BE Furniture

Winter can bring more than cold weather and shorter days—it can also impact employee morale and productivity. Managers often notice a seasonal dip in enthusiasm and a rise in absenteeism as the winter blues take hold. Fortunately, thoughtful office design and creative workplace strategies can help energize your team and combat the monotony of the season. Increase Light Exposure in Your Office One of the most effective ways to counteract winter lethargy is by maximizing light exposure. Natural light boosts serotonin levels, which help regulate mood and promote feelings of well-being. Start by pulling up blinds to let in as much sunlight as possible. If your office lacks natural light, consider adding desk lamps or installing full-spectrum fluorescent lights. These mimic natural light more effectively than standard fluorescents, improving mood and energy levels during darker months. Another impactful change is  incorporating glass walls  instead of opaque dividers. Glass reflect...

Workplace Romance: Designing Offices That Foster Positive Collaboration Valentine’s Day reminds us of the importance of relationships—not just personal ones, but also professional connections. In a workplace, fostering healthy, collaborative relationships among employees is essential for success. Beyond everyone making the effort to connect, thoughtful office design can play a pivotal role in encouraging more positive interactions. Let’s explore how to create an environment that promotes this sweet camaraderie, not just for Valentine’s Day, but for the rest of the calendar year.  Design Beyond Open Floor Plans While open floor plans are often associated with positive collaboration, a truly collaborative office requires more. Every design choice—from frosted windows that balance privacy and openness to  reconfigurable sit-to-stand desks that allow flexible arrangements —shapes how employees interact. Collaborative workspaces expose employees to one another regularly, so creatin...

AT&T just announced that beginning in January 2025, all employees would need to be in the office 5 days a week. This is on the heels of other major companies like Amazon, Disney, Google, Facebook and Tesla, that are demanding employees return to work, severely curtailing or even eliminating the virtual workplace created during COVID. It seems with major employers the virtual honeymoon is over and employees are left with a choice: come back or quit. As employers large and small cuddle up to the idea of having their employees back in the office, they’ll be looking first to entice them into coming back, lest they lose key talent over the virtual issue. And let’s face it: getting your people back to the office happily, is all about the business environment you have them walking into. Let’s Look at the Facts First: Your Workplace Is Your Resume Your office space plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining top talent. According to JLL’s Future of Work Survey , the workplace is now a...

When winter arrives, the cold weather and shorter days can make working from home all the more appealing. However, the right office design can entice employees to embrace in-office work even during the chilliest months. By creating a warm, inviting space that fosters collaboration, comfort, and well-being, companies can give employees compelling reasons to come into the office. Invest in Inviting, Cozy Spaces For many employees, the biggest draw of the office is the opportunity to connect and collaborate with colleagues. Based on JLL’s Future of Work Survey , informal interactions and “serendipitous meetings” often occur in shared spaces designed for social connection. To encourage this dynamic, businesses should invest in furniture and layouts that support casual gatherings and teamwork. Consider incorporating cozy breakout zones, café-style seating, and modular meeting pods that can be easily adjusted for group discussions or quiet solo work. Lounge chairs with built-in power outlets...

  As this year comes to an end, many companies (including ours) are already looking ahead to the top office design trends that will shape 2025. With rapid shifts in workplace culture, technology, and employee expectations, offices are evolving faster than ever. Businesses are focusing on fostering productivity, sustainability, and wellness, and these priorities are driving the trends we expect to see next year. Here are some key trends you’ll want to keep an eye on as you prepare for a fresh start in 2025. 1. Increased AI Integration for Efficiency With the continuous advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), it’s not surprising that we’ll see more AI technology embedded into the workplace. For Gen Z and young millennials who are particularly comfortable with technology, AI integration feels like a natural progression toward a more efficient office. AI will increasingly handle routine administrative tasks, freeing employees to focus on more creative, strategic, and hig...

It’s time to deck the halls of your office! As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect opportunity to add warmth and festivity to the workplace. Thoughtful holiday decor and activities can lift everyone’s spirits, foster team bonding, and help create an inviting atmosphere for all clients and employees. With a few simple touches, you can create a welcoming, inclusive office environment that celebrates the season and prepares everyone for a new year ahead. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the ideas our  NJ commercial office design  specialists came up with:  Walking in a Winter Wonderland Even small holiday decorations can make a big impact in your workspace. Create a “winter wonderland” theme that brings a cheerful seasonal atmosphere without invoking specific religions. Snowflakes, pinecones, and winter landscapes offer a neutral approach to decorating that invites everyone to participate in the holiday spirit. Look for sustainable decoration options, too—man...