Optimising office efficiency: streamlining workspace functionality with innovative solutions

Multiple factors contribute to an office becoming an efficient workspace, but the key to maximised productivity is employee wellbeing. This does not simply refer to creating an environment that is mentally stimulating for employees, it is also ensuring their work environment promotes proper ergonomic behaviours. 

“Ergonomics is the science that studies, designs, and adjusts the environment around us so that it works better for our bodies and minds,” says a spokesperson from Fellowes.

Often focused on the physical elements of an environment, from furniture and equipment to layout, ergonomics aims to make sure these elements work seamlessly, so that employees can be comfortable, productive, and healthy.

Here Fellowes shares how innovative furniture designs enhance office functionality and employee efficiency.

Creating a work environment that supports productivity 

As the old adage goes: “a bad workman blames his tools”, however, it’s been proven that poor office conditions greatly impact an employee’s productivity. To foster an environment of collaboration and efficiency, employers must choose tools that work for their employees, not against.

“For example, monitor arms elevate your screen to the correct viewing height, therefore promoting good posture and alleviating strain on the eyes, neck and back. They can also encourage collaboration and productivity as you can work easily across multiple screens at once. This means that employees are less likely to receive a workplace injury from staring at a screen all day.”

Flexible office furniture designs support both collaborative and individual work by providing adaptable seating and workstations that can be easily rearranged. Attractive and thoughtfully designed furniture boosts morale and creates a positive work environment, thereby collectively contributing to a more dynamic, efficient, and productive office environment.

The latest trends in workspace optimisation

Following the global pandemic and the work-from-home mandates, the practice of alternating between office and home became standard. Many businesses have continued to embrace the hybrid working model, offering employees greater flexibility and an improved work-life balance. This approach has proven to enhance employee satisfaction, leading to increased productivity and reduced burnout and fatigue. 

To imitate the same comforts of working from home in the office, Activity-Based Working (ABW) has been implemented in many workplaces, providing employees with different workspaces designed for various tasks at the office, such as quiet zones for focused work, collaborative areas for team projects, and social spaces for informal interactions. 

“This flexibility boosts productivity and employee satisfaction by catering to diverse working styles and needs. The trends in workspace optimisation are catered around the employees and being flexible with their way of working, rather than forcing employees to work how businesses want them to, as giving employees the ability to work within their means creates better working conditions.”

The impact of layout and ergonomics on office efficiency

The layout and design of an office significantly impacts efficiency and workflow by optimising the use of the space, promoting ergonomic comfort, and enhancing accessibility and movement. A well-planned layout ensures that workstations, meeting areas, and common spaces are arranged to maximise functionality and minimise wasted space, facilitating easy movement and reducing time spent searching for resources. 

Ergonomically designed furniture and workstations discourages sedentary behaviours, leading to healthier, more productive employees. Open floor plans and designated collaborative areas foster interaction and teamwork, while quiet zones and private meeting rooms support focused work. Additionally, proper lighting and acoustics improve comfort and reduce distractions, and seamless technology integration ensures that employees have the necessary tools readily available. 

“To ensure comfort and functionality in smaller offices, businesses need to effectively utilise their space. This can include smart storage solutions, such as built-in drawers to desks and collapsible meeting tables, as well as using monitor arms to clear up desk space to free it up for other storage opportunities.” 

Fellowes’ Rising Monitor Arms improves efficiency and workflow by enhancing ergonomic comfort and optimising desk space. These arms allow for easy adjustment of monitor height, distance, and angle, reducing neck strain and eye fatigue among office staff. By freeing up desk space previously occupied by monitors, they create a more organised and spacious work environment. 

“This set-up not only enhances employee comfort and satisfaction, but also supports productivity by facilitating better screen visibility and reducing physical strain associated with fixed monitor positions."

Not only are Rising Monitor Arms a functional beauty, designed with 16 different configurations and nine colour finishes so that they can seamlessly integrate into your space, they also are a reliable solution that are built to last and easy for the end user to adjust.

The ergonomic benefits for staff are significant; adjustable monitor arms promote proper posture by allowing users to position their screens at eye level, reducing the risk of neck, shoulder, and back pain. By enabling employees to maintain a comfortable and ergonomic setup, these arms minimise discomfort and fatigue during prolonged computer use, thereby enhancing focus and productivity throughout the workday. 

“Additionally, the ability to customise monitor placement according to individual preferences supports a healthier work environment, leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced absenteeism.”

Rising Monitor Arms also encourage collaboration between employees as they allow you to easily adjust your screen to easily show co-workers content on your monitors.

“By supporting ergonomic best practices, these arms promote a safer and healthier workplace, ultimately enhancing employee well-being and productivity while minimising absenteeism and healthcare costs associated with repetitive strain injuries.”

Explore workspace optimisation solutions from Fellowes 

Disclaimer: Rising™ Monitor Arms are a registered trademark of Fellowes