To be successful in the competitive modern market, it is essential that businesses consider employee wellness. Mental and physical health are essential components of a productive workplace, and providing employees with the necessary support and resources to maintain their well-being is beneficial for both the business and the employees.  

If you’re looking to unlock the next level of employee performance, you came to the right place. At Guernsey, we have the supplies, strategies, and knowledge you need to cultivate wellness and enrich your business. 

Why Should You Focus on Wellness?

You already prioritize employee safety with OSHA/ANSI compliance, now take the next step towards total wellness. A healthy workforce is an invaluable asset to any business, providing numerous benefits that directly improve your bottom line. 

First and foremost, investing in employee well-being can lead to increased productivity. When employees are physically and mentally healthy, they are more focused, engaged, and motivated to perform at their best. This results in higher quality work, improved efficiency, and ultimately, better business outcomes. 

A healthy workforce also reduces healthcare costs for employers. By offering comprehensive employee benefits, such as healthcare coverage and wellness programs, businesses can proactively support their employees’ health and well-being. This can lead to decreased absenteeism, lower healthcare expenses, and improved overall employee satisfaction and retention. 

Moreover, a healthy workforce fosters a positive company culture. When employees feel supported and valued, they are more likely to be loyal, committed, and dedicated to their work. This positive work environment not only enhances teamwork and collaboration but also attracts top talent, boosting the company’s reputation and competitive advantage. 

Ready to recommit your office to wellness? Contact us today!

5 Strategies for Promoting Workplace Well-Being

At Guernsey, we know it doesn’t take a miracle or a million bucks to re-center the workplace around employee wellness. Here are 5 inexpensive ways to experience the benefits of improved employee wellness. 

• A detailed blueprint of your new office, down to the placement of each chair 
• A comprehensive list of the furniture and accessories that will populate your new office 
• A step-by-step timeline of the entire process from delivery dates to our final walkthrough 

1. Foster Open Communication

Encourage employees to voice their concerns, ideas, and feedback. By creating a safe and supportive environment, employees will feel valued and appreciated. Whether it’s a Suggestion Box in the breakroom, or regular team meetings, listening to your employees will empower them and improve your business. 

2. Provide Growth Opportunities

Invest in training programs, workshops, and seminars that enhance employees’ skills and knowledge. This not only promotes individual achievement but also increases job engagement and overall satisfaction. Plus, employees with new knowledge can help your business grow in unexpected ways. Invest in your workers, and they’ll invest in you! 

3. Support Work-Life Balance

As a business owner or manager, it is important to encourage employees to take breaks or unplug after work hours. Preventing burnout and setting boundaries between work and personal life is crucial when you operate a business. Well-rested employees are the most productive employees, after all. 

4. Invest in Mental Health

Destigmatize mental health by offering employees easy access to resources or counseling. Companies with the space and resources could consider Meditation Rooms or Quiet Area for over-stimulated employees to decompress. Updating your breakroom is another great way to empower employees to recharge when they need to. Your employees will feel your investment in their mental health, even if they don’t make use of the resources. That makes it a win-win for any business. 

5. It Takes a Village

Plenty of companies claim to be a family, but few organizations that talk the talk can also walk the walk. By encouraging team-building activities and group experiences, you create a sense of belonging, fostering positive relationships among employees and boosting morale. Organize potlucks, plan trivia nights, or celebrate Friday with a weekly raffle! After all, everyone loves a good promo product! 

Office Products for Employee Wellness

Investing in office products that promote employee well-being not only shows a commitment to employee health but also enhances productivity and overall job satisfaction. By providing employees with the right tools and resources, businesses can create a positive work environment that supports their well-being. 

Ergonomic Furniture

Chairs, desks, and keyboards that are designed with ergonomics in mind can help reduce strain on the body and prevent musculoskeletal issues. By providing employees with comfortable and supportive furniture, businesses can help prevent discomfort and injuries, improving overall well-being. At Guernsey we source comfortable, supportive furniture from some of our favorite brands, including: 

• OFS 
• HON 
• X-Chair 

Return to Nature (Sort Of)

Bring the outside in with biophilic design. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light, plants, and fresh air has a significant impact on mood, productivity, and overall health. Our office design experts will incorporate windows, skylights, or light therapy lamps into the office design, providing businesses with a brighter and more energizing environment. 

Privacy in Public

Believe it or not, the use of cubicles and barriers to create semi-private workspaces for employees is popular again! Employees find it easier to concentrate on their work by blocking out distractions and creating a more focused atmosphere.  

Sit-Stand Desks

Sit-stand desks allow employees to easily switch between sitting and standing positions, promoting better posture, reducing the risk of sedentary-related health issues, and increasing energy levels. 

The post The Importance of Prioritizing Employee Well-Being appeared first on Interiors by Guernsey.

Modern office design puts the employee’s needs first, so that by creating a positive environment which promotes well-being and focus, your business may reap the rewards of high morale and high-quality output. If you haven’t already its well past time for adding biophilic installations, seated privacy, or any of the latest design trends intended to encourage wellness and productivity. These are the new office norms and the keys to attracting, motivating, and retaining employees. 

Ready to unlock your office’s potential? Interiors by Guernsey will take you through the redesign process, step-by-step. From initial thoughts to finishing touches, IBG is your partner, here to support and execute your vision with our experience and knowledge. 

Step 1: Your Space, Your Needs, Your Dream

At IBG it might feel like we are mind readers by the way we anticipate your needs and offer solutions to problems you didn’t know you had. But the fact is, it’s your office space, we need to know what you want to do with it!  

We’ll meet face-to-face to learn about the daily operation of your company, the challenges your workplace faces, and pinpoint opportunities for growth. We’ll gather measurements and take photos to more perfectly understand your space. 

At this early stage, everyone is involved, and we mean everyone. Not only do we want to hear honest and fair feedback from the rank-and-file employees, we’ll need to talk shop with architecture experts, electricians, plumbers, and building owners to create an electrical layout and truly understand the space. Sound scary? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Just take a deep breath and think “IBG.” 

Step 2: Put It on Paper

After measuring the space and coming to a full understanding of your needs, we use CAD (Computer Aided Design) software to create a detailed floor plan of your dream office. With your input we go through as many design drafts as necessary until we find the perfect optimization for your space.  

Here’s the best part: we don’t just give you a blueprint of what your new office “could” be. We help you select the furniture and accessories that transform your office into what it “will” be. By partnering with manufacturers at the forefront of the furniture industry we are able to offer an enormously wide array of selections with competitive pricing.  

At the end of the day, you’ll have: 

• A detailed blueprint of your new office, down to the placement of each chair 
• A comprehensive list of the furniture and accessories that will populate your new office 
• A step-by-step timeline of the entire process from delivery dates to our final walkthrough 

Step 3: We Gather Together

Once our design plan gets the thumbs up, it’s time to go shopping. With an approved proposal in hand, we go about procuring the furniture and products that will enhance your office. This part of the process requires that you spend a lot of time on the phone with vendors arranging deliveries and negotiating prices. Just kidding! That’s our job! While you are busy running your business, we are organizing every detail, from the number of chairs to the timeline for delivery.  

Step 4: Set It Up

People often like to throw around the word “professional,” but at IBG we let our actions do the talking. Our in-house staff of installers are led by furniture experts with years of industry experience. Their #1 goal? Working quickly and quietly to create your new work environment without causing distractions or disruptions. Where most office furniture providers would ship you a pallet of boxes and call it a day, our team unloads, assembles, places, and installs every stick of furniture.  

Step 5: Test Drive

The big day is finally here! After all the meetings, brainstorms, planning sessions, and installations, your office is now officially your NEW office. Take a few days or even weeks to settle into your space, after that “new office smell” fades a bit. Once all the excitement wears off you might think to yourself “actually…that table would be better over there.”  

The good news? At IBG we don’t say goodbye, we say “Until next time!” That’s because our team is standing by for questions, maintenance, even furniture reconfiguration. We aren’t happy until you are.  

Click to unveil the finished product!

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At Guernsey we decided to start the year off right by showcasing some of our favorite goods and services designed to lift your business to the next level. From furniture to food, our staff put their heads together to come up with this list of Guernsey’s Gotta Have It for 2023. 

HON Ignition 2.0

Creating a “sense of place” has become increasingly important in office design. A sense of place means more than just a place to work—it’s a space that encourages employees to feel like they are part of something bigger. Having a sense of place is about creating an atmosphere that reflects the local community, culture, and values of your business.  

Nespresso Zenius 

Consider the feeling you get when you walk into a neighborhood coffee shop. You may find the warm ambience and inviting decor familiar and comfortable. Now, how do you want your employees, customers, and visitors to feel when they are in the office? To highlight corporate culture and project professionalism, you may integrate your brand’s colors into the design of your office. Plush couches, low lighting, and autumn colors will reinforce a calm, welcoming atmosphere. For a more vibrant energy consider brightly painted accent walls, sleek, minimalist furniture, and lots of natural light.   

Local Fresh Fruit Boxes 

It’s important to remember your business belongs to a community beyond the walls of your office.  Incorporating elements of the local community creates a sense of space and strengthens local bonds. Incorporating art or furniture made by local craftspeople, highlighting employee accomplishments, or simply encouraging employees to bring plants from home all help to create a sense of place.  

Ultimately, having a sense of place creates a culture of belonging and connection amongst employees, improving morale and performance. It is important to remember that a sense of place should be tailored to your unique business and local area—creating a space that feels like home for your employees. 

Entry Green Seal Certified Ice Melt 

When it comes to sustainable workplace design, energy efficiency is key. Start by looking at the big picture—think about all the energy that goes into running an office and look for ways to reduce it. Replace old appliances and equipment with newer, energy efficient models. Install solar panels on the roof, upgrade to energy efficient windows. Utilize smart lighting systems and motion sensors to prevent waste. Investing in energy efficient fixtures and equipment will help to conserve resources and save money over time.  

Custom and Promotional Products 

In a wireless age we need to stay connected wherever we go. Never drop a connection when you strategically place Wi-Fi boosters throughout the office. A plug & go WiFi extender can add over 6,500 sq. ft. to your connectivity today. 

Wiring conference rooms and collaborative spaces with electric and data ports makes connecting easy for executives and brainstormers alike. Truthfully, incorporating electric/data connections wherever people gather is a significant advantage.  

Branded Apparel 

At Guernsey, when we go out in the world, people recognize us. Not just from our actions as community members, or by the smiles on our faces. “We stand out with custom uniforms” and apparel, says Account Manager Stasia Holloway.  

Branded apparel is one of the most effective ways to spend your advertising dollars. Find a comfortable, stylish uniform for your employees that doubles as a billboard for your business. 

Dive into 2023’s Hottest Office Design Trends 

The post Guernsey’s Gotta Have It for 2023 appeared first on Interiors by Guernsey.

As the world of work continues to evolve, so do the design trends that will shape the offices of tomorrow. In 2023, workplace design trends will be all about creating a sense of place, embracing sustainability, providing variety in workspaces, promoting well-being, and listening to employee feedback. Businesses that stay on top of these trends will have a better chance of creating an office environment that meets the needs of their employees and allows them to thrive.  

A Sense of Place 

Creating a “sense of place” has become increasingly important in office design. A sense of place means more than just a place to work—it’s a space that encourages employees to feel like they are part of something bigger. Having a sense of place is about creating an atmosphere that reflects the local community, culture, and values of your business.  

Corporate Culture 

Consider the feeling you get when you walk into a neighborhood coffee shop. You may find the warm ambience and inviting decor familiar and comfortable. Now, how do you want your employees, customers, and visitors to feel when they are in the office? To highlight corporate culture and project professionalism, you may integrate your brand’s colors into the design of your office. Plush couches, low lighting, and autumn colors will reinforce a calm, welcoming atmosphere. For a more vibrant energy consider brightly painted accent walls, sleek, minimalist furniture, and lots of natural light.   

Community Inspiration 

It’s important to remember your business belongs to a community beyond the walls of your office.  Incorporating elements of the local community creates a sense of space and strengthens local bonds. Incorporating art or furniture made by local craftspeople, highlighting employee accomplishments, or simply encouraging employees to bring plants from home all help to create a sense of place.  

Ultimately, having a sense of place creates a culture of belonging and connection amongst employees, improving morale and performance. It is important to remember that a sense of place should be tailored to your unique business and local area—creating a space that feels like home for your employees. 

Sustainability 

When it comes to sustainable workplace design, energy efficiency is key. Start by looking at the big picture—think about all the energy that goes into running an office and look for ways to reduce it. Replace old appliances and equipment with newer, energy efficient models. Install solar panels on the roof, upgrade to energy efficient windows. Utilize smart lighting systems and motion sensors to prevent waste. Investing in energy efficient fixtures and equipment will help to conserve resources and save money over time.  

Tech Updates 

In a wireless age we need to stay connected wherever we go. Never drop a connection when you strategically place Wi-Fi boosters throughout the office. A plug & go WiFi extender can add over 6,500 sq. ft. to your connectivity today. 

Wiring conference rooms and collaborative spaces with electric and data ports makes connecting easy for executives and brainstormers alike. Truthfully, incorporating electric/data connections wherever people gather is a significant advantage.  

Variety of Spaces 

Empowering employees with control over their environment boosts morale and productivity. Providing different types of office spaces encourages employees to use their own initiative when it comes to workspace choice. Some people may prefer to work in an open-plan space, while others may need more privacy to concentrate.  

To satisfy all your employees, consider incorporating these spaces into your workplace: 

• Quiet Rooms – Focused, individual work 
• Breakout Rooms – For robust collaboration 
• Virtual Meeting Spaces – Outfitted with microphones, cameras, and presentation lighting designed to optimize teleconferencing 
• Touchdown Spaces – Comfortable spots for a quick email check between meetings

Promoting Well-Being 

Promoting health and well-being in your employees is an investment in your business. With a two-pronged approach of environment and culture, your office morale, health, and productivity will soar. 

Physical Environment  

As workplace design trends continue to evolve, companies must prioritize employee well-being and mental health. Creating a healthy work environment starts with the design of the office itself.  

For instance, the biophilic design trend of incorporating natural elements into office design can be beneficial in many different forms. Natural light has been shown to improve concentration and reduce fatigue. Break rooms with green plants can create a calming and welcoming atmosphere that improves wellbeing, while outdoor terraces or balconies help to connect employees to nature.  

Culture of Well-Being  

To create a true culture of well-being, we must go beyond the physical workspace. To promote employee well-being, which includes both physical and mental health, workplaces are beginning to offer more quality-of-life amenities. Increasingly popular examples include: 

• Onsite Daycare 
• Yoga and Meditation Classes 
• Access to Outdoor Spaces 
• PTO for Mental Health Days 

Listen to Your Workers  

One office trend that is here to stay is listening to your workers. The folks with boots on the ground will know best what design changes need to be made to increase productivity. The best part about listening to workers is that for each complaint, they probably have a solution. Too much noise from the printer? Create a dedicated Copy Center, far away from people who need quiet. Breakroom too small? Consider turning the conference room into a flex space. Whatever the problem, listening to your workers can hold the solution. 

Evergreen tips for a successful office.

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Adapt to Survive

Change is inevitable, so work with it, not against it. That means it’s crucial to be willing to adapt and let go of practices and protocols that are slowing you down and revisiting what served its purpose at one time but doesn’t anymore. For instance, maybe the open layout of office desks worked a decade ago, but today they may be causing lower productivity, increased employee frustration, and concern about health safety. People and times change. So must your workplace spaces.  

Easy to Clean, Easy to Keep Clean

Investing in products that are easily cleaned and easy to keep clean goes a long way in ensuring health and safety for everyone who enters the office. This also improves employee morale. A workplace that is set up to minimize the spread of pathogens is already ahead of the curve to better handle ebbs and flows with everything from seasonal illnesses to potential future pandemics. For more info on cleaning your furniture, click here.   

Your People ARE Your Bottom Line

Let’s be honest – most people have been working from home for a while now and aren’t eager to get back to the office. Employers need to step up their game and show that they care about their employees’ well-being. Work-life balance has never been more important. Providing spaces that allow for that is not just important, it’s becoming necessary.  

Breakrooms are a great way to address that balance. Well-stocked and well-designed breakrooms that are appealing, comfortable, and clean give people a place to recharge and reconnect, adding a huge boost to employee morale. Value and invest in your human capital because a company or organization does not exist without it.  

Collaborative and Accommodating Spaces

More and more people are seeking flexible work environments that are also inviting and comfortable. Collaborative platforms and spaces have never been more necessary. This doesn’t mean packing more people into smaller spaces. It means using the space you have efficiently and in a way that provides more resources when needed. Is your space set up in a way that is comfortable while also providing the right and/or necessary amount of privacy and safety? Do people feel connected despite not necessarily working side by side?  

Also, if you are going to keep or create an open design plan, you need to integrate different types of spaces into it that accommodate the changes to employee tasks throughout the day: 

1. Quiet spaces for private phone calls or concentration.
2. Breakout spaces like breakrooms, where employees can relax and connect. 
3. Meeting rooms of various sizes that don’t interfere with day-to-day activities of those located nearby. 

Keep Communication Channels Open

With more and more people working from home, communication can slip, and poor communication is bad for everyone involved. Look at ways you can arrange your workplace that enhances clear communication channels and ensures messages get to where they need to go. The ideal office plan is dynamic enough to ensure it can accommodate change when necessary – each space can take on multiple roles and allow employees the ability to move within them to find what space meets their needs at that particular time. 

Need help figuring out the best way to configure your workplace spaces? Contact us! We can help you with innovative, effective, and thoughtful design ideas to get the most out of the space you have.   

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Work from Home Challenges

Not too long ago, the idea of “going viral” meant you had a YouTube video that got famous (or infamous) and got a million views seemingly overnight. Unfortunately, seemingly overnight, that all changed. It seems pretty safe to say that by now if you haven’t read or heard the word “coronavirus” at least half-a-million times in the news, you must be living under a rock! Which, to be honest, if you are currently under a rock, you’re probably winning at this whole “social distancing” thing. The past few weeks have been filled with a whirlwind of frightening and anxiety-inducing news related to this new viral threat that is sweeping the globe. Some states are ordering citizens to shelter-in-place, local governments are scrambling to form plans-of-action to deal with the threat and preserve at least some modicum of keeping businesses running during this pandemic. Companies are reacting by sending as many workers as possible home from office settings to work from home.

If you’re already one of those people who have a job that allows working from home and you’ve already mastered the art, you know just how challenging it can be to stay focused and be productive in this setting. For those of us who have just recently been introduced to the concept, it’s a brave new world. It’s hard enough to make a transition like this in normal times. Add in the nerve-wrecking uncertainty of coronavirus, and it creates a bleak and stressful situation that even seasoned “work-from-home” veterans could use an escape from. Below are five ways to deal with the stress and loosen up a little during this unprecedented and tumultuous time.

Work from Home Solutions

1. Dedicate a Space and Organize It

You, like many people, probably have a dedicated workspace at your office. Your desk, your chair, your computer, your pictures, your reminders on Post-it notes stuck all over your space, everything, all of it, is about to go away for a while. One way to eliminate some of the stress of working from home is to choose a space and dedicate it to be your new workspace for the foreseeable future. Some of us are fortunate enough to have a home office or at least a desk at home which fits the bill. For those who do not, a kitchen or coffee table may be called up to serve this purpose. Whatever it is that you end up choosing, taking some time to organize your workspace and gathering up important items like pens, pads, post-its, laptop and phone chargers, etc. can alleviate the anxiety. Find a place that’s comfortable, consider an area that gets plenty of natural light and allows you to stay in place while plugging away at that project without straining your back (or your bum for that matter).

2. Create Routines and Stick to Them

We all have our own set of routines when it comes to our working day. Some of us are early risers and find that getting into the office before anyone else gives the ability to crank out some uninterrupted morning productivity. If you’re not an early riser, that’s okay, but it is important to maintain something resembling a routine in order to keep stress to a minimum. Make yourself get up out of bed at the same time as normal. Take regular breaks and lunches at the same time you normally would. Keep distractions to a minimum by resisting the temptation to flip on the TV, surf social media or browse the pantry between emails.

3. Take a Breath of Fresh Air

Speaking of lunch, if you have a ready space outdoors to scarf down a sandwich at lunch, consider taking it outside. The benefits of fresh air and sunlight can do wonders for you. If you’re an apartment dweller without a space to throw a chair out in the yard, try finding a window with some good natural light and open it up next to you while you eat. Be creative and make the most out of what you have.

4. Get the Blood Flowing

One of the hardest things about working from home can be going sedentary. Taking some time after completing a challenging spreadsheet to relax a little can reduce stress. Instead of using that scheduled break to stay put in your new home office space and flip through the internet or watch 15 minutes of Tiger King on Netflix, try looking up an online yoga class or a quick exercise routine. If you’ve got a smart tv, there are untold numbers of these videos on YouTube that can provide a much-needed respite from the stress of work and what’s going on in the world.

5. Reward Yourself

A new dynamic of working from home for many is the loneliness. Everyone loves a good pat on the back from time-to-time and a “Hey, good job!” from the boss or co-workers. That’s going to be happening less frequently if at all in your new home office. You’ve got to be the one to provide that crucial positive feedback. Make it part of your routine that when you accomplish something good, like completing a task or making a good connection with a customer over the phone or email, that you take a moment to acknowledge that. Maybe grab a notebook and keep track of the things you’ve done well. Set goals for yourself, and when you accomplish one, grab that favorite bite of chocolate or snack as a little “Atta-boy” or “Atta-girl”. It goes a long way towards keeping you positive and conditioning yourself to stay motivated!

Whether you are an employee or a business owner, the end goal is to better your work environment no matter where you are. Whether at work or home, there are always ways to better your business

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Escape from work! (Well, not exactly.)

Eight or more hours per day, we’re tied down to our offices to get through our weekly to-do lists. Is it just me, or does it feel like the office is now home and we visit our actual home for the weekends? There’s just so much to do and not enough time!

You start to realize the sighs and droopy shoulders throughout the office. With the heavy workload, employees need a break to clear out their minds throughout the day. In order to do so, many leave the office. Whether it be to connect with a friend over lunch or have some private “me” time, leaving the workspace creates a period of disconnect. Instead of having to leave, why not create a space where employees can do it all. Seems to me, your office needs a relaxation station!

Here are 3 things to consider when creating a stress free space in your office:

1. Home at Work

Create an environment that is both functional and cozy. Plain walls with dull colors are not very appealing to the eyes. We recommend using a warm color palette that is eye-catching and inviting for both employees and visitors. Incorporating paintings or even a mural that covers up the whole wall will make for a space that people want to be in. Put together a modern space with trendy furnishing pieces. In addition, add ambient lighting that will shine on your employees. Got ideas, but don’t where to start? We can help design your dream space!

Take a look at this cozy layout. All images provided by Global Furniture Group.

2. Smart Furniture

At work, being connected is an essential part to do just about… everything. Being up to date with the latest in furniture technology will help both gain and retain employees. Imagine having to walk back and forth from your desk in order to charge your laptop or phone. Also, apart from your personal gadgets, outlets and USB ports are essential to accommodate all electrical devices. Furniture pieces with built-in outlets? Now we’re talking. Recharge in the relaxation station mentally and electronically!

Quick tip: Let’s admit it, we’re all a bit messy. Pick fabrics that are durable and easy to clean up in case of spills!

3. Fun at Work?

When work is fun, who would want to go home? Am I right? Allow your employees to unwind but also bond through shared experiences in these areas of retreat. Working together to win a simple game of cards will also translate into completing daily work tasks together. It’s about creating a sense of community throughout the office. Before you go ahead and bring in the air hockey table, don’t forget it’s still a place of work! You do not want to come off as unprofessional.

In conclusion, create a space that is specific and unique to your office. Are you interested in creating a place to reduce stress and relax in your workspace? Let’s chat! From consulting your space needs, through the finishing touches of installation, we can help you every step of the way. Feel free to contact us with any questions!

The post What Your Workplace Needs: Stress Free Relaxation Station appeared first on Interiors by Guernsey.

I could start off with a whole spiel about how amazing technology is, but I’m sure you all have heard that story before. Technology has clearly influenced and changed the way we live our lives; at home, our daily commute and even at work. Technology is ever present and always evolving. That being said we need to adjust the way we live to incorporate the newest advancements in technology. Let’s direct our focus to technology in the workplace and how it is elevating the furniture industry to meet with today’s technological standards maintain our daily needs.

Is There an Open Outlet?

Look at your workspace. Ever notice how many devices and electrical cords are a part of your daily tasks? Without access to an electrical outlet, none of the technology would be able to function properly. It’s all fun and games until the electricity goes out and then you realize how dependent you’ve become to electronics. Even when the Wi-Fi stops working just for a couple of hours, all of the sudden you are stranded on an island with nothing to do (or maybe that’s just me.)

Desks with cable holes have gradually become the norm of the industry. Easier access to outlets and no clutter from cords getting in the way of work. Now, if you really want to get fancy, wireless charging has been on the upsurge of technological trends. Devices that have the capability of wireless charging will benefit greatly. No need to go searching for a charger every single time, just simply set it and come back to a fully juiced device. Furniture pieces nowadays have this feature embedded and built into the product itself, so all you have to do is set it on the charging area. It’s almost like magic.

Find the Perfect Desk for You!

A Virtual Experience

Furniture industries prioritize having the right resources for customers in a timely manner. The “try before you buy” approach is crucial in the furniture industry. Companies have lead times in order to establish accurate expectations as we all have tight deadlines to meet. Time is very valuable to everyone, so no wonder technology continues to be used to improve the furniture retail experience.  Buyers can download applications to their devices to visually see and create products and spaces to their liking. No risk in having to return items or create unwanted expenses.

Yes, we’re talking about augmented reality, AR for short. Developers have created a medium for customers to have a controlled personalized shopping experience. It provides a more informed purchasing decision with all the accessible information right in front of you. A showcasing of products and all its customizable parts in color, fabric, shape and so forth. Most importantly it grabs attracts a new age of customers, who are more tech-savvy. Being able to see things in real-time and on demand will be a huge plus in the decision-making process.

The All-in-One

Furniture pieces were previously created with only a few goals in mind. Today, these pieces are oriented to be more versatile, having multiple functionalities. A very common example in household furniture is a futon, a comfortable sofa in the morning that turns into a bed by night. In the office, multi-functional furniture pieces benefit greatly in smaller workplace areas. Two drawer vertical file cabinets can serve a dual purpose as a stool or bench.  Sit-stand workstations allow the employee to change their positioning without leaving their work area– office ergonomics at its finest. These items help maximize space and minimize costs – sounds like music to anyone’s ears. The market showcases many all-in-one furniture product options and will grow from here.

Even More Green

In light of the community taking steps to be more environmentally conscious, the furniture industry has been playing their part as well. Building furniture pieces have shifted towards more sustainable resources in commitment to an eco-friendly design. No wonder I’ve been seeing more and more green leaf or recycle symbols on products and services.

With anything we do, we want to make sure it’s safe. LEED Certification is a great example in how companies strive to phase out the toxic substances once used in manufacturing and create an environment that is both productive and safe. Technology is embedded in the manufacturing process.

Oh, how far we’ve come from just a regular office chair and a plain old desk. A modern take on productivity and connection throughout the workplace will enable technological advancements to flourish in the years to come and the furniture industry will work in parallel. Before you know it, the furniture we see today will drastically change over the years and I can’t wait to see the evolutions.

Interested in implementing new technologies to your workplace? Talk to one of our interior design specialists!

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March Madness!  To quote legendary sportscaster Dick Vitale, “Its awesome baby!!!”  When you stop and think about it, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament offers an interesting parallel to workplace supplies. How is that you ask?

Blue Bloods vs Mid-Majors

“Blue Bloods” are your perennial powerhouse programs that get the best recruits, have the biggest budgets, have huge fan bases and have a storied tradition of winning.  In the 2019 NCAA tournament, teams like Duke, UNC and Kentucky would be considered your Blue Bloods.  In the office, our Blue Blood manufacturers would be companies like HON, HP, Gojo and Rubbermaid.  All of these Blue Bloods can be relied on for top performances year in and year out and are always leading the pack.

“Mid-Majors” are generally lesser known or not as established programs.  These programs may not have the long history of success, but they still can put together a quality squad and compete against anyone.  In the 2019 NCAA tournament our Mid-Majors would be teams like Buffalo, Villanova and Nevada.  In the office supply industry, our Mid-Major manufacturers would be Deb, Nittany Paper and Nexstep.  These Mid-Majors may not have the national recognition of Blue Bloods, but they are strong competitors that shine come competition time.

School Spirit is Everywhere

Schools love building their brand.  March Madness is a school spirit overload with schools showing off their logo, parading around their mascot and playing their fight song at every commercial break.  Workplaces aren’t very different, well aside from the fact that most workplaces don’t have a fight song…yet…  Every company out there has promotional products with their logos on it, from pens and shirts to soap dispensers and swag bags that build their brand just like a school like UCLA does during the NCAA tournament.

Nothing Ends After the Games Are Over

Even though the season is over after the nets are cut down and a winner is crowned, that doesn’t mean it’s time to relax for universities around the country.  Universities use the publicity and recognition from their media exposure in the NCAA tournament to help recruit new athletes and students.  Universities also hold exit meetings with graduating players to help them build the program for the future.  Similarly, after an office furniture installation in the workplace is complete, the work isn’t over yet.  The company meets with their installation team to go over the punch list and make sure that everything is perfect.  Then the company shows off their new space to employees and clients to help build their business and bring in top new recruits.

Mach Madness has everything you can ask for in terms of competition, excitement and the classic David vs. Goliath struggle of Blue Bloods vs Mid-Majors.  No matter what type of team you root for, the NCAA tournament truly is the best playoff in sports so kick back and enjoy the fun!

Show Some Spirit With A New Office Furniture Install!

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It’s February 14th already? You know what that means… Valentine’s Day! The best day ever (said no one ever). I mean okay I get it, the heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, big teddy bears holding hearts, red roses formed into a heart and oh, did I mention hearts? For some, it’s a day to show appreciation to a special someone. For others, it may be S.A.D, Single Awareness Day (Yes, it’s really a thing, look it up.) We’ve all had a relationship of some sort; however, I’m sure everyone has their own opinion of what an ideal relationship looks like. The Oxford Dictionary defines a relationship as, “The way in which two or more people or things are connected” On that note, I’m here to tell you…

Five Reasons Why Your Relationship with Interiors by Guernsey is — The Perfect Relationship

Conversation

The most obvious of things can easily be forgotten. Communication is key in creating a healthy relationship. From the get-go, our team is all about keeping in contact — in person, on the phone, online chat, through e-mail and even a toll-free line. We just can’t get enough of you! We’re all ears when it comes to your wants and needs. Give us a ring, let’s chat!

Practicality

Actions speak louder than words. In our relationship, your goals are our goals and we take heart in fulfilling your needs. No beating around the bush. You want a new hybrid layout plan with resimericial design? Comfortable seating options with ergonomic features? All installed to fit your timeline? Done, done, and done. We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk.

Humor

Everybody likes a good sense of humor. Projects can be stressful and time-consuming. Good thing fun is in our DNA! Our team is filled with quirky and lovable personalities; we’re easy to be around. We have the right attitude to get things done. We’re all for sharing a good laugh and creating good memories. No need to look sofa-r, we’re right here waiting for you. (Get it?)

Knowledge

We all know the saying, “knowledge is power.” And we can’t help but agree. What’s more attractive than having confidence in your work? The Interiors team has 352 years of experience combined. Yes, you heard that right. Three hundred, and fifty-two. A number that’s only growing as we go. Talk to one of our team members and be ready to swoon over our professionalism. It’ll have you wanting more.

Problem-Solving

No doubt about it, relationships are a roller coaster ride. Having no problems, might be a problem in itself. Our goal is to resolve issues before they arise. Meaning, we put you, the customer, first at all times. Troubles will be gone in a blink of an eye. That’s how we want to build our trust with you. Safe to say, we like you.

Are you convinced? I know, we get it, there’s a lot of fish in the sea, but this is only scratching the surface of what we have to offer. We have much more love to give to you. Give us a shout and we’ll be waiting for you. This could be a start of a beautiful relationship.

Do you love infographics? I heard there is a nifty Valentine’s Day one on the Guernsey blog right now.

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