PR Study for National Business Furniture Featured in Forbes
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PR Study for National Business Furniture Featured in Forbes

November 9, 2018

Source: Forbes

Market Research for Consumer Goods Industry

We’re thrilled to see our work with National Business Furniture featured in Forbes! Check out how the findings from their PR Study, “Happiness in the Workplace,” shed light on how American workers’ performance is influenced by their physical surroundings.

“Finding happiness in the workplace can mean so many different things. For our work with National Business Furniture, we wanted to focus on how one’s physical surroundings can influence their happiness. As Americans spend so much time in their place of work, it was important to understand how one’s physical work space affects not only their head space, but also their productivity and quality of work. We aimed to designate National Business Furniture as not only a solution to office design, but also, a way to increase happiness, and ultimately productivity in the workplace.”Allison Morabito, Kelton’s Senior Analyst of Communications

 

Check out their recent coverage in Forbes:

New Study Finds Millennials Care Most About Workplace Design (Plus Tips For Making Them Happier)

By: Kate Harrison

With the average American working 40+ hours a week, and entrepreneurs working often 2 to 3 times more, it’s important to understand how a physical workspace affects mental workspace.

Research firm Kelton Global carried out a recent study for National Business Furniture entitled “Happiness in the Workplace.” The findings shine a light on how American workers’ performance is influenced by their physical surroundings.

Nearly half (47%) of employed Americans say the overall design of their workspace influences their productivity, while 42% report that it also impacts their quality of work. The study found that millennials  — currently the largest segment of the U.S. labor force — are more likely than any other cohort to claim that workspace design impacts their happiness, motivation levels, quality of work life, and general well-being.

According to National Business Furniture executive Dean Stier, there are several key strategies entrepreneurs can implement to ensure that their office design helps drive job satisfaction.

Clear the Clutter

Over 62% of American workers surveyed in the study say they are negatively impacted by clutter, so that’s a key area to consider when it comes to enhancing productivity and performance.

“For entrepreneurs in particular, a cluttered office environment often stems from a perceived lack of time,” Stier explains. He recommends reserving a recurring monthly spot in your calendar to reorganize your workspace – physically and online. Have your employees do the same!

Stier notes: “Dispose of unneeded items and use organizational tools to keep the clutter at bay.” As the average employee spends 1.8 hours a day searching for files and other information, this can make a big difference in overall productivity.

Mix it Up with Collaborative and Private Workspaces

The ‘open office’ trend has taken off in recent years, and many new businesses use this concept to foster collaboration. However, new researchshows that open plan offices may not be as interactive as originally thought. National Business Furniture’s study revealed that 43% of American workers value having a “private area where they can focus on the tasks at hand.”

Stier discusses the take-aways: “It’s important to have both collaborative spaces and private areas. Common areas with soft seating or bright, cheery break rooms are great for sparking open communication and casual touch-base meetings. For added privacy in the office, divider panels or allocating unused space as a quiet area helps. It can also double as a safe place for private conversations among coworkers.”

Keep it Comfy

As entrepreneurs it’s easy to push comfort to one side. After all, some of the most successful companies such as Amazon and Google were started in garages. However, more than half (54%) of employed Americans say an uncomfortable work area is the source of unhappiness.

“You don’t have to work in a fancy high-rise office to experience a comfortable work environment,” Stier says. “Providing ergonomic chairs or adjustable-height desks allows for more movement and comfort for employees in the workplace.”

Start-ups need to focus their budgets on crucial expenses like people and technology, not a hefty remodel. However, a few simple solutions and functional upgrades can help make your business space more attractive, comfortable and useful. In turn, it can make your employees more productive and happier.

 

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