When is the time to buy new office furniture?
At some point in the tenure of every business owner, it will be time to replace the office furniture. That time might coincide with the move to a new location or perhaps you are initiating a more open, collaborative layout. Maybe the old furniture is just plain worn out and literally falling apart at the seams. Whatever the case, making the move to revamp your office is a decision that comes with a great deal of planning, from color choice to timing.
The good news is, there are many options available today to bring a furniture-based spark back to your workplace, including buying new or gently used, or refurbishing the current line-up. Consider the ubiquitous but essential office chair for starters; the most used piece of equipment in most office environments. How do you know it’s time to replace a chair?
What is the chair’s condition? If an office chair is no longer comfortable, replace it. It’s that simple. If employees complain of neck or back pain, their productivity has likely also suffered. A chair’s seat and armrest padding eventually loses its comfy spring and nobody likes to squirm in a bad chair all day. Knobs and screws falling out and other stages of disrepair are additional signs it’s time for a new one.
The same approach applies to all office furniture—loss of structural integrity and comfort is your cue to take action. Now you have to decide to buy brand new or revitalize what’s there.
Should I buy new or refurbish?
Always keep comfort in mind and if you find yourself buying new chairs, tables, and computer stations every couple of years; you need to stop that cycle. Throwing money at cheap furniture is money down the drain. Quality matters and the following guidelines will help you make the best decision:
Buy new to freshen up the orange and green color scheme that has been around since the 70s. New furniture is highly adaptable and packed with modern features. Ergonomics is also highly important for long-term productivity and shows employees you are invested in their well-being.
Repurpose existing furniture saves a great deal of money. New workstations, for example, can cost upwards of $5,000. Re-use is also a big help to the environment, saving untold millions of ton of trash headed to landfills, and it’s a great way to promote your company’s sustainability.
For more office furniture buying tips, contact Office Furniture Direct at (503) 546-1546 or officefurnituredirect-pdx.com.