5 Keys For Improved Collaboration in 2018

These days collaborative remodeling terms are thrown around the workplace more than the word "ergonomics". The ability to create fashionable office interiors that encourage creativity and healthy employee interaction is too much for businesses to pass up. In 2018, it's important to emphasize the need for improved collaboration in the workplace. That's where we come in. Today on the blog we'll provide you with 5 keys for success.

1.) Ditch The Cubicles

First things first, you've got to ditch the cubicles. If you want to create collaborative office interiors in 2018, high wall cubicles will be a hinderance. Sure replacing your existing cubicles will be pricey, but the benefits gained will serve your business well for years to come. Traditional panel furniture systems are great for privacy and noise reduction. Unfortunately they close employees off from one another and that makes it hard to effectively collaborate.

2.) Invest In Collaborative Benching

Looking for cubicle alternatives? Collaborative benching systems are the way to go. Believe it or not, this popular form of modern office furniture is actually pretty affordable. Brands like Global, Mayline, and Cherryman Industries are all offering awesome group benching solutions that will encourage employee interaction and creativity. With collaborative benching you'll be able to create unique layouts and configurations that maximize your square footage without making your work floor and employees feel overwhelmed without too much furniture and not enough workspace.

3.) Focus On An Open Concept

If the goal of your work floor remodeling project is to see how many people you can fit into a single space, today's post probably isn't for you. Here the mindset is all about "how many people can we properly accommodate comfortably" to encourage healthy collaboration without making them feel overcrowded and cramped. For these reasons, working towards an open concept layout is preferred.

Cubicles are the perfect example. The high walls make it hard to create an open concept feel. For this reason, work floors outfitted with cubicles typically feel clustered. Alternatively, open concept furniture like group workstations and benching will help create clean site lines. While this may encourage long range conversations across the work floor, it's still better than forcing employees to walk through rows of crowded cubicles to collaborate with coworkers when good ideas are flowing.

4.) Power Up Your Interiors

Pave the way for improved collaboration with powered furniture. Top furniture and seating brands have made it their mission to streamline office activities and improve collaboration in 2018 with awesome products. These days universal power modules, charging stations, and powered furniture is becoming the standard.

When remodeling group spaces like the waiting room, break room, training room, and conference room, don't be your own worst enemy by investing in non-powered furniture. Strive to keep your interiors collaboration-ready and up to date with the latest trends. Rest assured, powered components are the way to go. They're really not that much more expensive. The benefits gained however, are incredibly valuable.

5.) Accessorize

Last but certainly not least, the right combination of office accessories will no doubt help you lay the groundwork for effective collaborating in 2018. In the long run, the little details always tend to make the biggest difference when it comes to corporate remodeling.

We touched on universal power modules briefly above, but it's definitely worth mentioning again. Units like the FlexCharge9 from ESI make it easy to power up conference rooms and group work environments in order to streamline collaborative meetings and presentations.

In addition, you'll also want to check out collaborative products like mobile dry erase boards that can be taken from space to space throughout the day. When the good ideas are flowing, marker boards make it easy to collaborate in large groups that make everyone feel includes. Popular options like the B5672FBP from Global will greatly improve operational versatility without restricting creativity.

7 Ideas That Will Help You Improve Your Waiting Room In 2018

A well designed waiting room will help you provide your valued guests with an exceptional visiting experience that distinguishes your business from the competition. Reviving your waiting room is easier than you think. Today on the blog we'll provide you with 7 great ideas that can be used to make your space more comfortable, advanced, and stylish in 2018.

1.) Tablet Chairs

Tablet arm guest chairs are the latest craze. They're cool looking, comfortable, and make it easy for visitors to work while they wait. Tablet chairs from brands like Global and OFM provide unrivaled value. If you're going with a classic combination of lounge chairs and sofas for your waiting room, consider tablet arm options in 2018 as they'll give your interior an added boost of versatility and an edge over the competition.

2.) Powered Accent Tables

Power up your waiting room with advanced accent tables in 2018. Once considered a high dollar trend, powered waiting room tables are now becoming an industry staple. A coffee table with USB inputs will make it easy for visitors to charge their devices while waiting. Additionally, powered accent tables encourage guest interaction and collaboration. We recommend the powered waiting room tables from the Woodstock Jefferson Series as they're available with a wide range of matching components to complete your entire project.

3.) Go Modular

Let us start by saying that there's absolutely nothing wrong with sofas and lounge chairs. That said, if you're looking for alternatives, modular seating is the way to go. This style of waiting room furniture (particularly for larger projects) will allow you to think outside the box with your configuration while simultaneously helping you maximize your available square footage. A layout of connectable waiting room chairs and tables will also help to showcase your design ingenuity and commitment to a modern interior that's up to date with the latest trends.

4.) A Fresh Coat of Paint

Simple, effective, and affordable. Laying on a fresh coat of paint will do wonders for your space. Swing by your local hardware store to pick up a few samples. Get a group of coworkers together and throw a painting party one Saturday. Order a few pizzas, move your furniture out of the way, and put down some drop cloths. You should be able to knock out this project in a day. This year grays, light blues, and greens are all trending.

5.) Cool Lighting Fixtures

If those overhead fluorescents are dragging down your corporate vibe, invest in a few cool lighting fixtures. A couple of table lamps will help, but there's really no substitute for a cool hanging fixture that can be used as a focal point of your space. You'll probably want to have this project tackled by the pros so visit a lighting store and do a little research. This idea can definitely be a bit pricey, but in the long run, upgraded lighting will do wonders for your space.

6.) Stylish Welcome Desk

How is your waiting room welcome desk looking these days? If you hesitated to answer, it's probably not great. In 2018, brands like Offices To Go, OFM, and Cherryman are all offering designer desks for the waiting room that can be purchased for less than $1000.00. As the welcome desk is typically the first thing a visitor sees when they walk in, it's important to make a professional statement and a great first impression with a stylish desk your business can be proud of.

7.) Unique Wall Art

Last but certainly not least, you can revamp your waiting room in 2018 will unique wall art. Sure you can get new pieces at your neighborhood home store, but why not think outside the box? We recommend visiting thrift stores, swap meets, and even flea markets to find one-of-a-kind wall art. This year, industrial furniture and seating will be in high demand. You can jump on board with this movement without breaking the budget by purchasing vintage pieces that are also unique.