Archive for November, 2009

San Marcos Office Furniture - Executive Seating From The Lone Star State

Monday, November 30th, 2009

san-marcos-office-chairWhen you think of San Marcos office furniture, your local California supplier of workplace furnishings probably comes to mind first. However, there’s a lovely river in central Texas that’s named after “Saint Mark” as well. Tubing and other water activities are on offer there when the hill country isn’t experiencing a drought. The riverside city of San Marcos, TX actually made BusinessWeek’s 2010 list of ‘Best places to raise your kids’.

Now, this idyllic location gets another hat tip from TexasCrazy.com in their Austin Ranch Furniture collection. The San Marcos office chair won’t chap your hide with its smooth leather seat and hand crafted details. This executive seating option will definitely make you want to lean back and prop your boots up on your desk. Not into rough-and-ready Southwest styling? Get the same kiln dried hardwood frame upholstered in classy Italian textiles.

Herman Miller Systems Furniture: Office - or Studio?

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

mystudio_1Do you cherish creativity in your employees just as much as you value productivity? Herman Miller systems furniture allows you to craft a workplace atmosphere that inspires both with their My Studio Environments collection. A studio is more than just an office - it’s where new ideas are born and innovative imagination is allowed free reign.

Frosted, patterned glass partitions give each mini-studio a soft glow. The circular interior layout offers a comfortable, cocoon-like personal space. The walls “float” just above the floor on short metal supports to reduce any feeling of claustrophobia. You can choose from a wide range of options for paint, laminates, and panel cladding for the My Studio line. This allows you to promote your brand image and create just the right mood for your office.

These 6’X8’ cubicles were designed with the goal of making each employee’s space feel as large as possible. That’s an excellent selling point for both employers and end users when office real estate is at a premium. These Herman Miller systems furniture modules are made up of components that are fairly easy to reconfigure. This means your cubicle setup can evolve along with your workforce.my_studio_2

In a departure from the traditional open cube, workers have the option of closing a door to reduce interruptions and increase concentration. Each user can also set up his/her computer screen so it isn’t immediately visible to people passing by. Since today’s employers screen internet usage via tracking software, this modicum of “IRL” privacy is a simple courtesy most workers will appreciate.

My Studio - Sustainability and History

Canadian designer Douglas Ball had this to say about his Herman Miller systems furniture creations, “I want people to come in on Monday morning and be happy that they’re there.” His love of the compact, functional spaces in personal sailing vessels and recreational vehicles translated into the My Studio collection. The manufacturer has built on this design with an eye toward sustainable practices at each point along the line.

Steel is the main component of these cubicles - it makes up 59% of the total materials used. This metal is, of course, fully recyclable at the end of the product’s life cycle. In total, 69% of the components in this collection can be reprocessed. 30% of the raw materials used in the My Studio line are pre or post consumer recycled content. The powder-coated finishes and water based adhesives used in this furniture keep potential indoor airborne pollution to a minimum.

TV Interview in San Diego: Office Chairs Present Workout Potential

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

Chair WorkoutHere’s a brief recap in case you missed this summer’s interview with Earth Footwear® spokesperson Tracey Mallet on KNSD TV, San Diego. Office chairs offer more than just a place to park your behind from 9-5. According to Tracey, you can also use your chair for support as you perform a quick workout to sculpt your neglected gluteals. The squats and lifts she demonstrates in the video are, of course, only intended for use with furniture that is stationary. Try these with a rolling task chair and you may get more of a workout than you planned.

There are a number of other helpful sites that offer tips for at-work exercises. About.com illustrates a full range of stretches you can do while seated in a chair that does have casters. Military.com takes it hard core - recommending that you multi-task with some bicep curls while you talk on the phone. Finally, don’t miss this hilarious “desk chair thrusters” contribution from the Thrillist.

“Green” Showrooms House Teknion Systems Furniture

Friday, November 20th, 2009

Santa Monica ShowroomTeknion systems furniture is now showcased in two eco-friendly buildings in California. The company’s newest construction project in Santa Monica joins the existing San Francisco location in taking home the gold for being green. Both showrooms have earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the gold level.

That means the buildings meet strict standards for:

  • Energy and water efficiency
  • Low carbon dioxide emissions
  • Sustainability in the methods and materials used during construction

Currently, the LEED program is fully voluntary. So, kudos to this office furniture company for setting an example other businesses operating in California should follow. The full Teknion systems furniture line is also manufactured following eco-friendly standards. All of the company’s facilities are ISO 14001 certified and have implemented a comprehensive EMS (environmental management system). Their focus on green showrooms is just another step toward making every process sustainable - from sourcing to sales.

Office Furniture Innovation Continues

Teknion isn’t lagging behind when it comes to offering customers new choices. Among their most recently developed products is the Visio task chair. This seating option is touted as coming closer than any other chair to the ideal of “one-size-fits-all”. The company has studied ergonomic standards from around the world to come up with the features provided on this high tech piece of equipment.

Visio ChairThey also took into account anthropometric statistics. That’s a fancy way of saying they figured out how to make a chair that can adjust to fit a very broad range of body sizes, shapes, and weights. Here are some of the adjustment knobs and levers available on the Visio:

  • Seat height and depth
  • Arm height, depth, width, and rotation
  • Headrest tilt for height, depth, and angle
  • Back tilt along with tension adjustment and synchronized back/seat tilting

The back of the Visio is covered with a breathable Flexweave fabric that cradles the user while providing just the right level of support. So far, they have 5 colors on offer: black, brown, tan, white, and blue. Of course, these color options have much fancier names in the brochure!

Because of this company’s commitment to the environment and to end user comfort, you have two reasons to feel good about investing in Teknion systems furniture.

Refurbish Top Cubicle Brands - San Diego Style

Friday, November 20th, 2009

Aqua cubeAre you scoping out refurbished cubicles? It makes sense to select top names like Herman Miller or Steelcase. Why? High quality structural components (and a full warranty) are always assured with these well known cubicle brands. San Diego business owners need cubes that can take the daily wear and tear of a busy office environment.

Of course, the way your office furnishings look is important too. You want to create a workplace aesthetic that diverges from the typical boring cube environment. Fortunately, the refurbishing process involves selecting a whole new look (paint, fabric, etc). Here are a few ideas to consider for a colorful California style motif.

White - White brightens up the work area by reflecting light. It also offers the perfect backdrop for decorative accents. Consider this color for upper panels and other areas where the material isn’t likely to get smudged.

Mango - This up and coming golden, pinkish, orange color is difficult to describe. Blocks of this tropical hue scattered throughout the workplace keep things visually interesting.

Sea Foam Green or Aqua - Pair these colors with sandy beige for a beachside feel. Don’t forget that textures and patterns are another way to add interest to cubicle panel fabrics.

Plum - Here’s another rich fruit color you can try. Combine plum with wood or metal finishes for a sophisticated look.

TV Pedestal from Vista: Office Furniture For Video Conferencing

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

TV stand diagramHave you ever participated in a video conference that featured a wall mounted TV? Often, IT installs the screen far up on the wall and everyone has to crane their necks to look up at their remote colleagues. With everyone sitting around a conference table, there is always someone stuck at an awkward angle to the screen. Consider bringing everyone down to the same level. Set up a semicircle of modular seating around a TV pedestal like the sturdy 9960 Vista. Office furniture isn’t BDI’s specialty, but their sleek home theater designs easily translate into the corporate environment.vista_9960_2_on

This piece is available in black or silver and with/without the shatterproof glass shelving. The center column hides cables and the whole pedestal is supported on casters for mobility. You can mount an LCD or plasma screen as large as 55” on the Vista. Office furniture doesn’t always come fully assembled and this pedestal is no exception. If you don’t feel comfortable putting it together, you can always pay a little extra to have a professional installer take care of that step for you.

Fun Facts About Cubicles: San Marcos City Charter

Monday, November 16th, 2009

San Marcos City CharterIn 1964, Robert Probst invented the concept of the cubicle. San Marcos, CA was incorporated just one year prior to this turning point in office furniture history. Some 30 years later (in 1994), San Marcos became a chartered city. A review of the charter offers an intriguing glimpse into those topics the city council thought important enough to address in this critical document. For example, there is a section on licensing public dance venues for teenagers. There is also a whole chapter devoted to curtailing what is described as an “alarming incidence” of avocado thefts within the city limits.

There are also regulations governing the structure of certain types of cubicles. San Marcos businesses (such as massage parlors and fitness facilities) that contain cubicles for patron’s use must have adequate ventilation. This can be provided directly by an HVAC vent or a window. Otherwise, the cubes can’t have partitions that extend more than 75% of the way from the floor to the ceiling. That’s the law!

Stay tuned for more cubicle fun facts in the future.

Office Furniture: Del Mar Collection for Executives

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

2-del-mar-veneer-desk1If you are an executive who likes an old school feel in office furniture, Del Mar desks and credenzas may be just what you have been looking for. This collection is imposing without being ornate or stuffy. Instead, it offers classic lines and solid construction. DMI Office Furniture (a division of FlexSteel) advertises this line as being “transitional”, but it has a distinctly historical feel with its Shaker inspired styling.

These furnishings impress you with their quality and craftsmanship first. Then, the unique beauty of the Sapele Pommele surface will catch your eye. Sapele wood is imported from Africa for use in high end veneers. With its warm tone and elaborate grain, it makes the perfect finish for elegant office furniture. Del Mar pieces are stained a deep cherry red to highlight the dappled (pommele) effect of the wood. This finish offers the richness of mahogany and the durability of oak.

Along with the outward beauty of these furnishings, you also get sturdy interior design. The drawers are suspended on ball bearing slides for smooth access. Better yet, each file drawer is rated to bear a load of up to 150 pounds. Desks feature grommets and other convenient openings so you can run the necessary cabling to keep you connected in a modern business environment.

DiVi AIS Cubicles Offer Business Owners Flexibility

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

divi7a-anglesWhen you are shopping for new office cubicles, you want a product that is cost effective and highly adaptable. Ideally, the brand you select will give you multiple configurations, easy assembly, integration with technology, and customization options for individual employees. AIS cubicles in the DiVi collection go a step further by allowing you to update the look of your panels after installation. Their segmented outer panel design incorporates changeable skins. These colored panel pieces can be stacked in bands to offer a sophisticated accent to other room furnishings.

You can select your preferred design to be assembled at the factory but still retain the ability to change later. This is especially helpful if you decide to replace carpet or wallpaper at some point in the future. You aren’t stuck with picking colors that match your existing cubicle exteriors. Instead, you can update the look of your entire office at one time without buying all new furniture. Just order cube skins to compliment the rest of your interior design selections.

Here are additional features that make the DiVi models flexible:

Universal Hinge

d24-cubicle-railsAIS cubicles are connected using a universal hinge design that isn’t restricted to a 90 degree angle. You can set these at 120 or 135 degrees as needed to make the best use of your available space. Each panel can have 2, 3, or 4 way connections. These options give you the ability to create more open, collaborative work environments - not just separate cubicles. The hinge itself is a single piece of hardware and requires no additional screws or other parts to hold the panels together. Once installed, the universal hinge is almost completely hidden in the panel interior.

Accommodating Raceway

The bottom section of each panel provides space for cable to be laid in seamlessly without pinching or crimping. After installation, a cover simply folds up over the cabling to hide it from view. AIS, Inc. advertises this raceway as being large enough (at 6”) to hold as many as 100 cat 5 or 6 cables. So, no matter how complex your network becomes over time, you will still have room to run more lines through the bottom panels of these AIS cubicles. You can also select an internal divider to keep data and power conduits separate.d11-raceway

Tool Rails & Whiteboards

Cubicle interiors aren’t overlooked when it comes to customization. You can add tool rails to help organize items that would otherwise clutter the workspace. Keep pens, files, and more within easy reach using this system. You can also intersperse segments of erasable whiteboard among the fabric panels. This offers employees an alternative to the ubiquitous Post-it for making quick reminder notes regarding upcoming tasks.

Want to see how other companies are using AIS cubicles to their advantage? Check out the manufacturer’s impressive library of case studies.

Decorating Etiquette for Call Center Cubicles

Monday, November 9th, 2009

decorated-cube-2Call center cubicles are what you make of them. They can be dingy, grey cells that separate apathetic workers from each other. Or, they can provide the foundation for vibrant, personalized workspaces that promote creativity and collaboration. Of course, it is possible to go too far and create chaos instead of productivity. Good taste and common sense are the keys to developing just the right atmosphere.

Personalization

In most call centers, customers will never actually see your employees’ work environment. This means this space can be customized based on what makes your workers feel most comfortable and inspired. When employees from different shifts share your call center cubicles, small mementos are obviously better than large decorations. If employees have their own permanently assigned cubes, let them design the interior however they like (as long as it doesn’t damage the structure and materials of the cube). This might include:

cubes-with-golden-pothosAdopting an indoor plant like the Golden Pothos that doesn’t shed pollen

Tacking up a backdrop of scarves in colors they find appealing

Using cubicle Feng Shui to add a feeling of serenity and well being

Adding an ornate desk lamp with a unique shade

Installing a Babble® privacy device to curtail eavesdropping from a nosy cube neighbor

Enjoying a trompe l’oeil (fool the eye) picture window that provides a breathtaking viewcubeview-picture-window

Collaboration

Having an overall theme for each department is another fun way to decorate call center cubicles. Encourage teamwork by holding a contest for the most creative department design. Each employee can add his/her own special twist to the larger concept. You aren’t limited to ideas like luaus or holidays. Instead, each department might select a different historical era or a bestselling book as their inspiration.

Handling Cubicle Etiquette Problems

decorated-cube-3As an employer, there are some rules you should clearly spell out. For example, your sexual harassment policy must make it clear that posting images that might create a hostile work environment will not be tolerated.

However, having a rule to cover every imaginable “infraction” on cubicle etiquette can backfire. They provoke some people to see how close they can get to the line without getting in trouble. Handle issues as they come up and just try to be fair. Don’t let picky employees start posting their own lists of rules. This type of passive aggressive behavior has sparked many a cube war. Workers need to confront and resolve minor interpersonal problems directly.

Website Design and Marketing by eBoost Consulting, a Digital Marketing Consultancy in San Diego, CA.