There are two kinds of people in the office, those who keep a neat desk, and those who don’t. While there’s nothing wrong with a messy desk, it can be distracting to you and those you work with. Some say a messy desk is the sign of a creative person, and what we call “mess” might be totally organized to someone else. But a neat desk actually can have a huge impact on your work.

Your desk represents who you are, and people form impressions of you based on your workspace. A tidy desk projects a level of efficiency and professionalism, and most people feel they can be more productive and focused in a neat and tidy office environment.

Working at a desk cluttered with papers and notes can make workers feel overwhelmed (whether they know it or not), and that outward chaos can lead to inner stress. These things can distract from the important tasks at hand and make you scattered. Keeping only the bare necessities on your desk will not only calm the chaos, but will allow you to be more efficient and productive every day.

 

The 4 Things I Always Keep on My Desk:

 

1. A Task Light

Lighting is a commonly overlooked ergonomic tool. How is lighting ergonomic, you say? Well, proper lighting where and when you need it allows you to see what you need to see without moving your body to find the right light or straining your eyes to read in dim light.

Those overhead fluorescents might seem nice, but they’re often not enough. The perfect task light is dimmable to fit the brightness you need, adjustable to point in the right direction, and has a light spectrum that represents true colors, like this one.

Companies can save on energy costs by reducing overhead light levels and providing workers with desktop task lights. To offset investment costs, research from the American Optometric Association says that “increasing task contrast is an important means of increasing overall performance.” So a task light will not only improve your ergonomics while you work, reducing fatigue and injury, but can increase your productivity, too.

 

2. A Plant

Having a plant on your desk helps bring some life to your space (literally). We all know the emotional and psychological benefits of a walk in the woods, so why not bring some greenery into your office? Spending time in nature (or bringing nature to you) can lift your mood and boost creative energy.

The best desk plants grow in low light with minimal maintenance, and some can even help filter the air. Try an air plant, succulent, spider plant, or snake plant in a pot near a window or under a desk light (natural light is best, but a desk light will work, too).

 

3. A Notepad

While many of us work 100% online, the trusted pen and paper are still great for keeping track of to-do’s, taking quick notes, and carrying with you to meetings.

The best way to cement important notes in your memory is to rewrite (or type) them. If you keep a to-do list in your notepad, rewrite it every morning with the top 3 tasks for the day so you can focus on what’s most important. When you get back to your desk after a meeting, rewrite or type up your notes so you’re more likely to remember them.

Another notepad perk, they’re great for doodling! Mind-mapping, bringing visual structure to notes, is a great brainstorming tool to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.

 

4. A Water Bottle

Depending on your body, most of us are supposed to drink about eight, 8 oz glasses of water a day (that’s half a gallon). Staying hydrated can increase energy, brain function, and memory. Water is great at relieving fatigue, even headaches and back pain! By drinking plenty of water, you’ll be productive and comfortable all day.

Keep a reusable water bottle on your desk and refill it a few times a day; you’ll be hydrated and have a chance to get up and take a stroll to the water cooler.

 

All the Things I Keep in My Drawer:

 

Mobile pedestals and file cabinets are a great way to store your supplies, and some can even double as a visitor chair by adding a pad on top.

Having storage space near your desk not only keeps you organized, it keeps you focused. With distractions out of sight, you can home in on the things that are important. While a clean and clear desk is great, there are still some tools you need throughout the day that should be nearby. 

 

Office Supplies

This is a broad term, but depending on the kind of work you do, your drawers should be stocked with pens, markers, staplers, scissors, paper clips, tape, and sticky notes. Keep these items organized with drawer dividers.

 

Cleaning Supplies

A neat desk should also be a clean desk! Spring cleaning your workspace can keep dust at bay and monitors free of fingerprints. 

Keep cleaning spray or wipes in your drawer so you can scrub down your worksurface once a week. Use microfiber cleaning cloths to wipe off your monitor, laptop, and phone (so you can actually see your screens!).

Hand sanitizer is also a good desk drawer staple. Colds and flus can spread fast through an office, so arm yourself with disinfectant to ward off sickness.

 

Electronic Accessories

Keep charging cords, back-up batteries, and USB drives in your drawer in case you need them. A couple AAA’s can save the day when your wireless mouse suddenly dies and you’ve got a deadline fast approaching. 

 

Important Documents

Record-keeping is a lost art, as most invoices, receipts, and important documents live in our email trash (oops). A better way is to print out and organize important reference material and records in your file cabinet. Use hanging file folders with labels to keep your documents neat and tidy.

 

Snacks

Trying to work when you’re running low on energy can be exhausting, and doesn’t produce quality results. Keeping healthy snacks at your desk for the mid-afternoon slump can help you drill down on your to-do list. Choose foods that are shelf-stable and nutrient rich, like mixed nuts, beef jerky, granola bars, or dried fruit. Store your snacks in air-tight containers so you don’t attract any unwelcome guests.

 

Tennis Shoes

Fitting in some exercise into your busy work-week can be difficult, but try squeezing in a brisk lunch-break walk or run. By keeping comfortable exercise shoes at your desk, you can quickly change your shoes and take an exercise break during the day.

Even a short stroll can help you feel good and stay focused for the rest of the day. Research shows that just 30 minutes of walking during the day can make employees happier and more productive.

 

A Book

Taking breaks throughout the day can do wonders for your work. While a walk is great for your body, giving your mind a break can make it easier to tackle work tasks. 

Keep a book in your drawer, something that’s entertaining and will take your mind off your work. Taking a mental break can help stimulate information retention and reduce stress.

 

Headphones

Unless you are lucky enough to have your own office, you may have to deal with the noise that comes along with an open office space. Phones ringing and constant chatter can be really distracting.

Use a pair of noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the noise and focus on your work. Try listening to calming music without lyrics, like instrumental version of your favorite songs.

 

A neat desk is a helpful tool that productive employees use to stay focused. If you’re a messy desk kind of person, examine what items you use or enjoy, and slowly remove the ones you don’t. Adopt an organization system that works for you. You may find that a tidy desk changes the way you work. Need help getting organized? Check out these storage and organization accessories.

Creating training and education spaces, whether they’re part of a larger office or a standalone space dedicated to learning, is no small task. Smart training spaces are optimized for more than just one use, making them flexible enough to support a variety of needs. With the right furniture, accessories, and layout, your training rooms can be converted to regular workspace, conference space, or collaborative environments instantly. Here’s what to think about when creating smart, multi-use training and education spaces.

 

Flexible Furniture

Sometimes a training room is centered around computer work, but sometimes the group just needs distraction-free worksurfaces and a clear view of the instructor. That’s where Line of Sight Computer Training Desks come in. Line of Sight desks allow you the flexibility to arrange the training room in any way you like, and securely supports the technology you need. Computers and all ancillary technology are installed into the desk for secure storage and protection of valuable equipment. Adjust the height of the monitors to allow for a clear “line of sight” to the instructor or a presentation at the front of the room. All monitors in the room can be lifted and lowered with a single remote to go from computer-based training to face-to-face collaboration in an instant. The instructor can also allow individuals to adjust their own monitors or can lock individual desk switches anytime.

For a simple training room setup, Sonoma Mobile Tables are a great solution to create flexible environments. These mobile tables, set on casters, can roll where you need them to quickly rearrange a room, adding additional tables or removing extras with ease. They can be stored with the worksurfaces upright and easily nest into one another for compact storage. Quickly set the tables up with one-touch flip top technology, making it simple to set them up and store them away. Sonoma Mobile Tables allow you to create a simple training or collaborative space out of any open room.

 

Comfortable and Ergonomic

During a training or conference, it’s important that your participants are comfortable so they can pay attention to the task at hand. Comfortable and ergonomic workspaces, including adjustable chairs with proper back support and seat cushions, are the basis for the training space. Worksurfaces that are height adjustable add even greater ergonomic support, allowing individuals to adjust their furniture to their height and preferred working position. Ergonomic furniture reduces fatigue and boosts productivity. 

Other aspects of comfortable training spaces include the lighting in the room and visibility to the instructor, presentation, or training materials. Overhead lights are great for being able to read materials up close, but should be lowered when a projector is in use. Obstacles that may obstruct the line of sight to the instructor should be lowered or arrange the room to reduce potential visual blocks.

 

Integrated Technology

Smart training spaces that are meant for multiple uses always need to be able to support a wide range of technology. Integrating tech solutions into individual or group workspaces is crucial. For individuals, adding desktop power modules or worksurface power grommets allow users to keep their devices close at hand and charged up. The Zens Wireless Charger can be added to Line of Sight worksurfaces, layout flush with the top of the desk, and charges devices without wires or cables.

Technology for collaborative spaces like small group activities or larger training sessions can increase productivity and engagement. Smart boards and interactive tools take training to a new level, driving participation and broadening the possibilities for various learning tools. Line of Sight desks integrate computers and monitors into the desk so each user can have their own computer-based workstation, but the monitors can be hidden away inside the desk when the instructor wants the group to switch gears to more hands-on collaboration.

 

Bringing It All Together

Multi-use training and education spaces have to be smart, with flexible furniture that can move around easily and support different types of engagement. The right furniture is flexible enough for different tasks and uses, convertible for different types of training, mobile to adapt to group size, and supports technology as well as face-to-face collaboration. Integrating technology or access to power allows training spaces to do even more. Training spaces should be arranged to work for both big groups and small teams, like a single training room with multiple groups of workstations to accommodate the whole group but allow for smaller team to work closely as well.

Learn more about Line of Sight Computer Training Desks to take your multi-use training and education spaces to the next level.

Every once in a while, your office needs a reboot. Make your old office feel like new again by giving it a deep clean, getting organized, and adding your own personal touches. Get ready for the new year with a workspace that feels brand new, even if it’s not. Here are our tips to help you update your office space.

 

1. Do a Deep Clean

Nothing says ‘new’ like a nice clean workspace. Remember when you first moved into your office space and everything was sparkling clean? Since then, dust and dirt have surely accumulated, especially in those hard to reach and rarely seen nooks and crannies, like behind your desk, under your file cabinet, or on that bookshelf that’s more decorative than actually used. Start the new year off right with a bit of spring (or… winter?) cleaning. 

Start by clearing everything off your desk and giving it a good wipe down with cleaning wipes or cleaning spray and a towel. Bonus points if you use disinfecting wipes/spray which might also save  you from getting the flu (which is almost surely already spreading throughout your office). Do the same thing for other surfaces in your workspace like bookshelves, the top of cabinets, printers, etc. If you have access to a vacuum, tackle the dust and dirt behind and underneath your office furniture. Maybe do it with your eyes closed so you don’t have to face the hair balls and dust bunnies that you’ve been rooming with lately.

 

2. Get Organized

Before you start putting everything back on your desk, think about what you really need within reach 24/7. If it’s not something you use every day, find a place for it in your file cabinet or on a shelf to keep your desk as clear as possible. If you don’t have a good place to store your office supplies, get yourself a mobile ped to keep everything you need within reach but off your desktop. 

Empty out your storage spaces and purge what you no longer need. Stacks of papers from a project long completed… mystery charging cords that don’t work with any of your current devices… a second stapler (you do NOT need two staplers)… Be real with yourself about what you actually need and force yourself to clear the clutter, even if it’s typically out of sight.

 

3. Manage Those Cables

If the underside of your desk is a jumble of cords and cables, twisted together and hanging every which way, it’s time to do some cable management. Install a cable trough to the underside of the worksurface to run cables from your desktop equipment to one end of the desk. A trough gives you tons of space to keep cables tucked up under the worksurface without worrying about keeping them tightly together. Add a cable chain or sleeve to get the cables from the trough to the nearest outlet or a power strip on the floor. This keeps the cables in one neat string rather than dangling all over the place. 

 

4. Rearrange Your Furniture

Give your office a whole new look and feel by rearranging your furniture. Move your desk to a different spot in the room or change the angle so you have a new view. If moving your desk is not an option, change the position of your monitor so you can face a slightly different direction. Small changes like this might just change the way you work! 

Add or rearrange nearby seating to give your visitors a nice place to sit. If you don’t have seating near your workspace, add a mobile ped pad to the top of your mobile ped so it doubles as an extra seat.

Remove furniture you don’t use, like empty bookcases or cabinets. Add pieces that you will use, like a task table or small meeting table, or hanging shelves that give you extra storage without taking up floor space.

 

5. Add More (or Better) Lighting

Office overhead lights are often too bright, harsh, or poorly positioned. While you probably can’t change the overhead lights themselves (wouldn’t a chandelier be fun?), you can add under-cabinet and desktop task lights to put the right kind of light right where you need it. Place one or two task lights on your desktop within arms’ distance so you can quickly adjust the position, angle, or brightness without reaching or bending. Adjust the light for proper contract of text and ensure there are no cast shadows or glare. Task lights properly positioned throughout your office space give it a warmer, cozier feel. Try also putting some in the corners and facing them upward to cast diffused light off the walls. Add occupancy sensors to your office lighting that automatically turn the lights off when your office is empty, saving energy. Make sure there are no barriers blocking the occupancy sensor so it can function properly. Point the sensors at your office chair so they turn on when you’re at your desk and off when you’ve left.

 

6. Bring in Some Plants

Ah, plants… Greenery has so many benefits, especially in an office! The sight of plants can be calming and reduces stress. Plants release oxygen to help you breathe easy while you work. They brighten and liven up the space, easily. Bring in some small succulents for your desktop or add a large ficus in a sunny corner of the office. Make sure the plants have enough light, whether it’s natural light from nearby windows or simply desktop lights positioned over them. Choose plants that do well in low-light and don’t require constant attention so they can thrive in your office space.

 

7. Decorate the Walls

Give your workspace some personal touches by hanging up photos of family or friends. Display posters or prints that bring you joy and include calming colors or images of nature. Hang Tranquility Panels on the walls for a pop of color, plus better acoustics. Tranquility Panels are fully tackable, so you can add photos, magazine clippings, or postcards to the panels with push pins.

Ready to geek out with us? When we designed Sentinel, the focus was on the technology. We wanted a sit stand desk that was smooth, quiet, and ultra responsive, building upon our almost 30 year track record of ergonomic innovation. To make all that happen, we had to completely rethink the systems used to power the desk. Let’s take a deep dive into the inner workings of Sentinel.

 

Brushless Motor

Sentinel is an industry first. While DC brush motors are a long existing standard, Sentinel’s new DC brushless motors offer some exceptional benefits to the user: they’re long-lasting, quiet, and responsive. The DC brushless motor is markedly smaller than its DC brush motor counterpart, using less material and making it a more environmentally responsible option.

Maximum Durability
DC Brushless motors are extremely durable. With less components and internal friction, DC brushless motors run smooth, quiet, and have a long “maintenance free” lifespan. Typical DC Brush motors ultimately will wear down over time; the high efficiency DC brushless motor features improved, non-wearing technology, allowing the greatest performance and longevity in the industry.

Ultra-Quiet Operation
Brushless motors eliminate all the noise created by the contact of the brushes to the armature of the old DC brush motors. With brushless technology, all internal components are enclosed, resulting in ultra-quiet adjustability.

Rapid Response
Brushless motors have the best torque per cubic inch of any type of motor system, delivering rapid response, quick acceleration, and high positioning accuracy. The brushless motors start and stop quickly and accurately, minimizing the amount of annoying overrun (moving past your desired position) experienced with typical sit stand desks. With instant-touch motion, the desk begins moving right when you touch the switch and stops right when you want it to.

 

AMCS (Advanced Motor Control System)

While most sit stand desks have one control box per desk, Sentinel has our new AMCS control technology integrated into every leg. AMCS has miniaturized the control box technology and made it a seamless part of the desk base. By doing so, the reconfigurability of Sentinel is far easier than old control box systems. Simply add synchronization connector cables and power supplies as needed to go from 2 to 8 legs with minimal parts changes.

Anti-Collision
Included in the AMCS is Sentinel’s advanced anti-collision system. With a sensor in each leg, the anti-collision performance offered with the AMCS is more sensitive and faster to respond. Instead of software and sensors in the control box having to detect collisions, everything happens within the leg, making it quick to stop and reverse the desk to a safe position if the desk runs into an obstacle.

Expandability
Easily go from a 2 leg to an 8 leg desk, and everything in between. The AMCS allows you to do so without replacing the control system. Simply determine daisy chain the legs, power supply, and switch, sync them up, and you’re ready to sit and stand all day long. Easily reconfigure your system while enjoying all the same high performance features with our integrated AMCS. Your office continues to grow. Sentinel grows with you.

 

Inverted Leg Structure

Sentinel’s inverted legs started as an engineering choice that also offers great design benefits. With the largest profile of the leg on top, there’s a stronger connection between the leg and the table top, adding stability to the entire desk. The rounded corners and patent pending Sentinel glide system add to the leg’s structure and allowed us to reduce material usage while improving stability. A great combination of strength and environmental responsibility! The inverted structure is also a smoother design. When you look at the desk from above, the tapered leg makes the stages disappear, offering a sleek look that’s also really smart.

 

Simple & Smart Brackets

The bracket system underneath Sentinel connects the legs to each other and the table top. They offer stability and strength to the entire desk. What’s new about these brackets is that they require less fasteners and offer infinite expandability. The sliding, telescoping brackets can be used at any length (rather than in specific increments), so they work for any size worksurface. The entire bracket system makes the installation process much faster, more efficient, and ultimately less expensive.

 

Sit Stand Switches

Programmable sit stand desk switches are nothing new, but the switches for Sentinel go to a whole new level. The Programmable Switch is touch sensitive, responding to human touch like your smartphone screen. When you touch the buttons, the desk starts moving right away, and stops right when you remove your finger. But if a chair were to bump the switch, the desk wouldn’t move. Our Smart App Bluetooth Switch allows you to connect your smartphone to the desk’s switch via the Sentinel app and adjust the desk’s height right from your phone. The switch itself has an occupancy sensor so you can track your sit stand progress and get reminders based on your wellness goals.

 

What to learn more about Sentinel?

The office furniture of the future must be flexible and able to adapt to a changing environment. When we develop new products, like innovative sit stand desks, we have to think years ahead to create products that are flawlessly functional far into the future. Here’s what we think about as we design office furniture for the office of the future.

 

Multi-Use

Space saving, multi-use furniture pieces are a great addition (or foundation!) to any office environment. A fixed desk with a desktop computer might work right now, but the office of the future will require worksurfaces that can be used for a variety of tasks. Line of Sight Computer Desks are a great example, because they can be used for computer work or as a clear desktop and they store the computer inside the desk when not in use. Smart, multi-use furniture can adapt to its space and serve a variety of purposes to meet changing needs.

 

Mobile, Flexible

It makes sense that to create a functional and future-ready office, furniture will need to be flexible. Mobile pieces that can roll from room to room, fold down and store easily when not in use, and adjust in a variety of ways are a key part of the office of the future. Nesting tables, furniture on casters, and expandable furniture are great ways to bring more flexible furniture into the office.

 

Expand (& Contract)

Business needs are always changing and the office environment needs to be able to expand and contract along with these changes. With sit stand benching systems, desks can be added or removed easily as teams grow and shrink. Upgrade a compact desk to a larger worksurface, using the same base. Easily rearrange desks in an open office environment to increase or decrease workstations.

 

Connected / Smart

Technology is the hub of almost all the work we do. We work on computers or laptops and stay connected through smartphones and wireless tech accessories. Office furniture is just another way to use smart technology to stay connected. Some electric sit stand desks can be controlled with an app on your smartphone, and wireless chargers can be integrated into your desktop. 

 

Future Proof

The future is still unknown, that’s why the office furniture of the future must be adaptable, flexible, and high quality. We design with the future in mind, creating each product to grow and adapt with you. Components are interchangeable to easily upgrade. If something breaks, you can replace the part rather than the whole product. High quality components and systems support a long product lifespan, so you can enjoy your office furniture long into the future.

 

Check out Workrite’s newest future-ready office furniture:

What’s trending and how are designers redefining the office environment?

As office design continues to change, keep up with current trends and watch what’s coming next. These are some of the top trends in modern office design right now that we expect will continue to grow over the next few years. The biggest trends focus on creating productive, comfortable, and stylish workspaces without breaking the bank.

 

1. Integrated Technology

So much of our work these days is centered around technology. We connect with our team via email or instant message, we access our files via the cloud, and we use online productivity systems to keep our to-do lists under control. But working from a computer is not the only way to integrate technology into your workspace. Large in-person meeting rooms can be replaced with smaller, virtual conference huddle spaces. Smartboards, rather than projectors or whiteboards, allow for tech supported collaboration. Desks and side tables now often have wireless charging capabilities built into the worksurface (like the LOS Zens Wireless Charger). And of course… there should be power outlets everywhere to support a mobile-friendly office.

 

2. Flexible Workspaces

Not only do employees need the flexibility to move around the office and work in a variety of spaces, but the physical office (and the furniture within it) can be just as flexible. What’s trending now is folding, rolling, and expandable tables, benching systems that can expand and contract as teams grow or shrink, furniture that serves multiple purposes without taking up extra space (like LOS Computer Desks), and even movable walls that can transform a room in an instant. With mobile furniture and flexible workspaces, the physical working environment can more fluid and dynamic. This allows for not only an agile workforce, but an agile workspace.

 

3. Biophilic Design

It’s great to have a big window with a view, but the modern office brings that nature in. Think exposed brick, warm wood, moss walls, and plants galore. Natural textures and plant life not only make the space more visually interesting and inviting but will actually make people feel better. Biophilic design taps into our human need to connect with nature and that direct or indirect exposure to natural things boosts mood and reduces stress. 

 

4. Smart Storage

Office storage solutions don’t need to be bulky, ugly, or in the way. Smart storage and organization accessories like slim, under-desk mobile pedestals, floating shelves, and cubbie units that double as space dividers not only look great, but they keep your supplies organized and out of the way. Storage furniture can also bring a room together, like wardrobes, credenzas, and cabinets that perfectly match the desks (like the Advent Furniture collection). Modern offices optimize space by tucking things away, bringing things up off the floor, and focusing on multi-functional pieces.

 

5. Leisure & Relaxation Space

While for some companies, a nap pod may seem a step too far, many modern offices are integrating leisure and relaxation spaces into the work environment. Think ‘break room’ that feels more like a cozy lounge, or a shaded outdoor garden space with comfortable seating for reading a book during your lunch break. Leisure spaces can also have games like ping pong or wellness activities like yoga classes (we have an ongoing ping pong tournament in the break room and do yoga on-site once a month!). Providing spaces for more than just working allows the office environment to support a better work-life balance.

 

6. Ergonomic Equipment

As a leading manufacturer of ergonomic office products, we can’t stress enough the importance of quality ergonomic equipment in any office environment. Sit stand desks can be used for solo workstations or combined in a benching system, monitor arms are perfect for desktop computers or adjustable laptop docking stations, and ergonomic accessories like footrests and anti-fatigue mats add simple comfort. Standing desk converters provide sit stand capabilities without the commitment of a sit stand desk and can easily move from desk to desk. Outfitting workstations with sit stand desks or standing desk converters allows for different users to adjust the worksurface to their sitting or standing height and work comfortably.

 

7. Collaborative Environments

While the corner office isn’t completely going away, dynamic office layouts are slowly increasing in popularity. Workspaces that allow for more collaboration in an open environment not only boost productivity but make more sense from a business perspective as the layout can easily be changed as needs change. Sit stand benching systems allow teams to work closely while giving each person the freedom to adjust their workstation for optimal ergonomics. Mid-size offices with multiple workstations allow people to work together within their team. Open spaces with hot desks, couches, and huddle pods can allow small groups to meet up easily without the formality of a conference room. The modern office is all about variety, and spaces for collaboration that are simple and flexible are redefining the office.

Whether you’re looking for a solo ergonomic workstation, a multi-user benching configuration, or an office space complete with storage and meeting space, finding the right combination of ergonomic office furniture is important when setting up any workspace. Here are some typical furniture combinations to help you create a complete workspace, no matter the size.

 

For the solo workspace

So, you want to create an ergonomic workspace that supports all your equipment and allows for a variety of adjustments.

Start with the right desk. A sit stand desk allows you to adjust the height of the entire work surface, while a standing desk converter enables sit stand adjustability without a new desk (check out this blog to determine which is right for you). 

If you opt for a fixed height desk rather than a height adjustable desk, you’ll want to add an adjustable keyboard tray to account for the positioning of your arms and wrists. Keyboard trays can be lowered below or lifted above the worksurface to get your elbows at a 90-degree angle when using your keyboard or mouse. They can also tilt to further refine the positioning.

Depending on the type of monitor you have and number of monitors you use (we have monitor arms that can support 3+ monitors!), find a monitor arm that support your equipment and can be mounted to your sit stand desk or standing desk converter. A good, articulating monitor arm will allow you to adjust your monitor(s) forward and back, up and down, side to side, and angled tilt.

You’ll want a place to put your things (office supplies, documents, snacks), so adding a small, mobile pedestal will provide ample storage even in small workspaces. Our slim mobile ped is specially designed to be used under the desk and still leave plenty of legroom.

Accessorizing your workspace for optimal ergonomics and functionality is an important and often overlooked step. Add cable management to keep your cords neatly out of view, task lights to ensure you don’t strain your eyes (and save electricity!), and ergonomic accessories like an anti-fatigue mat, footrest, or document holder. If you’re in an open office and need some more privacy, a privacy or modesty screen can double as a tackable inspiration board for your notes, photos, or calendar (like these Tranquility Privacy Screens).

 

For the multi-user workspace

Save office space and optimize user comfort and collaboration with a sit stand benching system. Each user can have all the same equipment as the solo workspace (sit stand desk, monitor arm, storage, and ergonomic accessories), but each desk will be part of a larger benching system. While the desk feet are connected, the work surfaces can be adjusted individually, giving everyone the freedom to move and adjust as needed.

Sit stand benching systems are great for large teams in open office environments, but make sure to add some privacy screens that absorb sound and give each person their own workspace. Tranquility Privacy Screens are great for this as they can be mounted to the desk, walls, ceiling, or used as freestanding Shoji screens, and they can be used and reused again and again in any configuration.

 

For the complete office

Create the ultimate office space with a solo ergonomic workstation, a variety of storage pieces, and extra tables for small meetings. The Advent Desk and Furniture line has everything you need to create the complete office: a sit stand desk that’s as functional as it is stylish, three storage pieces (a mobile pedestal, credenza, and wardrobe), and two meeting tables (a task table in seated or standing height, and a round conference table in two sizes). 

Each piece of the collection comes in all 5 laminate colors, allowing you to create a coordinated and sleek office that meets all your needs. Combine the Advent Desk, Mobile Pedestal, Credenza, Wardrobe, and Conference Table so you have an ergonomic workspace, simple storage space, and a convenient meeting space, right in your office. Advent redefines any office.

You don’t need a complicated combination of bulky office furniture to have an ergonomic workspace. Have you ever had a coworker who wanted a standing desk, so they stacked boxes on top of their desk to hold their monitor? Or someone who knew movement while you work is good for you, so they bounced on an exercise ball at their desk to no avail? You don’t need to clutter your space with equipment to work comfortably. An ergonomic workspace can be simple, it’s all about how you set it up and how you use it.

 

Set up your equipment to fit your body

Whether you have a sit stand desk or not, you can still set up your desk to fit your body. Let’s start with the basics of an ergonomic desk setup.

Sit with your feet flat and adjust the chair’s height so your knees are at 90 degrees. Sit up straight and put your forearms on your desk with your elbows at 90 degrees. A sit stand desk will allow you to move your worksurface up or down to fit this posture. If you don’t have a height adjustable desk, you can use a keyboard tray that mounts underneath your worksurface to allow you to move your keyboard and mouse to fit your body.

Move your monitor so it’s directly in front of your face, with your eyes at the top half of the monitor. This will ensure you’re never looking up and craning your neck. If you wear bifocal lenses, you may want to tilt your monitor back at an angle. A monitor arm will allow you more range of motion to adjust your monitor’s position.

 

Keep what you need within reach

Setting up the rest of your workspace is also important for its overall ergonomics. Once you have your chair, desk, and monitor in the right position, you’ll want to make sure the other things you use throughout the workday are set up correctly. Keeping the objects you use often within reach will ensure you’re never reaching or bending as you work. Place your phone, notepad, and other desktop equipment within an arm’s reach.

 

Clear the clutter

For the things that don’t fit on your desk, take up too much space, or aren’t used regularly, utilize storage space. Clear the clutter from your workspace by putting office supplies, files, and other equipment in an under desk mobile pedestal. To keep these items closer at hand yet still out of your way, you can add a toolbar to your desktop. This brings the items up off your work surface but still within reach when needed.

 

Check your posture

An ergonomic workspace is only as good as its user. Make the most out of your set up by checking your posture regularly, sitting up straight with knees and elbows at 90 degrees. Other postures can be ergonomic as well, like a slight recline. Work in a way that feels good to your body and adjust your equipment to ensure you can continue to work comfortably.

 

Make sure to move often

Movement is the key to ergonomics. Sit stand desks are not about standing all day, but changing positions often. The best kinds of ergonomic workspaces allow you to adjust, move, and change positions whenever you need to. If the adjustability of your workspace is limited, make sure to get up and move around. Take short walks, down the hall or around the block, throughout the day.

 

Ergonomics doesn’t have to be complicated. The most important things to remember are: fit your equipment to your body (not the other way around), and move often. That’s it! Keep it simple. Keep it ergonomic.