Published September 16, 2020

As a therapist, you of all people know that a therapy session is a holistic experience. It’s more than just sitting there and talking to your clients. It’s about coaxing them out and making them open up to you without them realizing it. For this, you need a multi-sensory approach.

This is why good design is essential for every therapist’s office. It’s not just about making you look professional. It’s also about giving your clients an environment that will maximize the therapy experience. With all this, you won’t have any problem attracting and retaining clients.

Whether you’re just starting your practice or looking to redecorate your space, here are the do’s and don’ts when designing a therapist office:

Do’s

1. Keep it Simple

Having too many decorations can distract your clients. Not to mention that it would make your office look shabby and unprofessional. Surely, that’s not the kind of vibe you want to give your clients.

So get rid of those hideous wallpapers, and all those little trinkets that are taking up too much of your space. Keep it simple and straightforward. People tend to feel more comfortable and relaxed when there are few things that can distract them.

2. Visualize The Office You Want

The first step to getting the office you want is to visualize it. If imagination is not your strength, browsing for office designs online helps a lot. Most of those designs featured online are also done by professionals. So it’s almost like having a professional designer redo your space.

If you can’t recreate the entire look or want to make changes to it, then at least take note of the furniture, colors, and patterns used. If possible, print them and cut out the parts you like. Paste them in a sort of mood board and add other elements you like. This will help you visualize your ideal office design.

3. Make Use of Natural Lighting

There’s a reason why natural light is considered a major perk for employees and a selling point for real estate. Aside from helping you get better sleep, it also wards off seasonal depression. Thus, it will do your clients a lot of good if you allow more natural light into your office.

4. Add Quotes

Remember that quote that affected you so much, you started to tear up? You should consider hanging that on your wall. Who knows? It might change your client’s life too.

5. Define Your Budget and Stick to It

Transforming your space into something straight out of a lifestyle magazine can be costly. This is why you need to define your budget and stick to it. You don’t have to shop at name-brand stores. You can have your furniture custom-made locally and even do the paint job yourself.

6. Put Your Stamp On It

Whether it’s your house or your office, one basic design principle you should never forget is to put your stamp on it. Meaning, your personality should reflect in your office. Hanging your credentials is a good start. Or you can also display some artworks – it’s your call. But just remember not to overdo it.

7. Go For Functional Pieces

This is especially applicable if you have a relatively small space. Choose decorations not only for their aesthetic value but for their functionality too.

Published September 8, 2020

The right cubicle size can vary for each office. Some can be as large as 8′ x 12′ while call center offices typically require smaller cubicles ranging from only 2′ x 5′, 4′ x 4′ up to 5′ x 5′. But in general, cubicle sizes can range from 6′ x 6′, 6′ x 8′, or 8′ x 8′.

But why does the size of an office’s cubicle matter?

Unknown to many, the design and layout of an office tend to affect employee productivity. It also influences the office ambiance and reflects the company’s working culture.

If you’ve just started your business or are putting up a new branch, choosing the right cubicle size sets the tone on how you want your office to be. Do you want it to be more casual and cordial? Or do you want the employees to maintain a no-nonsense attitude towards work? Your choice of a cubicle can lay the groundwork for that.

So how big should your office cubicle be? Only you can determine that. Just remember that you should not limit yourself to one cubicle size for the entire office. Employees holding managerial or supervisory positions may need a larger cubicle. So do employees who have to deal with tons of paperwork on a regular basis.

To help you decide, here’s a quick guide to common cubicle sizes as well as how to pick the right one for your office.

Common Cubicle Sizes

There are no standard size and design for cubicles but the most common ones are:

Modular Cubicles

In essence, modular cubicles are private cubicles. It usually has a floor-to-ceiling glass panel with a door. This type of cubicle is suitable for employees who need a little bit more privacy than what the usual cubicle can offer.

Call Center Cubicles

As you might have guessed, these are tiny cubicles that are mostly used in call centers. The entire cubicle is usually just 2 feet wide and can only fit a single computer unit with not much room for personal possessions. A thin panel (usually 4 feet tall) separates each cubicle to give a little bit of privacy for each worker.

Standard Cubicles

These are the traditional type of cubicles you see in most offices. Usually measuring at 8′ wide and 8′ long, they’re quite roomy compared to those used in call centers. Aside from the computer, they’re also designed to fit a small filing cabinet and some of the employee’s personal possessions.

Supervisory Cubicles

Supervisory cubicles typically measure 8′ x 12′. This type of cubicle provides enough space for interacting with company visitors and guests. As such, they’re often reserved for managers and frontline supervisors.

Published August 6, 2020

Picture this: It’s the middle of the day, and you feel that familiar rumble in your belly. You walk over to the office pantry to find it barren and deprived of any form of food. That’s not quite a pleasant experience, is it? But many companies commit the mistake of focusing too much on work that they forget about the work environment.

What is the work environment?

The work environment is a general atmosphere or attitude employees keep in the workplace. This term encompasses the physical, emotional, and social environment in the workplace. Your work environment has a significant impact on how you feel about your job. It can either make you look forward to it or dread it. Whatever the case may be, it starts with how upper management creates and fosters this.

A positive work environment not only boosts worker morale but also increases overall productivity. Add these with higher employee retention, and your business could be very successful.

How does the office pantry contribute to a positive work environment?

An office pantry doesn’t have to be a place where you simply eat and have coffee. You can choose to look at your office pantry like any other room, serving its useful function. Or you can look at it as something much more than that, a space where ideas and relationships flourish.

Management theorist Chester Barnard introduced us to his idea of informal organizations. Whereas formal organizations are intentionally created, informal ones spontaneously bloom out of people’s natural tendency to associate. These organizations develop out of employees becoming friends, bonding over shared interests. Informal organizations will only reinforce formal ones by boosting cohesiveness between employees. Moreover, employees will be more likely and eager to collaborate from this.

The office pantry can be a place where these organizations form. If you create a comfortable physical environment out of it, employees will be more likely to hang out there. If you’re a boss or a manager reading this, you’ll want to join your employees regularly during meals. This will help you relate to your employees instead of appearing superior to them. Forbes mentions this as one of the simple ways you show your employees you care. The Science of Care showed that 60% of employees who felt cared for planned to stay at their company for three years or more. Compare this to the meager 7% of employees that felt their employers didn’t care. Read more about the benefits of a well-stocked office pantry here.

So, how do you have an office pantry that your employees will love?

Start with the furniture.

You’ll want to get furniture that will comfortably fit everyone. You don’t have to break the bank for these, classy chair and table sets will suffice. You could choose a circle table, which allows you to see everyone. Or you could select rectangular ones, which are generally more space-efficient.

Published July 9, 2020

Comfort is a big deal. Several studies have shown a positive relationship between comfort and productivity. I wouldn’t want to imagine having to work days on end on a hard plastic chair. 

That’s why choosing a good desk chair is really important. It sets the stage for you to do your “magic” at your desk. 

While comfort is essential, we don’t want to have to break the bank for it either. 

Here is a list of the best cheap desk chairs without wheels.

Flash Furniture HERCULES Series 1000 lb. Capacity High-Density Black Vinyl Stacking Chair with Sled Base

The first chair we’re featuring is the most simple one of all. Boasting a sturdy steel frame and black vinyl upholstery is a no-frills option for you. This chair is versatile and can be used in many different settings. 

Check the product out on Amazon. 

Flash Furniture Black Leather Executive Side Reception Chair with Black Metal Frame

If you want a more premium feel than the first option, Flash Furniture has something for you. This product features premium LeatherSoft upholstery, which can complement any workspace. Its seat has a waterfall edge design that promotes blood flow in your lower extremities. 

Check the product page out here. 

Armen Living Summer Chair in Charcoal Fabric and Walnut Wood Finish

This product perfectly blends aesthetics and comfort. If you’re into classic wood-finished furniture, don’t go anywhere. Armen Living has come up with a mid-century modern and contemporary design twist to your regular desk chairs. 

The medium-high back support is perfect for maintaining good posture that allows you to sit for hours on end. 

Check the product out here.

Published June 2, 2020

Have you ever noticed that when the office lights are too bright, you just can’t focus? Or when it’s too dim, you just want to pull a pillow and take a nap right then and there?

No? Well, after reading this, you probably will.

Various studies have confirmed that lighting plays a significant role in employee productivity. It also affects your overall health and wellbeing.

Good lighting can decrease depression and improve your mood, energy, alertness, and productivity. While bad lighting can do the opposite.

But each of us has different preferences when it comes to lighting. Some people work best under bright daylight. While others like it a little dimmer.

This is why aside from the ambient lighting in your office, it’s also good to have one in your cubicle. This not only counters the harsh effects of the fluorescent light overhead. It also allows you to adjust the lighting to your preference.

Choosing the Right Cubicle Lighting

When looking for the best cubicle lamp for you, here are some things to keep in mind:

Use Natural Light As Much As Possible

If your office has windows, make sure to maximize them. Utilize as much natural lights as possible. If you’ll opt for blinds or shades, choose those that can be easily raised or lowered. Unlike light bulbs, natural lights can enhance productivity and do not hurt the eyes.

Choose One That Best Imitates Natural Light

Even if we want to have natural light, not all offices are built for such. Some are designed with very few or no windows at all. And if you’re renting an office space, you usually have no say about it.

In these instances, you just have to settle for the next best thing. Choose a cubicle lamp that imitates natural light like full spectrum lightbulbs. They are specially designed to imitate midday sunlight as how it appears to the human eye.

Consider Using LED Lights

LED lights are the newest trend in office lighting. There’s no wonder about it as LED lights are more energy-efficient than traditional lightbulbs. They are also brighter and offers exceptional color range without radiating much heat. Their directional light also makes them perfect for task lighting.

Published May 26, 2020

When planning your office design, one of the things you should take into consideration is proper lighting. You may not realize it but your office’s lighting affects your employees in more ways than one.

Aside from their eye health, it can also influence their productivity and work satisfaction. Harsh, glaring lights can cause eye strain and tend to make your employees lose focus. While a dimly-lighted office can induce drowsiness and depression.

Having a well-lit office space will not only boost your employees’ productivity. It can also affect their mood and improve the overall working environment. Needless to say, your business will benefit from it in the long run.

If you’re not sure how to illuminate your office properly, here’s a quick guide to designing the best lighting for small offices.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

Using natural lights is not only economical, it’s also environment-friendly. If you noticed, most modern offices have floor-to-ceiling glass walls and large windows. Some also have high ceilings and even dome-shaped walls. These features not only allow as much light as possible. It also makes your office space appear larger.

Diffuse Ambient Light

As mentioned, harsh glaring lights are detrimental to employee productivity. Thus, you need to diffuse the light as much as possible. Get rid of those large fluorescent bulbs and replace them with LED lights. LEDs have anti-glare technology and scatter the light making it less harmful to the eyes. You can also use a low-voltage incandescent bulb to reduce glare and create a warmer ambiance.

Highlight and Throw Lights

Instead of installing the lights directly overhead, try bouncing them off surfaces. Direct lighting makes your space appear flat and lifeless which, in turn, affects employee morale.

“Throwing” or redirecting lights on the wall, ceiling, and furniture helps create a dimension to your space. It also creates an illusion of motion giving life to your office space making it appear larger and more vibrant.

Aside from throwing lights, you can also use it to highlight your company logo or an office feature. It creates a 3D effect while providing illumination to your space.

Create a Contrast

Not all areas in the office are used for work. Some areas like the kitchen and hallway don’t need productivity-boosting lighting fixtures. Creating a contrast between the workspaces and recreation areas sends a subtle message to employees when they should focus and when they should relax.

Published May 26, 2020

If you’re working in an office job, sitting for a long period of time is inevitable. It’s the reality of workplaces right now so there’s no escaping it. This is why picking the right type of chair is essential when choosing office furniture.

It has been proven time and time again that the type of chair you use at work affects your health. Studies from around the world point to improper office chairs as the main cause of a wide range of health risks. This includes chronic back pains, muscle fatigue, diabetes, loss of focus, and even mental health problems.

So how do you choose the best office chair? Here are some things that you should look for.

• Comfort. Your employees won’t be able to concentrate on their work if they’re uncomfortable in their seats. Make sure there’s enough padding and proper back support to avoid back strain.
• Adjustability. There is no one chair that can perfectly fit all employees. Each will have their own chair height preference. Some may like headrest while others may find it uncomfortable.
• Swivel. Needless to say, office chairs should be swiveled. Otherwise, your employees will have to strain a lot just to reach something on their desk.
• Durability. Office chairs can be expensive so you should treat it as an investment. Make sure it’s durable enough to last for years despite being used several hours each day.

In addition, if you have a limited office space, you also need to take into consideration the size of the chair. There are a lot of office chairs that meet the above criteria but doesn’t occupy too much space.

1. Ergonomic Chairs

When it comes to neck, back, and shoulder support, ergonomic chairs are the best of the lot. They are specially made to promote good posture despite sitting for long hours. This type of chair usually features headrests, armrests, swivel, and padded seat and back. It’s suitable for almost all types of offices.

Best Ergonomic Chair Samples:

Embody Chair by Herman Miller

Ergohuman by Ergotech

2. Drafting Chairs

Designers and architects often have to work on a drafting table. That means they have to stand most of the time. But standing for long periods of time also pose several health risks. This makes the drafting chair perfect for them. It allows them to sit and stand whenever they like without much hassle. It’s high enough that they can easily sit when they get tired of standing and vice versa. It also offers lumbar support.

Best Drafting Chair Samples:

Veer Drafting Chair by Modway

3. Mesh Chairs

Mesh chairs offer breathability like no other type of chair in this list. It’s perfect for people who sweat a lot while working. The mesh fabric is also often paired with cushion seats to maximize comfort and minimize back pain.

Best Mesh Chair Samples:

Walker Adjustable Office Mesh Chair by The Green Group

Swivel Mid Back Mesh Chair by OFM Essentials