4 Tips for Making an Accessible Office Space

Making your office space accessible creates a welcoming, inclusive environment for everyone in your team. When designing an office, accessibility should be a top priority. This shows your team and clients that you value inclusivity. Use these four tips for making an accessible office space, and help people feel comfortable, supported, and empowered to do their best work.

1. Understanding Accessibility

Accessibility in an office enables everyone to navigate and use the space effectively, regardless of their abilities. This includes simple layouts, ergonomic furniture, and adaptive technology. By focusing on these elements, you create a space that supports a wide range of needs and makes your workplace more functional.

Small, thoughtful adjustments can contribute to accessibility. Something as simple as adding height-adjustable desks or taking clutter out of hallways for wheelchair users can improve your office environment.

2. Planning Your Layout Thoughtfully

Layout planning is the foundation of an accessible office. Start by evaluating the current space to identify any obstacles. Look at entries, hallways, and workstations; is there enough space for people with mobility devices? Clear, open pathways are essential for accessibility.

During commercial office space planning, consider lighting and noise control, which is crucial for supporting employees with sensory sensitivities. Opt for layouts that encourage collaboration and include quiet areas for focused work and employees who want to reduce distractions. Integrating accessibility into the design is far easier and more cost-effective than adjusting after finalizing construction.

3. Investing in the Right Furniture and Tools

Accessible furniture and tools play a crucial role in creating an inclusive workspace. Ergonomic chairs and desks with adjustable heights accommodate individuals with different physical needs. Additionally, providing computer equipment, such as screen readers and keyboard adaptors, can be helpful for some employees.

Accessibility extends beyond physical features. Technology that supports communication, such as speech-to-text software or screen magnifiers, helps employees with visual or auditory differences. Investing in these tools clearly conveys your commitment to inclusivity.

4. Focus on Collaborative Accessibility

Foster a culture of collaboration around accessibility. Consult your team to understand everyone’s needs and gather insights. Employees may have preferences or requirements that aren’t immediately obvious during the initial design phase.

Encouraging open conversations about accessibility lets employees know that their input matters. This sense of collaboration improves the office space and creates a more inclusive company culture. Accessibility is an ongoing conversation that evolves with your team and your business.

Building Spaces That Empower

Using these four tips for making an accessible office space is a chance to create a space where everyone can thrive. By prioritizing thoughtful layouts, investing in adaptable tools, and fostering collaboration, you build a workplace that supports productivity and inclusion for all. Ready to get started? Work with Rose City Office Furnishings to design an inclusive space.

How To Calculate the Amount of Storage Your Office Needs

Designers might overlook storage when creating an office space. Whether you’re constructing a new office or renovating an existing one, understanding how to calculate the amount of storage your office needs is crucial. Use the following tips to create a productive work environment.

Why Storage Planning Is Vital for Office Efficiency

Businesses thrive in organized spaces. Having adequate storage ensures that employees can access what they need without sifting through piles of documents or supplies. An office with insufficient storage leads to clutter, decreased productivity, and even poor morale. Good planning keeps everything in place, encouraging smooth workflows and better performance.

Different Types of Office Storage

Office storage isn’t one-size-fits-all. Various storage options include file cabinets, shelving units, and storage closets. File cabinets are suitable for confidential documents, while open shelving systems are ideal for quick access to frequently used items. Assessing your needs based on function and frequency of use is the first step in calculating your storage requirements.

For instance, a legal department might require locking lateral file cabinets to organize case files securely. A marketing team may benefit from mobile shelving units to store and easily access promotional materials and design assets. Matching storage solutions to specific workflows increases both efficiency and organization.

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Evaluate What Items You Need To Store

Audit your office to determine which items need storing. This may include employee files, client records, office supplies, marketing collateral, or inventory. Sorting items into categories helps establish your priorities. Store daily items in easily accessible spaces, while you can place archived documents in less frequently used areas. Consider your current requirements and anticipate future growth to avoid outgrowing your storage solutions prematurely.

Space Limitations and Office Layout

The office’s size and layout will greatly influence your storage decisions. Measure the space, and note areas that could accommodate storage without disrupting workflows. Use vertical storage to maximize storage capacity without sacrificing floor area.

Office cubicles in Bend, Oregon, especially benefit from vertical storage because efficient use of space is extremely valuable. You might run a growing tech startup that needs to optimize a small office. Installing tall, slim storage cabinets between workstations and adding overhead shelves above desk areas are great solutions. This allows each team to store equipment and supplies without compromising movement or collaboration space.

Calculate the Volume of Storage

Take inventory of items like filing boxes, supply bins, equipment cases, and product inventory. Measure the dimensions of the items, and then calculate the total cubic footage or square footage of storage space needed. This allows you to choose appropriately sized cabinets, shelves, or storage rooms without overcrowding the workspace.

Always build a buffer for future growth. Adding 15 to 20 percent more storage than what’s currently required is a good rule of thumb.

Consider Employee Requirements

Your employees’ preferences and demands will affect how you implement storage solutions. Each department will have unique requirements. For example, the HR department will need locked cabinets for personnel files, while a marketing team may require open-access shelving for collateral materials. Consulting employees about their storage needs will provide solutions that work for everyone.

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Make Storage Accessible

Storage isn’t just about capacity; accessibility is equally important. Employees should be able to retrieve and return items without encountering obstacles. Poorly planned storage can lead to inefficiencies or accidents. Place frequently used items in easily accessible areas and store less frequently used assets further away.

For example, a tech startup with a team of software developers might prioritize a dedicated area for server racks and charging stations to ensure their equipment is secure and readily accessible. They could also integrate lockable storage cabinets for laptops and other devices, providing an added layer of security while maintaining an organized workspace.

Optimize Storage for Enhanced Aesthetics

Good office storage doesn’t just serve a practical purpose; it also enhances the space’s overall aesthetic. Choosing sleek storage solutions offers a professional appearance. When storage units blend seamlessly with the office design, they create a cohesive, clutter-free environment.

This balance of form and function is particularly valuable in client-facing spaces. For example, a marketing agency that replaced mismatched cabinets with uniform, built-in shelving, and closed storage will leave a positive impression on clients.

Include Storage Solutions for Technology

More offices are moving toward digital-first operations, but physical storage remains necessary. Technology also requires storage solutions like server racks, charging stations, or secure spaces for devices. Businesses that rely on tech should include these considerations in their storage strategy to ensure every aspect of the workspace runs smoothly.

For example, a tech startup with a team of software developers might prioritize a dedicated area for server racks and charging stations to ensure their equipment is secure and readily accessible. They could also integrate lockable storage cabinets for laptops and other devices, providing an added layer of security.

Review and Adjust Over Time

Storage needs evolve alongside the business. Departments expand and new technology appears on the market. Make it a routine to review your storage situation and adjust it periodically.

The Return on Investment From Thorough Planning

Investing time and effort into calculating your office storage needs provides significant returns. Well-organized spaces enhance productivity, reduce stress, and foster a culture of efficiency. Employees are more likely to feel motivated in a workspace where everything is in place, contributing to overall business success.

Partner With Professionals To Gain Maximum Efficiency

Calculating office storage needs can be complex, especially when balancing aesthetics, functionality, and accessibility. Partnering with professional office planners like Rose City Office Furnishings can simplify this process and yield better results. Experts understand how to adapt solutions to your unique requirements while ensuring an efficient and visually appealing workspace.

Streamline Your Storage Needs Today

How to calculate the amount of storage your office needs is an essential component of a productive office environment. By evaluating your current requirements, anticipating future growth, and maintaining a balance of function and style, you can create an office space that operates like a well-oiled machine. Take the first step in creating a clutter-free, organized office with storage items from Rose City Furnishings.

How To Calculate the Amount of Storage Your Office Needs

What Type of Lighting Is Best for Office Productivity?

Choosing lighting for an office can make all the difference in employee productivity and well-being. Poor lighting strains the eyes, reduces energy levels, and can cause headaches or loss of focus. We’ll unpack what type of lighting works best for office productivity and share considerations when planning your office layout.

Why Lighting Matters in the Workplace

Lighting affects how employees see and feel throughout the day. Harsh, glaring lights can create discomfort, while dim lighting may make people sleepy. Both extremes can reduce productivity and increase stress.

Good lighting helps employees perform tasks comfortably. It can also improve mood regulation through the circadian rhythm, which is our internal clock responsible for wakefulness and sleep.

Types of Lighting to Prioritize in Offices

Understanding the various lighting options and their impact on productivity is the key to designing an office space. Here are the top contenders for office environments:

Natural Light

Natural light is the best lighting option for office productivity. Exposure to daylight boosts energy levels, focus, and sleep-wake cycles. Offices with large windows or skylights that allow ample sunlight to pour in provide employees with an uplifting workplace. If adding windows isn’t feasible, consider clear shelves or reflective surfaces to amplify natural brightness around the workspace.

LED Lighting

LEDs are ideal for offices because they are energy efficient and long-lasting, and they can mimic natural daylight. LEDs don’t flicker, which is a problem with other bulbs that causes eye discomfort and fatigue. Adjustable LED systems also allow employees to customize light temperature and intensity.

Task Lighting

Task lighting supports typing, writing, or reviewing documents. Desk lamps with adjustable brightness and warm-to-cool light settings allow workers to tailor their lighting to their tasks. Place task lights at individual workstations to give each employee the ideal lighting for their needs.

Indirect Ambient Lighting

Gone are the days of fluorescent overhead lights dominating offices. Modern offices benefit from indirect ambient lighting, which evenly illuminates a space without creating harsh shadows or glare. Install lighting fixtures that bounce light off walls or ceilings to create a soft, diffused glow that reduces visual strain.

The Bottom Line on Office Lighting

The best lighting for office productivity is a thoughtful mix of natural light, energy-efficient LED systems, task lighting for different needs, and ambient options for comfort. Good lighting helps employees perform and creates an inviting space that builds morale and supports long-term health. For well-balanced lighting solutions that enhance your workspace, explore commercial furniture in Bend, Oregon. Contact Rose City Office Furnishings for expert advice and insights to transform your workplace into a productivity powerhouse!