Source Office Furniture

The Bookshelf Effect: How Bookshelves Make You Look Smarter

Drew Dueck — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:06:25 +0000

If you want to look smarter at work, bookshelves can help.

In fact, a research done by Durham University has found that people who showcase books in their background during online meetings are more likely to create trustworthy and competent impressions ¹. This is in comparison to backgrounds like living spaces, blank walls, virtual backdrops, and blurred surroundings. Bookshelves have more uses than that, of course. Not only do they provide convenient office storage, but they’re also a testament to your knowledge, curiosity, and interests. They provide you with endless opportunities to express yourself in a professional setting, while giving you some control over how others view your expertise and credibility. You might also discover common interests, potential conversation starters, and opportunities for professional connection with your colleagues along the way. With those benefits in mind, let’s look at some of the ways bookshelves can help you make the best impression possible.

7 Ways Bookshelves Make You Look Smarter

1. Knowledge Display: A bookshelf filled with a variety of books showcases your commitment to knowledge and learning. It suggests that you have a wealth of information at your fingertips, which can make you appear more knowledgeable. Of course, this only works if you’ve actually read the books you have displayed. 2. Cultural and Intellectual Interests: The choice of books on your shelves can reflect your cultural and intellectual interests. It can convey that you are well-rounded and have diverse areas of expertise or curiosity.

3. Professionalism: In many professional settings, a well-organized bookshelf can convey a sense of gravity and professionalism. It shows that you’re dedicated to your work and career. 4. Conversation Starter: A bookshelf can serve as a conversation starter. Visitors or colleagues may notice books they have read or are interested in, which can lead to meaningful discussions and networking opportunities. 5. Resource Library: Having reference materials and books related to your field or industry can be a valuable resource. It implies that you have the tools and information readily available to excel in your work and any action items that come your way. 6. Aesthetic Appeal: A nicely arranged bookshelf can enhance the overall aesthetics of your office. It demonstrates attention to detail and a sense of order. 7. Personal Branding: Your choice of books can also contribute to your personal branding. If you have books related to your field or industry, it can reinforce your expertise in that area. You can also display items from your personal interests, giving others an insight as to who you are outside of your role at work.

What to Look for When Buying a Bookshelf

Size: The size of your bookshelf will depend on how much available space you have in your office and how many books you want to display. If you have a lot of books but limited floor space, you may want to opt for a tall bookshelf that maximizes the height of your office
Adjustable Shelves: Books come in many different sizes. To better incorporate taller books in your collection, take advantage of adjustable shelves that will ensure you make the most out of every inch of shelf space.
Durability: Books are heavy. You want to look for a bookshelf that is made from durable and study materials. The last thing you want is for your shelves to bend or break from the weight of your books.
Style: Look for a bookshelf that matches your current office furniture and the style of your workspace. By choosing a matching bookshelf, you can achieve a cohesive look that feels elevated and professional.

Discover a range of shelving options with storage solutions from Source. With products like our Heavy Duty Bookshelves, you can create an office that reflects your knowledge, skills, and interests making you look smarter and ready to tackle anything that comes your way. Browse our selection online or chat with an office furniture specialist from a Source Office Furniture location near you. ¹Dugan, Emily. Plants or bookcases as backdrop on video call really do impress, study finds. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/sep/28/plants-or-bookcases-as-backdrop-on-video-call-really-do-impress-study-finds. September 28, 2023.

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6 Tips to Maximize Ergonomics in Your Office

Drew Dueck — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 21:35:06 +0000

Ergonomics has become a buzzword when it comes to office furniture, and for a good reason.

Whether you work from home or from the office, the ergonomics in your workspace has a huge impact on your body and day-to-day performance. The signs of poor ergonomics can manifest in many ways. Maybe you’re feeling a dull pain in your lower back, or maybe your neck is constantly sore and achy. In addition to discomfort, you may also be experiencing higher levels of fatigue, leading to a lack of focus and productivity. That’s why ergonomics in the office is important. After all, we spend most of our day at our desks and in front of a computer. It should be a comfortable experience. To help you achieve the most comfortable and ergonomically friendly workspace, here are some tips for creating a setup your body will love.

1) Check Your Monitor Placement To prevent you from craning your neck up or down, the top of your monitor should be at eye level. This puts your neck in the most neutral position and allows you to view your entire monitor comfortably. Your monitor should also be at least an arm’s length away. Not so close that it strains your eyes, but not too far that it’s hard to see what’s on the screen. Some monitors come with stands that make it difficult to adjust the height and tilt of your screen. If this is what you’re experiencing, consider getting a monitor arm. Monitor arms are made with multiple pivot points that allow you to achieve the best monitor placement. They also save space on your desk by eliminating the stand, which can take up a lot of valuable space on your desk.

2) Watch Your Head Position Make sure your head sits directly above the base of your neck. By lining up your head and neck, you achieve the most supported head position, preventing strains to your neck and shoulders that are a result of craning your neck forward. If you find it difficult to stay in this position, opt for an office chair with a headrest. A headrest can be used as a guide that reminds you where your head should be positioned. It can also reduce strain on your neck by sharing the weight of your head.

3) Make Sure Your Arms are Supported By providing support for your arms, you relieve stress and tension in your shoulders. When using a keyboard or mouse, your wrists should line up with your elbows, creating a 90-degree angle where your upper arms and lower arms connect. Your arms will feel rested and natural at this position, further preventing strain and fatigue, even if you’re using a standing desk. You can use your desk or your office chair to achieve this position. When choosing an office chair, adjustable arm rests are an important feature. These adjustment settings cater to your body for a customized fit that is comfortable for you. Depending on the height of your desk and office chair, this may be hard to accomplish with a desk and chair alone. Luckily,keyboard trays can help you achieve the perfect height and angle. Keyboard trays are mounted on the underside of your desk and slide away or towards you, depending on your needs. Some keyboard trays allow you to play with the angle of your keyboard to get the most comfortable position for your wrist.

4) Position Your Chair in an Upright Position Every body is different but the best position for your back is typically an upright position where your vertebrae are stacked. Leaning too far back or forward may cause more pressure on your lower back, leading to aches and pains. Ergonomic office chairs are excellent for supporting your body, especially the length of your back, while you work. They are designed with multiple adjustment settings that help you find the best seat position, tilt angle, height, and more. Ergonomic chairs are designed to support the natural curve of the spine and feature lumbar support that makes your seating experience comfortable.

5) Make Sure Your Feet Don’t Dangle Finding the right height for an office chair can take some trial and error, but a good determining factor is how your feet are positioned. If your feet dangle from the edge of your chair, you’re probably seated too high. A great way to prevent your feet from dangling and adding even more pressure on your back is a foot stool. A foot stool can help you achieve the perfect bend at your knees and ankles, creating a seated position that feels natural for your legs.

6) Consider a Height-Adjustable Desk A height-adjustable desk is great for both tall and vertically challenged users. By being able to adjust your desk height, you gain more control over the height of your monitor, keyboard, and office chair, all of which are elements that contribute to an ergonomic office. A height-adjustable desk also allows you to stand while you work, breaking up the number of sedentary hours in your day. Standing for 30 minutes every hour promotes blood and oxygen flow in your body, which increases energy levels while you work. Standing also alleviates pressure throughout your back and hips, resulting in happier muscles. If you’re ready to start working more comfortably in an ergonomic office, our specialists are ready to help. With a wide selection of ergonomic office furniture and accessories, Source has the product range and expertise to create workspaces that put comfort and support first. Contact us today at your nearest Source Office Furniture location.

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4 Tips To Stay Active At Work In 2023

Drew Dueck — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 20:09:12 +0000

Why is it important to stay active at work?

Feeling that pinch in your lower back? Or maybe you find yourself feeling fatigued throughout the workday? These are common signs you may be sitting for too long at work. In addition to lower-back pain, sitting for long periods of time can cause aches and strains in your shoulders, neck, and upper back. It can also lead to a lack of energy and focus, preventing you from being your most productive. It can be easy to fall into a sedentary routine, especially if your job requires long hours of sitting in front of a computer. During your commute to work, you may also be sitting in a car or bus. Even after-work activities that are meant to wind you down are more comfortable when you’re seated. That’s why it’s important to incorporate movement during your workday. The great part about staying active at work is that there are range of small habits you can add to your day that will make a big difference in your health and wellbeing. To get you started, we’ve put together some ideas for how you can get moving at work. 1) Increase Walking Distances One of the simplest things you can do is to increase your step count. You can do this by parking further away from the office’s front doors, taking the stairs whenever possible, and periodically walking around the office to communicate with your coworkers instead of just emailing them. By keeping your heart pumping, you can increase blood and oxygen flow in your body, resulting in more energy.

2) Get a Standing Desk Height-adjustable standing desks are a great addition to any workspace because they turn a sedentary job into one that promotes movement. By standing at your desk, you immediately improve your posture, while relieving pressure in your back. It can also prevent you from feeling sluggish, so you can maintain energy and alertness while you work. Whether your workspace is at home or in the office, Source has height-adjustable standing desks that make it easy for you to switch from sit to stand. Our Echo Height-Adjustable Desk is our most economical standing desk and features a simple control panel that lets you change the height with up and down buttons. Its 2-stage lifts offer a span of 28” to 47”, accommodating a wide range of heights. The Enhance Height-Adjustable Desk features a 3-stage lift that spans from 25.4” to 51” and accommodates an even wider range of heights. In addition to up and down buttons, the control panel includes three programmable buttons that allow you to save your favourite heights as presets. If you already have a desk that you love, you can opt for our Sit-To-Stand Elevate Desk. This riser sits on top of your current work surface, turning any stationary desk into standing desk.

3) Get Some Fresh Air Having a clear head can help you scale your creativity to new heights and improve focus so you can dive deeper into the finer details of your work. Whenever possible, try turning your one-on-one meetings to outdoor walks where you can have discussions and brainstorming sessions in the energizing fresh air. Taking your coffee and meal breaks outside is another great way to get fresh air, while putting some distance between you and your computer. 4) Desk-Friendly Stretches Having one of those days where it’s impossible to leave your desk? A good stretch every couple of hours can lead to happier muscles and a more comfortable experience at work.

Simple head tilts gently stretch the neck and trapezius muscles, which are commonly known to hold a lot of stress and tension. Remember to go slow and avoid making any sudden movements to prevent further strains and injuries. Release shoulder tension with 10 shoulder raises followed by 10 shoulder rolls, front to back, and back to front. Repeat on each arm three times. Draw each letter of the alphabet with your foot as you sit and plug away at your work to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your lower legs and ankles. These simple movements won’t interrupt your work or distract you from staying on task, and maybe your coworkers will catch on and be inspired to do their own version of workplace stretches. If you’re ready to create a workspace that puts your health and body first, Source’s selection of ergonomic office furniture can get you started. Contact your nearest Source location to get started.

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Striking a Balance: Navigating Meetings and Online Communication for Efficient Workplace Collaboration

Drew Dueck — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 17:28:02 +0000

Time is valuable to every business, and so is communication.

Achieving a balance of both usually requires on-going evaluation and discussions about workplace best practices: what works and what doesn’t? Meetings are commonly found at the top of that list. Meetings are what most workplaces revert to for communication, making important decisions, and bringing the team together. They can make staff members feel connected and involved in decision-making processes, which can ultimately lead to greater employee satisfaction. In some cases, however, an email and other communication methods, like asynchronous tools, can effectively communicate information and updates to your team outside of meetings. Together, meetings and online communication tools create well-informed teams, making collaboration easy and seamless. But how can you tell which form of communication will be better for your team?

Things to Consider When Planning a Meeting

Is There an Agenda? Agendas serve as a guideline that keeps meetings focused, purposeful, and efficient. Setting an agenda can also give attendees an idea of what to expect, how to prepare, and what action items they can look out for. This simple but effective step can propel your team and project forward towards a desired outcome. If you’re having trouble creating an agenda for your meeting, this may indicate the meeting doesn’t have a focus point and you may want to consider sending an email or company memo instead. This communication method is great for simply sharing updates and information or giving feedback. How Many People Need to Attend? A common mistake people make when organizing a meeting is having too many attendees. Having the right number of people can keep attendees engaged, while empowering individuals to share their ideas or concerns. This leads to a more meaningful level of collaboration that is beneficial to everyone involved. For your next meeting, try only inviting attendees who will benefit most from hearing the material and would have ideas to contribute.

Is this a Reoccurring Meeting? Reoccurring meetings are a great way to stay up to date with members of your team, creating opportunities to talk about any on-going projects and tasks. However, it’s important to take some time to review your recurring meetings on a regular basis. Reviewing these ongoing meetings ensures that they remain relevant, purposeful, and aligned with current objectives and priorities. You may find some meetings no longer serve a purpose and can be removed from everyone’s calendars. Does a Decision Need to Be Made? If a decision needs to be made, meetings are highly effective. Meetings facilitate real-time interactions and discussions among participants. This immediate exchange of ideas, perspectives, and feedback can lead to quicker and more informed decision-making compared to back-and-forth communication via email. This also gives participants the space to ask questions, seek clarification, and clear up misunderstandings in a quick and efficient setting. If you’re simply relaying information or updates to your team, consider sending an email instead.

Meeting Furniture to Support Your Team

If you’ve determined that hosting a meeting is the best course of action, having the right meeting furniture in your office can help facilitate effective collaboration among your team members. In addition to choosing the right office furniture, you also want a layout that encourages open dialogue and the exchange of ideas between colleagues.

Boardroom Furniture Boardrooms are a tried-and-true office space for strategic planning and decision making. Boardroom furniture, such as conference tables, accessories, are key components of every functional boardroom, supporting your team as they collaborate. When choosing a boardroom chairs, consider options that are comfortable, stylish, and mobile. These factors can help your team collaborate seamlessly while together in the same room. Lastly, accessories like power modules can make connectivity easy by making power outlets and data ports more easily accessible.

Casual Meeting Spaces Providing your team with areas to meet outside of the boardroom can promote a stronger sense of teamwork and communication. In these spaces, your team can collaborate using flexible seating areas and casual meeting tables that take the formality out of meetings. If you’re not sure how to incorporate collaborative spaces in your office, we’re happy to offer free space planning services that help you make the most out of every part of your office.

Keep Your Team Connected Outside of Meetings with Asynchronous Tools

Asynchronous tools help build more informed and efficient teams by allowing team members to communicate instantly without having to meet in person. These tools are perfect for teams who have multiple projects on the go and whose members can’t always work on the same projects at the same time. They are designed to facilitate collaboration and communication among team members, while allowing individuals to work at their own pace. Although people can work asynchronously, these tools update in real time so that everyone can view the most up-to-date content.

1.Emails Unlike real-time communication channels like phone calls or instant messaging, emails provide the flexibility for recipients to respond at their convenience. This allows individuals to manage their time effectively, prioritizing tasks and responding when they can give thoughtful answers. 2. Project Management Software Give project overviews, delegate tasks, and set deadlines in one place with project management software like Asana, Monday, Basecamp, and more. This will give your team up-to-date information about the progress of a project, while outlining important due dates and timelines so that everyone is on the same page. 3. Document Sharing Platforms Access and collaborate on important documents and spreadsheets with document sharing platforms like Sharepoint, Google Drive, and more. These platforms allow multiple team members to make changes and instantly saves them in real-time. 4. Communication and Messaging Messaging tools like Teams or Slack help your team stay in contact all day long. This is perfect for short updates, small questions, and sharing information that doesn’t require a full email or video call. If you’re ready to create a collaborative environment in your office, Source Office Furniture can help with office furnishings that support your team, no matter how they like to collaborate. Get started by contacting your nearest location today.

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5 Team-Focused Tips for Enjoying Summer in the Office

Drew Dueck — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 17:30:59 +0000

Summer has arrived and it’s the perfect time to re-energize your office and create a work environment that prioritizes your team.

Not only does summer offer opportunities for team-building activities and increased morale, but it also allows for a refreshing change of pace that can promote creativity, boost productivity, and give your team members the chance to connect with one another. With summer in full swing, here are some ways you can make the most out of the summer months in the office.

1. Bring Nature and Colour to the Office

Create a refreshing and energetic environment by adding plants, flowers, and vibrant pops of colour to the office. By adding these elements to workspaces in your office, you can foster a livelier and more inspiring atmosphere that elevates moods and promotes positive mindsets.

2. Introduce Summer Perks

Treat the team to an office barbecue, afternoon ice cream breaks, fresh fruit, and other perks that spark excitement and give team members something to look forward to. Introducing these perks will also encourage team members to take breaks and spend time outside, preventing burnout and mental exhaustion.

3. Get Social with Team Activities

Social clubs at work can foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture where individuals can connect and engage in common interests. Organize a run club, book club, or other team-building activities that help strengthen working relationships and get your team in the summer spirit.

4. Set Goals at Work

Summer is a great time to set goals and do a mid-year check-in on learnings and accomplishments that have happened so far. This can help your team feel more productive and strengthen the sense of achievement and satisfaction in the summer months.

5. Organize Workshops

Create opportunities for professional development with training workshops that help your team strengthen their skills, learn new techniques, and gain a fresh perspective. These workshops also give your team the chance to work and learn together, while fostering an environment that encourage continuous growth.

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Pattison Agriculture: Creating a Team-Focused Office When Working From Home Wasn’t Working

Drew Dueck — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 21:58:21 +0000

Offices are an essential part of promoting collaboration and bringing your team together to meet in person.

Having that face-to-face connection can help strengthen the way your team does business, resulting in higher performance, quicker decision-making, and more productivity overall. When Pattison Agriculture came to Source, they had the goal of providing their Regina-based executive team with a space to come together and meet.

A New Office Space for Pattison Agriculture

Pattison Agriculture proudly serves their clients by providing the tools, technology, and agronomic services needed to improve their client’s agricultural practices, while positively impacting the agriculture industry as a whole. Pattison Agriculture’s executive team are all local to Regina and felt they needed somewhere closer to meet with one another than their existing office in Swift Current. Although they could chat virtually, or meet in various locations in Swift Current, they still felt a sense of separation they wanted to fix. Their solution was to create a hub in Regina, providing a closer location for the Executive team to meet in person. Source was thrilled to take part in this project that would ultimately bring people closer together. We took the time to understand Pattison Agriculture’s needs, which was to create modern, energetic, and professional spaces within an office that could accommodate 18 staff members and meeting rooms that could accommodate up to 30. In addition to meeting rooms, they also needed furniture for a reception area, executive offices, and a break room.

Bringing People Together with Tayco Office Furniture

Starting at the entrance of the office, we outfitted Pattison Agriculture’s reception area with a custom Tayco reception desk that gives the room a fresh and modern look. The cool wood tones accented by a black transaction top keeps the space looking professional, while adding flair and functionality.

Providing people with a restful space where they can spend their coffee and meal breaks was another must-have for Pattison Agriculture. We used Tayco’s bistro height Kip Table to bring a more casual look and feel to the space. We also used Performance Tela Bistro Stools for modern seating around the table. In the executive offices, we used a mix of Tayco’s Metro Executive and Halifax lines, which establish a professional and welcoming feel. We continued the cool wood grains in the executive offices for consistency when it came to style and design. For functionality, the bowfront shape of the desk invites guests to take a seat, while continuous storage along the back provides ample drawer space to keep the office neat and organized.

Lastly, boardrooms and meeting spaces were a key focus in this project. We wanted the meeting spaces to accommodate as many people as Pattison Agriculture needed to bring the company closer together. We outfitted these rooms with Tayco’s Noris and Metro collections, providing a sleek and modern area to host meetings and come together as a team.

If you’re looking for ways to bring your team together to promote teamwork and collaboration, we can help you achieve that with office furniture that is functional, stylish, and gets your team excited to come to the office. Our Office Furniture Specialists have so much knowledge and expertise to share about our extensive line of products and how they can be used most efficiently in your office. From beginning to end, they’ll guide you through the entire office furniture process. See how Pattison Agriculture and Megan from Source Office Furniture Regina worked together to create these beautiful and functional spaces for Pattison Agriculture’s Team.

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Get started today by getting in touch with your nearest Source Office Furniture locations.

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Holiday Gift Guide

Drew Dueck — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 20:22:36 +0000

Holiday season is already here, but it’s not too late to shop for a special someone on your list.

This season, give the gift of style, function, and comfort with office furniture and accessories that improve any workspace. Whether they work from the office, work from home, or game at home, those on your list will love these gifts!

Gift Ideas for Those Who Work from Home

When it comes to working from home, many people compromise by using regular home furniture to create a workstation. While dining tables and chairs can be temporary solutions, the lack of support they provide can cause discomfort in the long run. That’s why it’s important to help at-home workers find office furniture that is built and designed to support their comfort and workflow.

Echo Height-Adjustable Desk

The Echo Height Adjustable Desk is economical but still provides the quality and functionality home office workers need. Available in a variety of sizes, this desk can fit in just about any space, making it perfect for home workstations and home offices. The simple up/down buttons are user friendly and offer a no-fuss transition from sit to stand.

CoolMesh Pro Plus High Back Chair

The CoolMesh Pro Plus High Back Chair is built with multiple adjustments that provide a customized seating experience for optimal comfort and support. The aluminum base and white frame adds quality and style to a workspace, making it ideal for home settings.

2-File Drawer Mobile Pedestal

Keeping a home office organized can be tough if there’s a lack of storage. With the 2 File Drawer Mobile Pedestal, it’s easy to keep files and paperwork in order, while creating a neat and tidy workspace that keeps the home clutter-free.

Gift Ideas for an Ergonomic Office

An ergonomic office or workspace can help prevent the aches, pains, and fatigue associated with prolonged sitting. These physical distractions can hinder productivity and performance overtime. Ergonomics isn’t only about furniture, but it’s also about the small add-ons that make a large difference in any workspace. Incorporating these ergonomic accessories in the workplace is important for the health and well-being of any desk-bound worker.

Vamp LED Lamp

Lighting is an important factor that often goes unnoticed when it comes to offices and workspaces. Many offices are lit with harsh fluorescent lighting that can contribute to sore eyes, headaches, and more. The Vamp LED Lamp improves visibility and features flicker-free lighting, brightness settings, and colour settings that make for a customized user experience. The multi-pivot neck is flexible, so the light can be placed exactly where it is needed improving the functionality of a workspace.

Foot Rocker Stool

One of the side effects of prolonged sitting is back pain and limited blood circulation. The Foot Rocker Stool encourages movement of the feet, alleviating some of the pressure for your back and legs. Improving circulation. This small addition to a workspace can drastically improve comfort throughout the workday.

Bello Ergonomic Stool

The Bello Ergonomic Stool features an active seating style that keeps users engaged. The height-adjustable base tilts, swivels, and moves with the body for a seating experience that maximizes movement and mobility. Not only does this stool work in office settings, but it can also be used in school settings, medical offices, and more, making it a great gift for anyone on your list.

Gift Ideas for The Gamer

Give the gamer in your life a setup they’ll love to play in. From gaming chairs to monitor arms, these gift ideas allow gamers to play and win with comfort and support, especially for those long sessions.

Mario Gaming Chair

Featuring flip-up arms and a quilted back and seat made from black bonded leather, the ergonomically designed Mario Gaming Chair is easy to adjust for a custom experience. Solid and supportive, this gaming chair makes winning even better!

Dual Monitor Arm

Monitors are an important part of any setup. Il-placed monitors can cause neck and upper back pain, especially when hours are spent in font of them. With the Dual Monitor Arm, gamers can achieve the perfect height and tilt to maximize their visibility and playing experience.

UFO Power Module

The UFO Power Module offers quick and convenient access to surge protected power with five outlets and 4 USB 2.0 charging ports. Its unique and modern design is compact and saves space, while adding style to any desk surface, perfect for keeping consoles and accessories powered. Need more ideas? Take the stress out of holiday shopping by browsing more of our products online or by visiting one of our 12 locations across Canada for an in-person shopping experience.

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Home Instead: Making Space for New Workstations

Drew Dueck — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:00:49 +0000

Making room for new team members can be an intimidating task, especially when you’re working with a blank, open space.

When Home Instead came to Source for new workstations to accommodate their growing team, we were excited to offer our free space planning services and guide them through their office furniture journey. Together we established a floor plan that addressed the company’s needs, and found a combination of office furniture products that brought the plan to life.

Home Instead Okanagan

With a mission to bring at-home care to those in need, Home Instead provides quality services to seniors around the globe. This gives seniors the opportunity to age in their own home where they feel the most comfortable and secure. Home Instead accomplishes this by providing a range of services including personal care, transitional care, and more, making things easier for seniors and their families. These services are provided by trustworthy care professionals who undergo extensive screening and training so they can provide the highest-quality home environment. Because of their compassionate approach to senior care, we were honoured to help Home Instead create functional workspaces for their motivated team members.

Finding the Right Office Layout

Before our space planning experts got to work, we wanted to get a better understanding of Home Instead’s goals for their new workstations. After some discussion, it was clear they wanted spacious, semi-private workstations that created enough separation to give each team member a sense of privacy. They also wanted to create separation as a preventative health measure to limit the spread of germs and pathogens, such as Covid-19. Using this information, our space planning experts created a layout that added the right amount of privacy and separation, while keeping the space open for communication and collaboration. They did this by using panel systems to anchor the room and to define each workstation as an individual space.

Adding Privacy and Structure with Panel Systems

Panel systems are a great way to add more purpose to an open space or area. An open concept office can sometimes lack privacy and function because of their lack of structure and panel systems help create that structure in a non-permanent way. The great thing about panel systems is how customizable and reconfigurable they are. They come in a variety of sizes that can be pieced together to form semi-private walls that are the perfect fit for any space. They are also available in many materials, such as wood, fabric, and glass. In this project with Home Instead, we used Eclipse Panels by Performance. This line of panel systems is slim in design and made with fabric. Fabric materials work well for individual workstations because they have noise-cancelling properties that help limit noise travel. We also used frosted glass in some panel sections to preserve the flow of light, while keeping the workspace private.

Putting the Workspaces Together with Office Furniture

We outfitted each workstation with desks from Performance Furnishing’s Classic Collection. This collection is designed with a timeless and professional style that lasts as long as the products themselves. To give employees more surface area and desk space, we used the Classic L-Shape Desk, which is perfect for work that is both computer based and paperwork based. Each desk features two pedestals that are attached on both ends of the L-shape configuration. This provides ample storage that can be used for office stationery, paperwork, personal belongings, and more. Both pedestals are also equipped with a built-in locking mechanism to keep items safe and secure. Lastly, we used the HON Ignition task chair to provide comfortable and supportive seating in each workstation. Ignition is simply designed with a breathable mesh back that is contoured to provide lasting lumbar support. The height, seat, and tilt controls adjust the chair to fit your body for a comfortable seating experience that feels customized.

Create a Space that Works for You

After installing Home Instead’s new office furniture, we were ecstatic to hear that they were happy with their new workstations and the help they received from Source via an Instagram Post. At Source Office Furniture, our number one priority is to provide top-notch, knowledgeable customer service that makes your office furnishing process easy, so you can get back to what you do. Start improving function and style in your office today by calling or visiting one of our 12 locations across Canada.

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Make the Most of Your Cubicle

Drew Dueck — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 23:21:35 +0000

Your cubicle is your personal space. Although you’re there to work, personalizing your area can help you feel more comfortable as you get your tasks done.

Adding life and excitement to your cubicle, while ensuring your area stays clutter and distraction-free, is a delicate balance. Here are some ways you can achieve a personalized, yet productive, workspace you can thrive in. Before you start, make sure that your cubicle is organized and clutter-free. Adding storage solutions, like additional desk drawers or cabinets, will go a long way by making sure everything has a home. This way, you can add decorative items to your desk without it feeling too crowded.

Lamps and Lighting

Fluorescent, overhead lights are harsh. Stark lighting can be hard on the eyes and can make it difficult to feel comfortable in your space. Adding a lamp, such as the Vamp LED Lamp, to your desk with warmer light can create a cozy and welcoming ambiance, making you feel right at home.

Fresh Flowers or Plants

Adding life to your cubicle, literally in this case, can help you reduce stress and can create a happier and healthier work environment. Plants that can thrive in low light and limited fresh air make perfect desk buddies. This includes snake plants, ZZ plants, Peace Lilies, and more.

Pictures or Quotes

Whether it’s a photo of your favourite city or your pet dog, adding pictures that inspire you can help you stay motivated throughout the day. It can also serve as a visual escape when you need a quick break.Quotes have a similar function. Displaying a quote that resonates with you can be encouraging and inspirational.

Desk Accessories That Suit Your Style

Your cubicle’s primary function is to be a workspace, but you can still add your personal flare to the accessories on your desk. Using pencil holders and desk trays that serve as décor is a great way to create a functional and organized area that doesn’t sacrifice your style.

Achieving a Balance Between Function and Décor

Styling your cubicle can be a lot of fun, but it’s easy to get carried away. Consider creating a designated spot for decorative and personal items, like a shelf or a corner of your cubicle, to make sure they’re not distracting you throughout your day.

Cubicles may have a bad reputation, but depending on your industry, creating separation so each employee has their own space can lead to more productivity and job satisfaction. At Source, we carry paneling systems that come in a range of heights based on your privacy and collaboration needs. To learn more, call or visit your nearest Source Office Furniture location.

The post Make the Most of Your Cubicle appeared first on Source Office Furniture.

Tips for Setting up School Spaces

Drew Dueck — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 23:19:45 +0000

Beyond colourful and informative decorations (think world maps) and materials, furniture and classroom setup go a long way in ensuring students get the most out of their education.

Learning in a quality environment can be an enriching experience, and vital in helping students succeed. It’s crucial to remember that because not all students absorb information the same way, flexibility in a classroom is key. Here are the best ways to utilize furniture in classroom and school settings for an effective setup.

Encourage Collaborative Learning

Collaborative learning is student-centred. It empowers students to be active participants in the learning process.

Flexibility: It’s easy to encourage collaborative learning when flexible seating options are available.
Comfort: Soft seating and stools are more comfortable and allow for students to gather close to each other to collaborate.
Seating: The Bello stool has a rounded base that accommodates a wide range of movement (lean, turn and move in any direction). That makes it an excellent option for classrooms and library spaces as well as students for are more focused when they can fidget while they work. The backless design ensures an ergonomic, upright position that encourages good posture. Bello’s four bright colour options will bring a touch of fun to any learning space.

Incorporate Health and Tech Trends

We’re continuously becoming a more technology-based and health-conscious world. Furniture can help adapt classrooms to suit this evolving landscape.

Power modules and tech accessories are crucial for classrooms.
White boards are still important for visual learners who appreciate seeing pictures or words, so ensure your classroom has them.
Ergonomic products keep classes moving. Learn by Safco has a wide variety of products designed to create flexible and active learning spaces for all educational environments.
Learn by Safco’s Zenergy™ ball chairs encourage movement throughout the day and may help support better posture and balance. These ball chairs are covered in fabric and have four legs with stationary glides to provide extra stability during movement.

Organize For More Effective Learning

Similar to workplaces, schools need organization and structure to thrive. Clutter in the workplace decreases productivity, and it also hinders hard work in schools.

Storage. There are lots of options for filing cabinets, bookshelves, and wheeled accessories that will assist in quickly and easily reconfiguring spaces and in keeping them tidy.

Create Numerous Classroom Spaces

Students appreciate having different options for writing surfaces and study areas.

Individual desks work well for students who excel when they work independently.
Standing desks or bike desks, placed in the back or a room, may be best for students who need to move instead of sit.
Soft seating spaces and tables are ideal for collaborative learning areas.
Rethink the classroom by doing away with desks completely in favour of creating dynamic learning spaces. Use standard height and bistro height tables; bench seating with tables along the perimeter of the room; and soft seating and a bean bag space.

Class is in Session at Source

We offer multi-use furniture that goes beyond the traditional corporate office setting. We give you options to suit your teaching style, and your students’ learning styles, to facilitate learning and productivity for everyone. Our furniture specialists will help recommend furniture and storage solutions to fit your school’s layout. Additionally, Source supplies products from different companies, giving you a wide variety of products to choose from. You can also combine brands and product lines, giving your space a truly unique look. Discover furniture made for classrooms today and stop into one of our twelve store locations across Canada. Additionally, furniture class is always in session online at Source.ca.

The post Tips for Setting up School Spaces appeared first on Source Office Furniture.