Office Space

This category contains all articles related to or specifically talking about topics on office spaces, office rentals, and more.

September 15 2020

Therapist Office Design Ideas That Attracts Clients

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An example of an effective filing system in the office.

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.

8. Upcycle

Upcycling is the name of the game right now. It not only helps you save money, but it’s also good for the environment. Plus, upcycling stuff, especially vintage ones, will help you achieve that rustic chic look with less effort. If you don’t have stuff you can upcycle, you can shop around in flea markets or garage sales. There are some really great finds there if you just look hard enough.

9. Balance Your Tones

The main goal when designing a therapist’s office space is to instill calmness and create a tranquil ambiance. A well-balanced tone can help you achieve that. Avoid loud colors and instead, go for neutral or light colors. According to environmental designers, painting your walls with soothing colors like sage green or dusty blue can help promote a sense of calmness and relaxation.

10. Prioritize Client Comfort

In all your design, decoration, and furniture choices, don’t forget that your client’s comfort should be the number one priority. So before deciding on anything else, make sure to pick the right couch. After all, that’s where your clients will sit. Make sure it’s large enough and soft enough so your clients will feel at home more easily.

Dont’s

1. Avoid a “clinical” ambiance

An all-white office can remind your client of a hospital room – and nobody likes hospital rooms. So how can you expect them to feel comfortable opening up to you? That’s why, as much as possible add some colors to your space. There’s nothing wrong with using white as long as you pair it up with other neutral or light colors to create a “homey” ambiance.

2. Don’t Overdecorate

If you’re planning to pepper your walls with quotes, photos and whatnots, don’t. Even your figurine collection will have to go somewhere else.

You see, decorations can distract your client. One or two art pieces hanging on your wall won’t do any harm. In fact, it’s recommended. But having too many of it can grab your client’s attention. Instead of listening to what you’re saying, their mind will wander elsewhere.

3. Avoid Plants That Are Hard to Maintain

Adding plants not only freshens the air inside your office. It also promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety levels, and improves concentration. But when you do decide to add indoor plants, make sure they’re not hard to maintain. Choose plants that don’t need constant watering or even a full dose of sunlight.

4. Avoid Chaotic Abstracts or Artwork Scenes

Remember you’re trying to achieve calmness and tranquility. Artworks that depict chaotic themes, whether abstract or otherwise, will just bring about the opposite. So avoid them at all costs.

5. Avoid Square or Rectangular Tables

Cornered tables don’t encourage communication as much as round ones. So if you want your client to pour their heart out to you, go for round tables instead of square or rectangular ones.

Design Inspirations

5. Therapist Office With Tatami Lounger

The perfect office space in Boca Raton

We offer some of the most beautiful office space in Boca Raton Florida. Take a look at our online gallery and book a tour with us today!

Judy Ponio is an author for BocaExecuSpace.

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of productivity and she wants to share that with the world. She also loves to write about work related topics and other productivity tips.

September 8 2020

The Right Cubicle Size For Every Type of Office

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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.

How to Pick the Right Cubicle Size

Picking the right cubicle size for your office involves plenty of considerations. To guide you, here are some factors you should take into account when planning your office cubicle sizes:

Tradition vs. Creativity

Due to rising real estate prices, most offices have to make do with smaller office spaces. As a result, employees are usually stuffed in rows of small cubicles where one move can bring them elbow to elbow with other employees. While this is an efficient use of space, it can also stunt creativity.

Utilizing your office space efficiently is important. But you should also give your employees enough room for them to do their jobs properly.

Collaboration vs. Privacy

Traditional office cubicles are designed to provide privacy for each worker. It’s believed that this will help employees focus more on their jobs. But this type of cubicles can also hinder collaboration.

If you’re in an industry that requires focus like stock trading or banking, traditional cubicle designs work best. But if you’re in the creative field, an open-type set-up is much more suitable.

Space Requirement

Each employee has different space requirements. As such, it’s important to consider the kind of work they do when planning the size of their cubicle.

If an employee has to deal with mountains of paperwork on a regular basis, they’ll obviously need a larger space. The same is also true for front-office employees who have to entertain clients every day. While employees who rely on their computers for work typically requires less space.

Employee Turnover

Now, you might be asking what employee turnover has to do with cubicle sizes.

Well, one of the reasons why call centers have smaller cubicles is because the industry has rather high employee turnover. When employees don’t expect to stay for long, they don’t bring a lot of personal possessions to the office. As such, a smaller cubicle will suit them just fine.

In a similar vein, employees who expect to stay with the company for years will bring tumblers, pillows, family pictures, and other knick-knacks to the office. They may also need a larger space for file storage.

The perfect office space in Boca Raton

We offer some of the most beautiful office space in Boca Raton Florida. Take a look at our online gallery and book a tour with us today!

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of productivity and she wants to share that with the world. She also loves to write about work related topics and other productivity tips.

September 8 2020

Which Stapler is Best for You? Let’s Look at the Reviews

SEOTeam1133Office Space, Office Tools 0

Published September 8, 2020

When buying staplers, you probably don’t give it much thought, except when you expect to do heavy stapling. I mean, it’s a stapler. You use it then you probably forget about its existence until you need it again. It doesn’t really matter which one you’ll buy.

Or so you thought.

You see, the stapler is probably one of the most underrated tools. Unlike a ballpen or a highlighter, many people don’t care which they’ll buy as long as it gets the job done. Some would even look for the cheapest one thinking they’re all the same.

Unfortunately, they’re not all the same. And you’ll learn this the hard way when your stapler starts to jam, annoys the wits out of you, and ruin what’s supposed to be a smooth-sailing day at work.

If you want to avoid such a situation, you need to pay more attention on the stapler you’re buying. To help you out, we scoured the web for reviews to determine the best stapler out there. Here’s what we found:

1. Amazon Basics Stapler

One major reason why this stapler is so popular is because of it’s price. For only a little over $6, it’s basically a steal! It can staple up to 10 sheets of paper and has a rubber base which prevents it from skidding when in use. So if you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss stapler for everyday office use, this one does the job.

Review:

I ordered the 12-pack of these staplers because they were much cheaper, per unit, than any other “basic stapler” out there. They arrived quickly, and were packaged neatly. Each came with plenty of staples, which loaded cleanly and quickly into the stapler. It’s worked great so far in my classroom, and sits on the corner of my desk for kids to use. It’s held up so far to many students using it regularly. – Amazon Customer

2. Bostitch Ascend Antimicrobial Stapler

Aside from being the most underrated, staplers are also the most shared office tool. So it’s no surprise that they’re also the dirtiest. This is what makes Bostitch Ascend Antimicrobial stapler a constant sellout. It can staple up to 20 pages and has a built-in staple remover and storage compartment for extra staples.

Review:

i love the color, and the functionality of storing the staples inside the stapler with its neat little storage compartment. very handy for someone who loses the box of staples all the time. and the staple remover on the end is just awesome. highly recommend, does the job, sturdy, looks good, doesnt jam, and came with staples! big thumbs up from this happy college student. – Kerri, United States

3. Swingline 747 Classic Stapler

For stapler enthusiasts, Swingline is known for its durable staplers. And this classically-designed stapler is no exception. It’s die-cast base and metal construction makes it more durable. It’s capable of stapling up to 20 sheets and has a limited lifetime warranty. So if you’re after a stapler that you can deed in your will, this is for you.

Review:

My 747 is at least 25 – 30 years old and it is still going strong. It has been dropped and taken a beating over the years, yet it still works like a champ. The only time it has ever jammed up was when we tried to use some off brand staples from China that would not work in any stapler in the office. This is a quality product built in America. – Dano, Georgia

4. EcoElectronix EX-25 Electric Stapler

Heavy-duty, easy-to-use, and quiet – these are the words that come to mind when EcoElectronix EX-25 is mentioned. Since it’s battery-operated, you won’t have to exert much effort when stapling thick bunches of paper. This also makes it perfect for someone who does a lot of stapling everyday as it helps prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Like Swingline staplers, EcoElectronix also offers limited lifetime warranty.

Review:

I have had zero problems with this stapler. It easily staples up to 25 pages. I tried stapling a stack of papers last week and it wouldn’t even try to staple them. Then I realized it was 26 pages. My old electric stapler would have tried to staple them and then just gotten jammed. I also love the depth adjustment so I can control where the staple hits. As an accountant, I often have multi-page documents to deal with and sometimes (with other staplers, not this one) the staple will go through at a point where there is data I need to read. now I can staple everything exactly where I want. I haven’t plugged it in yet, I have only been using it on battery power and it has been great! – DarthMike, US

5. Rapid Classic K1 Stapling Pliers

True to its name, the Rapid Classic K1 Stapling Pliers look more like, well, pliers rather than staplers. It’s all-metal construction and ergonomic handle makes it perfect for heavy stapling tasks. It can also staple up to 50 sheets at once and has a five-year warranty. Though with its specs, you’ll probably use it for a lifetime.

Review:

Staples anything. Technically, almost anything; I’ve not tried metal, but it will put a staple through whatever amount of paper I can fit into it, and I tried some lightweight wood and it stapled that fine too, with less force on the handle than I would have expected. I did not seek out special staples, but possibly low-quality staples would have a problem going into very thick stacks of paper. – David W., US

The perfect office space in Boca Raton

We offer some of the most beautiful office space in Boca Raton Florida. Take a look at our online gallery and book a tour with us today!

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of productivity and she wants to share that with the world. She also loves to write about work related topics and other productivity tips.

August 18 2020

How to Determine Your Office Furniture Depreciation

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Published August 18, 2020

For non-accountants, calculating your office furniture depreciation can be confusing. So some businesses opt to do it the simplest way: by dividing the furniture’s purchase cost with its useful life. For example, if they bought the office furniture at $100 and is expected to be used within the next 5 years, the yearly depreciation is $20.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always applicable.

You see, all assets including office furniture depreciate every year. But not at the same rate. Some depreciate faster than others. So it’s essential to understand how each furniture depreciates to come up with a more accurate depreciation amount.

But before we dig deeper, let’s first refresh our knowledge on depreciation.

What is Depreciation?

Depreciation is a way of amortizing the value of an asset over its useful life.

For example, you’re expecting a cabinet you just purchased to be useful for the next ten years. Rather than deducting the entire amount you paid for it as an expense in the year it was bought, you divide it into ten years.

But why?

Depreciation is based on the Matching Principle in accounting. The principle states that income and expenses should be recognized in the year they are earned and spent regardless of when they are paid.

Since you’ll be able to use that cabinet for 10 years, it means that it will help you earn an income within those years. Therefore, you need to divide the expense of the cabinet on the years that you’re earning income from it. By doing this, you’re making sure that your income and expenses will match.

On your part as a business owner, depreciation will also help you lower your taxes. That’s because depreciation is considered an expense and thus deductible from your taxable income. Though it’s tempting to declare a large depreciation, the IRS puts a cap on how much depreciation you can claim in a year. But more of that later.

Definition of Terms

To better understand the concept of depreciation, let’s define the terms often associated with it.

Asset

In accounting, asset simply means a property that you expect to be useful beyond the fiscal period. This includes land, building, and office equipment among others.

Estimated Useful Life

When you say that an asset has an estimated useful life of five years, it means that you expect to use it for 5 years. Remember this is just an estimate. Some assets exceed their useful life while others may become useless even before they become fully depreciated. Either way, it’s okay. You can adjust the depreciation as you deem fit or maintain the asset in your books even if it’s fully depreciated.

Salvage Value

Salvage value basically just means the asset’s scrap value. It’s how much you expect to sell it when you’re not using it anymore.

How to Calculate Depreciation

As mentioned, assets like office furniture depreciate at varying rates. This is why there are several ways to calculate depreciation. Here are some of them:

Straight Line Depreciation

This is the easiest and most simple way to calculate depreciation. You just take the asset’s purchase price and deduct its salvage value. Then divide it by the asset’s estimated useful life.

The formula would look like this:

Depreciation = (purchase price – salvage value)/estimated useful life

Example:

You bought a cabinet for $1,000 and you expect to use it for the next 10 years. It’s estimated scrap value is $200.

To calculate:

Depreciation =($1,000 (purchase price) – $200 (salvage value)) / 10 years (useful life)

Depreciation = $800/10

Depreciation = $80

Your annual depreciation is $80. This is a uniform annual amount that you will recognize as expense in the next ten years.

Double Declining Balance Depreciation

This depreciation method is appropriate for assets that are less useful over time. For example, you bought a computer set. You expect to use it in the next 10 years but you know that after only 3 years, a new model will come out. So your employees will probably use that computer much less frequently.

The logic behind the double-declining balance is to depreciate an asset in the years when it’s more useful. As a business owner, you’ll also be able to recover the cost of the item much faster.

Under this method, the depreciation amount in the first year you depreciated the asset is doubled. Then in the subsequent years, the asset’s book value is used instead of the purchase price.

The formula would look like this:

Depreciation = (2 x depreciation rate) x book value at the beginning of the year

To get the depreciation rate, just divide 1 by the asset’s useful life. So if the asset has a useful life of five years, the depreciation rate is 0.20 or 20%.

To illustrate, let’s take our cabinet example again: $1,000 purchase price with 10 years of estimated useful life. Since it is depreciated for 10 years, the depreciation rate would be 10%.

Year 1

Depreciation = (2 x 10%) x $1,000

Depreciation = 20% x $1,000

Depreciation = 200

After year 1, your book value for the cabinet will only be at $800 ($1,000 – $200). This is what you will use for next year’s computation.

Year 2

Depreciation = (2 x 10%) x $800

Depreciation = 20% x $800

Depreciation = 160

This goes on until the asset is fully depreciated.

Sum of the Year’s Digit Depreciation (SYD)

Just like the double-declining balance method, SYD lets you depreciate an asset more in the first year than the succeeding years. Albeit with a slightly more even distribution.

Under this, you will have to divide the remaining lifespan of the asset over the sum of the year’s digit. Then multiply it by the difference of the asset’s purchase price and its salvage value.

So the formula would look like this:

Depreciation = (remaining lifespan / SYD) x (purchase price – salvage value)

To calculate for SYD, just add up all the digits in the asset’s useful life. So if an asset has a useful life of five years, the SYD will be 15 (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5).

Using the cabinet example again, the SYD is 55 since its useful life is 10 years. Under the SYD method, here’s how you can calculate the furniture’s depreciation:

Year 1

Depreciation = (9 / 55) x ($1,000 – $200)

Depreciation = 0.16 x $800

Depreciation = $128

For the first year, you’ll record a depreciation of $128 which is slightly lower than the first year depreciation under the double-declining balance.

Year 2

Depreciation = (8 / 55) x ($1,000 – $200)

Depreciation = 0.145 x $800

Depreciation = $116

Notice that the second year’s depreciation is lower than the first. But the difference is not as dramatic as the double declining balance method.

How to Calculate Depreciation for Tax Purposes

The IRS has pretty strict standards when it comes to depreciation for tax purposes. The agency requires businesses to use the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) depreciation method for tax returns.

Under MACRS, assets are assigned to a specific asset class. The class they’re assigned to determines their useful life. So if you’re preparing your tax returns, you can’t just make up a depreciation amount for your office equipment. A detailed table of asset classes can be found in the IRS Publication 946, Appendix B.

Calculating depreciation through the MACRS method is complicated and confusing. So it’s better to leave it to your bookkeeper or accountant. To get a better feel of how MACRS works, there are a lot of depreciation calculators online you can try out.

Which Office Furniture Can Be Depreciated?

Yes, all office furniture depreciates. But you can only record a depreciation expense for a piece of furniture if you:

own it
use it in your business or to produce income
can determine its useful life
expect it to last more than a year

If the furniture doesn’t fit any of the above criteria, they are not considered depreciable assets. Thus, they can’t be subjected to depreciation.f

The perfect office space in Boca Raton

We offer some of the most beautiful office space in Boca Raton Florida. Take a look at our online gallery and book a tour with us today!

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of productivity and she wants to share that with the world. She also loves to write about work related topics and other productivity tips.

August 6 2020

How to Have An Office Pantry That Your Employees Will Love

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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.

Get the right appliances, cookware, and tableware.

These are the essential appliances you should think of getting:

Refrigerator
Microwave Oven
Coffee maker
Water dispenser (unless you prefer tap)

The less essential appliances but still ideal are:

Stove
Dishwasher
Toaster

The essential cookware pieces are:

Pots
Pans
Spatulas
Knives
Chopping Board

For tableware, you can stick to the basics:

Plates
Bowls
Spoon
Forks
Mugs
Cups

The more extensive the selection of appliances, the more welcoming your office pantry will be. Instead of going out to buy lunch, they have a very feasible option of preparing meals there instead.

The most important thing is food.

When I say this, I don’t mean buying a year’s supply of Twinkies and Oreos. While these may make you and your employees happy, they don’t exactly make for the most productive workplace.

When we work, our blood sugar levels drop, and we tend to lose concentration in our tasks. This is why we need to eat regularly. Food is the fuel our body needs to sustain itself. But not all foods are created equal, as our body processes different foods at different rates. Carbs like rice, pasta, and bread give us an almost immediate jolt of energy, followed by a drop. On the other hand, food high in fat and protein tends to digest more slowly, taking oxygen away from the brain and making us drowsy.

An interesting study showed that munching on fruits and vegetables has a positive effect on our moods. The researchers found that fruit and vegetable consumption led to higher levels of curiosity and creativity.

According to Inc., these are ten superfoods that boost productivity that you should stock in your pantry:

Salmon
Berries
Green Tea
Dark Chocolate
Nuts
Avocados
Water
Bananas
Eggs
Brown Rice

Now that you know the facts, it’s time to get moving. Create that office pantry of your employees’ dreams, and have some great meals with them.

The perfect office space in Boca Raton

We offer some of the most beautiful office space in Boca Raton Florida. Take a look at our online gallery and book a tour with us today!

About The Author

Terrence Tan Ting is an industrial engineer by profession but a full time writer by passion. He loves to write about a wide range of topics from many different industries thanks to his undying curiosity.

July 9 2020

The Best Cheap Desk Chair With No Wheels

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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.

AmazonBasics Classic Leather Office Desk Guest Chair with Metal Frame, Black

Another classic desk chair, you can’t complain about this one either. AmazonBasics crafted this chair with a durable frame, complemented by classy black bonded leather upholstery. This product is more than able to make any space look professional.

Check the product out here.

Flash Furniture Black Leather Executive Side Reception Chair with Lumbar Support and Sled Base

This chair is pretty similar to the previous product. However, its thick-padded back provides superior lumbar support for comfortable sitting. Its curved padded arms also reduce the harsh resting experience other chairs have.

Check the product out here.

Safco Products Zenergy Ball Chair, Black, Low Profile, Active Seating

This one is the craziest chair yet here. In fact, it doesn’t even look like much of a chair, does it?

Well, it’s as much a chair as the rest of them. This one might be a little more unique. It’s ergonomically designed to promote better blood flow and keep your body moving.

Not only that, but it’s also designed to improve the posture you’d otherwise have with other chairs. It’s basically a swiss ball without the hassle of it moving around like crazy.

Check the product out here.

Boss Leather Sled Base Side Chair

Here’s another excellent option from Boss Office Products. This chair is upholstered with LeatherPlus. LeatherPlus combines comfort and durability to create a quality product.

It doesn’t come with armrests, which makes it a relatively basic option.

Check the product page out here.

Flash Furniture Black Leather Guest / Reception Chair with Black Frame Finish

This last product is made with the same durable metal frame and thick-padded back, providing a more than comfortable experience.

This product is made of only eco-friendly materials with contoured cushions to complement any body shape.

Check the product page out here.

The perfect office space in Boca Raton

We offer some of the most beautiful office space in Boca Raton Florida. Take a look at our online gallery and book a tour with us today!

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June 25 2020

Best Desktop Humidifiers in 2020

SEOTeam1133Office Space, Office Tools 0

Published June 25, 2020

The first half of what seems to be the longest year in our lives is about to end. “What a relief!” Most would say. But as we enter the cold weather months, we also welcome an old nemesis in dry air.

Dry air is damaging to your body, plain and simple. It can be harmful to your eyes, skin, and even your respiratory tract. Cold winter air is much drier than hot summer air, as it holds much less moisture.

Soon it will have you hunched over at your desk with sinuses as dry as the desert. Yes, it can do that (No, not literally). But don’t you worry, your friendly neighborhood humidifier is here.

Humidifiers, used responsibly, can combat the effects of dry air by injecting moisture back into your environment. They come in many shapes and sizes, but here is a list of the best desktop humidifiers in 2020:

Diffuserlove Diffuser 500ML Essential Oil Diffuser

$18.99 on Amazon

The first thing you notice about this product is its sleek design. It has a unique, eye-catching teardrop shape. This frame is fantastic for holding a large capacity of water (500mL).

This diffuser is extremely quiet when working. And speaking of working, it can run for up to 8 full hours.

If you enjoy playing around with lighting, it comes with 7 LED light colors. These are adjustable between bright and dim modes. It also comes with set timers for ON, 1, 3, and 6 hours, respectively.

VicTsing 150ml Essential Oil Diffuser

$16.99 on Amazon

Many modern humidifiers have incorporated humidifiers with essential oil diffusers, and VicTsing has done a great job with this product. This product packs a massive punch for its small body, capable of humidifying a 20-30 m² room. Because of its minute frame, it holds much less water (150mL) than the last product.

It comes with two different mist settings to control the humidity output:

High Mist (25-40 mL/hour for 3-6 hours)
Sleep Mode (15-30 mL/hour for 5-10 hours)

This BPA-free product also comes with a comfortable sleep mode. With one press of the SLEEP button, you activate a no light, low mist setting, which lasts for 5-10 hours.

URPOWER 2nd Version Essential Oil Diffuser

$15.99 on Amazon

This URPOWER new version is quite an upgrade from the last version. It’s much more powerful than its predecessor, being able to emit more mist for 6 hours. It can fit comfortably on any desktop. The trade-off for this is that it’s only able to hold 100mL of water.

This little guy is a perfect fit for newbies in the humidifier realm. It’s a straightforward product, capable of injecting moisture and sweet scents into the air.

This product is an absolute all-star in customer reviews with over 44,000 on Amazon. Additionally, it seems like the customer service for this product backs up its reputation too.

ASAKUKI 300ml Essential Oil Diffuser

$26.99 on Amazon

Classic. That’s one word you can slap on to this product. You can vividly see the Japanese touch of this company through its products. Wonderfully designed, this humidifier not only makes the air better but adds to the aesthetics of the space too.

The premium eco-friendly materials and state-of-the-art production make for a product of exquisite build quality. Capable of holding 300 mL of water, it can last ten whole working hours.

It also comes with the same four timer settings in ON, 1, 3, and 6-hour timers. To boot, it comes with two mist density control settings to fit your liking.

Epoch Making USB Car Humidifier

$16.88 on Amazon

You might skip through this product because of its name, but wait one moment. This portable humidifier is quite flexible, as you can use it practically anywhere. Although small, its water tank can hold 200 mL of water.

Built into its small frame is a powerful battery which you can charge with your computer or mobile phone through the USB power port. Capable of lasting 16 full hours, it also comes with 7 LED light colorways.

And you want simple? You can’t get simpler than one-button control.

“One-button control?!” Yes! One-button control for everything.

VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser

$21.99 on Amazon

Is that a humidifier or furniture? It can be a little bit of both. VicTsing seems to have a fantastic framework in making humidifiers and diffusers. With a wood grain finish, this product stands out as much as it blends in. It comes in three different shades of wood brown to suit your tastes.

In terms of features, they’re almost identical to the ASAKUKI product I mentioned earlier. Specifically, it has the same two mist settings, as well as the four power options.

At maximum capacity, it can last for 10 hours with a water tank capacity of 300 mL.

The perfect office space in Boca Raton

We offer some of the most beautiful office space in Boca Raton Florida. Take a look at our online gallery and book a tour with us today!

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June 2 2020

Awesome Cubicle Lighting Ideas for Small Offices

SEOTeam1133Office Space 0

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.

Best Cubicle Lamps

For small offices, space availability is an important consideration when choosing cubicle lamps. This makes desk lamps and mounted lights practical options.

Desk Lamps

Desk lamps minimize glares and shadows making reading easier to the eyes. It also counters the oftentimes harsh effects of ambient office lighting. Depending on your type of work and desk space, there is a desk lamp suitable for your needs.

Recommended Desk Lamp Brands for Small Offices:

Mounted Lights

If your table is too busy for a desk lamp, mounted lights also make great alternatives. They provide the same quality of light without taking up too much space. They’re also energy-saving as only specific areas are illuminated.

Recommended Mounted Lights for Small Offices:

The perfect office space in Boca Raton

We offer some of the most beautiful office space in Boca Raton Florida. Take a look at our online gallery and book a tour with us today!

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of productivity and she wants to share that with the world. She also loves to write about work related topics and other productivity tips.

September 13 2019

Modern Office Design Ideas for 2020

Judy PonioOffice Space 0

(Published on September 13, 2019 | Updated on June 22, 2020)

There’s no denying that office designs have changed radically over the past few years. Gone are the white-washed, pristine walls that evoke stiff professionalism. Office designs have evolved to suit the changing attitude towards work and business.

Now, businesses are starting to realize the value of their employees. They’ve figured out that employee productivity plays a huge role in business success. Thus modern office designs tend to focus more on employee comfort.

Even large corporations are modernizing their offices with the goal of retaining the best talents. Because, in today’s workplace, money isn’t the primary motivation anymore. The best employees stay longer when they are allowed to collaborate and be creative.

Aside from that, modern designs also give your office space a refreshing look. It tells your clients that you’re not afraid to innovate and keep up with the times.

If you’re struggling to come up with a look that suits your business, check out these modern office design ideas.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

A modern office design that takes advantage of natural light.

According to experts, natural light plays a great role in boosting productivity. It’s proven to improve your mood which reflects on the quality of work that you do.

Besides, using natural light can save you hundreds of dollars on electricity bills. Plus, you’re helping the environment. It’s basically a win-win situation.

There are a lot of ways to let more natural light in. Start with expanding those windows and ditching the shades. You can also add skylights or install solar tubes. And don’t forget to always clean your window panes and trim the bushes and tree branches that may block the light.

Create Chill-Out Spaces

Employee's chill-out area with table, couch and tv.

A staple feature of modern offices is the chill-out space. To foster productivity, employees need a place to “chill-out”. It helps them relax, recharge, and collect their thoughts. This is especially useful when you’re in the creative field. Because, oftentimes, the most brilliant ideas come out when you’re not in “work” mode.

It doesn’t have to be a huge, elaborate space. Some offices just put a couch with several bean bags and a TV. If you’re lacking for space, you can also redecorate your kitchen to double as a chill-out area.

Consider Standing Desks

A modern employee working from a standing desk.

Standing desks might be way out of your budget but it’s a worthy investment.

Studies show that sitting in a desk all day can lead to various illnesses. Of course, you don’t want to sacrifice your employee’s health. Not only does it reduce productivity, but you’ll also end up spending more on their medical benefits.

Introduce an Open Layout

A modern office with an open layout design.

Collaboration is the current name of the game. Employees tend to achieve more when they can freely interact. And an open office layout is instrumental to that.

Get rid of the partitions and individual cubes. Instead, introduce a more “communal” working space. This arrangement helps establish a spirit of teamwork and camaraderie. It also builds a more efficient workforce. Not to mention that it makes your space look bigger and more inviting.

Keep It Organized

A modern office design with lots of storage space.

Another great way of boosting productivity is by keeping a well-organized office. Less clutter means you spend lesser time looking for something and more on doing actual work. It also lessens the frustration of having to go all over the place just to look for a file.

Make use of your extra spaces by converting them into storage areas. You can also install shelves on your wall rather than filling it up with decorations. Or customize your office furniture to include storage spaces.

Add More Glass

A modern office design that uses glass walls and partitions.

If you look at famous skyscrapers that house modern offices, you’ll see that they use a lot of glass for the walls. In fact, even their doors are made of glass. Why is that?

It’s because nothing screams modern than floor-to-ceiling glass walls. And also because it maximizes the usage of natural light and creates a more open working space while maintaining privacy.

Incorporate Your Brand

When deciding on an office design, you should also take your brand into consideration. If you can incorporate your brand in your mugs and shirts, why not in your office space?

And no, it’s not just about stamping your logo on every available surface. That’s actually a terrible idea. Your office should convey your work culture and business philosophies. It must embody your company identity as a whole. That’s why it’s called branding.

Allow More Flexibility

An example of a modern office that allows more flexibility.

Some modern offices emphasize flexibility in their layout. This means employee movements are less restricted. They can move the furniture around, adjust their desks, or even move to an area where they are more comfortable working.

This added flexibility also helps promote productivity. Employees won’t be constrained to a single area. Not only is it good for their health, but it’s also easier for them to collaborate with others.

Use Natural Elements

A modern office that uses wooden table and indoor plants.

Another trend that’s picking up among businesses is the use of natural elements in their office designs. You’ll often see wooden furniture and earth-toned decors. Indoor plants are also becoming more popular.

Apart from aesthetic purposes, using natural elements can benefit your employees too. Earth colors have a calming effect on the human mind. This reduces stress levels and makes people happy. The indoor plants also provide cleaner air for your employees to breathe.

Integrate Technology

An example of a modern office that uses the latest video conference technology.

Of course, a modern office wouldn’t be complete without technology. Invest in technological advancements that can make the workplace faster, smarter and more efficient.

For instance, many businesses now use video conference technology for their meetings. If you can afford it, invest in smartboards too.

Since many people now work from their laptops, make sure charging stations are also readily accessible.

Rent a Modern Executive Office in Boca Raton!

Our luxurious executive office spaces for rent in Boca Raton, Florida will surely suit your business needs. Each room is fully furnished and sound insulated to ensure you have the perfect working environment.

The building itself is equipped with high-definition security cameras, a server room, and ultra-fast internet. Plus, get to feel the holiday vibe while working with the scenic view of the Florida coast right outside your window! We offer flexible rental terms too! Visit our homepage to know more about our other amenities or contact us to book a tour now!

About The Author

Judy Ponio has extensive experience in both private and public firms where she learned the ins and outs of the corporate world. She now shares that accumulated knowledge in this blog.

An example of a design fit for small office spaces.

September 6 2019

Small Office Design Tips for Startups

Judy PonioOffice Space 2

Published September 6th, 2019

For startup businesses, image is key. Looking professional establishes client trust and builds the business’ brand. This, in turn, helps small businesses compete with industry leaders.

One sure way to project your company’s image is in your office design. Unfortunately, startups can’t afford to build the likes of Googleplex or Legoland. Most of the time, they’ll have to make do with a small office space.

But, don’t fret. Small office spaces can still look stylish and professional. All it takes is a little creativity coupled with ingenuity. And don’t forget to make use of these tips for small office designs.

Keep It Organized

Having a well-organized office can boost your team’s productivity. They don’t have to waste their time searching for a file or an office supply. They’ll be able to concentrate more on doing their jobs.

Be Careful With Colors

A small office space with blue color theme.

Your office’s color scheme also plays a role in your productivity. According to experts, there are four colors that affect people’s mood at work:

Red – it stimulates a strong physical response in people. This is best used for physically-demanding jobs.
Green – is great for harmonization and creates a sense of calm and reassurance. Best used to achieve a calm and meditative office ambiance.
Blue – is an intellectual color. It keeps you awake and enhances concentration. This is why it’s used in most offices.
Yellow – it gives off energy and encourages creativity. If you’re in the creative field, this color is what your office needs.

More than just the color, you also have to pay attention to its intensity and saturation. Light blue colors won’t have the same effect on people as that of it’s darker version. The same holds true for the other three.

Find the color scheme that works best for you and your team. This will help you choose the right furniture and decorations.

Choose Space-Saving Furniture Pieces

A small office using space-saving furniture.

When you have limited available space, your priority should be how to maximize its use. So when designing a small office space, you need to choose furniture pieces that save space. Like a desk that doubles as a shelf or a meeting room table that you can fold when not in use.

There are a lot of stores that sell these kinds of furniture. You can also order customized pieces suited to your exact needs.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

A small office design that takes advantage of natural light.

Light creates the illusion of a larger space. So it’s important that your office is well-lit. But instead of wasting electricity, take advantage of natural light.

According to studies, natural light can help reduce eye strain which lessens drowsiness. It can also help improve your mood which results in lesser headaches and fewer mistakes.

Install glass walls or windows if you can. You can also raise your ceiling so more natural light can go through.

Make Use of a Sliding Door

A small office that uses sliding door to save space.

Traditional doors can take up a lot of space when opened. That’s why more and more offices opt for sliding doors or more popularly known as pocket doors. You won’t have to worry about the door hitting a desk every time someone opens it.

Build Storage on Walls

A small office with built-in wall shelves for storage.

Earlier, we said that you need to keep your office organized. For that, storage is essential. You need to have a dedicated space to store your files, books, and office supplies.

To save on space, many offices are building shelves right on their walls. It’s also a great way of utilizing all that wall space instead of just using it for decorations. Or use your creativity and make your storage shelves double as decorations.

Allocate An Area for Meetings

A small office with an allocated area for meetings.

Aside from individual desks, you need to allocate space for meetings too. Consider the number of employees you have. Bear in mind that it will also be used for client presentations. If you are renting an executive space, they usually have a separate meeting room that tenants can use.

Looking for Office Space in Boca Raton?

Our executive office spaces for rent in Boca Raton, Florida is perfect for startups. It’s nestled right in the heart of the most business-friendly cities in Florida. Aside from the scenic beach view, it also boasts of great amenities such as a fully-equipped server room, state-of-the-art office necessities, high-speed internet, sound-proof rooms, and even maid service. Contact us to book a tour now.

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of productivity and she wants to share that with the world. She also loves to write about work related topics and other productivity tips.