When was the last time you considered having your office furniture replaced? Or do you think it just isn't worth spending money on new items? While it's true that office furniture may not tangibly prove that it's better for employee productivity, keep in mind that it has a big impact on the mental and physical well-being of your employees. The right office furniture can play a pivotal role in either boosting or disintegrating employee morale, productivity, and safety. In light of this, we're going to discuss some important reasons why it's probably time you should replace your office furniture.
Top Reasons You Should Get New Office Furniture
The Risk of Employee Injuries
While it may seem that corporate jobs don't come with any injury risk, you can't deny the fact that there's always a risk of unique injuries that your employee may suffer. For example, carpel tunnel syndrome is a typical health risk that results in hand pain, which commonly stems from awkwardly positioning your wrists while typing or using the mouse. In addition, your employees may also suffer eye strain as a result of looking at their computer screens for long periods.
You can mitigate both these health conditions by investing in ergonomic office furniture such as installing work desks that come with a pull-out tray for the keyboard as well as getting a height adjustable desk or office chair that can help your employees maintain a healthy posture instead of hunching or slouching all the time. Outdated or potentially damaged office furniture will only add to these problems.
Prevent Backpain
If your employees complain about back pain, you should likely consider investing in an ergonomic office chair or a standing desk. According to a report published by the American Chiropractic Association, it was determined that back pain is among the top-most causes of disability throughout the world. Standing desks are designed to help workers alternate between working standing and sitting, allowing them to straighten their backs and shoulders along with improving their blood circulation.
Dwindling Employee Productivity
If you see that there's been an abrupt drop in your team's levels of productivity, it's probably time to renovate the office. For instance, you may need to add individualised workstations or spaces or install higher walls, providing your employees with a high degree of privacy. In addition, you may also consider changing the office floor plan, opting for a more open workspace so that your employees can communicate with one another effectively, especially when it comes to collaborative projects.
The Furniture is Disintegrating
Understand that no matter how expensive your office furniture is, nothing lasts forever. Over time, the desks will crack, and the chairs will break or become completely unusable. When you see that happening, it's time to replace everything. In addition, you also need to factor in employee safety. Your employees should be able to use the furniture without necessarily getting hurt or injured.
Subpar Furniture
If you've installed poorly made or subpar furniture, it's going to end up breaking apart sooner than you expect. If you're seeing signs of aggressive wear and tear, and you've just installed the furniture a year or so ago, you might want to upgrade to high-quality alternatives. Installing cheap furniture is just going to cost you more in terms of maintenance and repairs.
Outdated Designs
Companies that use outdated work desks and chairs are generally viewed as having a lacklustre attitude towards employee health and wellbeing. If your company has chairs and tables that are more than a couple of decades old, your potential employees or visitors will think that you run things ineffectively.
By investing in modern furniture, you'll be able to uniquely position your brand as a forward-thinking market leader. This is why it's recommended that you upgrade to a standing desk or an ergonomic chair or more innovative furniture items that are designed to promote employee health and productivity.
How Often Should Replace Your Office Furniture?
Generally speaking, top-notch office chairs and work desks are designed to last anywhere from seven to ten years as they're manufactured with quality materials. However, the real lifespan of your office furniture will rely on the level of use, the materials they're built with, and the type of furniture you're using. Plus, you also need to factor in the level of maintenance as well.
For instance, height adjustable desks that are built with quality hardwood or metal are more durable and may last up to ten years or more. However, chairs are trickier because these items are subject to more wear and tear than work desks and tables.
Bottom Line
In all, these are some important factors you need to keep in mind when it comes to replacing your office furniture. Remember, if you need to build a quality team of healthy employees, you need to provide them with the tools that they need to operate with more efficiency without compromising their health.
