Most companies don’t begin their existence in an office space as big as a warehouse. Indeed, some even begin in a garage or bonus room of a private residence. If you are starting your career as a business owner in a small office space you must optimize every square inch for maximum productivity. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Functionality – whether it’s your own workspace or a common area for meetings and collaboration, these areas must be very functional. Consider using a table that converts into a standing desk or a coffee table with seating hidden underneath. Multi-purpose pieces are the key to increasing how much you can get out of a small space.
• Ditch Paper – Going paperless can save loads of space. You won’t have to keep filing cabinets or files in physical form by going completely digital. 
• Organization – Having a space for everything and keeping everything in its place will save you a lot of time and keep your small space uncluttered. Nothing eats away at productivity like disorganization.
• Enhance – hanging mirrors on the walls of your small office will give the illusion of more space and keep you from feeling cramped. Make sure to add pleasing decorative touches in happy colors around the space. 
• Simplicity – In small spaces there’s no need for complicated furniture. Look for streamlined, multi-purpose pieces with classic style. 
• Mood – To stay motivated in a small office try playing inspirational music softly in the background. Place small pots with greenery around and a vase of fragrant flowers on your desk. Staying positive happens not just with the furniture pieces you pick that improve productivity, but they are also in the small details that you find pleasant.

Learn More About Furnishing Small Spaces

Vision Office Interiors has the expertise and the office pieces you need to create a happy, highly-effective small office. Stop in and speak with one of our experts today!

Choosing the best office furniture for your business should warrant more consideration than most give it. Many think that matching desks and standard chairs are sufficient so they populate the space with the most economical furniture they can find. This is a mistake, and here’s why.

There are important advantages and benefits to carefully selecting your office furniture. With the right furniture you get so much more:

·        Aesthetics – Choosing furniture that represents your brand and company vision can solidify your image better than thousands spent on advertising. It also provides your employees with a place they enjoy working in. when clients see a well-thought-out space populated with attractive pieces they immediately regard you as professional with attention to detail.

·        Function – The office layout can be a hazard for employees on busy days. Be sure to select furniture that allows freedom of movement and the free flow of people rushing back and forth. The same goes for meeting spaces. If clients visit regularly, make sure you have a quiet space set up that is comfortable. No one wants to lose a contract because a client found your chairs uncomfortable.

·        Productivity – Consider softer office chairs with proper support to help your team avoid neck and back strain. Employees with aches and pains aren’t as productive as they otherwise could be. Your consideration of their welfare will also boost your team’s morale and effectiveness.

Learn More About Better Office Furniture Choices

The knowledgeable team at Vision Office Interiors is ready to assist you with choosing optimal furniture pieces for your unique space and image. Contact us today and let’s begin!

Having an ergonomic chair is important but many of us do not spend the extra money on a good chair even though one in four US adults spends more than 8 hours a day sitting, according to a new study by the US CDC and Prevention. A good ergonomic chair provides many benefits and is essential for pain management and productivity. OSHA explains that a good chair provides the necessary support to the lower body and arms in reducing stressful positions that can affect the body.  With a wide range of chairs available, while they may look nice, not all are ergonomic and offer the support you need so it is important to do a little research and test the chair out if possible. Everyone has different support needs, so it is best not to consider a one-size-fits-all approach when purchasing a chair. Many well-developed companies spent the time in research and development to help create an optimal ergonomic chair that promotes a productive workplace; such as adjustable arm pads, lumbar support, seat adjustment a good seat foundation and much more. Before purchasing any chair, consider the long term benefits you will receive from a good ergonomic chair.

Web Link:

https://www.btod.com/blog/2016/12/02/how-proper-ergonomics-in-the-workplace-reduces-employers-cost/

https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/20/health/sitting-study-cdc/index.html

https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/20/health/sitting-study-cdc/index.html

The beginning of 2018, the United State Government imposed a broad range of tariffs on goods imported affecting the cost of goods. Many large and small companies have been impacted by this increase which has trickled down to everyday consumers.

What are tariffs and its purpose?
“A tariff is a tax on imports or exports. Money collected under a tariff is called duty or customs duty. Tariffs are used by governments to generate revenue or to protect domestic industries from competition.” (investinganswers.com)

In short, tariffs make international trade of foreign goods more expensive to domestic consumers. International trading allows transaction between different countries to expand their markets and resources that otherwise would not have been available. About every type of goods can be found on the international market: food, clothes, raw minerals, oil, jewelry, wine, stocks, currencies, to water.

As a small business, selling commercial office furniture, we have personally experienced a slight increase in prices from several of our suppliers. Manufacturing commercial furniture in the U.S. is conducted in 48 states driving an economic impact of nearly 725 million dollars annually in imports and exports. For foreign competitors, who source component parts from China, will not feel the effects from tariffs like U.S. manufacturers would. When exporting finished goods to the U.S., their cost basis would be more competitive than domestic U.S. manufacturers. Along with the strong U.S. dollar will put domestic manufacturers in a disadvantageous position in the U.S. market.

In an article by Journal Star, it states furniture stores throughout across the U.S. are seeing 2 and 3 percent price increases. At some point, suppliers will need to pass along the increase to consumers even after their best effort of absorbing the increase.

Resource:
https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tariff-china-trade-war-products-that-will-get-the-hardest-2018-9
https://investinganswers.com/financial-dictionary/tax-center/tariff-91
https://www.pjstar.com/news/20181215/trump-tariffs-hit-furniture-retailers-consumers