While choosing the right desk can provide some storage furniture solutions for the office items that you engage with on a daily basis, many times there is a need for additional storage space, in the home and corporate offices alike. Many times, you can find storage solutions that pair with your desk design, for a streamlined aesthetic.

However, storage solutions include everything from traditional, under the desk filing cabinets to open shelving. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right storage solutions for your office.

 

 

 

Office Space, Storage Function, and Future Growth

 

First, assess the square footage and footprint of your office space, to include the furniture that is already in it. This will help you determine if you should pursue storage furniture that sits on the floor, cabinets or shelves that hang from the wall or a mix of both.

Second, consider what type of space you will need for the items that you plan to store. Are you storing heavy office supplies like reams of paper, or lightweight promotional items? Do you need solutions for cable management integrated into your desk storage? This will help determine the size and sturdiness of the storage needed, as well as any specific integrations with your existing office furniture.

 

Finally, be sure to consider your timeline. Will you need space to expand your office in the near future? This could mean adding a second desk in your home office for your spouse or expanding a corporate office to accommodate more employees. Regardless of your immediate situation, it is always important to think of what your needs might be 6 months, 1 year and 3 years down the road, before choosing to invest and install office storage.

 

 

 

 

 

Locking Cabinets for Security or Accessible Shelving

 

What is the value of the items being stored? For something like computer components or valuable electronics, it may be advantageous to find a storage system that includes a locking feature. Whereas if you are storing office or cleaning supplies, a standard cabinet door should do the trick! Also, consider who has access to the store.

Will the cabinets be in a locked room with limited employee access or in a front office with heavy traffic? Answering questions like this will help you determine the level of security needed.

 

 

Consider Both Function and Aesthetic of Storage Furniture Solutions

 

Office design aesthetic is becoming more and more important, in terms of individual and team productivity. If the storage is in a visible area, you should consider the pieces of furniture or desk that already exist in your office and possibly research options that correspond in material or color. However, if the storage solutions are for a back room or technology room, the organizational function is paramount and aesthetic becomes less important.

When considering aesthetic, you should also consider the longevity that you expect from a piece of storage furniture. This will impact your decision making in terms of materials. A wood grain laminate may see more wear and tear over the years than a solid wood.

 

 

Accessible Office Storage Verses Backroom Solutions

 

It is important to consider the frequency of use when determining which storage furniture is best for your office space. If items are used daily, it may be best to store on more shallow, low to medium height cabinets or shelving, for easy access. In contrast, if you are storing things like files or boxes of paperwork, it may be best to use filing cabinets or shelving that accommodates file boxes and is sturdy enough for stacking.

 

 

Consult a Local Office Furniture Sales Professional

 

The first step to finding the right storage for your office space is contacting a local office furniture retailer and they will help you evaluate your space and needs. Once you determine the storage needs of your office space, they will be able to answer any questions you may have, provide product options and even help determine if you can save money by purchasing storage pieces in bulk or even recommending used office furniture that may fit your space.

 

 

Photos are linked to our website and you can call us on 021 4277841 to discuss some of the products featured or leave a comment below.

As the name suggests, a stand-up meeting is a meeting that is held while everyone remains standing. This short meeting allows teams to get an update on a project’s development. They discuss the tasks completed the day before, the priorities for the day ahead, and any potential problems that certain colleagues may encounter while performing their tasks.

 

This type of meeting has grown in popularity over the last few years, becoming standard practice in companies all over the world.

Stand-up meetings are an excellent way to start the working day and have several benefits.

 

 

THE UNIQUE FEATURE OF A STAND-UP MEETING

 

Generally held at the beginning of the day, stand-up meetings last no more than 15 minutes (simply because standing for longer is uncomfortable) and do not require a proper meeting room.

They can take place anywhere, such as in the entrance hall of your company’s building or in the courtyard, as long as there is enough space to form a circle. With this format, everyone can see everyone else – which is a very important detail. As you’ve probably guessed, a stand-up meeting is in no way a formal meeting.

 

The main aim of a stand-up meeting is to distribute relevant and important information and/or to make quick decisions. They are also used to make major strategic decisions and above all, they offer a chance to “go around the room” and get everyone to present their results from the day before. This way, everyone’s exact situation can be ascertained, so it’s ideal for daily briefings and team catch-ups.

Basically, a stand-up meeting should have a precise objective and address a limited number of people, otherwise it won’t be effective.

 

 

STAND-UP MEETINGS ARE SPEEDING MEETINGS UP

 

It’s not easy to keep to the timing of a meeting when some participants stray from the planned agenda. What’s more, traditional meetings tend to drag on too long, wasting a lot of company time. This is not just because people often go off-topic, but also because this type of meeting encourages a laid-back approach rather than inspiring concentration among its attendees (more on this later).

 

According to an article by Melissa Dahl in the New York Magazine in 2014, adopting this stand-up concept has shortened the duration of meetings by 34%. In any case, one thing is certain : stand-up meetings waste less time, as the participants usually start feeling uncomfortable after the first few minutes and so tend to become “brisk”, speaking more clearly and concisely ; In other words, the discussions are concluded much more quickly.

 

THEY IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY

 

Research conducted at Washington University in St. Louis has shown that stand-up meetings increase a group’s productivity. Since they only work with a small group of people, only the relevant people are called to this type of express meeting. As a result, your entire workforce is not unnecessarily disturbed.

Furthermore, the participants are keen to sit back down at their workstations and so, tend to cut to the chase and make decisions more quickly. This way, ideas turn rapidly into actions as everyone knows what needs to be done.

STAND-UP MEETINGS ARE MORE DYNAMIC

Being in a standing position encourages an active attitude : it boosts the attention of the participants and optimises information retention. That’s not to say that sit-down meetings present only disadvantages, but it has to be said that individuals who take part in meetings while being comfortably sat in a seat tend to “slump” after a certain amount of time.

As a result, they stop concentrating and their minds wander… whereas it’s difficult to doze off when you’re standing upright.

THEY INCREASE THE TEAM’S INVOLVEMENT

Stand-ups encourage collaboration and constructive exchange, as everyone is invited to give a brief report on their progress. Moreover, it’s harder to succumb to the temptation of checking your e-mails (or – let’s be honest – texting and playing games on our phones) when you’re stood upright.

Another advantage of a stand-up meeting is that company hierarchies are less visible. There’s no “superior” in front of the whiteboard, or at the head of the table, and no-one is “directing” the meeting. Every participant is important, and that boosts everyone’s commitment even more.

THEY BOOST TEAM COHESION

As we mentioned above, a stand-up meeting is not only a chance to discuss the items on the agenda, but also to discuss any other issues that have arisen. This ensures that everyone is up to date with what is happening in the company and can instantly offer solutions (or, if an immediate solution is not found, the team can find one together). In other words, stand-up meetings encourage teams to work together, invite interaction between different departments and facilitate mutual support.

STANDING UP IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

Sitting all day is bad for your metabolism. In fact, the sedentary lifestyle of many office employees is responsible for several health issues, including heart disease (especially coronary heart disease), strokes, type 2 diabetes and even colon cancer.

However, researcher Hidde van der Ploeg has clearly demonstrated that people who stay standing for at least 2 hours a day increase their life expectancy by around 10%. And finally, attending a stand-up meeting allows us to stretch our legs and recharge our batteries. Are you tempted yet ?

 

 

Photos are linked to our website and you can call us on 021 4277841 to discuss some of the products featured or leave a comment below.

Are you looking to design your waiting room? Before you begin your search, we’ve highlighted the top five things needed to create an inviting and relaxing space for your guests.

 

 

Choosing a Color Scheme

 

When designing your waiting room, the first place you should start (after measurements of course) is with the color scheme.

This is what you’ll use to choose the color of your walls, your artwork, down to your seating fabric choices.

When selecting colors choices, try to stick with calming and relaxing colors like light blues, greens, grays and pinks versus bright and bold colors like yellow, black and red.

 

 

 

 

Seating

 

Seating is a requirement for any waiting room or reception area. There are many options available like beam seating, lounge chairs, armless chairs, and tablet arm chairs.

Mixing and matching chairs is encouraged and with our selection of reception seating, you have plenty of options to inspire your next design.

 

 

 

 

Lighting

 

Lighting for your waiting room is an important to consider when designing your waiting room.

Brightly lite waiting rooms are uncomfortable and do not provide a relaxing experience.

Lamps and other sources of alternative lighting options give you the ability to provide additional light sources for your guests without overpowering the room with one bright light source that your guest cannot control.

 

 

 

Artwork

 

Adding artwork to your waiting room adds a visually interesting and relaxing element to your space.

Abstract paintings to nature related pieces can add life to any room.

 

 

 

 

 

Reading Material/Music

 

Having a waiting room without reading material or light music is a missed opportunity to provide a better experience for your office guests.

Magazines and newspapers provide a distraction for your guest to move their attention to while they wait, while music can provide a calming and relaxing atmosphere, reducing the perceived wait time.

When selecting music choices, consider choosing slow and stable tempo music over music with a lot of percussive and accented rhythms.

 

 

 

 

Photos are linked to our website and you can call us on 021 4277841 to discuss some of the products featured or leave a comment below.

If you work in an office, you likely spend the majority of your time at work sitting at a desk in front of a computer screen.

While you can break up the time you spend sitting by taking short walks around your office or standing for periods of the day, long stretches of sitting are virtually inevitable, and it’s important to consider how all of that sitting affects your body and mind.

 

If your chair isn’t giving you the support you need, you might develop back pain, soreness, stiffness and a number of other negative effects on your physical and mental health, so it’s important to invest in quality office furniture.

 

 

 

 

Here’s a closer look at some of the effects of a low-quality office chair—and how investing in a better piece can help:

 

Discomfort:

 

 One of the most noticeable effects of a low-quality office chair is a feeling of discomfort. If you feel like you can’t get into a comfortable position without supplementing with pillows, stools and other products, chances are your office chair is not right for you.

After using your office chair for so long, you might not even realize just how uncomfortable it is. Head to our showroom in Togher to try out a few different chairs and discover what you might be missing out on.

 

 

Low energy: 

 

When your spine isn’t aligned correctly due to an unsupportive chair, your muscles have to work harder to keep you sitting upright. Because your muscles are doing more work, you may find yourself becoming fatigued earlier in the day. When you sit in a chair that’s designed to offer plenty of support and stability, you may notice that your energy levels are better throughout your workday.

 

Poor concentration: 

 

When you’re uncomfortable, it can be difficult to focus on anything else. When the conditions are right, you can focus on your work completely and avoid the constant distraction of back pain and general discomfort.

 

 

Inhibited blood circulation: 

 

Uncomfortable chairs without sufficient support cause nerve compression that prevents proper blood circulation. This can lead to feelings of discomfort, cramping and severe backaches. You should have a chair that supports your whole body so that you don’t place excessive pressure on any part of your body.

Everyone is different, so it’s a good idea to test out chairs in person until you find one that’s right for you.

 

Long-term health problems: 

 

The strain, discomfort and complications caused by a low-quality office chair can lead to all kinds of long-term issues, including spine misalignment, circulation problems and even weight gain.

 

 

 

 

 

At Ronnie Moore Ltd, we know how much of a difference the right office chair can make for your mental and physical health, and that’s why we’re proud to offer an outstanding selection of office furniture.

 

We have been in business since 1978 and we continue to deliver exceptional products and unmatched customer service.

Find out more about what we have to offer by browsing our website, giving us a call or stopping by in person today!

A meeting room can leave a strong impression on clients. It can either help them come up with fresh, creative ideas, or it can distract them with how uncomfortable and stuffy it is.

 

If you want your clients to remember the former rather than the latter in your next meeting, here are ways to infuse personality and professionalism into any conference area.

 

Consider Your Clients’ Needs

 

Of course, you want clients to be as comfortable as possible. You want them to have enough elbow room, as well as space to get up and walk around. At the same time, you also want the meeting room to be small enough to let people know they’re safe in a group.

So get the numbers down first. Estimate how many people will show up on Meeting Day. Measure the room’s dimensions, and invest in a table proportionate to the size of the room.

 

There are plenty of seating styles you can choose from. For example, the U-style allows everyone to engage with the speaker and vice versa, while the theater/classroom style can accommodate more people.

Have your clients sit in office chairs that are ergonomic, adjustable and affordable.

 

 

 

Pick the Right Room

 

Ideally, the room should be in a place where distractions are kept to a minimum.

For example, a space near the CEO’s office would be great, but not a space near the main lobby or facing a construction site. If you have to make do with a distraction-filled area, however, hire a professional to soundproof the meeting room.

 

Also, using the right wall color can make a difference in how productive a meeting is. If you paint the room blue, your clients might feel more relaxed and agreeable. But if you paint it red, clients might become more argumentative.

Regardless of which color you choose, it should evoke the right emotions in your audience and fit with your company’s brand and image.

 

 

 

 

 

Adjust the Lighting

 

It’s okay to let in a little natural light from outside. Just make sure the windows are covered with blinds and shades, in case the glare becomes distracting — especially if the meeting is in the mid-afternoon. Other ways to make lighting work include:

 

 

Avoid or minimize overhead lighting.

Use bulbs that don’t give off too much heat.

Have the wall colors complement the lighting.

 

 

 

Choose the Right Screen

 

The screen is the focal point of the meeting room, so choose it carefully. It should be big enough for everyone in the room to see, but small enough not to be overwhelming. Also, it should be positioned at just the right distance from your audience.

 

Aside from the screen size and distance, consider the right projector screen type and fabric as well. Think about whether you’ll have the screen mounted on a wall, ceiling or tripod, and which fabric will go best with the colors and tones of your presentation.

 

Also having a movable Whiteboard will help with keeping any ideas organised and in view. Don’t forget to consider accessories like cables, remote controls and speaker mounts.

 

 

 

 

 

No matter how you design a conference/meeting room, always remember: It should, first and foremost, be a safe and comfortable space where professionals can gather, brainstorm and collaborate. With that in mind, plus the tips given above, it’s hard to go wrong.

 

All photos are linked to our website and you can call us on 021 4277841 to discuss some of the products featured or leave a comment below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite ever-evolving technology in the workplace, desks are still very much a part of almost every office employee’s day-to-day work life.

It’s where your computer lives, it’s where you file away your documents and, when it comes down to it, your desk is your home away from home.

Whether you’re designing a home office or you need to replace the old desk in your corporate corner office, there’s a lot to choose from, and it can be tough to make a decision.

Here at Ronnie Moore we want you to have all the information so here is a comprehensive guide to office desks designed to give you a solid understanding of where to start your search.

 

 

What type of desk should I buy?

 

 

 

Executive Desks are commonly used in large offices with ample space to spare. These carved wood specimens impart a sense of grandeur and timeless appeal that stands apart from other styles.

These big desks almost always have a double pedestal design equipped with file and box drawers for housing office paperwork and supplies.

Executive desks are typically made up of a single work surface that is situated in the center of the office, but executive L-desks and executive U-desks also exist for those who find themselves in need of more space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Computer Desks are scaled down versions of executive workstations that typically include work surface space for a desktop computer, filing drawers and wire management capabilities.

Computer desks are ideal for home offices and those that aren’t quite large enough for a big executive workstation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L-Shaped Desks come with two connecting parts—a desk and a return. The desk portion is typically larger, while the return is skinny and meant to be used as additional work surface space.

L-desks come in a wide range of styles and sizes, making them a great choice for just about anyone who needs more desktop space in his or her work life.

Just take caution—some L-desks have an unfinished back and must be placed in a corner, so double check your product details if you’re planning on using one of these in the middle of a room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

U-Shaped Desks are similar to L-shaped desks, but they have three work surfaces which include a main desk, a bridge and a credenza.

U-shaped desks are typically very large, but compact varieties do exist. A U-desk is ideal for an individual who needs as much work surface space as possible in order to get his or her work done effectively.

U-desks almost always come packed with storage as well, so you can expect plenty of filing and utility space with this type of furniture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standing and adjustable desks allow the user to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the work day.

Standing desks are stationary and must be used in combination with a standard height desk or with an adjustable height stool.

Adjustable height desks have a work surface that can be raised and lowered either via an electric mechanism or a manual one.

Below is the amazing Leap Electrically Adjustable desk which is fast becoming our bestseller.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reception Desk differ in size depending on space but most have a higher and lower side. Higher Side consists of storage and is important to keep information private.

Lower side is usually to greet clients and is where the receptionist sits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cubicles consist of a work surface that is surrounded by modular partitions.

Cubicles are great for use as employee workstations in a mid to large size company wherein there are a large number of employees to seat in an open area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laptop and writing desks have a table-like design that consists of a spacious work surface with no pedestals.

Any storage that may exist in one of these desks will be in the form of a pencil drawer and/or keyboard tray under the center of the work surface.

It is commonly recommended that mobile pedestals be used if additional storage is needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We hope this makes deciding on a desk a little bit easier.

All photos are linked to our website and you can call us on 021 4277841 to discuss some of the products featured or leave a comment below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Throughout a busy and often stressful workday, your employees need to have a place to go to decompress and relax. This is why many organizations steadfastly believe that it’s crucial to establish a positive break room culture and to continually adjust and refine this space to foster creativity and interaction.

 

Here are some tips on how to reconfigure your current break room so that your employees can mentally recharge, find new ways to collaborate and have a little more fun during the workday.

 

 

Make Your Break Room Stand Out Within Your Office

 

You can give your break room its own character by taking steps such as painting the walls a unique color or opening up the room to add a central seating area.

These types of changes make it clear that this room is different from the rest of your workplace.

 

This distinction is important because it will allow your workers to fully disconnect from their work space and decompress. When your employees return to work, they’ll start fresh, and productivity will substantially increase.

Our bench system below is a great unique way of changing up any break room.

 

 

 

 

Encourage Communal Dining

 

By providing larger, family-style dining tables as opposed to a slew of spread-out chairs, you can facilitate a more collaborative lunchtime spirit.

After all, employees who gather together to eat lunch will have the opportunity to bond as a team and share ideas.

 

 

 

Provide Furnishings That Promote Comfort

 

Why not try thinking of your break room design from a coffee house perspective?

After all, comfortable sofas and lounge chairs can greatly enhance a sense of relaxation in the midst of a frantic business day

Our modular easy chairs are great way of making your office break room seem less formal and more inviting to your employees.

 

 

 

Have Adjustable Desks/Tables

 

Sitting can be detrimental to your employees’ health. Take the time with your office remodel to add in stand-up desks and collaboration areas.

This can help decrease sedentary routines and shows you care about your employees’ health and well-being.

Our height adjustable desk below can be viewed in our show room and is a great asset to any office.

 

 

 

Host Celebrations in the Rejuvenated Break Room

 

Does your workplace culture value employee birthdays and milestones? If so, you can try hosting a celebration in the break room.

You can even reach out to a local caterer to deliver different breakfast or lunch fare and take advantage of this opportunity for the team to get to know any newer employees.

These types of events encourage a stronger sense of engagement and team culture.

 

 

 

Coffee, Coffee and more Coffee

 

It may seem like a simple idea but coffee is a great way to get your employees awakened and alert for the day.

Invest in a good coffee machine to keep even the pickiest coffee drinks happy.

Also provide teas and a water dispenser for the non coffee drinkers.

 

 

 

All photos are linked to our website and you can call us on 021 4277841 to discuss some of the products featured or leave a comment below.

 

 

 

Many people assume that working in an office is a safe and cushy job. While there are certainly many perks (such as A/C in the summer!), the truth is that there are a number of hazards that office workers face every day and, in most cases, these hazards are easily fixed.

 

Ergonomic hazards are unique. Most of us have the idea that a workplace hazard is an unsecured heavy load, high voltage wires or other obviously dangerous item or situation.  Where an ergonomic hazard differs from these more traditional hazards is that an ergonomic hazard in the office may not necessarily be noticed immediately. In fact, a lot of ergonomic issues will build over time before causing pain.

 

Carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic neck and back pain, frequent headaches, and more can all be symptoms of poor ergonomics in your office. If you spend much of the day working at your desk then you should ensure that your workspace not only has the tools to get the job done but to protect your body at the same time.

 

 

What is an Ergonomic Hazard?

 

Before you can start preventing injuries from ergonomic hazards in the office, you must understand what an ergonomic hazard is.

 

Simply put, an ergonomic hazard is a situation or behaviour that can lead to any number of musculoskeletal disorders. Ergonomic hazards are usually repetitive and long lasting actions that lead to painful injuries or conditions over time.

Here are three simple improvements that you can make to help improve your office’s ergonomics and avoid ergonomic injury.

 

 

1. Inadequate or Worn Out Chairs

 

People who work in offices spend upwards of 7 hours per day sitting at their desk. Having a great chair is essential to avoid ergonomic injuries.

A lot of people simply don’t understand what makes a great chair when it comes to office ergonomics. Should you just buy the most comfortable chair and move on with your day?

 

An ergonomic office chair provides crucial support in three areas. First to consider is back support.

The back of the chair should curve with your back to support the back and shoulders. Without proper support, the lower back muscles often work overtime to make up for all of the sitting that happens throughout the day.

 

Next, the cushioning on the seat of the chair plays a major role. This cushioning supports the spine as you sit. Over time, cushioning can compress or spread out and require replacing. No chair will last forever.

 

Lastly, the position of your armrests can dictate your posture.  When your arms are gently supported with your hands near your lap and your elbows at approximately a 90-degree angle, the stress on your neck, shoulders and wrist is minimized.

 

Below is just one of the many office chairs we supply that can help with all of the above. Just click the photo to have a browse.

 

 

 

2. Poor Posture Due to Device Placement

 

A good office chair is only helpful if you actually make the most of the features built into the ergonomic chair. Leaning forward or slouching can render even the best office chairs useless.

 

One of the main reasons people lean and slouch at their desk is because the devices they use are not placed correctly. Your keyboard, mouse, and computer monitor all play an important role in office ergonomics.

 

When setting up your monitor you want the text to be in line with your eyes. Sit down in your chair with your feet flat on the ground and assess if your monitor needs to be raised or lowered.

 

Next, look at your keyboard and mouse. If needed, raise or lower your keyboard tray or even move your keyboard and mouse to accommodate your height.  Incorrect laptop height leads to additional pressure on the wrist and shoulders.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Prolonged Periods of Sitting

 

Earlier we mentioned that most office workers spend more than 7 hours per day sitting at their desk. Having a great ergonomic chair is a good start but it doesn’t change the fact that you are sitting for a very large portion of your day.

 

Find opportunities to do something other than sit. Set timers to go for a walk or do some stationary stretches. Sitting is one of the largest ergonomic hazards in the office and your chair can’t change that.

 

You may also want to consider a height-adjustable desk that can alternate from standing to sitting and back. This allows you to change your position throughout the day and doesn’t require you to either sit all day or stand all day.

 

Our Leap Sit + Stand Desk is available to view in our Showroom or click the link on the photo to see more information.

 

 

 

 

 

All photos are linked to our website and you can call us on 021 4277841 to discuss some of the products featured or leave a comment below.