Accessories

21 Mar

Posted at 09:00h in Accessories, Blog, Environment

Are you living out your office days in a fluorescent lit cubicle? There is light at the end of the tunnel!

Our lighting tips will help brighten up your workspace for the better.

Find that natural light

Shuffle things around and move closer to that window! Natural light is far less straining on your eyes, and a good view never hurt anyone. Research shows you’ll be significantly happier and more productive at work if you are positioned closer to natural light sources.

Draw in the focus

Increase light levels in your immediate surroundings with task lighting. If your workspace is shadowed by furniture or equipment, then you could benefit from additional direct lighting to illuminate particular working areas.

Avoid the glare

It is recommended that lights are placed parallel to the windows to achieve a balance between natural and artificial light, and also to avoid shadows and glare – which both have a distinctly negative impact on a workspace.

Give your eyes a break

Feeling the eye strain from eight hours at your computer monitor? Clinical optometrists often suggest applying the 20/20/20 rule. For every 20 minutes of computer use, look at something 20 feet (6 metres) away for at least 20 seconds.

18 Aug

Posted at 23:15h in Accessories, Blog, Chairs, Ergonomic

Tips ensure your workspace is set up to minimise aches and pains

Regardless of whether you have the ideal ergonomic chair, there are still things you can do to correct your workplace seating to improve your comfort levels and prevent unnecessary pain.

Correct your posture

Sit up straight with your shoulders back, spine straight and your neck in a comfortable position. Some sources suggest to set a timer for 15 minutes and see if you are able to unconsciously maintain this position for extended periods of time. Get yourself into a good routine. It’s worth the effort.

Seat height

Adjust your chair to a height where your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are at a 45° angle. Alter your armrests so your arms rest comfortably outstretched with adequate support towards your keyboard or workspace. The less strain there is on a particular area, the less pain you will experience as your muscles or spine won’t have to overcompensate.

If you are able to upgrade your office chair, select an option with multiple lever operations to adjust your seat height, backrest angle and seat slide options – such as the Tivoli Task Chair.

Foot rest

Having the option to stretch your legs for periods of time, and still have them supported can be solved by incorporating a foot stool. You can use any number of items to achieve this.

Monitor height

If you are unable to adjust your screen height with a monitor arm, it can be as simple as using a stack of books to create a makeshift stand. This will assist in maintaining a neutral neck position at a natural eye level to avoid unnecessary strain.

Quick tips

Other simple tips to consider include not holding your phone between your ear and shoulder for long periods of time, resisting the urge to cross your legs and wearing supportive shoes that will assist with healthy blood flow and reduce stress on your knees and back.

19 Jun

Posted at 03:47h in Accessories, Blog, Green Workspace

Go green and make your office more environmentally friendly!

Green work spaces mean more than just separating your rubbish and recycling. There are a variety of ways you can look to do this in your office, so here are a few of our suggestions:

Support local business

While supporting local businesses is great for the economy, it’s also green because products don’t need to be transported so far. BFG are proud supporters of a variety of local businesses, and we work closely with our suppliers to source raw materials designed to mitigate negative environmental impacts.

Literally, go green!

Introduce plants into your workplace! Studies have shown that both productivity and moral increase when your workplace is filled with leafy green life. Plants are also said to decrease stress, improve air quality and add a calming aesthetic quality to your office.

Implement paperless work practices

Resist printing that email! Communicate electronically as much as possible and utilise technologies such as tablets and laptops to discuss ideas with colleagues. If it really is necessary, print on both sides of the paper and maximise your page layout so that there is no unnecessary wastage.

Upcycle your furniture

If your office is looking to replace furniture, look at ways you can utilise the items you currently have. Reupholstering is a great way to give new life to an old chair, and can also save you a bundle!

Review processes

Look for ways to improve efficiency and minimise end waste in all aspects of your business. Being more environmentally friendly could also reduce costs! BFG constantly review our operating processes, plant and equipment in order to improve efficiency and minimise the end waste. We do this with smart design and maximising things like board cuts and fabric meterage.