Finding the right desktop and home computer furniture means more than picking out your favorite colors and styles. If you and your employees are not comfortable at their computers, then you, as the business owner, may soon be dealing with extra break times, work-related injuries and increased absenteeism. This doesn't mean going for the Rolls Royce of workplace furniture. Instead, employ the top three steps in your purchase of computer furniture:
Start with the basics
What do you need in terms of computer furniture? Be realistic. For example, if your employees all use desktops, then don't buy the computer tables available in anticipation that if your revenue is double what you've anticipated, you'll get them all laptops.
I recommend: Take a quick, free quiz at
Buyer Zone to assess your needs and request free quotes from office furniture suppliers. Check out
Office Depot's Desk Guide for free space planning from the masters.
Consider ergonomics
A top concern in choosing the correct computer furniture is physical comfort for you and your employees. For example, if the furniture is the wrong height for how you work, it won't help you be productive.
I recommend: The
U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has some helpful computer furniture ergonomic guidelines. Check
OSHA's Checklist Purchasing Guide to assess furniture choices before you buy.
Look the part
Whether your computer furniture is new or used, it should give a professional impression, especially if your clients will see it. No one wants to award a big project to a company whose computer is teetering on a stack of wooden crates.
I recommend: Office Depot offers small business owners the options – from ready-to-assemble to fully-assembled furniture. Check out their
Premium Installation Service for a start-to-finish solution.
Make smart buying decisions
Consider buying remanufactured furniture – it looks new, without the hefty price tag (remanufactured furniture is about half the price of new) – and usually comes with warranties. And be clear on yor needs. If you need a corner computer desk or computer cabinets, you can find them, but you'll need to focus your search.
I recommend: Check out
ValueBiz for remanufactured, new, and pre-owned furniture, and take advantage of the 3-year warranty they offer on all pre-owned items, including home computer furniture.