Regardless of your profession, there is a chance that you spend more time in an office than in any other place. This is particularly true after 64.5 percent of the population is fully vaccinated. But the problem with this is the lack of flexibility for people with disabilities or physical limitations. Office spaces are often cramped, cluttered, and awkward to navigate, which can make your workday feel more stressful than it ought to be. But don’t worry- there are plenty of ways to help you adjust to this problem without too much trouble! In the article below, we will explore how to make your office space more flexible- from rearranging furniture to developing a standing desk. Read on for some useful tips!
Create a standing desk
If you’ve been feeling the strain of sitting all day, it might be time to switch things up with a standing desk. One study found that when workers primarily used a sit-stand desk, they burned two and half more calories per hour than when working at a static workstation. If your company is flexible enough to allow ergonomic changes, a sit-stand desk might be a great way to add some variety to your day!
Use a modular office design
One of the most flexible ways to design your office is with a modular system. In these systems, furniture isn’t built into permanent walls, but rather, it can be moved or reconfigured as needed. This has been shown to increase productivity and reduce stress by giving employees more control over their work environment. Modular designs are now being used in spaces from libraries to lecture halls- so there’s no excuse not to give it a try.
In this situation, installing a commercial glass system is a good idea since it allows you to fold or slide the glass panels whenever necessary. This allows you to increase the space in the office for meetings and other functions you need to do in the office.
Use cones to indicate no walk areas
Another thing you can do is use cones, warning signs, or other markers to indicate the places where it’s unsafe or a bad idea to go. This makes them much safer and more accessible- perfect for those with physical obstacles. If you need an even more obvious marker, there are plenty of products on the market designed specifically for this purpose.
Keep cords out of the way with binder clips or velcro ties
One of the most common office struggles is dealing with cords on the floor. They can be tripped over, tangled up, and generally just annoying. The best way to deal with this is to put them out of sight by securing them underneath your desk or taping them to the wall behind you. Binder clips are great for taming loose cords, and velcro ties are perfect for keeping cords bundled neatly.
Be sure you have enough space for your chair
It may not seem like it, but the size of your chair is pretty important. If you sit in an office chair that’s too small or narrow, you run the risk of having it tip over and injuring yourself. One solution to this problem is reclining chairs which offer a wider seat and can help prevent tipping accidents. You might also consider using a wider chair with a higher weight limit.
Don’t forget about storage
In most cases, office spaces are poorly planned and have little to no storage space. This can be a huge problem for those who need easy access to important documents or commonly used tools throughout the day. One solution is investing in filing cabinets of various sizes that you can easily place underneath your desk. Another option is using a hanging file system that lets you store several documents in a small amount of space.
Put things on high shelves instead of low ones
If you want to make your office more accessible, the best place to start is with your shelves. While most people put things on low shelves because it’s easier, this makes them harder to access and use- especially for those who struggle with disabilities. Instead of putting things inches off the ground, try reaching a little higher and using overhead cabinets whenever possible. This will make your office much more accessible to everyone on your team!
Take advantage of that empty wall space with a corkboard for pinning things up
If you’re looking for a way to organize and de-clutter your office, consider using empty wall space for a corkboard. This is a great way to pin up important notes, articles, or other information that you need to reference often. Not only will this help you stay organized, but it can also be a source of inspiration when you’re feeling stuck. So go ahead and start pinning!
Increasing the flexibility of the office can help increase productivity and efficiency for the employees, which can translate to better revenues for the company.