It’s time for an upgrade. The workplace is constantly changing. Even more so with an unforeseen start of a new decade. As we gradually work our way into the new “normal,” finding the right balance between a safe work environment and staying productive is the goal for all companies and organizations. We’re here to give you a breakdown of what’s trending in the workplace with the latest and greatest from the world of office furniture. These products can live in virtually any space. Whether you’re planning to purchase items for the near future or just need furniture now, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

Height-Adjustable Tables

Well, most of us are familiar with this concept, however it is still on the list as a reminder. When we spend countless hours in one position all day that puts us in risk of health issues in the future. Say goodbye to the sedentary work life. Standing up promotes a healthy lifestyle with less back pains and more productivity, I mean who doesn’t want one of these fancy desks? If you are reading this right now boss… Yes, I want one. With numerous control options and color choices, we can help you find the perfect height-adjustable table for you.

Wall Tiles

Spice up your workspace with wall tiles. No, not the ones for the bathroom or kitchen. We are talking about wall tiles that can be hung from the ceiling and placed on the walls in order to diffuse and absorb sounds. Take control of disruptive noise levels of your workplace, all while being stylish with numerous color options and designs. Sounds like music to my ears.

Storage

Nobody likes losing personal belongings. If you have too much to carry throughout the workplace, the workday can get a bit stressful. Storage and locker spaces will be helpful in decluttering random personal belongings throughout the workplace and help immensely in organization. It’s more than just a storage solution, you can customize these storage and locker options to fit your space perfectly.

Electrical Additions

“Is there an open outlet there?” Seems like the number one question in the workspace today. Add an outlet to unexpected areas of the workplace. That desk or sofa can be a source of both comfort and electricity with the usual plug in outlet and USB ports. Don’t forget about wireless charging, as we start using less cords for the sake of our environment. These electrical accessories additions make your existing furniture optimized and multi-functional.

Stay ahead of the curve with these furniture options for your workplace. We want to provide you with all you need to create a great work environment to achieve great accomplishments. If any of these items sparked a thought in your mind feel free to contact us. Interiors by Guernsey is here to guide you every step of the way.

To read more about the Post-COVID workplace, click here.

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“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

African Proverb

Growing up, we were always told to do things together. Whether it be collaborating on a school project or playing on a team, it’s amazing what can be accomplished as one unit. Now I know it’s easier said than done, as we frequently bump heads voicing our own opinions. However, being able to successfully achieve one common goal is a beautiful sight.

Now think about it.

• The Avengers would not be the great crime fighting superhero squad without the teamwork and bond that they share.

• Tom Brady needed someone at the other end of the ball to score and a defense to stop the opposing team – or he wouldn’t have been able to win all six championship rings.

• Imagine bands like U2, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles being a one man show. The iconic music that we love today, may have not come into existence!

Let’s Focus on Workplace Collaboration

The mantra of the modern workplace has been to encourage and foster collaboration. A team that functions well together will get the job done in a quick and effective manner. Collaborative workplaces will also attract and retain talent from upcoming generations. Now is the time for employers to take notice and be on the lookout for the company’s future. New employees learn best from their co-workers and higher-ups, meaning more communication will naturally create mentor to mentee relationships – a workspace that is inviting and appealing to all. (Imagine that – employees actually wanting to come to work.)

By The Numbers…

• 99.1% prefer a workplace where people identify and discuss issues. (ProofHub)
• Only 5.9% of companies communicate goals daily. (ClearCompany)
• 97% of employees and executives believe lack of alignment within a team impacts the outcome of a task or project. (Visix)

What Does Workspace Collaboration Look Like?

The Balance Between “Me” and “We”

Don’t break down all the cubicle walls just yet, there is also need for individual work leading to collaboration.

Hoteling Stations

People travel all around; for those who need a spot for the day, these will open up the floor for conversation and work.

Technology Everywhere

Being social has been curated by technology; furnishings that help the workforce be interconnected will increase productivity.

Spacious and Big

Tables that stretch across to accommodate everybody, and open areas that everyone can come to socialize in, will benefit working together.

Feels Like Home

We’ve discussed the trend of Resimercial design before, but there’s no surprise that creating a space like home will definitely have employees comfortable and relaxed.

Want to learn more about creating collaborative spaces? Contact us, we won’t bite!

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Resimercial: The Next Big Office Trend Hybrid

Just when I thought I had it all figured out with BuzziJungles and Hoteling stations my boss hits me with another topic, “Resimercial.” But have no fear. Nothing like some good ol’ fashioned research — just for you. To break it down, “resi” comes from the word residential and “mercial” comes from the word, commercial. Mesh the two words together and voilà! You’ve got the word: resimercial. Resimercial is all about hybrid design, bringing in values of home into the corporate workplace. The goal is to create a welcoming and comfy environment, free from stress and anxiety. Home sweet home, or should I say home sweet work?

Why does this matter? I love my cubicle. My boss loves her cubicle. Everyone loves their cubicle. Well, a new year means new design trends. It’s time to revamp your work space and stay ahead of the game. Whether it be a potential customer, a future employee, or anyone just passing by — don’t you want to leave a good first impression? A good office design can go a long way towards that, and more. Study shows, 48% of employees say that workplace design plays a part in whether to stay at a company.^[1]https://workplaceinsight.net/workplace-conditions-and-the-office-design-shown-to-affect-performance/

Before we dive in, let’s take a look back at previous trends in the office.

The Company Office Was Created

The match was sparked with the creation of a company office. This was to be a designated area where people go to get work done and at the end of the day head back home. The corporate standard for generations.

Do We Need A Physical Corporate Workplace?

As we approached the 21^st century with high speed internet access, virtual video conferencing and the access to a multitude of many forms of digital communications. The question arose, is it necessary to leave home for work? Commuting can be a struggle for many, having to wake up early, wait for public transportation or spend countless hours in traffic on a daily basis. And to be honest, working in your jammies, what is more comfortable than that?

Telecommuting

Great, no need to go to the office until that mandatory sales meeting. Okay, but let’s be honest here. How much “work” does anyone actually get done working at home? Your bed is practically calling your name to come back, and still wearing your jammies doesn’t help.

“Third Space” Trend

Simply put — the first place is the office, the second is home, and the third is an external area away from the first two to get work done. A good example would be a local café. A friendly open atmosphere, dependable Wi-Fi source, electrical outlets (tons of them) and a sprinkle of caffeine and yummy food makes for a perfect third space. Being able to collaborate with others means more productivity and getting those creative juices flowing.

It’s Resimercial Time

The idea was introduced during NeoCon in 2017, shifting the design trend into a movement. NeoCon is a convention held annually in Chicago, Illinois bringing the industry’s major manufacturers and upcoming companies to showcase commercial industry design^[2]http://www.neocon.com/about/show-info — if you didn’t know, now you know. Clearly, being mentioned at NeoCon—that makes it special.

Resimercial design can be applied to workplaces of all sizes, sorts and kinds. It also serves as a method to attract and retain employees. I hate to mention the M-word, but according to Forbes — Every one out of three adults will be a millennial in the workforce by 2020 and by 2025, 75% of workforce will be millennials.^[3]https://www.forbes.com/sites/workday/2016/05/05/workforce-2020-what-you-need-to-know-now/#aacf49a2d632 There. I said it: millennials. Love it or hate it, it’s going to happen. As they will make up a large chunk of the workforce, it would be a smart step to cater towards them. That doesn’t mean we are leaving other age groups out. There are both traditional and modern aspects in resimercial design making for a cohesive look.

Okay so… What does Resimercial look like?

• Durable and cozy office furniture with ergonomic features.
• Natural ambient lighting to brighten up the mood.
• Open spaces that encourage movement and collaboration in the workplace.Small features and details that make a big impact.
• Designated areas with its own function and aesthetics.
• Green – plants that lend a homey and eco-integrated feel.
• The latest in technology spread throughout – increasing connectivity

   

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    Scroll through these Resimercial designs provided by the HON company.
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  Overall, resimercial emphasizes a softer vibe with energetic touches, fostering inspiration and comfort. The workplace will always continue to change, and trends will come and go. Nevertheless, the primary goal is creating a fun and productive workplace, giving joy to your employees. Looking into resimercial designs? Want to know more? Let’s chat!

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Handling Your Furniture Installation (FAQ)

Installations can be a hassle. Add the words “office furniture” in front and you’ve got yourself a headache. Office furniture installation can stir up a great deal of concerns, but have no fear. (Cue the superhero music.) We’re here to save the day! I had the opportunity to speak with John Sites of the Interiors by Guernsey team and a recent customer, who has been through the installation process, to get some key insights. Let’s dive in.

Customer: Nic Riesenburg – Facilities Director at Meritus Health (Hagerstown, MD)

Q: How confident are you now with furniture installations?

Extremely confident, the team from Interiors by Guernsey consult and ask the right questions to make the install process simple.

Q: Tell me about the communication level between you and the team during the process.

Very tight, we bounce ideas off of each other and make sure the end users are all satisfied.

Q: What was it like working with us?

Interiors by Guernsey’s quality of work is next to none. I have never had this much pleasure with another furniture vendor. The attention to details and the professionalism is fantastic. Cleaning up after yourselves is done by no vendors with exception to Guernsey.

John Sites – Furniture Specialist at Interiors by Guernsey

Q. What steps should customers take in preparing for an installation?

We want the area to be open and have any previously used furniture removed. We do not handle electronic equipment such as computers, phones and copiers due to the fragile nature of these items. However, we will remove existing furniture for a labor fee but that needs to be negotiated prior to delivery to plan the proper equipment and manpower for that work. Also, we will need somewhere to park our truck so that we can access the building, preferably with a truck height dock but a space close to the door will work too.

Q. How long will the process take?

We always base that on the products we are installing and the conditions of the space. We try to give a real estimate, so they can plan the work schedule for their team. Usually a typical office can be assembled in less than two hours, but workstations will take longer since there are so many pieces involved.

Q. How loud will it get?

We will use drills and other tools for the install but always do our best to keep the noise level down so the office can function as normal. The amount of noise would be similar to any other type of delivery in the building.

Q. What happens if something breaks during installation?

If we damage a piece of furniture or if it comes out of the packaging with a defect, we will replace that at no charge to the customer as a warranty item. We always try to use that piece, so they have a working set up until the replacement item arrives and are not stuck without a place to work. We always stand behind our work and guarantee that we will repair anything that our team damages during the process.

Q. Who handles the electrical work?

If we are working with new workstations we will install the electric in the panels that is included on the quote. The customer will need to provide an electrician to make those connections to their building and data contractors to run any phone/data lines that are needed. We typically will try to coordinate this work with those contractors while we are installing the panels to make it a seamless process for the customer. If there are desk units, sometimes they sit against the wall and block access to the outlet. We always ask if they want data/phone lines or electric strips installed while we are placing the furniture so they don’t have to worry about that after we are gone.

Q. Can you guys help with the functions of the furniture?

Yes, our installers will always show the customer how to use their new furniture from adjusting the keyboard trays to how the locking system works. We never mind taking a few minutes to answer their questions, so they feel comfortable with the new items they have. For example, when customers get new chairs they often are not familiar with the controls and adjustments. We will show them how to adjust the chairs so that they are using all the ergonomic controls and getting the full effect of their new furniture.

Q. I heard you guys remove the trash – Is this (too good to be) true?

We always remove our packaging, boxes and trash. Our team will vacuum the rooms if there is a mess left from moving the furniture. They also clean it to make sure that it is in new condition and ready to be used.

Q. The installation is complete and furniture breaks – what now?

Similar to the way we would replace any damaged items during delivery, we will replace any items covered under the manufacturer’s warranty at no charge to the customer. Each manufacturer has different warranty coverages, so the time line and items covered will depend on what they purchased. We strive to be there after the sale to help with problems or concerns that may come up.

John Sites – Meritus Health (Hagerstown, MD)

Furniture installations are not a walk in the park, but hopefully this post helped answer questions you had floating around in your head. Here at Interiors by Guernsey, our team is committed to guide you every step of the way. Come explore our office furniture installation portfolio filled with exceptional design and exciting ergonomic office furnishing options provided by the HON company.

Have a question that wasn’t answered? We have the answers. Let’s chat!

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How to Adjust Your Office Chair

Do You Sit Down for a Third of the Day or More in the Office?

You might want to sit down for this. According to Newsweek¹, seven to ten hours a day is spent sitting down for an average office worker. With all that time spent in our chairs, isn’t it important to maximize comfort and even ergonomics? Yeah, I know, we’ve all been there. Leaning back on chairs for the first time, not knowing how far it will recline, and holding on for dear life as life flashes before your eyes. No? (Maybe it’s just me.) Don’t worry, we’ll guide you in getting familiar with your chair. Let’s get started!

Got yourself all settled in? There are a wide variety of office chairs and here at Interiors by Guernsey, we can help you achieve all your seating goals. In addition, we can show you step-by-step instructions on the ergonomic controls to get the full effect of your new piece of furniture. Workplace comfort, we can do that!

Cyber Monday Deal! Come check out the famous HON Mesh Back Swivel/Tilt Chair from the infographic! (While supplies last.)

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Let’s Learn About Educational Furniture

Educational & Classroom Furniture – pretty simple to understand, just furniture that you put in schools, right? Not always the case, there is certainly more than meets the eye. More than just furniture, it’s about developing culture and an environment for individuals to grow in. I got the chance to interview Interiors by Guernsey’s very own, Terri Perry and Carol Allin to provide some exclusive insight. What are you waiting for? Let’s learn!

The Interview

I started by asking why educational furniture is meaningful to these two ladies. Terri Perry explained,

“It allows me to use my creative skills, my organizational skills, and my relational skills with people. It allows me to be a partner with these schools and come alongside their team to create something new. That’s very fulfilling to me.”

According to Carol, school furniture is about age groups – “It is Kindergarten through the 12th grade (K-12), which encompasses Elementary, Middle and High Schools in both the private and public sector, [and]…in higher education establishments such as colleges and universities.” Terri explained the contrast with regular furniture, “[It’s] very different from typical business furniture, because the intended environment is very different.”

More than just traditional individual desks, the trend now is more modern collaborative spaces created with flexible and durable furniture. According to Terri, “We’ve come a long way from wooden desks and pencil sharpeners! Colors, textures, shapes, materials, and the way classrooms are configured are all significantly different from when we were kids. The student experience has changed a lot, and classroom furniture has had a lot to do with that.” Carol jokingly added, “When I was in school, back in the dinosaur era, I always sat at my own small and individual desk with a book box attached.  I can clearly remember the desks have a pencil trough at the top, and the desks were etched with graffiti or pen and pencil writing on them.” Educational spaces are constantly evolving to create a new learning experience.

Talking about the purchasing process, they both agreed that balancing cost and functionality is crucial to creating a successful learning environment. The right choice in furniture affects the learning process. Their priority is to create designs to cater to the demands of their clients. Creativity flows as the design team builds ideal blueprints in CAD software. Terri talks about how impactful colors and design are in the process, “This is where I listen to the customer and translate that into a cohesive design that reflects both their desires and the personality of the individual school.”

I asked about Interiors by Guernsey’s impact on local schools. They both talked about how we play a major role in large renovations, but also small and medium projects as well.

“What we do impacts these schools and the community for years, sometimes decades…” Terri points out, “Getting it right, being responsive, and giving the customer the best value is essential.”

Let Our Interiors Team Help You Reach Your Educational Goals

Here at Interiors by Guernsey, we are all about great designs and practical outcomes. Working hard to achieve that goal is our priority and with HON’s amazing furniture options we make it happen.

Langley High School

Keene Mill Elementary School

Check Out Our Educational Furniture Portfolio!

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Tips for an Eco-Friendly Office

Earth Day is a day of observance where millions of people from all around the world aim to bring awareness of the state of the environment and how we can further preserve our planet. So, what better way is there to celebrate Earth Day than to go green? We’ll fill you in on some simple and easy steps you can take to give your office, and our planet Earth, a little more love.

1. Go paperless!

According to survivalrenewableengery.com, it is estimated that 40% of total waste in the US comes from paper products. This is pretty shocking, considering that there are so many different ways to reduce the use of paper. For example, switching to store your files in a digital storage space like iCloud or Google Drive can not only help save the trees, it can also help decrease the likelihood of you getting in trouble for losing all your reports. Ditch the fax machine and start scanning your papers to send out via email. Set notifications on your computer or cell phones instead of writing them down on sticky notes. Lastly, how about taking a tablet with you to your meetings instead of that embarrassing sparkly, pink notebook you got from the dollar store? (It’s more professional anyways.) As you can see, going paperless is a win-win situation!

2. Green Furniture is the way to go.

Okay, not actual green-colored furniture but eco-friendly office furniture that has been made with recycled materials. Thankfully, the misconception that eco-friendly furniture is poorly built has been on the decline as of late. Anna Creek, Designer at The HON Company and Andrew Benner, Integrated Design Solutions Manager at The HON Company shared with us, “green workplaces have been an emerging trend for the last 15 years, usually pursued by the most progressive of organizations.” They also mentioned that smart-designed ergonomic furniture is very popular in green workplaces as it “allow[s] for greater productivity and higher overall contentment” in employees.

Did you know that we have a LEED certified designer on the IBG team? LEED stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” and it is a rating system that was created by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The LEED program aims to help build highly efficient and cost-saving green spaces while reducing waste of resources like energy and water. That’s right, folks. If this sounds like something you’re into, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Just get in contact with us!

3. Lay down the rules!

“Rule number one: Never lose money. Rule number two: Never forget rule number one.” In light of that, we’re going to create our own rule about going green for your office: “Rule number one: Always recycle. Rule number two: Never forget rule number one.” Going green can be that simple, just recycle! Whenever you see your co-worker or employee throw away their paper and water bottles in the trash, encourage them to recycle them instead. To take this even further, it may be worthwhile to mention your company’s goal of always recycling and being green the moment someone is hired. When a rule like this is presented right off the bat, it’s more likely that your efforts will be more valued more by the people in your workplace.

Overall, going green in the workplace is Anna and Andrew from the HON Company say this, “Businesses and business leaders should be concerned with sustainable practices because true sustainability concerns itself with more than just environmental responsibility, addressing the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit.” They explain further that “sustainable workplaces are healthier for the members, have lower operating costs and help protect the planet.” Truly, I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Interested in going more green today? Contact us!

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