Tips and Ideas

Do you feel good when you sit in your office? Is your office a place of productivity, focus, and success? Or is your office uncomfortable, cluttered, and a source of stress?

Organizing your office with some simple principles from the ancient practice of feng shui might help set you on the right path to success.

Feng shui (fung-shway) literally translates to “wind-water” in English. An ancient Chinese practice, feng shui is the act of placement, arrangement, and organization to help harmonize positive energy and deflect negative energy. By using some simple tips and practices from feng shui when creating your workspace, you’ll create a place where you’ll love to work.

Many people in today’s workforce spend much of their day in small cubicles. It’s a challenge to keep these tight spaces clutter-free and organized. With some alternative feng shui techniques, you can still achieve a positive work environment. Here are some quick fixes to get the positive energy flowing in your small office.

Face the Door With a Mirror

A large belief in feng shui is to always face the direction of the door or entrance. This can be very hard to do in a cubicle office. If you have to sit with your back to the entrance, place a mirror so you can see the door. This will deflect negative energy and make you feel more secure. 

Don’t sit in line with a door or entrance. Not only is this position distracting, but it invites negative energy from outside your cubicle.

Create Power and Personal Space

Work placement should be at the farthest corner opposite the entrance or door. This position is the best for power.  

Add a chair mat or area rug to your immediate workspace. This addition defines an area of personal space and helps create a sense of security.

Keep Your Entryway Clutter-Free

Never have items or clutter block an entrance. The first step into your office is the first impression that the outside world has of you.

Place storage on the same wall as the entrance. Keeping filled bookcases and filing drawers out of a visitor’s line of sight makes your office seem more open and less cluttered.

Add Green Energy

Add plants to your office space. Green plants bring the energy of new beginnings and wealth.

Stay on Top of Clutter

Keep overall clutter to a minimum. Organize papers and file items away from sight. A clutter-free space gives you a clutter-free mind.

Love your computer but hate your computer cord clutter? Cables and wires can ruin the look of your workspace, especially if you’re using a lot of electronics. If you’re the type of person who prefers a crisp, clean look in the office, then check out the different forms of wire management that are available to you.

Desktop Grommet Holes

Many desks come equipped with built-in grommet holes—a hole cut out near the edge of the desk. Grommet holes typically come with a cap to maintain a clean look while covering up the mess. Simply slip your wires through the hole and plug them into the wall or built-in desk power strip for a seamless look. This is the most common type of wire management system, so be sure to carefully read the product description of the desk you are considering to determine whether it comes with any grommet holes.

Wire Management Troughs

Some desks and tables come with built-in wire management troughs. These long, narrow containers are typically affixed to the front of the unit, often built into the modesty panel, and they consist of a protruding shelf with a lip that holds your cords in place and up off the floor. Although these are less common than desktop grommet holes, they are certainly effective. They’re an ideal option for use in areas with ever-changing users, such as classrooms and training rooms where laptops are used frequently.

Alternative Wire Management Systems

Some desks come with more unique wire management systems that you may prefer to grommet or trough options. Some designs take it to the next level of office cleanliness by feeding those cords through the leg of the desk. This way, you aren’t just left with a mess of wires hanging out from underneath your work surface. Rather, the cords come out the bottom of the leg and then connect to the nearest outlet, leaving a clean, fresh look unscathed by industrial cording.

DIY Solutions

Already have an office desk and don’t want to splurge on a new one? Don’t worry—there’s hope for you yet. While you can attempt to drill your own grommet hole into the top of your desk, we only recommend doing this if you are already a skilled handyperson or know someone who is. 

Alternatively, you can keep cords more organized by attaching cord management racks or a wire bin to the underside of your desk. Simply run cords through the bin to keep them up off the ground and out of sight. You can also achieve this by attaching binder clips to the bottom of your desk and running cords through those.

Don’t like any of these ideas? If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, and if you can’t cover your cords, make them look great! By covering your electrical cords with Washi tape or affixing them to the wall in artistic designs, you can create cords you will actually want to look at.

Rustic office design can turn a cold, stodgy office into a warm, welcoming workspace using the simplest elements. With neutral colors, a worn-in look, and a little help from Mother Nature, you can take your office from corporate to comfortable in no time.

Incorporate Natural Elements

From plants to genuine leather chairs to jute rugs, rustic design brings the outdoors in. Incorporate what Mother Nature has to offer by adding a wood veneer executive desk as the centerpiece of the room, or do it on a smaller scale by adding antlers and potted plants around the space. No matter how you choose to achieve the rustic look, natural elements are essential. 

Wear It Out

Wood is a staple of rustic design, but not just any wood will do. Rustic furniture and décor are weathered and worn, giving off the look of lumber pulled straight from the forest. Wood is often distressed, meaning it’s carved and marked to achieve the attractive imperfections that make each just-carved tree unique. Frayed rugs, weathered wood, and broken-in leather give off a distinctly homey feel that will leave you forgetting you’re even in the office.

Choose Warm and Neutral Colors

While it’s certainly OK to bring in some cool colors, warm tones and neutral shades of beige and brown are much more commonly used to create a rustic look. In addition, you’ll want to use mostly solid colors with patterns added sparsely in small areas, such as area rugs and accent pillows.

Work With the Architecture in the Room

If your office has an exposed brick or stone wall or large wooden beams, flaunt it! These elements help tie in that cabinlike look. If it’s a newer building, fear not. It’s easy to bring rustic charm to a modern space with just a little décor.

Tired of dry-erase boards that show the stains of every message it's held before? Whether in a classroom or a conference room, whiteboards help relay notes and bring ideas to life. When writing on the board becomes impossible to read due to ghosting, dents, and other damage, messages are lost, and communication falls through. The solution? Glass markerboards.

Stain- and Ghost-Free

Due to their nonporous construction, glass dry-erase boards are not susceptible to staining or ghosting the way melamine and porcelain whiteboards are. Even after a decade of use, you will not find any stains from previous meeting notes or lesson plans on these boards. Most glass boards come in different color options to make them easier to read from a distance, as the glass surface can be reflective, especially under fluorescent lighting.

Durable and Long-Lasting

Because the boards prevent ghosting and other common forms of wear and tear, such as dents and scratches, these markerboards can last for years—much longer than conventional whiteboards. While the cost of glass dry-erase boards is more than traditional melamine options, you'll save more money on glass boards in the long run because you won’t need to replace them nearly as often as those made of other materials that are more easily damaged.

Elegant and Modern

Not only are glass whiteboards durable and easy to clean, but they also give off a sleek, modern look that complements most conference rooms, training rooms, and higher education classrooms. The glass looks sleek and elegant; plus, glass boards are typically frameless, making them look like they are floating on the wall.

Did you know that 92% of American workers say that when their physical workspace is lacking, their mental well-being and productivity can suffer? 

According to a research study conducted by Kelton Global, the physical workspace affects the mental workspace a lot more than you may realize. The study surveyed adults aged 18 and older who are employed full- or part-time and measured which elements influence employee mood, performance, and overall job satisfaction. The following physical elements were shown to have the greatest negative effect on employee mental well-being at the office.

1. Cluttered Work Area

62% of survey respondents reported that a cluttered workstation would make them unhappy on the job. Upon closer examination of the results, it was revealed that a cluttered workspace has an especially negative effect on women, of whom 70% said that having a cluttered work area would make them unproductive. By comparison, 55% of men felt the same way.

2. Outdated Technology

Using outdated technology was a close second cause of workplace unhappiness among study participants. 61% reported that working with outdated technology would negatively impact their mental state at work, while 1 in 4 said having multiple computer monitors is critical to workplace happiness.

3. Uncomfortable Workspace Ergonomics

More than half of survey respondents stated that an uncomfortable workspace would cause unhappiness at work. This includes not only the type of desk or cubicle the individual works at but the ergonomic features and overall comfort of the office chair.

4. Lack of Privacy and Workspace Flexibility

43% of employed Americans say that not having a private area to work would negatively affect their mental wellness at the office. Additionally, 1 in 4 survey respondents finds value in flexible work environments so that they may work away from their regular work areas when needed.

What Can Business Managers Do to Keep Employees Happy at Work?

The study results are clear—employee satisfaction and productivity decrease when the provided work environment is not up to par. To stave off the negative effects of a poorly designed workplace, consider the 4 major contributing factors when designing your employee workstations and common areas.

1. Offer employees plenty of storage and filing space at their desks and keep most files digital to decrease the amount of visual clutter in the physical workspace.

2. Keep technology as up-to-date as possible, and offer employees multiple monitors. 

3. Provide ergonomic office chairs that can conform to individual users so that every employee can experience comfort at work. 

4. Finally, provide privacy options intended for intense mental focus, and switch up your common areas to provide open collaboration spaces.

When making office design decisions, consider that women are more likely than men (60% versus 49%) to say that an uncomfortable workspace would cause them to be unhappy. Additionally, employees in the millennial generation are the most impacted by the physical workspace, indicating that younger workers may benefit the most from certain upgrades in office furniture and design. By making simple updates to your office's physical look and functionality, you’ll be investing in the future of your business’s workforce.

If you’ve recently moved into a new office building, you’re likely to have a lot of large, open spaces that you’ll now need to somehow divide into areas that will create a good flow and accommodate specific uses. So how do you do it without building new walls? The right furniture can help.

Workstations 

Partitions are excellent tools for creating a sense of privacy for employees who need it. Many sizes and styles are available, and many options, including those with a whiteboard surface, are mobile for easy transport. Panel systems are cost-effective, and their temporary-use design makes it easy for you to switch up the office layout whenever the need arises.

Breakrooms 

Not everyone wants to chat with co-workers over their lunch break, and providing a peaceful reprieve can be essential for helping employees recover from a busy morning. Try adding private alcoves in your lunchroom so that employees may choose to get a little time to themselves if they choose. Many offices provide a separate quiet room or library for employees who want some peace and quiet.

Meeting Spaces

Don’t have enough designated formal conference rooms? No problem. You can create the illusion of a room without any visual barriers at all. Simply add a standing-height table or a collection of soft seating to a common area near your employee workstations, and you’ve got yourself a great impromptu meeting space. This is a great solution for teams with many ideas that need to be shared on the fly. Thoughtfully placed seating can also help break up a waiting room, as it clearly directs guests where to go as soon as they enter the room.

Waiting Rooms

Did you know that the wheels on your office chair are designed for a specific type of flooring? There are 2 main types of office chair casters—soft floor and hard floor—and you should verify which type you’ll need before you buy your new office chair.

Soft Floor Casters

As the name suggests, soft floor casters are made for soft floor surfaces such as carpets. These types of casters have hard wheels that allow them to glide easily across soft surfaces. Most chairs come with soft floor casters by default, so be sure to consult one of our furniture experts if your chair will need hard floor casters instead.

Hard Floor Casters 

Hard floor casters are made to roll easily on hard surfaces such as tile and hardwood. Hard floor casters have a soft surface around the wheel that allows them to better grip onto hard surfaces so your chair won’t slide around while you work. Because most office chairs come with standard soft floor casters, be sure to request add-on hard floor casters when you purchase your new chair.

Already have an office chair with the wrong type of casters? No need to fear. Most manufacturers sell both types of casters, and you can easily replace your existing chair casters. Just call our furniture experts at (866) 390-6921, and we’ll be happy to help.

Is your office a place of productivity, focus, and success? Or does it feel uncomfortable, cluttered, and a source of stress? Organizing your office with some simple principles from the ancient practice of feng shui might help set you on the path to success.

An ancient Chinese practice, feng shui (fung-shway) literally translates to “wind-water” in English. Feng shui is the act of placing, arranging, and organizing a space to help harmonize positive energy and deflect negative energy. By using some simple tips and practices from the art of feng shui when setting up your workspace, you’ll be able to create a place where you’ll love to work.

Face the Door

If possible, always face the door. Turning your back to the entrance of your office means turning your back on opportunity and success. Sitting in alignment with a door or entrance can be distracting and invites negative energy from outside the office.

Place Your Desk in a Position of Power

Desk placement should be at the farthest corner, opposite the entrance or door. This will put you in a position of power and, therefore, success.

Keep Your Entryway Clean and Clear

Never allow clutter to block your entrance. The first step the outside world makes into your office is its first and most lasting impression of you.

Plan Accessories to Good Advantage

Never face a blank wall. Instead, fill the space with artwork or your favorite pictures of a cherished memory or trip. Add organic elements to your space, such as live plants, to breathe a little life into the area. Green plants bring the energy of new beginnings and wealth.

Organize and Declutter

Keep clutter to a minimum. Organize papers and file items away from sight. A clutter-free space results in a clutter-free mind.

If you feel discomfort in your back, neck, or legs while you work, your office chair may be to blame. 

Good chair ergonomics are hugely important when it comes to your comfort level at work, but this can seem difficult to achieve because every person has different needs when it comes to keeping his or her body in the correct position as they sit. Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution to office chairs, ergonomic chairs that feature a range of adjustments come close.

Each individual needs different support from their ergonomic chair. While most office chairs allow seat height adjustment, you may need additional features, including lumbar support, a headrest, adjustable back height, or even a knee-tilt adjustment. 

Get ready—January is National Organizational Month! Set yourself up for success by creating an inspiring and functional space that's optimized for efficiency, productivity, and workplace happiness. Take this time to get a fresh start in your office because everybody deserves a clutter-free workspace. Download our free Clear the Clutter eBook to learn more!

Keep It Simple, Silly

It's easy for filing cabinets to go totally off the rails—and we're not just talking about lateral file glides. Out of sight doesn't mean out of mind, and a simple and streamlined file cabinet can save precious time while working with printed materials.

• First, make sure that every file matters. When you can, go digital, and hold off on printing out unnecessary pages that will only take up valuable storage space. Trim the fat from time to time and keep only the must-haves. Invest in a desktop scanner to keep unnecessary pages from finding their way into an overstuffed cabinet.
   

• Once you're back to basics, set up and stick with a consistent naming convention that's adaptable to all sorts of sorting. Simplicity is key in order to keep critical information highly visible and easy to access. More importantly, ensure that this is a convention you can stick with so you don't need to undergo another relabeling project after mismatched files get the best of you.
   

Get ready-- January is National Organizational Month! Set yourself up for success by creating an inspiring and functional space optimized for efficiency, productivity, and workplace happiness. Take this time to get a fresh start in your office because everybody deserves a clutter-free workspace. Download our free Clear the Clutter eBook to learn more!

A Desk That's Clean, Clear, and Under Control

When it comes to your desktop, less is more. Of course, there will always be monitors, peripherals, and supplies that need to stay in sight, but even these must-haves can benefit from an optimized order.

• If you don't use it, lose it. Your desktop should be reserved for items that you use on a daily basis. Start with the one-touch mantra: If you interact with it, deal with it. File it, follow up with it, or discard it. Items you don't need at your fingertips can be relegated to a concealed storage space, such as within a file pedestal or utility drawer, or stored in an out-of-the-way bin on a bookcase.

• Actively manage your organization with a sorting zone. Use trays and dividers to prioritize papers, outlining what you need to work on, what can be filed, and what can be shredded. Keep on top of each area to make sure that you're left with exactly what you need to get the job done.

• Stay on top of your sorting by starting every single day with a clean desktop. Establishing this routine can be a night and day difference in your office productivity and happiness. Pair a daily cleanup with something you enjoy, such as a cup of coffee or a favorite podcast, to get your desk in tip-top shape for the day ahead.

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This March, we're celebrating Women's History Month by highlighting the great work that women have accomplished in the workplace. See more great content about the impact of hardworking women here.

It's no secret that some of the world's greatest writers have been women. From impactful works of fiction to hard-hitting journalism and elegant poetry to complex histories, female writers have penned incredible works of literary mastery. In the business world, women have been significantly underrepresented, but as those tides change, it becomes increasingly important to listen to the wisdom of women who have found success.

Here's a selection of business books to inspire personal growth and positive change in the workplace and beyond. National Business Furniture employees recommended these works to keep us striving to be our best.

1. Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader

by Herminia Ibarra, Recommended by Heather B., Marketing Director

Let's eliminate the adage of "dress for the job you want" and focus more on thinking, acting, and truly being the leader you've worked hard to become. In this book, Herminia Ibarra offers insight into how to change your thinking and working style to bolster your leadership skills. Using small-but-crucial changes, Ibarra implores you to learn through action while thinking about what kind of work is important, how to invest your time, and why relationships matter in cultivating your leadership skills.

2. Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges

By Amy Cuddy, Recommended by Desiree C., HR Generalist

It's time to stop worrying about the impression we're making on others—instead, it’s time we start to think about the impression we make on ourselves. In Presence, Amy Cuddy tells a variety of stories about individuals who learned how to succeed during stressful times that felt difficult. By reframing behavior, mindset, and body language, we can harness the power of presence.

3. Write It Down, Make It Happen

By Henriette Anne Klauser, Recommended by Shantelle B., Customer Service Specialist

When starting with a goal and aiming for success, you can follow simple steps to get your plans in motion. Sometimes, those steps are as simple as taking pen to paper to get what you want. These stories of people reaching their dreams all started with putting their plans on paper, so how can you get started with your journey toward success?

4. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life

By Jen Sincero, Recommended by Anne S., Director of Customer Service

If you couldn't tell by the title, Jen Sincero's cheeky appeal to a fulfilling life is a wild ride that will ultimately help you reach your full potential (and what that means to you). These bite-sized bits of brilliance guide you through building a life that you love by loving yourself, all while interjecting a little bit of humor to put emphasize enjoyment.

5. Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity 

By Kim Scott, Recommended by Eileen B., VP of Business Intelligence

There are enough stories about horrible bosses and power-hungry leaders out there, and in her bestselling book, Kim Scott shows you how to be the best boss possible. Building compassion, cohesion, and collaboration is integral to creating an energized and efficient workplace that starts with a great leader. 

6. Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder

By Arianna Huffington, Recommended by Jamie M., Sr. Inventory Specialist

Offices and cubicles everywhere have a pretty general decorative theme: picture frames of the family, friends, and maybe a beloved pet with a few knickknacks thrown in for some lighthearted charm. It is a simple decorating scheme but enough to make you feel a little more at home—a little bit more like it’s your space. Additionally, some individuals decorate their workspaces more fully with a “home away from home” mindset.

Some include a motivational component along with these decorations. Maybe you have a picture of a place you are saving up to visit. Or maybe you have a motivational poster or quote on display that reminds you to stay focused and work hard. It’s a small thing, and everyone is different, but everyone seems to want to work in a space that inspires them, which is why we decorate.

However, research shows that despite how we might feel about our personalized working spaces, our coworkers or bosses may view us differently because of it. This research, performed by University of Michigan Ross School of Business professors Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks and Susan Ashford, suggests that the more personalized an individual’s workspace may be, the less professional we consider that individual.

Perhaps the most interesting finding of the study is that this only seems to apply in the United States, suggesting something cultural is encouraging this impression. It’s difficult to pinpoint an exact cause, but it left us wondering about our workspaces and the workspaces of those around us. 

If you find yourself constantly surrounded by a sea of paperwork at your desk, a filing cabinet may be just the tool to get you back afloat. Deciding to get a filing cabinet is one thing, but choosing one is another. With the number of options available, it can be tough to know which is right for you and your office. Consider these common filing cabinet types before you begin your shopping journey so that you can narrow the playing field.

Lateral Filing Cabinets

Lateral filing cabinets are designed for high-volume work environments since they can hold a large amount of paperwork at once. These units include multiple drawers, and many are equipped with an anti-tip mechanism that prevents them from falling over when a drawer is fully opened. Because lateral filing cabinets are wider than they are deep, filing is typically done from side to side. Most can accommodate both letter- and legal-size hanging folders. As lateral filing cabinets are so large, measure the space where you intend to put your new cabinet before you buy.

Vertical Filing Cabinets

Vertical filing cabinets are common in home offices and workspaces with little floor space to spare. These units can have the same number of drawers as a lateral file, but each drawer is narrower. File folders are typically sorted in a front-to-back formation, and the drawers are typically deeper than those found on lateral cabinets, so be aware that you will need to have enough clearance space to fully extend them. 

Mobile Filing Cabinets

Mobile filing cabinets are convenient since they can be rolled around wherever needed. These units typically come equipped with 2 or 3 drawers and are most commonly vertical. Most mobile filing cabinets are designed to fit neatly under standard-height desks to provide convenient storage without occupying much room. The majority of mobile filing cabinets can accommodate both letter- and legal-size paperwork, but, due to their compact size, some only hold letter files. Be sure to check the description of the cabinet you’re considering to make sure it can hold legal files, should you need it.

Open-Shelf Filing Cabinets

Open-shelf filing cabinets are wide and shallow, resembling bookcases more than filing cabinets. These units feature open fronts that are suitable for filing end-tab folders side-by-side. Designed for use in narrow aisles and areas with limited space, these arrangements are great for highly accessed files such as those used in medical facilities.

Flat Filing Cabinets

Flat filing cabinets are a series of flat, shallow drawers designed to keep large, flat items, such as blueprints or maps, neatly organized and protected. Most flat filing cabinets can be stacked on top of one another to maximize office space.

Fireproof Filing Cabinets

If you work with sensitive documents, keeping them in a fireproof filing cabinet will be worth your investment. Fireproof filing cabinets prevent damage caused by an open flame, but they’re also water and theft-resistant, ensuring ultimate safety for your most important documents. Fireproof filing cabinets come in vertical and lateral varieties, so you can find the one that best suits your office space and the amount of paperwork you have. Fireproof filing cabinets are commonly used in large corporations where assets need to be protected. Still, they can be useful for anyone, including home office employees who want to keep their Social Security card, birth certificate, and other important documentation safely stored away.

More Considerations

Locking capabilities: Not all filing cabinets lock. Be sure to read carefully to determine whether or not your file of choice is lockable.

Counterweights: Counterweights help prevent filing cabinets from tipping, which could be an important feature if you tend to pack your files as full as they can get. 

Follower blocks: Follower blocks are metal drawer dividers often used in filing cabinets before hanging files became commonplace. Some units still use these, so be sure to determine whether or not you want this type of filing technique.

Hanging bars: Hanging bars are what keep your file folders hanging. If you want to file your documents in a front-to-back fashion in your lateral filing cabinet, purchase additional handing bars for this purpose.

Industrial design is a popular trend in residential and commercial interiors that features a balance of organic and man-made elements to create a unique balance. This particular trend is a breath of fresh air compared to its rigorously detailed traditional and starkly minimalist modern cousins. In contrast to these popular styles, Industrial design embraces the utilitarian nature of buildings, using elements like exposed brick and open ductwork as features to be appreciated, not hidden. Here are some helpful tips for making industrial furniture and décor work in your office.

Blend Organic and Man-Made Materials

In most cases, this means a mixture of wood and metal elements. Industrial desks and tables typically have woodwork surfaces and metal frameworks. Chairs in this style are often made completely of metal, but they may include wood seats and backs. 

Real or faux plants are also ideal for adding to an industrial space. Due to the color palette that wood and metal create, a room designed this way can look stale or washed out. A little greenery breathes life into the space and enhances the natural elements you see in the wood furniture and décor.

Use the Right Color Scheme

Speaking of color, you’ll want to choose yours carefully. Industrial design embraces neutral colors like black, white, and shades of gray, plus earth tones such as mossy greens and rusty reds. Mixing and matching these colors in a room will help tie in that combination of nature-made and factory-made.

Coordinate Your Seating 

When it comes to industrial seating, you have a lot of options. Barstools and guest chairs come in all-metal options and have a metal frame, wood seats, and backs. For seating that needs to be more comfortable, such as your task chair and lounge seating, go for something upholstered in leather or faux leather to tie in a natural element. 

Think Vintage Factory Style

If something looks like it came from an old factory, it will probably look great in your industrial-styled office. From tables with pipes for legs to Edison light bulbs, these elements bring a masculine feel that the style is known for. Clocks with gears and cogs are also a great choice, and vintage wall art with a worn appearance will also enhance the look of the space.

Remember to create a streamlined design with mixed materials when creating an industrial look in your office. Embrace whatever design elements are on your walls and ceilings, and bring a good blend of natural and man-made elements to the space.

Cubicles are hard to buy. A desk is a desk, and a chair is a chair, but panel systems come in a vast range of sizes, styles, and configurations. How are you supposed to know how many panels you need to make a 6x6 cube? Why should you have to consider every possible accessory and wire management option available? That's what NBF account executives and design services are for, so don't sweat it—we've got you covered.

Before You Call

Before you call your NBF cubicle expert, gather the following information and write it down. 

1. Determine Your Install Space. Your NBF account executive will need to know the exact overall measurements of the space you're looking to outfit. This will allow us to correctly determine how many cubes of what size you can comfortably fit within the area. 

2. Consider Your Team Size and Usage. Not only will your account executive need to know how much space you have to work with, but he or she will also need to account for how many employees will be using the space. For example, if you need to fit 6 employees in a given space, they may each be able to have large workstations; however, if you need to fit 10 people in that same amount of space, the size of each workstation may be smaller. Usage will also help your account executive determine how open or closed concept the cubes should be.

3. Select Your Styles and Colors. A good first impression is everything, and we want to help you make one! Get a good idea of what you want your new workstations to look like before you call so that your account executive can best support your wants and needs.

4. Set a Timeline. Short or long, your timeline is valuable. Determine exactly when you want your new cubicle installation to be completed so your account executive can adequately time when the order must be placed for it to meet your needs.

5. Work Out Your Budget. Your account executive won't be able to begin the process of finding the perfect workstations until he or she knows your budget constraints. Talk with your team ahead of time and determine the amount you have to work with so that you're prepared to discuss affordable options with your designer.

Let Us Handle the Work

Now that you have all the information you need upfront, you're ready to call National Business Furniture for a quote and complimentary space plan. To get started, call us at (866) 422-5873, and we'll pair you up with an account executive in your area or with one of our in-house project managers. Our team of account executives is scattered across the country to provide in-person assistance to customers in nearly every state. With years of experience in space planning and industry expert knowledge of the best commercial furniture options, an NBF account executive is the best possible tool for outfitting your workspace with the furniture you want at the price and in the timeline you need. Check out our space planning page to learn more about our free design services.

Sit Back and Enjoy

The size and customization of your order will determine how long it takes for your new cubicles to be shipped, delivered, and installed. Fortunately for you, we'll take care of it all. Once you have a dedicated NBF account executive handling your project, we'll be in constant communication with the status of your order.

The cubicle is your home away from home. But do you clean it like you do your home? If you don't, you're not alone. After all, who can be expected to make the time to clean their workspace when office hours are spent on job duties? 

Whether you've just realized how dirty your desk looks or you’re a neat freak by nature, incorporating these simple tips into your office routine will help keep you happier and healthier at work.

Daily Cubicle Cleaning

1. Unclutter. Freeing your workspace of unnecessary clutter will immediately minimize visual distractions and make it look cleaner. Eliminate any paperwork, office supplies, and personal items that are not needed regularly. Doing this once per day, either at the start of your morning or before you leave for home in the evening, will keep your space looking nice and clean. You'd be amazed at what difference a quick tidy-up can make! 

2. Wipe down. You don't need to scrub your whole cube to make an impact. Do a quick wipe down of the items you use most frequently to prevent the spread of germs and keep things looking their best. Commonly used workspace items may include your desk phone, mouse, keyboard, and certain office supplies. These items can all be cleaned with a simple disinfectant wipe or damp microfiber cloth.

3. Clean up food and drink. From your coffee mug to that plate you used for your morning doughnut, you should clean anything used to eat or drink daily—no exceptions.

Weekly Cubicle Cleaning

1. Disinfect your work surface. Begin or end each week by wiping down your entire desk. Friday afternoon or Monday morning are great times to perform this task. The top of your desk is a high-traffic area that can quickly become a breeding ground for germs if not properly maintained. Be sure to read our complete guide to desk cleaning for details on cleaning specific types of furniture.

2. Deep clean frequently used desk items. Although you should wipe down commonly used items such as your desk phone and keyboard daily, you should take it a step further once per week. Get out your canned air, disinfectant spray, paper towels, and Q-tips to get between keys, in cracks, and everywhere else a simple wipe-down may not cover.

Monthly Cubicle Cleaning

1. Organize. Whether you use a lot of paper filing space or your desk hutch needs some help, take time once a month to reorganize. Tasks like arranging paperwork in your file cabinet by date, sorting out your junk drawer, and alphabetizing your bookcase can greatly impact how you use your cubicle. You will find items are easier to find and cause less stress when you keep them properly organized.

2. Clean those screens. Although you may not touch your computer monitors often, they are right in the way of every cough and sneeze that comes out of your mouth. Plus, they get dusty pretty quick too. Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth once a month to keep them looking like new.

Yearly Cubicle Cleaning

1. Clean cubicle walls. Because most cubicle walls are made of a tactile material like fabric, they must be deep cleaned at least once each year. Standard cleaning protocol for cube walls involves vacuuming, removing stains, and scrubbing with a mixture of mild detergent and water. If that all sounds like a bit much for you to handle on your own, fear not. Ask your office manager how often cubicle walls are cleaned and express your concern if the answer is less than once a year. Requesting the cleaning of cubicles should be within the realm of reason for the business. Remember to help wherever you can by removing any artwork or notes hanging from your cubicle walls before cleaning.

2. Tidy up computer cords. Do a quick sweep under your desk and remove any dust bunnies residing between computer cords with a microfiber cloth. Getting this done yearly will help keep the space nice and clean.

3. Wipe down the insides of drawers and storage units. Once a year, take all your office supplies and papers out of your storage units and filing cabinets, grab some disinfectant spray and paper towels, and wipe down the insides. You'll be amazed by how much debris builds up in there.

4. Don't forget your office chair. You sit in your computer chair every single day. Is it overdue for a cleaning? Read our complete guide to office chair cleaning to learn more about effectively removing crumbs and stains, depending on what type of chair you sit in.

From allowing students to make their own choices to bringing more active movement into each day, there are many good reasons to add flexible seating to your classroom. Although this education trend is relatively new, myriad options are available in this category. Where do you start? Read our quick tips for how to introduce flexible seating to your students.   

Determine the Needs of Your Students 

Consider the number of students you have and their individual needs. Will you replace old furniture or simply add to it? Although some kids thrive in fully flexible classrooms, others may require a more structured setup. Many teachers prefer hybrid classrooms with both traditional desks and flexible options.  

Not only will you need to think about the learning needs of individual students, but you’ll need to consider different lesson plans as well. Do you want students to sit or stand during group exercises? Do you want them to use alternative seating options only during individual reading time? Only during group lessons? Every classroom is unique, and it’s up to you as the teacher to decide what setup will work best for your kids.  

Visualize and Measure Your Classroom 

Take a close look at your teaching style and consider where in your classroom you want your flexible seating to go. What areas of the room are underutilized? What can you rearrange to accommodate new furniture? Once you’ve determined where in your classroom you want your various alternative seating options to go, measure the space to determine what chairs and tables will be able to fit in the area when purchasing classroom furniture online.  

Introduce the Options to Your Students and their Parents 

Whether you go with exercise balls, wobble stools, couches, swivel chairs, or another active seating option, you’ll need a game plan to introduce them to students and their parents. Your kids will be very excited when they first see these seating options in your classroom, so it’s important to set boundaries and model them right from the start. The first week or two may be challenging, but remain firm and consistent, and your students will reap the benefits soon enough. 

Although introducing flexible seating to your students is important, explaining your choices to their parents is just as crucial. Because most parents did not have flexible seating when they were in school, they are likely to be unfamiliar with the benefits of alternative seating. It’s important for you as the teacher to educate parents so they understand why flexible seating will help their children learn.  

Make Plans for Substitute Teachers 

One of the biggest concerns teachers with flexible seating classrooms have is introducing the rules to substitutes. If you have a hybrid classroom with traditional desks and alternative seating options, you may find it easier to keep students in their traditional chairs during sub days. But if you only have flexible seating in your room, it’s best to write out instructions for your substitute that are as detailed as possible to avoid any confusion or students taking advantage.  

Remember that this is a major shift in your classroom setup, and there will likely be a steep transition period as you and your students get used to a new way of doing things. By preparing yourself for this transition and establishing clear expectations, you’ll set yourself and your students up for success from the very start.  

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