During the COVID-19 pandemic, everything shifted to the online space, schooling included. However, as the pandemic stage has passed, it’s caused educators to rethink the learning space and realize the full value of schools and classrooms. There’s been an interesting shift away from the standard floor plan, where students passively learned in big groups while teachers taught. This is largely due to the realization of just how important in-person, one on one interaction really is for learning, collaboration, and skill development. After years of being limited

Stuck with your old office furniture?

Image
Whether it’s to achieve a more modern look and feel, or to make your space more practical and efficient, redesigning your office is essential to creating a productive space where your people feel comfortable and excited to come to work. One of the best ways to redesign your office is with your furniture choices. But what about your old office furniture? Most of it is probably in fair condition, but it’s probably not right for the space you’re trying to achieve now. The good news is that there’s no need to throw it out or to worry about it going to waste! Guilt-free, easy office furniture removal in NJ BE Furniture offers an eco-friendly office furniture removal service where we remove old furniture and office fittings for recycling. Our team will evaluate your materials and furnishings, disassemble, and utilise the pieces for upcycling or the design and development of other office furniture. Thus making your office redesign environmentally friendly and low waste. According to the

Sit or Stand?

Image
The debate between traditional sitting desks and standing desk has been raging for several years now, but we’re proud to say it’s been solved! The answer is a desk that allows you to do both, so employees can choose to sit, stand, or experience a combination of both throughout their day. And the best news is that providing desks with the option for employees to sit or stand can increase productivity in the workspace! Here are some of the benefits of  sit or stand desks . #1 – Healthier employees The connection between health and productivity is a clear one, and it brings a lot of benefits to employees as well as your business. Sitting for long periods of time simply isn’t good for us. There are many scientific studies that have proven that sitting increases obesity, cancer, and heart disease risks, that it hurts our backs, reduces healthy circulation and diabetes risks, and even negatively impacts our mood. As a result, by having sit or stand desks, employees can spend more time st

Easy Seasonal Decor Swaps for the Office

Image
Changing a few decor items around your office for the seasons is a great way to keep the decor fresh, engaging, and fun. It’s also an affordable way to update your design without an intensive overhaul. Here are some tips from our team that will brighten up your space. #1 – Wall art While there’s nothing wrong with keeping your larger items of  wall art  on your walls, you can easily freshen up the space by moving them around or swapping out smaller items. You can add a seasonal touch through the art you introduce. For example, soft florals or art in light greens and yellows are perfect for spring and summer, while rich reds and browns bring in warmth for the cooler months. It’s also a good idea to bring in textures at the same time. For example, antique gold frames will reflect light and bring a warmer feel for winter, while white or rustic wooden frames give a softer, natural feel for summer. Our top tip : Wall art can be expensive, but there are some great affordable options yo

What Does an Office Environment Company Really Do?

Image
A company like BE that talks about “Business Environments” is really doing things differently. Sure we provide the office furniture you need, but you can buy a chair from anyplace. Instead, our clients are really looking for the  whole workplace concept  . The complete understanding of who they are and how that translates into a kick-ass modern work environment that employees look forward to coming to. A business environment is a discussion that encompasses everything. We take care of every aspect of your office remodel, from demo and storage, to design and workflow, to choosing every item to furnish the space to create a truly unique place to work. Our aim is to make spaces where people actually want to go everyday; that attract talent, impress your clients, support your core teams, and give your company everything it needs to succeed. Rather than tell you how the process works from step A to Z, we’re gonna show you through one of our most recent, high-profile projects. The Webull Pro

Creating an Office Space Employees will Want to Work in

Image
Great offices are much more than  high-quality desks  and chairs encapsulated by four walls. When done right, they are spaces that draw people in and make them want to work for you. Progressive workspaces enhance employee wellness, and make it easier in every way for employees to get their jobs done. If you’re looking to revamp your current space, here are some tips on  designing an office  employees will want to work in and look forward to using each day, from the team at BE Furniture. Create the right atmosphere Great atmosphere is one of those things that can be difficult to define – but you certainly know when a space has it! It’s essentially layers of qualities that create the right mood and the right impact on your senses. In a doctor’s office, you want the atmosphere to be hygienic, professional, confident, and welcoming. In a wedding planning space, you’ll want a sense of creativity, inspiration, and joy. And in a lawyer’s office, you’ll feel a sense of reassurance, experti