Nelson Office Supply, Inc.Six Tier Furniture Program
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Phone: 970-353-0246 or 800-798-0246       Fax: 970-353-0249 |
SELECTING THE RIGHT OFFICE CHAIR
How important is selecting the right seat? If your office is like most, you and your fellow employees spend more than two-thirds of each workday in your chairs. And unless these chairs provide comfort and support, it can be a pain in the neck, back, shoulders and head for everyone-and lost productivity and greater absenteeism for your organization.
With that in mind, take a look at the chairs in your office-and these criteria for selecting high-quality seating.
Adjustable height: You should be able to position the seat so that the user's thighs are parallel to the floor and the feet rest firmly on the floor.
Backrest: Look for good lumbar support-that's the lower back area- to minimize pressure on the spine. You should be able to adjust it up and down, as well as forward and backward, for individual fit and comfort.
Seat: Insist on a firm, comfortable cushion and a forward tilt for even weight distribution.
Tension control: A chair that's loose and floppy or tight and stiff isn't comfortable-and it isn't healthy. With a tension control, you can adjust the seat to suit your individual preference.
Arm rests: The arm rests should be positioned-or adjustable-so that forearms are parallel to the floor when seated in a natural position.
Stability: Most high-quality chairs feature a five-point base for strength and stability.
Mobility: 360° swiveling and casters provide the freedom of movement that most users need to work more efficiently.
While you're thinking about chairs, there's one more thing you should be thinking about-mats. While there's a wide variety of different choices available, they all have one thing in common: each is a low-cost investment that will provide outstanding protection for floors and carpeting-and extend the life of your chairs.
Whether you're looking for chairs, chair mats or anything else for your office, be sure to call us. With over 25,000 office products available, nobody offers you a better selection, service and value than we do.
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A Helpful Guide to Chair features There are many features to consider when selecting the perfect chair to suit your needs. We have created a helpful easy to use guide to assist you in choosing what chair is right for you from the many different options available. The following symbols contained within the downloadable PDF will help you choose the features that are right for you. These symbols are used to help quickly identify each chair's features. The descriptions of the features shown are meant to be general explanations. The actual functions of the features may vary slightly among manufacturers. |
Click here to view the Chair Chart Adobe .pdf file |
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HOW TO GIVE YOUR VISITORS A BETTER RECEPTION
There's an old saying that goes, "you never get a second chance to make a good first impression." Nowhere in business is that more true than when it comes to your lobby or receptionist area. Visitors- which can include customers and prospects- often get their first, and lasting, impression about your company the moment they walk in your door. And, that can translate into won or lost business.
So, how can you create a reception area that will send a powerful and positive statement to visitors?
First, consider what message your reception area currently conveys about your company, then determine what message you really want it to send. Above all, consider this: every part of your recep-tion area can impact visitor perception- furniture, flooring, the color of your walls, what you hang on those walls, signage, the receptionist workstation, and, of course, the person behind that desk.
Make Visitors Comfortable With The Choices You Make For Your Reception Area.
Your entryway should offer easy access to all visitors- including anyone with physical considerations. You should position your receptionist in a way that greets visitors as quickly as possible upon entering. This is not only courteous, but can aid in security.
The furnishings you select should be comfortable and, since traffic can be heavy in a reception area, durable as well. Your choice in furniture can tell visitors a lot about your firm. Sleek metal furniture conveys a contemporary attitude, while wood furniture suggests a more traditional firm. So, be sure to pay close attention to materials when you select furniture.
Of course, how you lay out your lobby can determine how efficient and welcoming it is. In fact, the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui suggests that how you position furniture in a room can create areas of power and harmony. When it comes to your walls, choose soothing colors, for example, a soft blue, aqua, or cream, and don't forget wall hangings. While art is nice, if you have samples of promotional materials or awards earned by your company or employees, don't be shy about putting them on display. All kinds of display cases and frames are available.
Lighting is another consideration. Since lighting can affect a person's mood, choose a warm, inviting lighting system. And, to highlight certain parts of the area or a display, try secondary lights that capture and draw visitors' attention.
Think Of Your Reception Area As A Sales Floor, Too.
Branding is important, so pay close attention to signage. Your company's logo should be prominently displayed where your visitors are sure to see it.
While it's important to train your receptionist on how to courteously greet visitors and answer phones, you should also consider welcome signs. And to manage the flow of traffic in your business- and assure security- an ID badge system should be part of your welcoming process.
With that in mind, you should also pay attention to your receptionist's workstation. The right unit can not only enhance the appearance of your business, but its efficiency. Chances are, your receptionist will have to manage a phone system, computer, printer, and may have filing needs- so the furniture you select should be versatile.
And, if you need help creating an inviting reception area, call us -we have the experience and products you need.
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HELPFUL TIPS FOR EASING COMPUTER EYESTRAIN
Chances are, if you work at a desk, there's a computer nearby. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an estimated 74 million people use computers at work a minimum of two hours per day. Obviously, computers have made our lives better, and they've made us more productive. But, there can be a price to pay for all the labor- and time-saving benefits of the PC.
According to Optometric Management magazine, an estimated 60 million Americans suffer from computer eyestrain. For many, the problem is minor, but some develop Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). CVS can result in eyestrain, blurred vision, dry or red eyes and even neck- and back-aches. And, according to the American Optometric Association, U.S.-based companies and their employees spend almost $2 billion each year to diagnose and treat CVS.
In fact, according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, computer eyestrain is the number one office-related health complaint in the nation.
If You Want To Find A Way To Ease Eye Strain, Look Around (about every 20 minutes)!
There are actually quite a number of things you can do to ease and reduce eyestrain. The very first place to start is to get your eyes examined. Regularly scheduled eye exams can detect problems before they become serious. Plus, your healthcare professional can help you choose glasses or contact lenses with a prescription specific to computer use.
On the job, there are several factors that relate directly to eyestrain. The first is glare - both direct and reflected.
Direct glare involves light shining right into your eyes - lamps, the sun, etc. Try to position yourself so that these light sources become indirect. Most experts agree that positioning light sources behind you is a good idea.
As for reflected glare, remember that your monitor is made of glass - which is naturally reflective. Reflected glare can also cause eyestrain - to eliminate it, try this: turn off your PC and take a look at the darkened screen. You should be able to see the sources of reflected glare. Now, reposition your monitor to minimize those reflections.
Keep in mind, softening surrounding light is another way you can reduce glare and reflections.
Many people also wonder how far they should sit from a monitor. While many experts quote a distance somewhere between 20 and 28 inches, others feel that your own comfort level should determine the distance. Generally, sitting farther back is better than sitting too close, but if you strain to read what's on the screen, you're sitting too far away.
One thing most experts do agree on, is that you should position the monitor so that the center of the screen is about four to nine inches below eye level. So, by looking down, things may actually be looking up for you!
Now, the 20/20 rule. It's never wise to constantly be staring at something for extended periods of time. When it comes to computers, you can relieve eyestrain by following this simple rule: every 20 minutes take your eyes off the monitor and look at an area 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Give it a try!
You can also adjust the brightness and contrast on your monitor, or try affixing an anti-glare screen. One last piece of advice - always keep the screen clean. Dirt and dust can have an impact on viewing quality.
Try putting these ideas to the test. And, remember we offer a wide array of products to ease the strain of your job!
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FutureOffice Incoporated Ergonomic Computer Furniture
We are dealers for the FutureOffice Incorpoarted full line of Ergonomic computer furniture.
Click here to view the Adobe .pdf Brochure
Back RELIEVE STRESS ON THE JOB BY REARRANGING YOUR FURNITURE
When people think of workplace injuries, they don't often think of a "desk job" as particularly hazardous. And, it needn't be. But, if your workstation and work habits don't include ergonomic considerations, you are at risk for headaches, muscle aches, even conditions like bursitis, tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
But, all of this can be avoided. Just as there are simple steps to relieving computer eyestrain, the right workstation, plus following a few simple personal guidelines, can help you be more comfortable, more satisfied and more productive on the job. Here are some things to consider.
When sitting, watch your posture. People used to believe you should sit at an upright 90 degree posture, but studies now show that a reclined posture of 100-110 degrees is probably more comfortable and puts less stress on your back.
Choose your chair carefully. Despite what you may think, sitting can put a lot of strain on your body. The chair you select should be height adjustable, offer good back support, including lumbar support for your lower back, have an adjustable reclining back, and have full arm rests. Other features you may want to consider include a foot rest, a seat that can be tilted, and the material of the chair. Of course, selecting a chair is a very personal choice.
Is there room for improvement on your desk? Your desk should have enough space to neatly organize everything you need. Its surface should not be too high. In fact, some experts recommend a surface height of between 28 and 30 inches. When it comes to your keyboard, try selecting a system that has a separate keyboard tray that is height and angle adjustable.
Keep the things you need close to you. Having to constantly stretch for the things you use frequently can cause problems. So, position your documents, your phone, your keyboard, etc., within easy reach.
The right lighting can make a difference. While you may not be able to control the lights embedded in your ceiling, you will want to carefully choose your desk lamp. An adjustable neck and shade will allow you to position the light exactly where you want it. Plus, many lamps today offer special bulbs with softer light. And, try adjusting the blinds on the windows to moderate glaring sunlight.
Choose ergonomic accessories for your computer. If you spend a lot of time on the computer, you should know that there are all kinds of monitor stands and platforms, as well as ergonomic keyboards, mice, mousepads, and wrist-rests. You'll even find ergonomic accessories for your laptop computer. And, here's a tip, when using a computer mouse, try to keep your wrist as flat and straight as possible to avoid fatigue and muscle strain.
Exercise your right to good health! If you sit for long periods of time, be sure to take breaks - rest your eyes - if you type constantly, rest, relax and stretch your hands every few minutes - stand up from time to time - take a walk around the office - and consider trying some simple stretching exercises right at your desk. You'll be amazed the difference all of this can make in your well-being.
This is just an introduction to creating a healthier, more productive work environment. Noise, humidity and temperature, even the paint color on your walls can also impact how you feel on the job. The one thing to remember is that you can make a difference in your own health. So make smart choices. And, don't forget we offer you a full range of ergonomically designed office tools.
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HOW TO PUT A LOT OF THOUGHT INTO YOUR HOME OFFICE
Whether you already have a home business or are thinking about setting one up, consider this: your home office has to have most of the same stuff that a big office has. Not just everything in a typical individual's office, but also what's in a supply room, storage area, computer center and mail room.
As a result, space is at a premium in a typical home office and productivity is at stake. That's why you should consider these strategies for creating a workspace that's organized, attractive and efficient.
1. Position your workstation or desk first. This is where you spend most of your time-be sure to maintain a lot of space around your workstation so you won't feel cramped.
To avoid new wiring or messy extension cords, your workstation should be close to both electrical outlets and a telephone jack.
You should also factor in personal preferences such natural lighting and airflow into your desk placement.
2. Think big. Find places for other large furniture such as a work table or conference table. You don't want to try squeezing something that large into your design late in the game.
3. Work outward from your desk. When placing other furniture and equipment, consider how often you'll use these items during a typical workday-place those most frequently used close at hand.
For most, the computer is the most vital piece of equipment and should be on your desk or within arm's length. Its placement will also dictate where you place peripherals such as your printer, scanner and drives. So it's best to treat your computer and everything that's hooked up to it as a single entity.
Divide your files into two categories-active and reference. Keep active files close at hand, in your desk or a nearby filing cabinet. Keep infrequently used files out of the way-in a far corner of the office or even in another part of your home.
4. Work upward from the floor. Shelving, cabinets and bookcases have a small "footprint," but they can provide floor-to-ceiling space for your office necessities.
Similarly, pre-configured technology stations are available that have a small footprint, but will consolidate your CPU, monitor, printer, keyboard, scanner and supplies. Some also come with built-in electrical outlets/surge protectors and wire management systems.
5. Review and revise. Even after you've followed these guidelines, it's quite possible the layout of your new office will still be less than perfect. Step back and see where improvements can be made.
Is computer equipment overwhelming your desk? You can add extra work surface with a credenza or a second desk-or by switching to a space-saving flat-screen monitor or even a laptop.
If you use a laptop, consider WiFi capabilities for wireless Internet and network access from virtually anywhere inside your home... or out.
You might also want to try an all-in-one printer/copier/scanner solution-it'll save you lots of money and space.
Have enough room to maneuver? Make sure you have clear access to everything in the office and plenty of space to maneuver your chair.
Are wires running all over the place? Wire clips are available to manage wires and prevent them from tangling. You may also benefit from a wireless keyboard and mouse, as well as a USB hub. There are dozens of solutions specifically designed to maximize the comfort and efficiency of office space. And, as your local office products supplier, we can provide you with the ones best suited for your home office.
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