Organisations certainly aren’t stuck for choice when searching for office furnishings. However, regardless of the type, one issue that firms tend to focus on is quality. Here’s why.
These workplace essentials are now available in a host of materials and styles, meaning companies shouldn’t have any trouble finding products that match their requirements.
Regardless of the types of furnishings they are after, one issue that firms tend to focus on when they are investing in these workspace essentials is manufacturing quality – and here are a few of the reasons why.
Protecting workers’ wellbeing
Health and safety is something that no organisation can afford to ignore and under UK legislation, employers are required to provide a suitable working environment for their personnel.
As part of this, they must offer appropriate workstations. For example, guidance provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggests that seats should have a rounded front edge and be well padded to ensure users’ bodies don’t press uncomfortably on the frame.
Padding should be firm and of good quality. If manufacturers use flexible polyurethane foam, this material should meet the specifications of British Standard (BS) 3379, or an equivalent test.
In addition, backrests must give firm support to the middle and lower parts of users’ backs. The HSE also notes that tilting backrests can improve user comfort, while swivel-action designs provide added flexibility.
By choosing chairs that meet these criteria, and are designed and manufactured to exacting standards, companies can reduce the risk that their personnel will suffer health problems as a result of sitting at their workstations for prolonged periods of time.
Furniture providers are well aware of the demand for safe seating and many now offer products that are specifically designed to maximise worker comfort.
For example, the Dynamic Posture Seating range by Calibre features elastomer mesh and a patented back adjustment system that provides self-adjusting resistance. As the user sits down or changes position, these two design features flex to provide increased or decreased support, without the need for manual adjustments.
Able to stand the test of time
As well as safety, manufacturing quality has a big impact on longevity. In terms of durability, the HSE suggests that chairs should pass the tests set out in BS 5459, or an equivalent benchmark. This refers to the performance requirements for office pedestal seating for people weighing up to 150kg and for use up to 24 hours a day.
By selecting office furnishings that have been produced to these high standards, organisations can help ensure these products are capable of standing the test of time. Ultimately, this can save them hassle because it means they won’t have to replace the resources as often, and it can also save them money.
After all, while purchasing low-quality desks, chairs and storage solutions may save firms cash up-front, it can prove to be a false economy overall if these products wear out or fall apart too quickly.
Projecting the right image
Businesses also need to think about the impression that their workspaces give to visitors, as well as to their own employees. In order to look professional and to project the right brand image, firms need to ensure that their furnishings are up to scratch.
Substandard seating, desks and other office essentials can send out the message that companies are struggling financially or are simply amateur and disorganised in their approach.
In stark contrast, high-quality fixtures and fittings suggest that firms are in control. They also show that organisations value the wellbeing of their workers.
Given the crucial role that office furniture plays in the workspace, it’s easy to understand why manufacturing quality counts when businesses are making their product choices.
