What Makes a Great Huddle Room?

The huddle room is an emerging trend in office design that facilitates collaboration and communication among a small group of people. While conference rooms do the same for larger groups of people, huddle rooms provide quiet, semi-private venues for fewer than six people to discuss ideas, make phone calls, hold hybrid meetings, conduct interviews and even just work away from their desks.

Considering the following factors will help make your huddle room a fully functional, optimally designed, and highly sought-after workspace.

Choosing the ideal space

To design a comfortable huddle room for up to six people, you’ll want a space that’s about 100-150 square feet. If you’re able, choose a space that’s removed from high-traffic areas to minimize noisy distractions.

Right-size your furniture options

The smaller size of huddle rooms can make furniture selection more difficult. High-top tables with stools provide a comfortable environment for shorter, more casual meetings. Modular and flexible furniture pieces are also popular options to accommodate different meeting styles in a smaller space.

Check the acoustics

We’ve all been in the middle of a phone call, interview, or small group meeting when noises coming from outside the room become a distraction. It’s a good idea to test the acoustics in your space to see if it could benefit from soundproofing. If so, consider these options:

• Use weather stripping, door sweeps, or caulk to seal gaps and/or cracks in doors, windows, or walls.

• Add acoustic panels to absorb sound and reduce echoes throughout the room.

• Use area rugs or carpets to absorb sound and reduce the sound of footsteps or chair movements.

• Place bookshelves or storage units with soft materials, like books or fabric, along the walls.

Ensure access to tech infrastructure

To foster collaboration in-person and virtually, access to tech infrastructure can’t be ignored. Ensuring the huddle room has sufficient power outlets and Wi-Fi connectivity is paramount.

Why Huddle Rooms?

As workers continue heading back to in-person work environments, huddle rooms provide valuable places for focus and collaboration. Consider some of the most common uses for office huddle rooms.

High-functioning small meetings

Perhaps the most common use of huddle rooms is for meetings of small groups, less than six people in size. Using huddle rooms for small meetings helps to remove demand from larger conference rooms and provides more privacy than a touchdown space.

Informal collaboration

Maybe a teammate stopped by your workspace and you’re having a great discussion but prefer more privacy. Sometimes the best collaborations aren’t planned. Huddle rooms make ideal spaces for less formal collaboration.

Individual work in comfort

We all benefit from an occasional change in scenery during the workday. Beyond that, some work – planning, writing or phone calls – is done best in a quiet place. These two reasons make huddle rooms ideal places for individual work. 

Individual or small group video conferencing 

According to a 2023 Gallup study, hybrid is the most common style of work for remote-capable employees. With hybrid work becoming more prevalent, huddle rooms solve the increased need for spaces that can facilitate individual or small group video conferences.

By considering the above factors, you’ll help to design a huddle room that’s versatile and efficient for small group collaboration.

Meetings come in all shapes and sizes and so do the conference rooms that host them. Thoughtful design and careful planning ensure you make the most of every gathering in your conference space. Here are answers to top conference room design questions: 

Is Effective Conference Space Important?  

Comfortable and effective conference space impacts how productive meetings are—and meeting productivity is likely a top concern of many of your employees. According to Forbes, poorly organized meetings are a top ten office annoyance, with more than two in three office workers surveyed citing it as a pet peeve.  

Too often, workers are forced to convene in cluttered spaces that are not set up to contribute to productive work. Simple fixes—from including appropriate seating options, to the appropriate number of seats around the table and taking things like storage, hospitality, tech integration and room features that facilitate ideation—can better support using meeting time productively.   

Our experts have prioritized a budget-friendly approach to make your conference space an incubator for productive meetings.  

How do I design a conference room on a budget? 

There’s not a one-size fits all approach to conference room design: What team needs to make conference rooms high-performing spaces varies. Budgeting for your conference room refresh should be driven by what you need the room to accomplish. A simple in-person ideation space versus a video conference destination come with different costs. 

Where should you spend vs. save when outfitting your conference space? 

We recommend starting with what your room needs to accomplish and using that to drive your design and budgeting approach. That said, there are some key areas our customers tend to appreciate spending a bit more and some key areas where we help identify opportunities to save: 

Spend: 

• Outfitting your space with high-quality; durable options: Your conference space will be a high-traffic area. Ensuring you select commercial-grade options that will continue to look polished and professional over time. Conference spaces tend to show wear and tear faster than other office spaces.  

• Storage: Adding storage will help encourage employees to keep the room organized. Keeping remotes and cords stashed minimizes the clutter. 

• A food and bev service area: Including items like a laminate credenza will double as storage and serve as space for a coffee center or buffet lunches. Adding hospitality goes a long way in creating a place where employees feel productive.   

• Tech integrations: Conference tables with integrated power and wire management will minimize disruptions and keep people powered-up and ready to check off meeting agendas. 

Save: 

• Buying appropriate conference seating: Don’t over-outfit your conference room with seating. Save the fancy ergonomic features for desk seating. The ideal conference chair is comfortable but not super adjustable because occupants are not often sitting there for very extended periods of time.  

• Conference tables made from delicate materials: A stylish wood-grained laminate table can provide the warm, residential look and feel and be durable to look great over time in this high-traffic space.  

But the No. place to focus your spend is on seating. Giving people the appropriate conference chair will go a long way in helping them stay focused and productive while in the conference room. 

What are top conference room design mistakes to avoid? 

A top conference room design mistake is overcrowding the space. Squeezing too many chairs around the table likely will hinder meeting participation and effectiveness. Here are some guidelines to help make sure you’re giving conference room users room to do their best work: 

• How many chairs fit around a conference table: The rule of thumb here is that the table length dictates the number of chairs. A 6-foot table can comfortably seat 6 people; an 8-foot table, 8 people. This holds true for rectangle, racetrack and boat shaped conference tables. 

• How large should a conference room be: You generally want at least 3-4 feet between the table and the walls on the sides of a conference table. You’ll want more space at the head of the table if the room is meant to hold presentations. You’ll want 5 feet of space for the speaker/presenter.  

How do I design a conference room for video conferencing or virtual meetings? 

Effectively connecting with virtual meeting participants is a top consideration of our customers. Additional considerations for these spaces includes: 

• Pushing the conference table against a wall to form a collaborative half circle 

• Including mobile TV stands  

Learn more about conference room design with our Conference Room Planning and Measurement Guide, Collaborative conference room ebook and post on wire management for your conference room. 

Every government buyer has their own unique purchasing requirements, which is why we don’t offer a one-size-fits-all approach. We offer curated service to each of the 20,000+ government orders we fulfill per year, and in our 40+ years of business, we’ve learned a few tips about how government buyers can set themselves up for success to make the office furniture procurement process as simple as possible. Follow these tips to make government shopping at the end of the fiscal year (or anytime) a breeze.

Know Your Individual Buying Requirements

The best place to start is to learn the specific buying requirements for your office. An Air Force installation might have different purchasing requirements than a Social Security office or a National Parks Service facility. What makes it even trickier is that even individual Air Force bases or National Parks facilities might even vary in their requirements. 

If you can find someone in your office who can point you to a list of your specific purchasing requirements—or if you can identify your local purchasing authority—that might help you focus your furniture shopping on items that are more likely to be approved. 

Look for Vendors Who Offer Government Contracts

Take some of the initial headaches out of getting your government purchase approved by shopping with vendors who meet federal acquisition regulations. This is pretty much the bare minimum when it comes to purchasing requirements, so you’ll likely still need to ensure that a product meets your specific set of buying requirements, but it’s a start.

GSA (Federal Contracts)

NBF's GSA contract (GS-27F-0024V) covers 1000s of products, including desks, chairs, partitions/cubicles, and conference furniture.

State and Local Contracts

NBF offers several contracts for use by state and local government agencies, including the Association of Educational Purchasing Agencies (AEPA), Buy Board, and The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) cooperative purchasing agreements, as well as a California Multiple Award Schedule contract.

Shop for Items That Ship Quickly

Government purchases generally need to be charged when the item ships, rather than when the purchase is made. If you’re trying to use your budget before the end of the fiscal year, you want to look for furniture that’s in stock and can ship quickly, ensuring you won’t lose your budget on a technicality. 

Our in-stock products usually deliver within 2 weeks, and many items even ship the same day you order them. Explore “Ships Today” GSA-approved furniture. 

How to Shop GSA-Approved Furniture

We’ve got several different ways for you to shop for GSA-approved furniture.

• Visit NBF.com/GSA to shop more than 2,000 GSA-contract furniture items. For live GSA pricing, create an account or sign in. 

• Visit GSAadvantage.gov and search "GS27F0024V."

• Email [email protected].

• Call us at 800-588-1010.

Need to meet set-aside purchase requirements? You can purchase NBF products through our network of small business dealers. Email or call us to learn more. 

The material on our site is for informational purposes only, is general in nature, and is not a substitute for professional advice regarding specific government purchasing requirements. 

Create a Comfortable, Productive, and Personalized WFH Space

Create a comfortable, productive, and personalized work-from-home workspace. A few quick changes can make all the difference:

• Level up your office organization by taking advantage of vertical space, allowing for more supply storage as well as a little decorative flair

• Make the most of your desktop with compact L-shaped desks that can fit snugly in a corner

• Create mixed-use spaces with furniture that can get the job done during the workday but move out of the way while the room serves a different purpose

• Use bins, baskets, and desktop organizers to DIY your storage in a way that's functional and fun

Work/Life Balance When Working From Home

When work makes its way into the living space, it starts to feel as if work is everywhere. Work/life balance has always been a challenge, but it’s especially difficult to conceptualize and enforce when working from home. 

While it might feel like work is everywhere and everywhere is work, that's just not the case. Acknowledging your needs, enforcing your boundaries, and remembering you're only human is the start of creating a healthy relationship with work, even when it's so close to everyday life.

NBF partnered with Kelton Global to survey more than 1,000 American workers. We examined how people feel about their work-from-home workspaces and what they need to make their days better and brighter using a combination of finding the right furniture, designing a beautiful workspace, and building behaviors that can create long-lasting workplace wellness.

Ergonomics Are Essential

At the office, your company chose desks, chairs, and supplies they thought were ideal for the entire company. At home, you might not have these workplace essentials ready to go. As you settle into your workspace, consider furniture that is a net benefit for physical health.

We found that 22% of those frustrated with their current space are using outdated furnishings or equipment that impact productivity. Meanwhile, 3 in 10 believe their workspace needs an upgrade. If you're part of either group, make sure that your new-and-improved setup is doing its best to help you stay on task.

Take a Seat

It's no surprise that seating is a constant struggle for work-from-home employees. As you look for the right seat, you aren't bound by traditional office options. Consider finding a task chair with the same support and features that are staples of workplace seating.

Size and Shape

Whether you're big and tall or petite and small, there's a chair that's suitable for your stature. Find a chair designed to fit your body type with as much or as little padding as you'd prefer.

Materials

While the colors and styles are endless, a few standard materials are used in office furniture. Polyurethane and other faux leathers are easy to clean and durable, while real leather is a luxurious option for an elevated office. Cooling mesh can make working a breeze, and fabric can add style without sticking to your skin.

Ergonomic Adjustments

The right combination of adjustments can make your workday experience feel like a dream. Mix and match the right tilt (synchro, knee, or center), lumbar support, arm movements, and seat depth that works for you.

Desk Decisions

From traditional tables to storage-rich setups, desks come in a wide array of configurations and features to help you customize your workspace. No matter what size space you're working with, there are endless options to fit every floor plan, design scheme, and budget.

Desk Height

Standard-height desks are the standard for a reason, but people are turning to standing-height solutions for an added ergonomic benefit. Height-adjustable options marry the best of both worlds for those who like to sit or stand at any stature.

Storage Options

Pedestal desks have a wealth of supply and file storage, while others are lighter on storage and encourage users to use mobile filing cabinets and other storage units to conceal their workday musts.

Tabletop Organizers

Coordinating hutches, both big and small, are there for your right-at-hand needs. These can occupy valuable vertical real estate to further enhance small space work areas.

Set (and Stick to) Boundaries

The boundaries you set with management, coworkers, and yourself will determine the success of your work/life balance. Likewise, leaving loopholes, creating exceptions, and relaxing boundaries can quickly erode any positive groundwork.

After determining reasonable boundaries, communicate them to managers and colleagues. Then? Stick to them. Calendar programs often can set available hours to establish a rough guideline that's visible to everybody, while other nuanced boundaries may need more direct communication.

• Determine what hours are available for meetings and reasonable for responding to emails, calls, and instant messages.

• Decide whether you will check incoming communication during nights or weekends. It's OK if you keep all work-related communication to working hours only.

• Select what applications you'd like to install on personal devices and set notifications to correlate with your available hours.

• Realize that it's OK to keep work time separate from personal time. If possible, determine who can take care of emergencies in your absence should you be unreachable.

Build a Routine

Thoughtful boundaries will naturally establish a workday and workweek routine. Once your working hours are defined, begin to schedule important activities at easy-to-anticipate times—and don’t forget to include what's important to you. These little rituals can have a big impact on workday happiness.

Start Strong

Find the right way to start your day on a positive note. Brew a great cup of coffee, tidy up your desk, or do a quick sweep of your mailbox while listening to your favorite podcast.

Take a Break

Real, scheduled breaks can feel like a luxury when working from home. Build in time for lunch, a quick walk, or any necessary appointments that might conflict with the workday. Even a 15-minute meditation session can make its way into the daily routine as a way to clear your mind and get ready for the next task.

Add a Little Personal Time

While it's ill-advised to blend your work life and personal life too much, it's OK to schedule some time to accomplish a household chore during the day. Use one of your breaks to run a recurring errand or quickly tidy part of your house without feeling guilty for wasting work time.

Make a Perfect Playlist

Everybody has a different ideal soundtrack for their workday. Find a great auto-generated playlist, explore curated collections on your favorite streaming service, or subscribe to a podcast you can play in the background. White noise apps are another great way to keep the room tone lively without adding distracting words or lyrics.

Wrap Up and Wind Down

Ease your way out of the workday mindset with a relaxing task that will leave you in tip-top shape for the next day. Take the last 15 minutes to leave your workspace organized, sterilized, and clean so that your early morning self can start the day off right.

Need a Helping Hand?

When you're alone at home, it's easy to forget that resources are available through your employer.

Employee Assistance Programs 

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) aren't all created equal, but look into what your company offers and keep these benefits in mind. Some EAPs offer free counseling for workplace and personal issues, which can be used as a singular solution or a stepping stone to additional help. Childcare support, legal advice, and gym discounts are commonly available in EAPs, but these programs differ from company to company.

Talk to Your Manager 

The pandemic presented a new set of challenges that impacted every employee differently. Discuss your needs with your manager, including how your personal needs intersect with and affect your work. Accommodations can be made to ensure that employees' professional success and mental health are all accounted for, but sometimes this takes input from one's supervisor or human resources.

The Design Guide for Painting Your Office

The shade of paint you choose can make or break a space. The all-around wrong color, clashing accents, mismatched lighting, and myriad reasons can create a disaster that's all-surrounding during the workday. As you choose your color palette for your home office or corporate workspace, consider the factors that go into a great color scheme that becomes the foundation for a great workspace.

Corporate Offices

It doesn't matter if you're a small business or a corporate giant—designing a professional office space is less about one's personal taste and more about what's best for everybody. Sure, this sounds like it might be a bit restrictive, but that doesn't make any of your choices any less meaningful.

Consult a Professional 

An educated and experienced interior designer will have a wealth of knowledge and recommendations for your space. There's no harm in reaching out to a person who's used to finding the right fit; in the long run, it's worth it. Especially if you're painting multiple rooms, a designer or planner will know how to tell a visual story that compliments your entire office.

Try Before You Buy

No matter who is calling the shots, paint samples are vital to better understand your choices. While conventional paint chips might help, if larger swatches are available, take advantage of them.

No-Brainer Neutrals 

Your primary color will probably be a variation of off-white, light gray, or a faint taupe, and that's not just OK—it's advisable. These no-nonsense colors are tried and true, though they're not as harsh as a bright white.

Agreeable and Accessible 

Be mindful of different employees' needs that may be applicable now or possibly down the road. For instance, colorblindness can affect the way a person perceives bolder accents. People with visual impairments may need an emphasis on bright spaces and proper lighting. Even if this doesn't apply to your current staff, looking toward the future is never ill-advised.

Different Space, Different Mood 

The open office isn't the only space worthy of consideration. Think about how your paint choices tell a story throughout the office, and aim for a cohesive experience that won't distract employees or guests. Be particularly mindful of your reception area. For workers, it's symbolic of the start of the business day, but for guests, it's necessary to make a great first impression with tasteful design.

Acceptable Accents

If you have a big room, it's a given that you have big walls. If you're trying to add an accent wall, avoid doing so on any wall close to employee desking. Entryways, nooks, or infrequently used spaces can benefit from an accent that doesn't overwhelm you. Especially in a main space, consider using your company's colors to offset the ubiquitous neutrals.

Consider Your Upholstery

Are you designing your color palette around your furniture, or are you designing your furniture around your palette? Make sure all choices are well-coordinated, and you're not pairing cool and warm tones that will clash and distract. Be mindful of upholstery on seating or even on cubicle panels.

Creative Conference Rooms

Especially if your business has a plethora of conference rooms, this is a great opportunity to get creative with your color schemes and furniture choices. While you'll certainly want to reserve one as a highly professional space, use smaller collaboration areas to choose interesting colors or out-of-the-box furniture without committing to a large space.

The VIP Treatment

Allow incoming leaders to personalize their private office. Use a wall that isn't completely occupied by large furniture as an accent wall. When one person leaves and another person moves in, ask them what color they'd like it painted. It's a personal touch that won't break the bank or take up too much time.

Home Offices

There's a big difference between an office designed by you, for you and a multiperson office that needs to appeal to all. While you have a lot less space but a lot more flexibility, several considerations can still improve productivity, increase energy, and promote workday wellness.

Push the Boundaries of Neutral

Eggshell, ivory, and alabaster are played out shades of off-white that can stay in the past. In the home and the home office, neutral color palettes can play with different shades of gray and taupe. More daringly, a pastel palette can create a peaceful atmosphere in your workspace that's far from drab.

Invigorate With Paint

If you're trying to create a high-energy space, ditch the neutrals and pastels and embrace bolder, more stimulating colors. If your space allows, use a combination of palatable neutrals and exciting hues for accent walls or details.

Dark Colors Aren’t Dull

For some, dark paint colors can make a room feel serious or studious, which may be what you're going for. If this fits your personality, don't shy away from working with deeper tones to get the right look. If you're working within a small space, try to mix dark and light colors on different walls to keep the space from feeling too cramped.

Avoid Antagonistic Colors 

As you work your way through the rainbow, there are a few less-advisable colors to avoid. For instance, reds are known to inspire anger and intensity. 

Add Accents

Accent colors aren't just reserved for accent walls. Baseboards, molding, fixtures, and other odds and ends are often painted. If you're going to deviate from your wall colors, make sure that you pay attention to these bonus colors so that they don't stand out negatively.

Let There Be Light

If you're lucky, your at-home workspace will benefit from natural light. Even when the sun goes down, there are still major considerations with what lighting you use. Whether overhead lighting or dedicated task lighting, choose light bulbs that fuel your mood. Some people enjoy brighter blue-toned bulbs while others benefit from softer, more docile tones. Not sure? Your smartphone can control many digital light bulbs to find the perfect balance.

Think Long-Term 

We perceive color differently as we age. If you're designing for the long haul, go with a color and design scheme that will be pleasing as you advance. This is particularly true if you're putting together an office for an elderly person. If you've got multiple occupants, collaborate on your palette to ensure it's pleasant for everyone.

Optimizing Outdoor Workspaces

As dinner on restaurant patios and weekend trips into the wilderness become mainstays of summer 2020, days at the office are spent more sequestered than ever. Instead of eating in cafeterias and gathering in conference rooms, employees are highly deskbound to stop the spread of COVID-19. But add the open air to office productivity, and you've got a great solution for any company culture.

Depending on your location, there may be room to transform outdoor spaces, such as patios, surrounding green space, or even smaller entryways, into an outdoor oasis for employees. Create areas for collaboration or solitary work with a few easy upgrades. No matter the climate, you can harness the end of summer or a temperate fall and make long-lasting outdoor spaces that employees will love. 

Step Up the Wi-Fi

A major hurdle for outdoor enjoyment starts with technology. Employees can only do so much work without laptops, and even meetings require some tech to keep things running smoothly these days. Add Wi-Fi extenders and additional routers to the edges of the outdoors, ensuring that there's a strong enough signal to run your most necessary operations from anywhere.

Choose the Right Seating

Choose seating and tables that can facilitate all sorts of working needs. While there's always room for laid-back, relaxing options, more traditional tables and benches can accommodate meetings, lunches, or independent work.

Outdoor mainstays are readily available for these workspaces. Picnic benches can replace conference tables, though keeping employees well-spaced with tape or markers to show proper spacing is imperative. Portable acrylic screens can be grabbed and utilized to make face-to-face seating safer.

Materials Matter

Use materials designed and proven for outdoor use to protect from the elements and ensure that your outdoor furniture will make it to summer 2021. Solid plastics, resin, and outdoor laminates will be indicated for indoor/outdoor use. If you're looking at anything metal, make sure that it's stainless and will stay corrosion- and rust-free indefinitely.

Create Some Shade

To keep laptops glare-free and protect against midday sunburn, ensure your space has enough shade to keep employees out of the sun if they wish. Umbrellas, either mounted through tables or in a cantilever style, can provide a temporary solution, but areas with a partial overhang may benefit from an extended awning. Whether automatically retractable or removable at the end of the season, temporary shelter can also keep your furniture in tip-top condition in any climate.

Expand Your Area

Not all offices are equipped with ample outdoor seating or a prime location for a patio. Leverage the areas available, even if they're small, to add a little bit of respite from the office. A couple of chairs out front, simple benches, or off-to-the-side seating can still make a huge impact.

Seating alone doesn't suit everybody's working style. Even in the most constricted areas, keep a few folding tables off to the side for employees to grab, use, disinfect, and return for quick and casual use. Movable outdoor furniture may need to be secured depending on the location, but semi-mobile choices can encourage employees to move meetings outdoors without committing to a conference-like setup in a small space.

Power Up

Make sure employees keep charged with any necessary extension cords or power stations they can move throughout the outdoor space. Keep a few of them handy and easy to extend, ensuring that there isn't any need to crowd around scarce outlets.

Embrace the Great Outdoors

Throughout the office, fake plants reign supreme. When the weather's right and the sun is shining, a few potted plants or pleasant landscaping can elevate the mood in an outdoor area. Take advantage of seasonal foliage and beautify your outdoor oasis. Use taller greenery to create separation between tables to ensure proper social distancing.

Don’t Stop the Cleaning 

Small Space Solutions With Serious Style

Where you work is as unique to you as how you work. Sometimes, you might be stuck working with less real estate than your ideal. These unique layouts pose interesting challenges with creative solutions that need a little extra thought, careful planning, and a selection of furniture that can make the most out of any situation.

Our Brite collection is a mainstay in the modern, minimalist, and flexible home office. With a wide variety of desk sizes and storage types, it's easy to mix and match pieces to optimize your environment. ach piece features superior quality at an affordable price point, allowing you to pair multiple selections from Brite to highlight the qualities of your home.  

The Double-Duty Desk

It's not fair to have to choose between work and play when you're short on space. Instead, find a furniture setup that does both, like the Brite Compact Home Office Set. When building a double-duty space, select furniture that can be assigned a purpose or, for some items, a dual purpose. For the most part, make sure your desktop has enough room to accommodate both your workday mainstays without needing to do much when the day is done. Use storage pieces to keep your intentions separated, dedicating one rolling pedestal to workday supplies and the other to the tools of the trade for whatever you're passionate about.

The Two-for-One Special

Working from home might mean you have coworkers who don't even work at your company. For home offices with 2 or more people, blend form and function with coordinating desking tailored to each person's individual needs. Expansive collections offer a wealth of design options that differ in height, width, configuration, and even tech-ready details, such as wireless chargers or cable management. Let each person pick the right fit for their needs while still adhering to a beautiful design scheme, right down to coordinating seating with the same patterns on different pieces.

The Angular Approach

Many renovated flats, urban apartments, and quirky old houses have curious bonus areas that embrace difficult-to-use spaces. When your main rooms are occupied, it’s great to take advantage of these attics, enclaves, and under-the-stairs escapes. Sometimes you'll need to split your workspace to work within these difficult layouts, opting for multiple desks that are close within reach but not quite together. Fill in the gaps with décor or open-air storage to keep the area from getting overwhelmingly cramped while still giving it a sense of style.

The Cozy Corner

A sliver of the living room or a corner of the dining nook might be your best bet for a work-from-home workspace. While you might share space with a completely different purpose, the need for a focus-friendly setup remains. Choose a desk with built-in storage so your workday musts can all be concentrated in one space, eliminating the need to interact with the world around it and risk becoming distracted. A standing-height desk can also offer flexibility and comfort, especially when paired with a stool that's just the right height for a quick rest.

The Simple Setup

Designing a Remote Work Policy That Works

If we learned one thing during the COVID-19 crisis, it’s that we're a more independent workforce than we once thought. Companies in high-risk areas quickly transitioned to mandated (or highly recommended) work-from-home policies using the tools they already had. It begs the question—how would this have been even easier if preparations started ahead of time?

Lay a foundation for success from the very start. Remaining mindful of employee needs, wants, and everything in between will help your organization thrive no matter where your employees reside. A healthy remote work policy will increase productivity while employees are in the office, so long as they know that they have the trust, support, and flexibility that comes with a well-thought-out remote work policy.

Start Sooner Than Later

Your company should establish your remote work policies long before an emergency strikes. Take steps to implement the tools and rules necessary for success, and consider the different situations that could keep office-dwelling employees homebound for varying lengths of time.

Not all remote work factors are equal. To create the most comprehensive policies, understand the different reasons why employees may become homebound:

• Global Health Risks: These situations are precautionary, but they often occur during the most severe and threatening situations. Directives to stay home can come from a parent company, senior leadership, Center for Disease Control recommendation, or even a government mandate. While severe, there's often enough lead time to allow employees to return to the office to gather files and other items they need to do their job long-term. These measures can often last for a significant amount of time.

• Individual Health Risks: When an employee is recovering from an illness, becoming sick, or transitioning back to work from a medical procedure, it's often advisable to stay out of the office until they're at full speed. These situations often arise suddenly, but there should be clear expectations of productivity to determine whether they should use PTO instead. These measures can range from half a day to a few days off work.

• Inclement Weather: When severe weather strikes, coming into the office could be the difference between making it in for the day or never returning to work again. Depending on an employee’s location and the severity of conditions, it is often advisable to let employees stay put and avoid risk. These are often short instances but hard to anticipate.

Human Resources Is Your Best Resource

When it comes to remote work, there are a few different prevailing schools of thought in the HR community. They can guide you in the direction of what best benefits employees, and, depending on how progressive their policies are, they can recommend solutions to senior leadership and direct managers.

Today's HR departments understand that each department faces unique circumstances, noting that different job duties have different needs when it comes to remaining in the office. Instead of creating sweeping policies that may not benefit every employee, consult the leaders of individual departments to determine the best course of action.

Be Prepared With Software and Hardware

A setup for success starts with day-to-day tools that can work both in-house and remotely. Ensure your hardware and software choices have full functionality in and out of the office. These days, prices are negligible when it comes to choosing between desktops and docked laptops, allowing teams to stay flexible outside the office while making it easier to bring information to on-site meetings.

When it comes to software, use cloud storage solutions to keep files easily accessible at all times. Virtual private networks (VPNs) can protect sensitive data, web-based applications can provide flexible use over an internet connection, and a robust chat system will keep employees in close contact even when they're apart. These tools are just as useful in the office as they are outside.

Create Chains of Communication

When that snowstorm strikes or it's time for nonessential employees to work remotely, a clear and easily understood chain of communication is integral to prevent confusion. Not all employees have cellular access to their work email, making it necessary to communicate through outside channels. You can call it dated or tried-and-true, but a phone tree can be the most logical tool to spread information. Deliver messages to every employee by making it clear that their direct supervisor should contact them in case of closure or emergency, ensuring everybody knows who they should turn to for guidance and instruction.

Your Human Resources Information System (HRIS) may have integrated tools to expedite communication, enabling it to come from a single, trusted source. Whether that's an email blast that goes to employees' personal accounts or a mass text that gives immediate updates for building closures, it's worth exploring the added tools that can streamline the chain of communication.

Embrace a Trusting Environment

Remote work comes with a degree of trepidation. It's dangerous to assume that your perfectly productive in-house employee will suddenly slide off the radar when transitioning to a remote role in an emergency. Just because they're out of sight doesn't mean their work is out of mind. It takes strength in management to remember that work is still the main component of remote work.

Think about the metrics you use to evaluate in-office performance. Every position has benchmarks that you've seen in action—setting those benchmarks as expectations can ensure that remote sessions have the same output as a day in the office.

The FAQs of Remote Work During COVID-19

As companies put emergency remote work policies in place and the workforce shifts toward working-from-home, there are often more questions than answers. Here are a few solutions to the most burning questions about transitioning, implementing, and sustaining a successful remote work program. 

For Employers 

When should we go remote?

Companies should act proactively instead of reactively. Ideally, you want your organization to avoid having any sick employees throughout the pandemic, and the only way to do so is to take swift action. Consider your location, workforce, industry, and capabilities ahead of time, then make an informed decision.

Can I prepare ahead of time?

The most successful work-from-home policies start far before a crisis. If you have the time and resources, begin implementing these steps to make the transition to remote work even easier.

How do I talk to my employees about emergency policy changes?

Remain clear, concise, and calm at all times, relying on hard facts that can be supported by trusted empirical sources. Stay in constant communication as updates emerge, and be receptive to employee questions and concerns.

What if we can't go fully remote?

Take as many precautions as possible and remember that anything worthwhile is still effective, even if it's only partial. Limit air travel, conferences, outside visitors, and even in-office meetings as best as possible. Urge teams to use video and teleconferencing tools.

What about maintenance staff?

Some office staff is essential for maintaining your building. Consider the important roles that administrative staff, groundskeepers, mailroom employees, and other operations positions play; ensure their safety, especially if they need to be on-site.

What can I do to ease the work-from-home transition?

Not every employee has the at-home infrastructure for a successful remote career. Especially in a time where household finances may become tight, consider providing a reimbursement program or stipend for employees to outfit their space. Remain in constant communication to make sure employee needs are met throughout the remote period.

What if somebody has an illness unrelated to COVID-19?

While employee health should always be a primary consideration, now more than ever, all ill employees should be urged to stay home due to any illness, however unrelated to COVID-19 it may be.

What groups are considered high risk?

Age has the largest effect on both mortality and morbidity regarding COVID-19; urge staff over 60 years of age to self-quarantine as soon as possible. From there, encourage pregnant employees, those with chronic illnesses, and other immunocompromised individuals to work from home.

What information can I trust?

Stick to large-scale, largely empirical resources that don’t make assumptions or become overzealous with their data. Several trusted resources, including the CDC, WHO, and SHRM, can be found here.

Are there any legal considerations?

Certainly. Follow federal and state rules and regulations regarding private health information, mandatory sick pay, FMLA (which does not cover the common flu; however it can possibly cover a longer-term chronic respiratory illness), and all ADA guidelines. Consult your legal team or a corporate lawyer for the most accurate information.

For Employees

How can I protect myself against COVID-19?

Begin with the same precautions you'd use during any other flu season. Practice excellent hand hygiene (wash with soap and water more often than usual and supplement with hand sanitizer), cough into your elbow, and thoroughly sterilize surfaces in public areas.

Should I wear a mask to work or out of the house?

CDC recommendations are constantly being updated to reflect the current situation. At this time of updating, it is recommended that a face covering be worn in areas of high community spread, such as grocery stores, public transit, or other group environments.

What do I need to bring home to work remotely?

Printed materials often become lost in the shuffle, no matter where you are. Don't forget the notepads, binders, files, and catalogs you use occasionally. Bring home your peripherals, such as a wireless mouse or keyboard, to prevent fatigue from working day in and day out on a laptop. And, of course, don't forget your charger.

Where should I set up my at-home workspace?

There are endless schools of thought throughout the interior design community, but none suit every situation. Setting up a home office will depend on the size of your space, where you have an area for a desk and storage, and what furniture you need to do your best work. 

What can I do to make remote work as effective as in-office work?

Easy Enhancements for Traditional Student Desking

As inventive shapes and intriguing sizes have become more prevalent in the student desking market, the need for traditional classroom desks remains. Take inspiration from new classroom designs and enhance your everyday desks to improve productivity and increase student engagement in every learning environment.

You're on a Roll!

Casters are the easiest way to keep your classroom layout flexible and on the move. Set up your space with traditional rows while making it easy for kids to roll their way into basic pods or other collaborative structures. With locks at the base, it's just as easy to keep your class facing forward in neat lines when there isn't any need for mobility. 

Write On, Wipe Off

Skip the woodgrain laminate look and go with a whiteboard desktop. Specially-coated porcelain finishes are resistant to ghosting, making it easy for kids to practice math problems, take quick notes, or doodle as their day goes by. These easy-to-clean surfaces can also have a metal underlayer, allowing magnets to be used throughout the school day.

The Sky's the Limit

…Or at least the maximum height of your desk is the limit. Small adjustments in height can allow each student to find the perfect posture for their growing bodies. While some desks feature telescoping legs that adjust to set increments, pneumatic or crank-based options can provide a more tailored adjustment without adding costly power to each desk.

School Day Storage

Optional storage can go beyond lift-top desks or open cubbies. Simple backpack hooks that don't compromise balance can take a load off, while out-of-the-way baskets or pencil trays can provide temporary storage without the inevitable clutter. Optional racking can allow students to attach bins beneath their desks, storing them away in a different location when they're done using their workspace.

Technological Touches

STEM classrooms greatly benefit from the tech-ready features of today's makerspace furniture. A few simple power outlets can make it easy for students to charge laptops, network ports can optimize internet connections, or USB ports can improve access to small electronics or peripherals. Choose the right powerups for your needs, and make sure you have cable ramps to eliminate trip and slip hazards whenever possible.

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Build a Better Private Office

These days, a private office is a luxury that provides quietude, enhances focus, maximizes productivity, and allows privacy for sensitive meetings. The right furniture suites set the proper tone while maximizing the capabilities of these solitary spaces.

See What Fits

The size of your private office space defines the limitations of your furniture. Take careful and accurate measurements, and don't forget about door swing, windows, vents, and any odd corners that might complicate things.

Start With Design  

Company pending, the occupant of the private office might have a say in the final design. Work with an interior designer to ensure that everybody's vision is within reach and that the aesthetic is neutral enough to fit today's occupant and beyond.

The Scope of Seating

An executive chair is an obvious requirement, but a set of desk chairs are a common fixture in private offices. Larger spaces may be able to accommodate a 2–4 person meeting table, and executive suites may even have room for more comfortable lounge seating.

Working Within Budget

Executive furniture is a bit pricier than bulk desking. Pay attention to the cost of a furniture suite and see what substitutions can be made if you're nearing your maximum budget. Lean on larger décor choices, such as artificial plants or a coat stand, to complete the space without dramatically increasing cost.

Storage Solutions

Consider the storage needs of your occupant and the types of items they'll need to organize. Mixed-type storage credenzas, bookcases, wardrobes, and mobile filing pedestals are great ways to add additional storage capacity with style.

Privacy vs. Forward-Facing

While the shape of the space might dictate what's possible, there's a clear difference between a desk facing outward and one facing a wall. Position your workstation in a way that's conducive to productivity and any need to accommodate guests.

Build a Better Training Room

Training rooms are central locations for education and innovation. They can look like conference rooms, but their key differences make them an integral part of a workplace's ecosystem. Create a flexible and functional training space with the right furniture and tech to empower every employee.

High-Tech Training

These sessions have become fairly high-tech in recent years—just like the jobs accompanying the training. Ensure that your training room is outfitted with the right technology, including projectors, video cameras, screens, and tablets to supplement learning. Provide plenty of access to power to keep your tech fully charged and ready to go.

A Movable Place

From size to scope to configuration and everywhere in between, it's possible that no 2 training sessions will look the same. Choose movable, mobile tables and chairs to ensure that the room's configuration can be changed and scaled to fit the program.

Supply Storage

Whether it's protecting the aforementioned tech or keeping office supplies tidy, a storage cabinet or simple credenza provides concealed compartments to make sure the environment is clean and uncluttered while in use.

Out-of-the-Way Options

When your training room needs added floor space or not every table is filled, use nesting flip-top tables and coordinating nesting chairs to store overflow furniture without taking up too much real estate.

Teacher Tools

Ensure session leaders aren't left out to dry by providing a podium, desk, or cart to store instructors' supplies. These can be static fixtures or mobile options that are tech-ready for use with screens or speakers.

Trainee Amenities

Attendees may come with extra materials or personal belongings that need to be stored somewhere. If your space isn't near a coat closet, choose chairs with under-seat storage or add hooks beneath training tabletops to hold purses or backpacks.

We've learned a lot since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Everything in our working worlds changed seemingly overnight, and it became clear we'd all have to get used to a "new normal" in the workplace. New data and best practices emerged, but as cases began to decline, those practices have continued to change and evolve.

Returning to work poses challenges that, while complex and daunting, can be made easy with proper planning. We've talked about facilities management as well as policies and procedures when restrictions were at their tightest. Now that restrictions are relaxing, it's time to take another look at what the new new normal means to the workplace.

Pragmatic, Pedantic, or Both?

Early on, there was no precaution too egregious. We didn't have enough data or understanding to know what was necessary or what was overkill. Especially for frontline workers and essential businesses, there was no way to be too safe while infection levels were high and information was low.

Now, we better understand how the virus can be transmitted, who is at risk, and how vaccines can protect fully-vaccinated people. Policies and procedures should take new, appropriate, and attainable approaches:

• Masking: At a minimum, follow the guidelines and requirements set by your state and local government. There's no harm in mandating masks in communal areas to ensure that everybody is comfortable in a shared space. However, it is less necessary to require masks at private workstations.

• PPE: Sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and masks are still tools of the new normal. A generous supply of each item should be kept handy. While most employees have their own masks, keeping extras on hand is suggested to accommodate visitors, accidents, and breakage.

• Meetings: Relaxed regulations and vaccinated populations have made it less risky to meet in person, though appropriate distancing is still recommended. If you invested in clear partitions, it's still worth keeping physical barriers up during meetings.

Here, There, or Anywhere

After making a quick transition to working from home, many of us stayed settled in our at-home workspaces. For some, this is a permanent change due to the elimination of space at HQ. For others, it’s a personal preference. Companies that quickly decided to allow indefinite remote work are starting to see the benefit of in-person work while understanding how flexibility and independence increase employee morale and trust. Your company has hopefully found its sweet spot for now with plans for the future, which might look like this:

Level 1: Office Abandonment

Heading home led to staying home. Some companies have completely vacated their physical presence and are now completely digital for the long haul. Ideally, technology put in place early on was selected with the robust features necessary for a completely remote operation. If not, it's well past time to improve tech infrastructure, beef up VPN services, embrace collaborative software, and streamline the WFH process.

Level 2: Forever Flexibility

The new workday is in the hands of the employees. Everybody can choose when to come in, when to stay home, and how to structure their workdays. While there might be occasional "let's get together" days, there are few rules or regulations as to who's where and when.

Level 3: A Gentle Welcoming

Even if you're in the "forever flexible" phase, many companies are using the early summer months to gently welcome employees back as they wish, offering a great deal of flexibility in schedules with a little management. Interaction between managers and staff is key in these situations so everybody understands hours and expectations.

Level 4: Scheduling Refresh

It's not quite as lawless as lower "levels," but it's not like the days of yore. Employees are encouraged to spend some days in the office, though it may not be the same 9 to 5, 5 days a week scheme. Set up your "office hours" on a team or individual employee basis, and embrace the best of a collaborative atmosphere and a focused WFH environment.

Level 5: Business as Usual

It's probably not like we never left, but it's close. Regular full-time hours are reestablished, and most on-site employees have returned to their desks. For essential workers, low-risk areas, or industries that deal with sensitive information, this may have been in practice long ago.

Transitions and Hybrids

Even in offices encouraging a full return, some employees may transition to a fully-remote position. Maintain the technological progress made during peak WFH and ensure that these forever off-site employees are still included in meetings, brainstorming sessions, and other collaborative activities. It's a great time to ensure that meeting spaces and conference rooms are permanently equipped with screens and video cameras to keep the whole team in the loop.

Keep Cleaning

The rigorous disinfecting and cleaning guidelines established in response to COVID-19 led to one of the least virulent flu seasons of all time. For now, additional cleaning staff should be retained, ensuring the facility is constantly clean (especially as an increasing number of people return to the office). For years to come, keep the same cleanliness standards in play during cold and flu season, encouraging employees to practice good personal hygiene and increase disinfecting measures throughout the facility.

Desking Dilemmas

While traditional cubicles offer adequate separation and privacy, some forms of collaborative desking are ill-advised for illness. However, not all open office desking is created equal:

Hoteling

Especially in workplaces that intend to remain somewhat remote, a hoteling system might seem like an appealing option. This keeps desks completely void of personal items and supplies, allowing any on-site employee to sit at any open desk or cubicle. Hoteling has considerable downsides: Employees are often frustrated by the lack of personal expression and consistency.

Benching

This marvel of the modern workplace had its time in high-tech offices and agencies, bleeding into companies worldwide that sought a system that aims to create employee-enforced accountability. Inherently close-quarters benching is not only risky for spreading COVID-19 but is a risky option during regular cold and flu season. Providing more employee privacy in the form of stand-alone workstations or moving to a cubicle-based system can prevent the spread of illnesses and increase employee morale.

Bullpens

Offering less privacy than a cubicle, bullpen-style desking often situates 4 or more workspaces with employees sitting back-to-back. While they're a bit more exposed than a traditional cubicle, the back-to-back configuration is considerably less risky for spreading germs. Avoid using the pathways between bullpens as means of egress and, for particularly tight quarters, consider adding acrylic partitions between employees that sit close together. 

Cubicles

Cube, sweet cube. Even though the idea of a "cubicle farm" sounds like a drag, semiprivate cubicles offer a higher degree of employee privacy and a wide variety of options to customize your space. These days, lower partitions can be supplemented with glass stackers on top, allowing for more natural light and a visually open atmosphere that still offers adequate protection from COVID-19, along with some privacy. 

Private Offices 

A completely sequestered office offers 2 huge benefits: a blissfully quiet workspace and the ability to have private meetings with 1 or 2 people. These intimate meetings are difficult to accommodate during COVID*19,  and, in the interest of distancing, it should be advised to use a larger conference area to conduct even small-scale meetings. Alternatively, collaborative portions of desks can be separated by acrylic partitions to create physical barriers for one-on-one meetings.

Meeting Musts

Getting together in one room is becoming more and more commonplace. Preparing your conference rooms should still follow many of the initial return to work guidelines. However, it is possible to start introducing more seating so long as barriers and spacing are maintained. For now, it's best to keep a few conference chairs in storage to ensure that people are not crowding around tables. You can also keep meetings in larger, better-ventilated conference areas whenever possible.

It's more important than ever to make sure conference rooms and touchdown areas are tech-equipped so WFH employees can stay engaged with their on-site counterparts. Seek wall-mounted screens, video cameras, audio equipment, and computer docks that employees with varying degrees of tech skills can use.

See a breakdown of post-COVID-19 conference room best practices and sample layouts to optimize your space.

Better Forever

We picked up a lot of healthy habits throughout the COVID-19 pandemic—some of which we can carry on as ways to live a healthy and productive life at work, home, or work-from-home.

From ways to live a healthier life:

• Take Sickness Seriously: Playing it safe and staying home can start with a work-from-home day when you're feeling just a little under the weather, stopping a potentially contagious illness from spreading needlessly. This also decreases spread and speeds up recovery time for ill employees.

• Maybe Mask Up: After COVID-19 passes, we can still take a page out of other countries' books and wear a mask during the onset of a cold when you have no choice but to leave the house.

• Healthy Hand Hygiene: 20 seconds with soap and water sure beats a quick rinse, and there's no harm in keeping hand sanitizer nearby.

To lessons learned about our working world:

• Work-From-Home Works: Employers don't need to be hesitant to trust their employees while operating off-site. The collaborative tools we need to succeed are implemented and at the ready whenever we need them.

• Go Remote: More remote positions can be made available so employers can find the perfect fit, even if they're outside a densely populated city center or entirely in a different location.

• It's Time for Tech: Workplaces without screens aren't going to cut it anymore. Taking meeting spaces into the 21st century is a great way to foster collaboration, software such as Microsoft Teams can be a game changer, and quick video calls can solve a problem faster than a 15-part email chain. A tech-ready workplace takes the guesswork out of working together and makes space for the important human elements of collaboration.

• There Are Many Ways to Work: Some people work better from home, while others need a more structured, on-site approach. We have learned a lot about the tools we need to succeed, giving opportunities to those who have previously struggled with an on-site workday.

When to Relax

A lot has changed since we started talking about a possible return to work in late 2020. Nearly every state has relaxed or eliminated restrictions, businesses of all kinds have started reopening their offices, and, most importantly, we know more about the virus than we once did.

Many of our previous recommendations were based on worst-case scenarios in offices that needed to open their doors while being as safe as possible. While there are numerous best practices to keep up with and many ways to go about a safe return to work, there are new priorities:

• Focus on person-to-person interaction in communal spaces. Instead of eliminating interaction, focus on making it easy to stay safe in shared spaces.

• Keep cleaning supplies in every area, which will help make disinfecting an easy step throughout the workday without creating too many off-limits areas.

• Encourage under-the-weather employees to work from home even if they're at the edge of a cold. Keeping the rest of the on-site staff healthy can foster the return to work process without triggering a mass infection of any type.

• Set up outdoor outings to bring staff back together for casual interaction. Outfitting a patio space with durable, weather-resistant furniture can benefit a business for years to come.

Remember HIPAA

A pandemic is still a medical crisis, and peoples' healthcare information is still protected by HIPAA and ethical best practices for Human Resources departments. While asking for an employee's vaccination information is tempting, the employee is not necessarily required to share it. These requirements may differ by state and situation. Ensure that your HR department communicates expectations for medical privacy in a way that legal counsel has vetted. When in doubt, assume the person you're working alongside is unvaccinated and take proper precautions for a safe workspace.

16 Super Simple Upgrades for Your Home Office

The happier you are with your workspace, the happier you will be during your workday. An exciting, energizing workspace is easier to attain at home where you have fewer rules on office décor and can be ambitious with your aesthetic. Here are a few simple, affordable, and fast upgrades you can make to immediately adore your home office.

1. Go One by One

If you don't have the money for a costly home office overhaul, start by gathering inspiration for your finished look and work a timeline into your monthly budget. It's quite costly to get an entire new office furniture suite, but saving up to buy a chair, a pedestal, a desk, etc., can be just as rewarding.

2. Define Day and Night Vibes

If you're using a workspace that shares a room with your bedroom or another often-used space, find ways to differentiate how the room feels during the workday and after it ends. Use an essential oil diffuser to have a "workday" scent for just those working hours, or put hue-changing bulbs on a timer to make sure there's a shift in tone after your work shift ends.

3. Whistle While You Work

If you're the type of person with a workday soundtrack or a penchant for podcasts, think about stepping up your room's audio system for something a little stronger. If you're trying to stay quiet for others around you, a nice pair of headphones can be both noise-canceling and a welcome increase in quality for your tunes or otherwise.

4. Go Green

Fresh foliage can instantly bring your workspace to life! Be sure to pick out plants that match your indoor gardening skill level, amount of sunlight, and climate to make sure that you and your plants will both stay happy.

5. Feel Good, Look Good

When picking out an upgrade, remember the place ergonomics plays in the modern workday. Go for style alongside substance as you choose chairs in particular. The prettier the piece, the less equipped it might be—especially at a lower price point. Splurge on items that help with your posture to get an attractive look with a lot of comfort.

6. Change-Ready Customizations

If you're always ready to hop on a trend, choose easy-to-customize items with replaceable components that don't require buying an entirely new piece. This can be as simple as a slipcover for an accent couch, removable contact paper on your desktop, or a swappable rug topper that adds easy machine washability as well.

7. Love Your Lighting

It's already difficult to enjoy the ambient lighting of a shared office, especially at a larger corporate headquarters, with outdated overhead lighting. At home, small desk lamps, task lighting, standing lamps, and other relaxing ambient setups can make your workday shine, especially if you don't have a lot of natural light in the room.

8. The Sky Is the Limit

Taking advantage of underutilized vertical space is a quick way to add storage and décor. Floating shelves, a tall bookcase, or a corner unit can take advantage of this oft-ignored real estate. You can even use a series of small baskets to add concealed storage for small supplies.

9. Make It Make Scents

Curate fragrances that complement your space and enhance your workday. Bright, energetic citruses and light florals are energy-building options. Stay away from heavy, sleepy smells and overpowering aromas.

10. Do Double-Duty

If you have a dedicated workspace, consider its utility and whether or not it can do double-duty with another area. On the off-hours, a home office can be shared with a middle or high school child to be used as a homework hub, outfitted with a separate workspace for arts and crafts projects, or made into a makeshift music space for instrument enthusiasts to practice within. The options are endless.

11. Switch It Up

Add a second "workspace" to your home office so you can quickly and temporarily work from another peaceful locale. This can be as quick and easy as a C-shaped pull-up table over a lounge chair or a lap desk that can go with you to another area of the house.

12. New Pens, New Stuff

The home office isn't bound by what the office admin ordered for the supply closet. Every staple supply—even staplers—comes in a variety of fun colors and finishes. A sleek new pen cup, desktop organizer, and all the accouterments can give you a new vibe without a big commitment.

13. Like, Really New Pens

It might be a strange take, but fountain pens are are old-school pens with new-school style. Fun inks, colors, wacky designs, and personal flair make shopping for pens an adventure and opens up a community of people who are big fans of this esoteric office supply.

14. Do the Trend; Use the #Inspo

It may seem impulsive to follow a trend you saw on TikTok or Instagram, but these fleeting ideas are often the work of inherently creative people who aren't paid experts. Lean into this easy advice, and don't be afraid to ask influencers or creators questions.

15. Gone Fishing

Bringing an office buddy to your workday is a quick but committed pick-me-up. Even the common goldfish or single betta fish require more care than a simple fishbowl, so consider proper care before deciding if this idea is for you.

16. Try, Try Again

Sometimes you'll try a strategy and just won't like it. Don't be afraid to tear it down and start again if you're not in love with your changes. These are all simple tips, designed to be easy and more affordable than a large overhaul.

Picture this: It's 2020, and you've all but worn a hole in your dining room chair. Every night you have to sweep away a stack of papers to make way for dinner. Maybe your legs are permanently burned from sitting on the couch as your laptop overheats in your lap. Finding a quiet corner to take a conference call? Good luck. Your new "coworkers" are distance learning, taking their own meetings, and barking (Fido is a really hard worker). Your calls are just adding to the fray. Sleeping spaces are occupied all day and all night.

Take your pick from these subpar options—any one of them might hit a little too close to home.

It's probably been a while since you've made your way into the office. And if you're still working through your workflow from home, you're probably past due for an upgrade. Shape your living space into a workspace that's fit to make for a positively productive home office. It's partially intuitive, partially tedious, but 100% worth it for whatever way you work.

The Bare Necessities

Pop quiz! What makes an office an office? We're going beyond "makeshift" and moving toward "ideal.” Whatever defines your workspace, it starts with furniture you can build a room around. There are still some things to consider while you're making the most of any size of space:

Diving Deeper: Delightful Desks

Make sure to measure before you look for your dream desk:

Who doesn't love a well-used corner space? Corner desks are often more compact than their L-shaped desk brethren and often have slopes at the workspace to encourage a diagonal sitting position. This is ideal for maximizing unused spaces or nooks within your house that might look unbalanced with a typical table desk.

Diving Deeper: Spectacular Seating

A superior sit starts with the right features:

An ergonomically-minded workspace is essential for both WFH and at-work workstations. You may have settled for a kitchen chair or gone for a chic seat that pulls the room together, but if there isn't enough support, you’ll feel the effects down the line.

Diving Deeper: Stylish Storage

There's no reason you can't be filing and styling:

Aim for ‘Inspired’

When you're browsing catalogs or eyeing blogs, it's easy to envision your space in the perfectly propped, effortlessly chic interior design of a professional photo. When you're balancing your budget and assembling your needs, that perfection may not be within reach.

The choices you make go beyond a photograph. The aesthetic you desire and the items you can't live without might be at odds, so a few careful concessions can maximize your capabilities.

Trade This for That

Mid-Century Marvelous: It's tough to go top-to-bottom within the ever-trending MCM style. Keep a clean, uncluttered, and minimalist background with a few stand-out statement pieces that feature the splayed legs, blond wood, and skillful slopes of both Scandinavian and mid-century modern design.

Super Simple: Taking MCM out of the equation, a truly minimalist space is often deeply focused on the form and function of your furniture. Since other design items aren't of much concern, make the most of your budget by investing in storage solutions that can keep necessary supplies uncluttered and visibly out-of-the-way. Shop collections that have everything you need to furnish your office or mix-and-match well-coordinating finishes.

Maximalist Impact: #inspo often goes wild, combining potentially impractical décor decisions that you know might break the bank. If you're going for this "more is more" appeal, look for secondhand supplies or delightful discounts to add visual noise while keeping a little budget for more important purchases.

Leave It for Later: Rome wasn't built in a day, and your office might be a work-in-progress for a while. Start with the necessities and aim for the pieces that will make you the most productive, such as a chair that's fit for the long-haul and a desk that has everything you need. The rest? Pencil it in for later.

Do Double-Duty

Pro: Double-duty furniture can expand the possibilities of your workspace, giving you a place to work to pursue hobbies outside of the workday. Make sure that these supplies can be stored out of the way during business hours to limit distractions. Your workspace could masquerade as another piece of furniture during the day, though this may make it difficult to set up in the morning.

Con: If you're working from home for the long haul, having a dedicated space for work is important so it doesn't take an emotional toll on your day-to-day. If your space allows it, keep a dedicated working desk that doesn't clash with other activities. At the same time, be mindful of what you might use this space for if you return to the office and any possibilities for future use.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Maybe you can’t hide your at-home workspace completely, but you can strive for out-of-the-way. Folding furniture is a great space-saving solution, giving you the option to truly separate your space from the workday. Secretary desks are an expandable stationary option, while wall-mounted folding solutions are a collapsible treat. Gate leg tables have convenient foldout workspaces with legs that swing into place to create an on-demand desk.

As with any shifting solution, it's important to establish dedicated storage so your workday tools aren't scattered throughout your space after business hours. A mobile pedestal is a great movable solution that can be adjusted as needed—or opt for a decorative cabinet that can always stay nearby.

All About Acoustics

Soundproofing solutions are a must for shared households. There are a lot of ways to mitigate noise to keep everybody working well while working from home:

• Invest in Headphones: Sometimes, it's just about noise-canceling headphones for all. Especially when there's an integrated microphone for taking meetings, active noise cancellation can keep 2 people in close proximity without conversations bleeding over.

• Leverage Layout: Intuitive space planning saves the day. Keep desks facing walls with acoustic panels or soft fabrics to muffle conversations. Wear headphones so the other end of the call isn't projected into the middle of the room.

• Be Wary of Windows: Glass and other shiny surfaces are known for reflecting sound, so direct your dialogue away from panes of glass or mirrored surfaces. The same goes for any art or photographs behind glass frames.

• Decorative Deflection: Aside from tasteful curtain panels, using fabric or canvas prints instead of acoustic panels can add an aesthetic twist to noise cancellation. Facing a busy bookshelf with a ton of tomes can also absorb extra sounds with ease.

• Simple Separation: Sometimes, it's best to stay in separate areas. Designate a "conference room" away from your regular workstation that's well-suited for calls and conversations when the time arises. Make sure to communicate any upcoming meetings with others in your shared space, and consider a backup area if a multiperson household has multiple calls going at once.

You're Due for an Upgrade

If you've made it this far, it has probably been a long time since you've seen your corporate office. None of us expected the COVID-19 crisis to last so long, and as days turned to weeks and weeks to months, work conditions—and locations—have shifted.

The scramble to create a workable workstation may have led to a few hasty purchases or tenuously-assembled workarounds, but that can’t cut it forever.

If you haven't already, we truly urge you: Think about the impact your workspace has on your well-being and workplace success. Think about the lasting impact on your physical health due to an ergonomically-unfriendly chair or the impracticality of a not-quite-the-right-size desk. Think about the lasting impact on your mental health that a hard-to-navigate, needlessly cluttered, and deeply disorganized workspace can have.

As companies have started their return to the office, many of us have found ourselves occupying liminal spaces throughout the workweek. Any number of return-to-work policies may create these situations, but many employees aren't quite office-bound or fully remote. While it's tempting to recreate all the luxuries of the office at home, sometimes this isn't fully attainable.

Consider your situation and design an at-home workspace that makes appropriate compromises with the tools you're provided at the office. For employers, this may involve making concessions or providing assistance to ensure productivity doesn't wane when the workforce isn't under one roof.

What's Your Situation?

Not all work-from-home vs. work-from-work situations look the same. Depending on your structure, your priorities might shift as you create a home office that works with the corporate office:

• A-day or B-day: A common tactic has been a structured staggering of employees alternating days in and out. Some offices aren’t as rigid, allowing employees to set their own on-site/WFH schedule.

• Here and There: There might not be any rhyme or reason why an employee is on-site or at home, but there's still a healthy amount of time spent in both places. This might be on an as-needed or "I'll be there a couple of days throughout the week" basis. Time spent in either space can be increased or decreased depending on need.

• Fully Ready for Remote: As cases rise and fall, there's still massive uncertainty surrounding everything. You may be maintaining an at-home workspace that's fully functional but largely unused… For now.

What Isn't Necessary?

A few accommodations are nice to have—a giant purified water cooler, 4-tray copier, or industrial coffee pot at the ready—but aren't feasible in residential spaces. While many of these can be replicated on a smaller scale, a few things can only be available during on-site hours.

Structure your workload and workflow around larger or unique items. Shared supplies, organizational tools, mailroom needs, and other items are difficult to accommodate outside the workplace, so plan your day around what you need versus what you can work with at home.

What Is Non-Negotiable?

You can probably get away with a Brita, Mr. Coffee, and a simple printer, but your workday needs go beyond luxuries or shared necessities. These are often the tools we use to make our workday workable from our designated workstations. As you design your home office space, look toward these easy add-ons to mirror the comforts of the office with the comforts of home:

• 2 Monitors? More Like 4 Monitors: If you need to have multiple programs running at once or are simply used to working with 2 monitors, a worthwhile investment might be an at-home set of monitors in addition to your setup at work.

• You Raise Me Up: If you're used to a sit-to-stand desk or are experiencing posture problems at home, outfit your desk with a desktop riser. This will offset the cost of an expensive motorized height-adjustable desk while providing ergonomic comfort all day.

• Delightful Desking: As you power through workdays at home, you may have noticed that the kitchen table or living room couch isn't a great place to work. Invest in the right desk and chair setup now, as there may still be quite a bit of work-from-home left. It was understandable to put off outfitting a corner of your house or a lesser-used spare bedroom—we all thought this would be over with much sooner—but there's still time to get a lot of use out of your home workspace.

• Simple Storage: While keeping in line with your home décor scheme, add storage solutions into your workspace to keep office supplies, files, and workday necessities tucked away outside of work hours or on your on-site days. These can do double-duty with household storage, ensuring you still get the same use out of your residential space, even when it's a makeshift office.

• Take It With You: When you're stuck between 2 places, you'll need a way to bring your must-haves with you. Invest in a padded, safe laptop case that's designed to take a hit. If you also use a lot of files, ensure that your bag is large enough to contain them.

How Can Employers Help?

Besides making the policy decisions that dictate work-from-home schedules, employers' choices can ensure the success of every employee, no matter where they work. Even though 2020 has been rife with catastrophe and entropy, there are surefire ways to make sure that your employees can keep working as well as possible. Accommodations to make sure everybody is comfortable and safe can take on many shapes and forms, but to facilitate at-home productivity, it's worth providing assistance through your HR department.

Some companies have had success in creating a rebate, discount, or package program to help their remote and partially-remote employees feel comfortable in their homes. This can range from assistance with a desk/chair/storage setup or something as simple as extra office supplies to stay stocked in either location. As for extra monitors—you may have some old technology in storage or consider negotiating a deal to bulk-purchase screens for employee at-home use.

NBF partnered with Kelton Global to survey more than 1,000 American workers. We examined how people feel about their work-from-home workspaces and what they need to make their days better and brighter using a combination of finding the right furniture, designing a beautiful workspace, and building behaviors that can create long-lasting workplace wellness.

Then vs. Now

Somewhat surprisingly, we discovered that 35% of people miss what their workspace used to look like. It's easy to assume that corporate offices are nothing but a series of cookie-cutter workstations, but the reality is that these spaces use design elements that are tried-and-true solutions for workday needs.

At home, there's ample opportunity to create a perfectly personalized workspace that builds on the core tenets of workplace design. Embrace your highest office aspirations and add a personal touch to your office oasis.

Design Matters

We've all heard the adage "dress for success," but in your home office, it's all about designing for a successful workday. Put a little personality into your workspace with picture-perfect touches that can inspire your mood and aid in your workday productivity.

Decorate for Success

The hues you choose have a major impact on your overall emotion. A bright and sunny color palette can add pep to your workday—use inspired yellows, pastels, and bright whites to wash the room in light. Darker, more brooding colors aren't necessarily sleepy; they can create a studious and serious atmosphere that inspires a sense of pride in your workday.

Art for art's sake is a must for interior design in both the workplace and living space. As you select decorative pieces, look for items that aren't too cluttering or distracting, opting for positive and inspiring imagery on the walls.

Bring in a bookcase to expand your storage for workday supplies and decorative pieces. With new and inventive designs dominating the market, a bookcase can add an artistic appeal to your space—opt for something with an inventive combination of storage cubbies in fixed and adjustable heights.

All About Ambience

Wake up and smell the roses—or whatever scent works best for you. Candles, wax melts, and oil diffusers are a great way to enhance your space, and invigorating options are ideal for workday productivity. Seek bright and vibrant scent profiles, such as lemon, orange, or peppermint, to keep it upbeat or alleviate stress with the calming scent of lavender or chamomile.

Soothing sounds are a luxury that is hard to recreate in a shared office. While many prefer podcasts, others work well with white noise, and some are interested in inspired instrumentals. Find what works best for an ambient out-loud soundtrack instead of sticking to office-friendly headphones.

Workday Must-Haves

Design your desktop accessories to match the vibe of your workspace. Online marketplaces have taken desktop staples to another level, offering fun and funky designs that can add to your overall design scheme. Gone are the days of simple Swingline staplers and drab tape dispensers. Find something that's fun to use and functional at the same time.

The smallest stuff matters, including the office supplies you use to get the job done. Find the perfect pens or choose fun paper clips that are more than simple curves. When purchasing for yourself, it's less necessary to blend into the status quo than when buying for an entire office.

Go Green

Pick a plant or maybe many plants. Home offices with ample natural light are ideal for thriving greenery of a maintenance level of your choosing. While some prefer fickle ferns, the tried-and-true ease of a pothos is great for those who might not have a green thumb.

Go with faux plants if you're in a dimly lit area or don't have it in you to keep up with a watering schedule. The options are endless—more hyper-realistic options are available every day.

Fresh might be best for a quick pick-me-up. A bouquet of flowers or quick-blooming seasonal plants can instantly invigorate your space and add a nice little oomph to the air with a sweetly-scented selection. 

Fun and Functional Needs

The stuff you store is just as important as how you store it, be it in bins or baskets on a bookcase or a concealed cabinet. Expand your storage capacity with solutions that look great and blend in with the rest of your interior design scheme. New designs are available that go beyond the basics. Accent these pieces with clever bins and storage boxes to make it easy to conceal pesky small supplies and unsightly clutter.

Let there be light! While home offices often feature more natural light than a corporate workspace, we’ll always need lamps and lights that are easy on the eyes and just right for your vibe. Choose bulbs that emulate the sun or go with vibrant options that can invigorate your space. For the winter months, SAD lamps are an easy way to keep your spirits up during long hours working from home.