Office upgrades on a budget

With the economic climate being very challenging for all businesses it is easy to overlook the importance of the office space and how investing in it can reap rewards in business growth and opportunity.

When times are hard and budgets tight, upgrading the work environment is often put on the back burner.

Office space management and location for a business is extremely important.

It is the place where stakeholders, clients, and potential new employees can physically experience your brand. What they feel when stepping into your office helps determine how your organisation is perceived and can ultimately have an impact on how successful it is.

A workplace survey reportedly indicated that more than half of employees (53%) say their own space in an office is the most important to them. Some employees prefer places to relax (14%), quiet spaces (13%), small collaborative spaces (11%), and large meeting rooms (11%), but personal spaces are by far the most important to most employees.  In real terms, all of the above spaces are important as many employees whilst saying their own space in the office is important to them, they would find for example, the option of a place to relax, or a collaborative space imperative also.

Working full time for one year equates to spending an equivalent of three months without any breaks – in the same office, at the same desk, surrounded by the same people. That’s a lot of time to be sitting in one place, and what if it’s miserable and puts you in a bad mood? That’s three months of being perpetually grumpy.

Rather than suffering in an unworkable environment, consider the possibility of revamping your office into something unbelievable. Employees expect and need a workplace environment that fosters creativity, productivity and efficiency.

While there are several appealing benefits of upgrading your business’s office space, you may be dreading the high costs of renovating and investing in new office equipment. However, even though you will need to spend on certain items, there are effective ways to upgrade your office without spending a small fortune in the process. Therefore, before you start here’s how you can upgrade your office space on a restricting budget.

If you are looking for a functional office design on a budget, the ‘less is more’ approach is probably your best bet. Not only can you create an inviting space for staff, the fact that you save money means you can invest in other areas of the business.

 

Change the lighting

Studies show that anywhere between 13 and 15 minutes of natural light a day can trigger the release of endorphins, which impact our sleep, activity and quality of life. Try swapping fluorescent lighting for natural light if you want to increase the mood and energy levels in your office.  Where possible, arrange your office furniture in a way that does not block windows and natural light, ensure that blinds and curtains are properly filtering the rays, getting the most out of any available source of natural light.  This will be far more cost effective than knocking down walls and/or installing new windows.  Of course, this is always an option if your budget will stretch to it. A light, airy office is a pleasant, welcoming environment into which to invite clients, potential customers and stakeholders.

 

Add some plants

Adding a few plants to the office could increase the engagement of workers and increase their feeling of wellbeing. Surveys have shown that employees working in offices featuring elements of nature are noted to be 15% more productive than their peers working in more industrialised spaces. Add some potted plants or a living wall feature to give that ‘bringing the outdoors indoors’ feeling.

Needless to say, artificial plants are cost-effective because they don’t wilt and die. That said, real plants are no great expense either – they just require a little extra TLC.

 

Invest in modern furniture

There is no doubt that getting new office furniture has a lasting impression on the productivity of your workers and the perspective of visitors. When hosting client meetings, interviewing candidates, or even fostering personal employee connections, the furniture in your office will speak to who you are as a company. If you take a potential customer to your business and sit them down at a cracked-leather chair facing a chipped, wooden desk, the environment will leave an impression…and maybe not one you would like. Bringing in modern furniture tells not only your customers, but also your employees, that you care about their comfort and wellbeing.

All good interior fit out companies, such as Leicester Office Furnishers Ltd, will tell you there is nothing wrong with budget office furniture and storage they just don’t come with the handy extras. For example, some desks are now height-adjustable, while some chairs are made with sophisticated ‘ergonomic’ technology for enhanced comfort.

If you’re looking for economical furniture which will perform a basic function, try the following:

• Standard Desks – Cantilever or H-frame desks are functional and inexpensive. If you like the idea of a height-adjustable desk as well, consider introducing one as a ‘standing workstation’.
• Task Chairs – Upholstered task chairs are both comfortable and cost-effective. Alternatively, mesh-back office chairs are also very economical and equally as comfortable.
• Metal Storage – Unless you have a no-paper policy, filing cabinets, pedestals and additional storage solutions are a must in your office. Consider metal storage for an inexpensive option.

Not only are the desk and storage options practical, but they also come in a range of finishes including white, oak, beech, grey oak, and walnut tops with the choice of black, white and silver frames. It just goes to show that, even if you are looking for a new office design on a budget, there are plenty of options available.

Are you ready to take your workspace to the next level? From office furniture to workspace design and layout, and full office refurbishment we are ready to help you change the way you do business. Lease purchase options available. Contact us today at Leicester Office Furnishers Ltd to transform your space into a potential springboard for business growth.