As we adapt to our working space and working environment, wherever and whatever that may look like, meetings with customers and colleagues and bosses and suppliers will continue to be happening. They may look and sound different, but they will be happening as we continue to work and be productive as best we can. 

Biophilic design is an increasingly popular concept used within the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment. 

According to a report, only 42% of office workers report having live plants in their workplace – while an astonishing 47% lack any natural light. Indoors plants, quiet working spaces and bright colours were also highly desired by employees. As a result, introducing relatively minor biophilic design elements to an office or workspace can have an enormous impact on employees. 

Welcome to our Q&A style blog with Camira Fabrics, a supplier to Sygnus. We asked about cleaning and treating office/workplace based seating, especially at this time, as well as asking about anti-microbial fabrics, fabrics per workplace setting, shades of fabric, when to replace or upholster, fire regulations and their HiP award.  

We hope this finds you safe and well. As lockdown is slowly easing, we are all wondering what the new normal is when it comes to how and where we work. Is it continuing to work from home with its perks and downsides, or is it getting back into the office whilst using screens for protection and creating new layouts and using all the space available to accommodate a safe return? There is no right and wrong here and it's acceptable to work in the kitchen or the canteen and in the boardroom or the spare bedroom, as long as you are of course within the Government guidelines. 

We would like to recap for you what we can offer and how we can help you, your workspace and your teams find a new normal that works best for YOU all! 

Mention collaboration in the workplace and many people think that means open plan spaces filled with ‘funky’, expensive furniture and pool tables! The reality is that companies can achieve a truly versatile working environment which seeks to nurture employees as well as supporting different working practices without spending a fortune. 

 

Drew Barker, Marketing Officer at Lee & Plumpton, examines how to create a modern, interactive workplace without blowing the budget! 

Our ergonomic office accessories are designed to help all end-users work efficiently and safely in the workplace, we offer a range of products designed to help improve posture, reduce neck and back pain and promote an organised office desk that avoids trip hazards. Our range of under desk cable management solutions not only help avoid trip hazards but also help maintain a neat and organised office. ABL’s range of cable management products help increase space and reduce cable chaos. 

Did you know that damaged cables can result in incorrect or intermittent power delivery to equipment such as laptops? These spikes of power can cause heat damage to the internal components, causing faults and a risk of combustion. Electrical fires can spread quickly via carpets and threaten the entire building. Faulty cables also carry the risk of electrocution while connected. 

You and your business have 7 seconds to make a first impression, according to Forbes! Tie this in with the phrase of "You never get a second chance to make a first impression!" and it highlights the need for an on point Reception area. 

There is no accounting for taste as the saying goes as well as having the freedom of choice when it comes to personal preference on colour, design, materials and style. With this in mind, Sygnus is here to create the office space and to design your optimum workplace and this blog will give you some food for thought in terms of design tips and things to consider and think about for your own office design ... 

Regardless of your budget (big or small) or business circumstances, it is always a good idea to review what you have got space and equipment wise and correlated this with what your future company plans are growth wise. This way, you ensure that you making the most of your space for you, the business and the employees. An office redesign or refurbishment doesn't have to mean moving or huge expense, but it can make financial sense.  

There are many pieces in the news showcasing fun, funky and child like office spaces. Features range from bars, video games, putting greens, fresh food, slides and running tracks! Is your office like this? That said, a lot of these offices also look favourably on and focus on wellbeing aspects too, including quiet rooms, snugs, collaborative areas and so on. 

Is this style of office design and office space planning realistic for all industries and employees or only for certain business/people types?