Resources

Overview:

With the help of social brand ambassadors in the education space, National Business Furniture distributed a survey around Back to School to better understand the unique set of challenges educators are facing this school year. The survey also shed light on solutions and advice for educators, from educators. The survey ran approx. two weeks (from July 23 - Aug. 7), and 1,160 responses were collected from educators across the country.

In fact, every U.S. state was represented in the survey. A few educators were even from other countries, including Canada, Mexico and the Northern Marine Islands. All grade levels (K-12) were represented. The survey skewed female with 97% female respondents, but this aligns with the U.S. teaching population data. A $500 e-gift card incentive was provided, and the random winner was a first grade teacher from Gilbert, AZ.

Key Findings - Quantitative

Q5 – WHAT WILL YOUR 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR SCHEDULE LOOK LIKE?

When it comes to this school year, teachers are facing a variety of possibilities. There is no clear “winner” between virtual or in-person, and 1 in 5 educators still don’t know what their school’s approach will be:

  • 32% said hybrid (virtual & in-person)
  • 26% said virtual
  • 20% said I’m not sure yet
  • 18% said in-person
  • 3% said in-person, but shortened schedule/revised annual calendar

Q6 – HAVE YOU USED FLEXIBLE CLASSROOM FURNISHINGS IN THE PAST/PLAN TO IN THE FUTURE? (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

3 in 4 educators have used flexible seating in the past, and more than 1 in 3 educators plan to continue using flexible classroom furnishing but with limitations due to COVID-19 regulations. Less than 1.5% said they don’t plan to use flexible classroom furnishings in the future. The top flexible products used included:

  • 43% (or 493) said they’ve used adjustable height seating, stools
  • 39% (or 449) said they’ve used sofas, lounge seating
  • 30% said they’ve used yoga balls
  • 27% said they’ve used rolling storage
  • 27% said they’ve used standing tables/desks
  • 25% said they’ve used whiteboard tables/desks hybrid (virtual & in-person)
  • 20% said they’ve used moveable worktables

Based on respondents’ comments, lack of funds (10 responses) is a deterrent to using flexible furnishings in the classroom in addition to COVID-19 (21 responses).

Q7 – IF BACK IN THE CLASSROOM, HOW WILL YOUR SPACE BE PHYSICALLY RECONFIGURED TO MEET COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS? (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

More than 1 in 3 educators are still unsure how they will reconfigure their classrooms amid COVID-19. Top solutions include:

  • Making sure desk and seating areas are 6 feet apart (55%)
  • Desk seating using a strict seating chart (41%)
  • Giving each student their own cleaning and classroom supplies (38%)

Q8 – WHAT ARE SOME PRODUCTS YOU ARE INVESTING IN FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR THAT YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE HAD IN YOUR CLASSROOM/HOME CLASSROOM IN THE PAST? (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

Top products include:

  • Cleaning supplies – and a lot of them! (76%)
  • Hand sanitizer, gloves, masks on behalf of your students or yourself (73%)
  • Adding more individually labeled containers or cubbies (60%)
  • Each student will be/have received their own utensils to limit shared materials (58%)
  • Each student will be/have received their own piece of technology to limit shared materials (50%)
  • Sneeze guards (20%)

Key Findings – Qualitative

Q9 – WHAT IS YOUR #1 TIP FOR CLEANING A PIECE OF FURNITURE THAT MIGHT BE UTILIZED BY MULTIPLE STUDENTS IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME?

  • Wipe down after every use with a fast-acting disinfectant
  • Have a session to teach students how to do this and then expect them to clean after each use
  • Use furniture that’s much easier to clean (leather/pleather vs. mesh)
  • Have cleaning supplies located right next to furniture for easy access

Q10 – WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CONCERN ABOUT COMING BACK INTO THE CLASSROOM SETTING THIS FALL?

  • Anxiety about my students or I contracting COVID-19 and bringing it back to our families
  • Worried about how I will keep students engaged and learning as normal as possible with all the new restrictions
  • Concerned about classroom spacing – how will I keep kids socially distant, desk space for enough students, etc.

Please note, there appears to be a high level of anxiety from teachers about going back to in-person classes. They are anxious about the increased risk of getting COVID-19 for themselves, their families members and their students. No matter what cleaning or precautions are being done—most educators are really worried. It’s important for NBF to recognize, empathize with and help assuage these concerns.

Q11 – WHAT WILL YOUR SCHOOL DO WITH COMMON AREAS (LUNCHROOM, LIBRARY, MEDIA CENTERS)?

  • Closing all common areas
  • Using classroom for everything instead of common areas
  • Some are splitting students into small groups to use spaces
  • Students will be masked and asked to socially distance 6 ft. apart
  • Not sure

Q12 – IF VIRTUAL, WHAT ARE THE KEY WAYS THAT YOU AND/OR PARENTS CAN HELP CREATE AN EFFECTIVE HOME STUDY SPACE?

  • Create a designated workspace before classes start if possible. It should be well-lit, quiet, comfortable, and away from TV and other electronics, such as video games and phones. It should be stocked with school supplies/all the materials students will need to avoid distractions. Decorations, clear surface and good seating are also recommended to make it comfortable.
  • Set aside a time that students are “in school.” And parents/teachers should be available during that time to discuss and solve technological issues.
  • Clearly outline expectations when learning from home and show examples/a model of behavior.

Q13 – WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGES?

  • The biggest challenge is ensuring students have WIFI/Internet access (devices are pointless if students don’t have WIFI); rural/low-income areas face this challenge the most
  • The second biggest challenge is ensure students have devices/laptops
  • The third biggest challenge is the learning curve that comes with using new tech/programs/devices (ex: young kids don’t even know how to email/can’t explain what’s going on when they’re having technical difficulties)

Q14 – WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR?

Seeing/meeting their students is the top thing educators are most excited about. Most educators are optimistic—saying they’re ready for the challenges ahead and intend to make the most of it. Some say they’re excited about more technology use, increased individualized education and getting back to a normal routine this year.

Education

More From NBF

A Safe Return: Classroom Layouts

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Transitioning to Learning from Home

Is your kid raising their hand in the middle of the day, shouting "Mr. Dad!" or "Mrs. Mommy!"? Has your college-age student resorted to calling you "Professor Parent" while they're studying? Maybe your learn-from-home situation hasn't gone that far, but when you're making a quick transition from the classroom to the living room, there's a lot of considerations that can make things as smooth as possible.

The Complete Guide to Furniture Cleaning

Here at NBF, we're serious about keeping things clean around the office. So much so that we've written about it fairly extensively over the years. Now, let's look at some of the most common office furniture materials and how to keep them squeaky clean. 

Of course, not all materials can stand up to all solvents. Consult your manufacturer to see if they have specific recommendations for general maintenance, deep cleaning, and disinfecting. New cleaning agents and solvents enter the market constantly, making it more important to be aware of what chemicals do and don't work on different items.

For immediate sanitization and to prevent the further spread of germs, occasional and sporadic use of disinfectants is OK. Don't rely on cleaning wipes or disinfectant sprays as a substitute for routine or deep cleaning, but as a matter of public safety, furniture should always be designed to withstand occasional use.

Solid Surfaces

For desks, file storage, bookcases, and other office mainstays, only a few materials can provide a stylish look that stands up to regular use. Most office furniture is constructed from durable scratch and stain-resistant laminate or veneers that mimic the natural appeal of solid wood. Both materials have their benefits but caring for each material differs dramatically. 

Other furniture, such as reception seating or anything in a healthcare setting, will often feature durable materials that can handle more rigorous solvents. These pieces are designed for environments with high levels of human contact or spaces prone to messes and other hazards.

Laminate

Laminate finishes have come a long way over the years. These days, laminate desks are often more popular than their wood or veneer counterparts, thanks to their durability. This finish boasts resistance to heat, scratches, and stains, making it just right for high-traffic areas, spaces that encounter rigorous wear and tear, or offices that need furniture that's built to last.

Warm, soapy water is preferred for cleaning laminate surfaces. Mix a few drops of dish detergent into a bucket of water and go to town. While this almost sounds too easy to be true, laminate is naturally less porous than natural surfaces, making it vital to take care of germs and buildup on the surface. Always rinse with clean water after scrubbing, ensuring that there's no soap residue after cleaning.

Avoid abrasive chemicals, especially bleach and ammonia-based cleaners or those with any sort of grit. These aggressive solvents can change the color of your finish, dulling it with repeated cleanings. While it's the most resilient of furniture finishes, long-term maintenance will help your furniture look great for much longer.

See more details on laminate care here.

Wood Veneer

Veneers combine the many brilliant attributes of both man-made and natural surfaces. These pieces are finished with an extremely thin layer of real wood bonded to a lighter, less expensive wood or manufactured board. This creates furniture with all the natural beauty of solid wood yet is easier to move and costs significantly less overall. Like most natural materials, veneers are easier to damage and require a higher level of maintenance than their laminate counterparts.

It's key to be gentle with wood veneer. Use a microfiber or cotton cloth and, if necessary, highly-diluted mild, soapy water for everyday cleaning. It's tempting to use aerosol furniture polish with its high shine and lovely smell, but these oil- and wax-based cleaners leave harmful residue and buildup on surfaces. As with laminate, avoid harsh cleaners, such as bleach or ammonia, at all costs.

With veneers, the best defense is a good offense. Actively care for your veneer furniture by dusting routinely, actively managing scuffs and scratches with polish, and always using coasters for drinks and mats for hot food. Combined with effective cleaning, this will keep your veneer furniture looking great for years to come.

See more details on wood veneer care here.

Plastics and Man-Made

Not all plastic and plastic-like materials are the same. Manufactured surfaces have differing degrees of porousness and cleanability. In the office or home, it's safe to rely on soap and water as you would with laminate or veneers. You could also use a diluted vinegar mixture for regular washing. Plastics are typically more resilient to common disinfectants and household cleaners, making it easy to use bottled solutions or wipes for a quick cleanup.

Healthcare environments follow a completely different set of rules and regulations when it comes to their man-made materials. The wide variety of materials available, as well as the degrees of solvents used, vary dramatically. In most situations, contact your manufacturer to make sure that your surfaces can be used with the required cleaning agents.

Metal

While its use isn't as common in office environments, some furniture pieces are made from powder-coated metal, stainless steel, aluminum, and chrome-plated elements. While these are often accents or only part of the construction, they still require cleaning and care along the way. Most metal surfaces can be cleaned with the same simple dish detergent and water combination mentioned above, but some have a few more requirements:

  • Powder coating should never be cleaned with any abrasive cleaning agents or sponges, as this can very easily damage the coating.

  • Chrome plating will easily show scuffs and scratches, lending itself to nonabrasive cleaners and sponges. Be sure to thoroughly dry the finish to prevent watermarks, and use a clean microfiber cloth (without any additives) in circular motions to bring to a polish.

  • Brushed aluminum and stainless steel can be easily cleaned with a simple solution of vinegar and water and, as with chrome, should be dried thoroughly to prevent water spots.

  • Copper, brass, and other decorative metals are often used as hardware or small accents and can usually be cleaned with the same nonabrasive solvents used to clean laminate or wood veneers. 

Upholstery

Not all materials are created equal, and that's especially true when evaluating upholstery types. When purchasing furniture, you probably made upholstery decisions based on several factors—durability, cleanability, and style—with varying degrees of quality for each type of upholstery.

There have also been major changes in technology and coatings for all types of upholstery. Especially within the world of fabrics, new coatings and treatments have made specialty textiles available for healthcare environments that would otherwise require a less porous solution. As always, consult the manufacturer to confirm the capabilities of your chosen material. Material care tags will provide the most specific and accurate information for furniture care.

Fabric

Just as you would dust a solid surface, it's wise to always start with vacuuming your seating with a hose or upholstery cleaning attachment to ensure that crumbs, dirt, and other debris won't get in the way of cleaning. Outside of professional deep cleaning, fabric requires minimal day-to-day cleaning beyond vacuuming consistently and wiping down with a mild solution on a damp towel.

You should clean deeper stains immediately. If you don't know the trick for a specific type of stain, start with the basics and work your way up. Begin with a towel or sponge and plain water, using a dabbing (never dragging) motion to soak up as much of the stain as possible. Next, add a bit of dish detergent and continue to dab. For more stubborn stains, move on to a stronger vinegar or alcohol solution and continue to dab. Despite the harsh scent, these usually dissipate after a while, though the area should still be finished with a pat of plain water. 

If you're still not seeing the results you want, hit the closet or the laundry room for stain-specific solvents that can get tougher or older blemishes out of your fabric. As best you can, try to patch test these items on an out-of-sight area to ensure they won't rapidly fade the fabric. Avoid bleach at all costs, as it can leave white marks or degrade the fabric quickly.

Mesh

Mesh office chairs offer cooling breathability that's great for stuffy office environments. As a bonus, they're easy to care for. The mesh fibers are usually made from a more durable synthetic material that's highly resistant to staining as long as you clean it regularly. From time to time, vacuum up crumbs and dirt as part of your regular cleaning schedule and run a damp cloth over the mesh to remove any buildup.

Mesh chairs often come with a seat upholstered in a different material, such as fabric, polyurethane, or even leather. Make sure you're using the appropriate cleaning materials on all parts of the chair.

Polyurethane

Often called faux leather when referring to office chairs, polyurethane is a popular choice if you want a fabric that looks great, can mimic any number of textures and is incredibly easy to clean. From your stately executive chair to guest rooms everywhere, a polyurethane alternative can be a stylish alternative to fabrics or more durable (and expensive) materials.

As always, the best easy clean comes from a light soapy mixture on a damp cloth. Along with your other surfaces, dish soap works just fine. Since it's synthetic, you can also rely on other household cleaners, such as a vinegar solution, to clean crevices or creases that catch extra buildup.

While these are great for high-traffic office, reception, and some hospitality environments, there's a degree of porousness that's not well-suited for healthcare or some food service areas that require deeper cleaning due to more hazardous materials. 

Vinyl

Not only is vinyl the most durable option, but it's often cost-effective as well. Vinyl comes in a variety of styles and grades to suit a variety of environments. When selecting furniture, be aware of your requirements while selecting an upholstery. Especially when shopping for healthcare furniture, select a vinyl that's designed to stand up to the solvents required for your specialty or institution. Differences in durability can match your needs.

Because of its inherent toughness, you can clean vinyl with any number of solvents. For nonhealthcare environments, choose what best matches your industry. Be sure to wipe down your furniture to eliminate dust and debris before cleaning with a damp cloth and whichever cleaner you choose. After, rinse your vinyl with plain water to remove any excess solvent to ensure your upholstery lasts as long as possible.

See more details about cleaning healthcare furniture here.

Leather

Luxury comes with a price. Leather furniture can be appealing, but it also comes with higher maintenance needs and more complicated processes. Along with that, the higher the grade of leather, the more rigorous your care needs to be. No matter what, use a leather conditioner every so often to provide deeper nourishment between cleanings.

Because of its specific needs, premade leather cleaners contain the necessary cleaning compounds and hydrating compounds to take care of day-to-day care. Patch test the cleaner first and simply spray them on and wipe them off regularly.

For a more home-grown solution, use one part vinegar and two parts linseed oil to form a highly effective cleaning compound. This takes a bit of time, so rub the mixture onto your chair and let it sit until dry, usually over a few hours, before using a clean cloth to rub it in and reach a high shine.

As for stains, use a cotton ball dipped in alcohol in dabbing or circular motions until the stain fades, then be sure to apply leather conditioner so the area doesn't become dried out or cracked from the harsh alcohol solution. Ideally, patch test an out-of-the-way area to ensure the fading isn't too intense. If the stain isn't too deep, begin with a less diluted vinegar solution to see if this gentler method is effective.

See more details on cleaning leather upholstery.

 

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Sam Pekarske

Sam Pekarske is a commercial and creative copywriter, lending a voice to National Business Furniture's products and resources one pun at a time.