Learn how and where to buy office furniture for your home workspace.
Is your company implementing a hybrid work model or permanently working from home going forward?
While it may take some adjusting to this brave new work world, there’s a lot of good news — a recent McKinsey & Co. survey of 100 executives confirmed that employee productivity and customer satisfaction have actually increased during the pandemic!
Many people’s early- pandemic arrangement of working from the kitchen table was not ideal, but it was manageable for a short time. Cut to many months later, and employees across all industries now recognize the need for a dedicated workspace — no matter how small. As a result, a growing number of companies are providing employees with resources to purchase office furniture and supplies for their home offices.
What items should you be investing in for your employees? The big must-have items include the obvious: a desk, chair, and computer. Without these foundational items, work from home would simply be impossible.
Keep reading our home office furniture and supplies guide to learn more about building up you or your employees’ home workspaces!
For Employers
Each person and role within an organization is unique and has unique needs. The IT manager who runs marathons in his spare time may prefer a standing desk (or even a desk that can affix to a treadmill for walking Zoom calls), while the creative director may need three computer monitors and a dry erase board for idea sketching.
Variety and choice are the name of the game when selecting office furniture for your organization. There is no one-size-fits-all desk or chair — providing the employee the opportunity to collaborate on choosing the right furniture for them will go a long way toward ensuring long-term productivity for the organization and comfort for the employee.
Make sure to set a reasonable budget, communicate the budget to the employee, and check in with them occasionally to see how their office is working out for them or if they need refills on any supplies.
Learn more about how you can help your employees set up their ideal home office here.
For Employees
Gone are the days of sitting in a 15-year-old swivel chair with one squeaky wheel and a broken armrest. The next time you’re in your home office (or home closet/nook, as the case may be), take note of what you like and dislike about your current setup, write it down, and talk to your manager about it. So often, you go about your busy workday without giving a thought to how you’re sitting in your chair or hunched over your computer — it doesn’t have to be this way!
Check out our guide on how to create an ergonomic office space to get ideas on how to transform your short-term remote space into a comfortable, productive zone you’ll love working in.
Aside from your furniture, make sure to take accurate measurements of your space. The last thing you want is your perfect desk to be three inches too wide to fit into your workspace.
And above all else, advocate for yourself! Your employer will want you to be comfortable so you can do your best work. If something isn’t working out or you’re having difficulties creating a productive workplace, let your manager know so you can brainstorm solutions together.
Beyond the Basics
As discussed, a desk, chair, and computer are obvious, but what about less obvious items employees may benefit from having?
A white noise machine can be particularly helpful if another member of the household is also working from home. There are few things more frustrating than overhearing a spouse or roommate’s conference call through thin walls. A white noise machine can improve focus and provide much-needed privacy.
A laptop stand and a high-quality web cam are great tools to provide if your company conducts a lot of business over video chat.
The unsung hero of most modern offices is without a doubt an office supply closet — without access to it, having a productive workday could be a challenge! Furnishing the home office with post-it notes, pens, printer ink, legal pads, highlighters, staplers, paper clips, and more ensures employees are well-equipped to tackle their to-do lists.
Where to Buy Office Furniture
Creating a practical work from home space can take some adjusting and planning. Whether you’re a manager or employee, our team as EZ Office Products is here to supply everything you need to make remote or hybrid work productive and enjoyable.
Contact our team today or create an account to browse our online store!