Trends in Office Furniture That Can Reduce Employee Absence

Part 2

With so many work days lost each year due to illness, the impact can hit employers hard both financially and psychologically. Not being able to rely on the output of staff one hundred per cent can be a cause of much tension but there are steps businesses can take to reduce this liability. It’s no surprise that people work most effectively when they’re comfortable and happy which is why many of the office furniture trends for 2008 centre around creating harmony and reducing discomfort. 

As discussed in Part One, ergonomically designed office chairs are crucial in helping to bring down the rate of musculoskeletal disorders, particular back problems caused by bad posture during long sedentary periods. But ergonomics are also used in other areas to help relieve problems such as repetitive strain injury especially that caused through extensive computer use. Office Reality, an online retailer of office furniture, offers several items dedicated to helping resolve these issues such as specialised keyboard trays.

Having keyboards on flat surfaces mean that people are often forced to lean forward and type with their arms and hands at unnatural angles causing tension which can eventually lead to pain. An answer to this is a tray supplied by Office Reality which brings the keyboard down into a position allowing natural movement and better seated positioning. Retailing at £266, it includes a foam palm rest for ultimate comfort and 360 degree mouse swivel surface. The height and tilt can be adjusted to suit. For laptops there is a stand with A3 size document holder which costs just £69.50.

Moving on to the overall look of the work environment, this becomes relevant when considering that stress is the second biggest cause of absenteeism. Businesses can not control all the factors that go into causing depression and anxiety but the thing they can do is create an environment that reduces tension by creating a feeling of space and brightness.

This years sees a predominance of white or/and glass in office furniture just for this reason because of there ability to reflect light. The Arkitect meeting table, from Office Reality, comes in stunning clear or frosted glass with silver or white frame and starts at £1040. By adding Ibis chairs, available from Office Reality from £49, in a vibrant colour such as purple adds a splash of warmth to an otherwise neutral look.

For the main body of the office the contemporary and striking Diamond Workstation makes a bold statement in white, priced from £1839. Also available in grey, dark oak, light oak or teak, this eight person bench station comes with chrome, glass, melamine or fabric screens and white, silver, black or chrome frames. Matching mobile under desk pedestals can be purchased with it for an additional £132 each.

Individual office desks don’t get more simplistically stylish then the Vital glass desks and tables. In frosted, blue or black glass they sport a chrome or silver frame and retail from £450. For a wide range of glass furnishings and other office furniture, from educational to executive, visit www.officereality.co.uk