Thinking Outside the Cubicle

The cubicle office space came into existence in the early 1960’s and became widely popular by the end of that decade. It was a solution to a problem that large office buildings had been facing for years. Prior to the cubicle there were endless distractions that employees experienced throughout the day from the activity within the office. The answer to this problem came in the form of a modern desk surrounded by three small walls. The tightly enclosed desk area became a tiny, semi-private office. However, the solution to distraction and privacy came at a cost.

With such a tiny space available, the cubicle offers only a limited amount of options for work space, personal expression and a place to meet clients. Unlike the sprawling attractive executive desk found in the CEO’s office, the small modern desk in a cubicle may be a less than stimulating place to work. For the employee stuck inside the confines of the cubicle, work can become drudgery. But what can you do if cubicles are your only work solution? How can you take what is in reality little more than a plain box and make it a work station that excites and ignites its user?

It would be unrealistic to suggest filling your cubicles with beautiful executive desks and fine art as a way of encouraging productivity. Yet, with a little time and thought a cubicle can be brought to life. Replacing basic desk units with ergonomic and classy modern desk can instantly change the look of a cubicle. Bringing in color is a great way to distinguish spaces as well. Some offices have really stepped ‘outside the cubicle’ by breaking up the square grid layout of the work areas. Creating triangular and rectangular spaces have gone a long way in making a fresh work area out of what would otherwise be typical and drab.

There is no debating that distractions and lack of privacy make a difficult work environment, but an overly small sterile work station can become a distraction in itself. Keeping employees focused as well as happy in their work environment should be of serious concern to business owners and managers. Statistics show that happy employees who are given personalized consideration excel in their jobs and continue with the company longer.

Separating yourself and breaking the mold has become a must for anyone trying to standout in the corporate world. The business future of the world leans heavily towards free thinking and discovery. This tendency opens up a window wide for individuals looking to stretch their wings and find their potential. With so much mention made of living and thinking ‘outside of the box’ in the modern business world, isn’t it time we considered living and thinking ‘outside the cubicle’ to? Really if the proverbial ‘box’ is meant to be avoided, than why are we trying to succeed in business from work stations that are little more than a small gray box itself?

Edeskco Company offers a wide choice of office desks, including executive desks, reception desk, conference table, cluster desks and more. Visit the website today to browse their catalogue.

Executive Office Furniture – Polyurethane Vs. Varnish

When you purchase quality contemporary office furniture you want to make certain that you are getting exactly what you need. When shopping for the perfect pieces to compliment your office you may wonder about some of the more obscure details to the furnishings. For example, though it may not be the first thing you think of, the finish used on your furniture can be just as important as the color, style and shape of the pieces you choose. After all, even the most decadent modern desk cannot stand the test of time if it is not properly protected. Here we help you to understand the difference between the two major finishes used on office furniture. It is our hope that this information will help you to make satisfying choices when looking for contemporary office furniture.

Varnish – Varnish is finish with a linseed base and a mix of solvents or thinners. It creates a hard protective surface and usually in a high gloss finish. It can be given a flatter appearance with the addition of a flattening agent. Varnish has no color and is completely transparent. Unlike paints and wood stains that have pigment, varnish will maintain the true colors of the wood it is applied to. Varnish is considered an older product and is not used as much as it once was, but it still has a place in some contemporary office furniture and reception desk designs. Particularly the more classic designs and antique reproductions will call for varnish instead of the more recently developed sealers and finishes. The major drawback to varnish is the need to sand and refinish it from time to time as well as the fact that even a small chemical spill can cause major damage. Abrasion caused by alcohol or even citric acid can occur rather easily.

Polyurethane – Polyurethane with a matte to high gloss finish is used most often in modern designs and mainstream styles of furniture. While this finish can give a plastic like appearance, if it is applied properly to well design furniture it looks rich and clean. The high gloss finish gives a stream lined look to an executive desk or a modern sheen to a simple book shelf that could not otherwise be achieved with varnish. Besides the look of polyurethane, the finish is also very strong. It is considered the most effective finish to protect against moisture, heat, chips, and chemical abrasions.

Whether you are looking for the ideal conference table, work stations for your employees or some beautiful executive desk for yourself, take the time to find out what finish is used on the product. Your office furnishings are an investment in the future of your business. So be sure to look for a strong finish that is up to the task of protecting your investment for the years to come.

Are Surveillance Cameras Needed?

If you own a business you have no doubt thought about the security of where you and your employees spend your week days. Concern over office security has become a common topic.  It has become just as ordinary to see surveillance cameras in the office as it is to see a front lobby desk, outdated magazines and a well watered fichus tree.  Yet the question rises; how justified is it to have a surveillance camera posted in the lobby area?  The answer is not simple, but it is interesting.

If you think that the issue of whether or not to have security set up in your lobby is a rather dull topic you might be surprised.  Simply type in surveillance video into your favorite search engine and you quickly realize that there is a lot to be learned about your business from even a single surveillance camera.  Many business owners have found that having taken such a security measure has made it easier to keep an eye on employees but mostly it is a real protection to whoever is sitting at your front lobby desk.  

Some business owners worry that an unattractive camera may create the wrong atmosphere in their office.  With the latest technology however, cameras can be placed discreetly on a round reception desk in a way that clients never know it’s there.  

Of course it is your choice whether or not to let it be known that you have taken these security measures by having the camera visible.  But really it is not the camera itself that offers protection.  When scanning through the unlimited supply of video footage from surveillance cameras on the web you begin to realize that the camera’s purpose is really not to stop crime.  Instead you find that it only ensures that you have complete knowledge of what goes on at your business when you are not there.  If the camera were more productive in stopping crimes there would not be so much entertaining footage on the internet.

It is useful to look into how cameras such as these can save you money.  Some insurance companies will actually lower your monthly cost when you prove to them that you have installed video surveillance in your office.  This is worth consideration when you keep in mind that just as you have filled your home with quality items and furnishings, so you have likely done with your office.  Damage to office furnishing done by vandals and sometimes even employees can be handled through insurance more easily if you have video proof of what happened.

When it comes to your office and the security of your business, there are a lot of avenues you can explore to keep things protected.  Surveillance cameras are just one of those viable choices for any serious business person.