As a business owner, you understand the importance of having a productive and efficient workspace for your employees. However, have you thought about the impact that your office environment can have on your employees’ physical and mental health? By creating a wellness-focused workspace, you can improve your employees’ well-being and boost productivity at the same time. Here are three ways that PURE Workplace Solutions can help you create a wellness-focused workspace with furniture and design:

Ergonomic Furniture

Sitting in chairs that don’t support their bodies is one of the biggest contributors to physical discomfort in the workplace. Poorly designed furniture can result in chronic pain and other musculoskeletal disorders for employees. PURE Workplace Solutions offers a wide range of ergonomic furniture options that can help your employees stay comfortable and healthy throughout the workday. Our ergonomic chairs from brands such as Herman Miller and Knoll are designed to support the natural curves of the spine and promote good posture, reducing the risk of back pain and related issues. We also offer adjustable desks that allow employees to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day, which has been shown to improve circulation and reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health problems. Studies have shown, by investing in ergonomic furniture, you can help your employees stay comfortable and healthy, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

Biophilic Design

Biophilic design involves incorporating natural elements into the built environment to create a more harmonious and healthy workspace. By bringing elements of nature into the workplace, it has been shown you can reduce stress levels, improve air quality, and boost overall well-being. By incorporating biophilic design into your workplace, you can create a more welcoming and relaxing environment that can help your employees feel more engaged and productive.

Acoustic Solutions

Noise pollution is a common problem in many workplaces and is known to cause negative health effects, including stress, anxiety, and hearing loss. By creating a more acoustically balanced workspace, you can help your employees focus better and reduce the risk of long-term health problems. PURE Workplace Solutions offers a variety of acoustic solutions that can help you control sound levels and create a more peaceful and productive environment. Our acoustic panels are designed to absorb sound waves and reduce noise levels, improving speech clarity and reducing distractions. Privacy booths and phone booth spaces also help to dramatically lower noise and allow for more focused work. By investing in acoustic solutions, you can create a more focused and productive workplace that can help your employees stay healthy and engaged. Creating a wellness-focused workspace is an essential step towards improving your employees’ physical and mental health. By investing in ergonomic furniture, biophilic design, and acoustic solutions, you can create a workspace that promotes well-being and boosts productivity. PURE Workplace Solutions offers a variety of solutions that can help you create a more health-conscious workplace, so why not start today? Our team is dedicated to helping you create a workspace that your employees will love. Contact us today at (816) 922-6575 or send us an email to learn more about our products and services, and start creating a workspace that prioritizes your employees’ health and wellness. Together, we can create a better and healthier workspace for your business.As a business owner, you understand the importance of having a workspace that promotes creativity, collaboration, and productivity. In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, it’s essential to have a space that inspires and supports your team to achieve their goals. At PURE Workplace Solutions, we specialize in creating workspaces that are functional, comfortable, and inspiring. In this post, we’ll share our top five tips and tricks for designing an office for creative collaboration.

Create a Layout that Promotes Interaction

The first step in designing an office for creative collaboration is to create a layout that promotes interaction. Traditional cubicles and closed-off spaces hinder collaboration and restrict creativity. Open floor plans, communal work areas, and shared spaces encourage communication and collaboration, which leads to more innovative ideas and better problem-solving. At PURE workplace solutions, we specialize in space planning and design that encourages collaboration and creativity. Our experts will work with you to create a layout that suits your business’s unique needs and fosters a culture of creativity and collaboration.

Embrace Natural Light and Outdoor Spaces

Natural light and outdoor spaces have been proven to boost mood, productivity, and creativity. Adding large windows, skylights, and outdoor spaces to your office design not only improves your team’s physical health but also inspires creative thinking. outdoor spaces At PURE workplace solutions, we work to integrate natural light and outdoor spaces into our designs to create a healthy and inspiring environment for your team. Our team of experts will work with you to identify the best ways to incorporate these elements into your office design, taking into consideration your location, building layout, and other factors.

Provide Versatile Furniture and Technology

Having versatile furniture and technology in your office space is essential for fostering creativity and collaboration. Comfortable seating, moveable workstations, and modular furniture allow your team to work in a way that suits their needs, leading to better collaboration and more innovative ideas. At PURE workplace solutions, we specialize in creating functional and adaptable workspaces that meet the needs of your team. We use the latest technology and versatile furniture to provide a workspace that is comfortable, practical, and inspiring.

Add Color and Personal Touches

Adding color and personal touches to your office space can improve mood, boost creativity, and increase productivity. Studies have shown that color affects our mood and behavior, and adding personal touches can help your team feel more comfortable and inspired in their workspace. At PURE workplace solutions, we work with you to incorporate your brand’s colors and personal touches into your office design. From custom artwork and architectural walls to furniture and accessories, we’ll help you create a workspace that is uniquely yours and inspires creativity and collaboration.

Prioritize Wellness and Comfort

Creating a workspace that prioritizes wellness and comfort is essential for promoting creativity and collaboration. Providing ergonomic furniture, standing desks, and breakout spaces where your team can take breaks and recharge can improve productivity and overall wellbeing. At PURE Workplace Solutions, we specialize in creating workspaces that inspire creativity, collaboration, and productivity. Designing an office for creative collaboration requires thoughtful planning and consideration, and our team of experts is here to help. We recognize that every organization has its own distinct set of objectives, goals, and requirements, which is why we take a personalized approach to each project. Our team will collaborate with you from start to finish to design a workspace that meets your specific needs and fosters a culture of innovation and creativity. We provide exceptional service and solutions that go above and beyond your expectations, from the initial consultation to the final installation. With our expertise in workplace design and furnishings, we can assist you in optimizing your space, streamlining workflow, and enhancing the overall atmosphere of your office. Create a dynamic and collaborative work environment that motivates your team to produce their best work. Contact PURE Workplace today at (816) 922-6575 or send us an email to get started. We’ll work closely with you to understand your specific needs and goals, and we’ll use this information to create an office space that is tailored to your unique requirements!When you think about your company culture, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s the way your team works together, or the values that guide your business decisions. To be sure, your company culture is an important part of what makes your business unique and vibrant. One way to reflect company culture in your workplace is through your office environment. The office furniture you choose can have a big impact on the way your employees work and interact with each other. Here are 3 tips to consider when choosing furniture to help elevate your company culture:

1. Choose furniture that promotes collaboration.

When it comes to choosing furniture for your office or workspace, it’s important to think about how it will promote collaboration. After all, furniture is more than just a functional element – it also plays a role in fostering a collaborative environment. One of the best ways to do this is to choose furniture that encourages face-to-face interaction. Think larger desks and tables, adjustable seating that can be reconfigured to the size of the group, sit to stand desking, even whiteboards and ways to connect technology are important. When choosing furniture, be sure to leave enough space for people to move around. In a collaborative workspace, people should feel free to move around and interact with each other – furniture that’s too cramped will only inhibit this. Collaborative

2. Choose furniture that promotes productivity.

Your team needs to be productive so choosing furniture that promotes maximum productivity is essential for meeting this requirement. For example, you might choose desks with plenty of storage space and connectivity, or chairs that offer good support and comfort. Does your team spend hours at a desk? Then, comfortable and ergonomic furniture that adjusts to the way each person works will allow them to be productive throughout the day. Sit-to-stand desks are a popular choice. Look for office chairs that have good lumbar and back support, are height-adjustable and have arm rests that move up and down and in and out. You may also want to invest in ergonomic monitor stands and keyboard stands to avoid fatigue. Additionally, a cluttered desk especially in a shared workspace can be a major hindrance to getting work done. Choose furniture that provides ample storage, allowing your team can keep their desks clear and still keep personal items and tools at hand. Shelving, file cabinets, storage lockers and even seating that incorporates storage are all great options. Ergonomic Office Furniture

3. Choose furniture that reflects your company’s values.

Does your company value being environmentally friendly, showcasing a clean and modern esthetic or a more traditional look? Pieces are available that reflect each of those values. For example, if your company values sustainability, you might choose furniture made from recycled materials that contain less packaging. Projecting a modern image? Look for furniture with clean lines and a minimal design from Herman Miller, Knoll, and Muuto.When you’re choosing furniture for your office, keep in mind that it should be comfortable and functional first and foremost. The furniture you choose has a big impact on the way your employees work and interact with each other. And, in how they feel about their workplace. By choosing furniture that accents your company culture, you can create a workspace that reflects your company’s values and promotes productivity and collaboration. MillerKnoll Looking to elevate your company’s culture and workplace? Contact PURE Workplace at 816.922.6575 or drop us an email to speak with an experienced teammate today.The modern workplace is ever-evolving. With more companies offering remote work options, and employees craving greater work-life balance, the traditional 9-5 in an office setting is no longer the norm. As a result, office design is changing to accommodate this new hybrid way of working as many companies are looking to meet the needs of both their on-site and remote workers. If building a hybrid office for your business is in the plan, you’ll want to consider these 3 important items.

Flexibility.

The first thing to consider is flexibility. Employees need to be able to move around throughout the day, and have access to a variety of different work settings – from private offices and conference rooms, to open lounge areas and standing desks. This flexibility is key to fostering creativity, collaboration, and productivity. Knoll-Reff-private office Employees can take breaks when they need, huddle in small or large groups easily and get inspired without feeling like they’re confined to their desks all day long. For companies, offering a flexible office space is a great way to attract and retain top talent. It shows that you’re committed to your employees’ well-being, and are willing to invest in their happiness. If you’re considering a hybrid office space for your company, be sure to keep flexibility in mind. It’s the key to creating a more engaged team.

Technology.

The second thing you need to consider is technology. This is crucial for creating a seamless experience for both on-site and remote workers. The right technology has to be in place. This includes everything from video conferencing and collaboration tools to secure remote access and file sharing. Another important consideration is connectivity – to the internet and to power sources. Employees who work in hybrid environments need to be able to connect to the internet and their work applications from anywhere. This means ensuring they have a good internet connection at home, in a variety of collaborative and private spaces at work, as well as access to VPNs and other remote access tools in general. Herman-Miller-Canvas-Vista-collaborative Finally, businesses have to consider how data and applications will be managed in a hybrid environment. Is data securely stored and backed up? Will the team have access to the applications they need to do their job? Will this work on-site or remotely? By carefully considering your technology needs, your company can ensure that the team has the right tools to remain productive, regardless of where they work.

Culture.

A hybrid office environment can create a more diverse and inclusive workplace, but it’s important to make sure that your company culture is one that embraces and values diversity. Not everyone has the same needs. Some people may require special accommodations, such as wheelchair-accessible spaces or quiet areas to work. It’s important to be aware of these needs and to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the office, regardless of their circumstances. By keeping these things in mind, a more inclusive office environment can be created that everyone can enjoy. Quite Areas According to recent McKinsey study1, an inclusive culture is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage for organizations to attract and retain top talent. Done correctly, a hybrid office supports work-life balance, team building and increases mutual respect. Ready to create a hybrid workspace that meets (or exceeds) your company’s needs? Contact PURE Workplace today at 816.922.6575 or send us an email to get started.There seem to be endless stories about the future of work, the hybrid office and workplaces needing to change to retain and attract top talent. What does that actually mean? And what does that really look like? It’s true we’ve moved away from the traditional office and towards a much more hybrid approach. This is driven by many factors including: With these factors in mind, companies need to rethink how they design their offices and how they create an environment that will attract employees who want the ability to work outside of traditional office hours. How do you create an environment that offers the benefits of both? One solution is to create a hybrid office space that combines many types of workspaces into one area. This allows employees to move freely between spaces depending on their needs at any given time. These spaces might include: Conference rooms – Typically used for meetings and discussions but they also provide privacy when needed. In addition, they can be used for impromptu team huddles or brainstorming sessions when needed. They also allow employees to get up from their desks and move around while still being able to participate in meetings electronically if needed. Satellite desks – These are small pods with a single office desk that can be moved around as needed so employees can work in different areas of the office depending on their needs. These are ideal for employees who need quiet environments to focus or those who prefer to work in teams with others nearby. Whiteboards – These are a great way to encourage collaboration and brainstorming. They can be used for note taking during meetings or just to visually organize your thoughts. There are many moveable or mobile whiteboard options available too. Collaboration areas – These are a great way to encourage employees to get up from their desks and move around. These areas may include lounges, benches or couch-like seating and longer office tables. They can be placed in high traffic areas where people will naturally congregate, like near the break room or kitchen. Huddle spaces ­– If employers want workers to come into the office instead of working remotely from home or some other location, then it’s important to provide small 2–4-person huddle spaces where employees can meet face-to-face with coworkers or clients for quick discussions about specific issues or projects. An acoustic lounge or privacy booth provides fills this need perfectly. If you have a small office, consider creating a collaboration space where people can go to get away from their desks. This is especially helpful if your employees are prone to getting distracted by coworkers or outside noise and may need a little privacy. Some of the best office design ideas are simple, but they can have a big impact on productivity and employee morale. If you’re looking to improve your office space, take some time to think about what features would benefit your business the most. Consider the space and how it could be used more efficiently. Be sure to consider how people work in your office and adjust your design accordingly. Even small changes can have a big impact on your employees. For example, consider installing sit to stand desks and ergonomic chairs. PURE’s showroom features some of the best office chairs of 2022 from popular brands like Herman Miller, Knoll, SitOnIt, Kimball, National, OFS, Global, HON and others. PURE Workplace features a wide range of affordable office chairs to luxury office chairs. Implementing these changes can help increase productivity and reduce back pain. It’s also a great way to get people moving during the day. Ready to evolve your workspace? Even if your need is small, contact PURE Workplace at 816.922.6575 or send an email to speak with an experienced teammate get started today.PURE is excited to announce its inclusion on the inaugural top Asian-owned businesses list by the Kansas City Business Journal. PURE Workplace landed at number 5 out of 13 total on the list.        NeoCon has served as a platform for the commercial interior design industry since 1969. It attracts interior designers, manufacturers, workplace planners and over 400 companies who provide some of the most innovative and thought-provoking solutions in commercial design. 2022 served as a call to return to the show after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. And return folks did. The show was well-attended and offered a number of innovative products to learn about. 5 of this years trends as seen by the PURE team are outlined below. Highlights include: 1. Soft Materials with Rounded Edges were very popular. Even if the materials were hard, rounded corners softened the look and feel.    2. Bright Color covered everything.    3. Playful Design found its way into seating, lighting, tables, coat trees, etc.   4. Acoustics + Lighting seem to have found a creative union.   5. Privacy Spaces continue to evolve. Booths, Chairs, Custom Fabrics, Hangers and Adjustable Height Mini Work Tables (w/tablet holder) were all included.  And that’s a wrap. The PURE Workplace team learned so much at this year’s NeoCon show. It was great to see so many people back in attendance and the energy of meeting with others in the industry was high. What were your takeaways, trends and observations? “This is really reverse engineering of the human spine.” Budd Tucker, University of Iowa.   How does the Embody chair aid in Professor Tucker’s mission to cure blindness and leave no one behind? See the inspiring story in the video below.  
 

Culture has become a buzzword in the corporate world. An increasing number of business publications, executives, coaches, and experts have zeroed in the importance of creating a positive office culture. 

Creating a positive workplace culture is all about creating an environment that increases employee happiness and boosts overall job satisfaction. Most people will spend one-third of their life at their job, and more employees want that time to be enjoyable. They also want to feel that their employers care about their wellbeing. 

However, developing a positive office culture isn’t straightforward. It requires a deep understanding of what workers want and need to feel satisfied. 

According to recent research, 87% of employees would like healthier workspace benefits. Moreover, 93% of workers in the tech industry say that they would stay at companies longer if they offered healthier workspace benefits. 

What are these healthy workspace benefits, and how do they impact culture? 

What is a Healthy Workspace Benefit?

When it comes to creating a healthy workspace, it starts with benefits. Health insurance used to be the gold standard in employee health benefits, but employees today want more. They’re looking for benefits like:

When combined, these benefits create a culture that prioritizes health. Beyond benefits, companies around the world are taking other measures to create a healthier workspace. 

Creating Safe Buildings

The International WELL Building Institute is making waves for creating premier standards for buildings and interior spaces. They discovered several vital areas that contribute to the overall health of employees, and they offer certification programs for companies to become WELL certified. 

However, you don’t have to get a certification to know what those areas are. According to The International WELL Building Institute, The key areas that contribute to the overall health of workers are:

Some areas are less complicated than others, but let’s dive into a few of them that have straightforward fixes and immediate benefits. 

Air 

We all need air to breathe, but the quality of air in a workspace can impact health and, in turn, boost productivity. In fact, the World Green Building Council found that productivity increased by 11% when workers had a reduction of pollutants and increased access to fresh air. 

How can you incorporate higher air quality into your workspace? Start by weatherproofing windows and doors to keep harmful pollutants out of the building. Add an air filtration system, use green cleaning products, add plants, enact a non-smoking policy, and more. 

Light

According to one study, exposure to natural sunlight can increase productivity, boost moods, and reduce rates of anxiety and depression. Also, poor lighting can increase eye strain and irritation. So, having plenty of natural light and ensuring all your lights work correctly can dramatically improve the health and output of your workers.  

Sound

Building acoustics, annoying noises, and a lack of privacy are all nuisances for employees. And over time, they can negatively impact overall wellbeing. Since wide-open concepts became popular, employees now struggle with a lack of privacy and the inability to focus. Some companies are combating this by adding private, quiet spaces or acoustic ceiling or wall systems, which allow their employees to get some peace and focus.  

Materials

It’s no secret that hazardous building and office materials can have negative impacts on employee health. (Does anyone remember asbestos?) One simple way to contribute to overall employee health is by choosing non-hazardous building and office materials, and switch out any problematic materials with non-problematic ones. For instance, swap those cheap plastic desks and counters to solid countertops. You might have to pay more for safe materials, but your employees will thank you for it, and it will ultimately play into boosting overall company culture. 

Why Creating a Healthy Workspace Matters

These are just some of the more straightforward areas that contribute to healthy workspaces. However, there are many more factors that come into play. One of the most influential components of culture and health revolves around stress. Creating a healthy environment often means finding ways to decrease employee stress and increase employee happiness. Those sorts of things are a bit harder to nail down. 

The one thing that clearly resonates is that employees want to feel safe at work. They want to see that their bosses care about them. Doing things like adding health benefits, working to reduce stress, and making small changes to make your building safer all contribute to an environment and a culture that values its employees. 

The benefits, aside from healthier and happier employees, are improved productivity, reduced turnover, and boosted outputs. Ultimately, improving culture is fundamental to increasing profits, and the first step towards improving culture lies in prioritizing healthy workspaces. 


Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property

By Jean-Paul Wong

As you read this, you’re probably sitting at your dining room table, your living room sofa or some makeshift office in your home.  It may not be designed to be as efficient as your office’s workspace, and it may lack good ergonomics, but it is comfortable and safe and you have learned to adapt to your environment to be productive.   

Since forever in time, office spaces existed so that employers could create “work-focused” environments, where productivity could be managed, where workers could communicate more effectively, and where collaboration and comradery are encouraged. https://nextplane.net/blog/healthy-vs-unhealthy-collaboration-cultures-in-the-workplace/   In recent years, however, as mobile technologies advanced, more progressive companies embraced the idea of teleworking as a significant way to save in real estate costs and as a way to attract a more mobile and diverse workforce.  Yet, for some industries, and for some businesses, the idea of a full-time remote workforce is still years away. In 2018, less than 25% of the U.S. workforce worked some hours from home on an average day.   

The COVID-19 pandemic, and stay-at-home mandates, thrust all of us into the workplace of the future.  Everyone quickly learned how to create a work-focused enclave in their home.  We learned how to adjust our behaviors and our expectations. And by now we all realize that we can perform our work using a myriad of remote devices.  And technology, not proximity, allows us to communicate, as well as collaborate.  

Unfortunately, the future is not here, and many of us will be going back to the office within the next few weeks.  If COVID-19 is still transmittable, how can workers be expected to go back to the office?  What will our employers do to our office environment to reduce the spread of pathogens?  How can we make sure that our co-workers remain respectful of our personal space and continue to social distance? Will it be the same? 

As employers prepare for the end of the quarantine and the work-from-home experiment comes to an end, our fears are providing good fodder for designers, workplace consultants and office furniture manufacturers.   In the not-to-distant future, workplace design may be reflective of the lessons learned during the pandemic of 2020.  

There is no reason to delay.  In the short-term, employers can make some immediate changes, making the workplace appreciably safer, with little associated cost.   

Many of these products are available for immediate application and the ideas are simple to implement. Employees returning to the office will want to find that their workplace is safe, but that the “new-normal” is still a place where work gets done, is fun and where co-workers can engage and share ideas.  The key to the efficacy of any solution will be in how we change our behaviors and tendencies.