Author: Justin

Monitor arms are flexible alternatives to monitor stands and are a common feature in the modern office. The question is, are they really useful and should you consider purchasing one for your office? Here we look at the different features of monitor arms on the market today and discuss the benefits of adding one to your current workstation set-up.

Features

There are several different types of monitor arm on the market, each with different features.

Monitor arms come in both single and dual set ups. Dual monitor arms allow multiscreen computer workstations, which have been shown to improve productivity.

Monitor arms differ in the size of monitor they support and their weight ratings. It is important to consider this when purchasing, particularly if you have a large screen or an all-in-one computer system.

One of the key benefits of using a monitor arm is the ability to adjust the monitor to optimise ergonomics. Standard monitor arms allow adjustment of height, focal depth, tilt and pan. Most also allow the screen to be rotated to between 180 and 360degrees, meaning that screens can be rotated from landscape to portrait.

Advanced monitor arms can also have additional features such as USB, microphone and headphone ports.

Most monitor arms have cable management systems to hide unsightly cables without impacting on the function of arm.

When it comes to fixture of the arm, the most common monitor arms can be either fitted to the desk by a camp or a grommet, where a hole is drilled through the desk specifically to allow fixture.

Benefits

To optimise comfort and ergonomics, the top of any computer screen should be at eye level at a distance of arm’s length with a slight tilt away. This allows the neck to relax and prevents the eyes from straining. Without a monitor arm the benefits of other ergonomic furniture can diminish as this recommended position can be difficult to attain. Using a monitor arm means that you can also easily adjust the screen to adapt your set up for different users, lighting and tasks.

Lastly, monitor arms free up crucial desk space and allow optimisation of compact workspaces.

Still unsure or ready to get started? Contact us instore!

Effective office storage solutions are the key to workplace organisation, efficiency and reducing workplace stress. They help to create an environment that is more conducive to daily business activities, more appealing to customers and help to create a great first impression of your business.

A number of different office storage options exist, making it easy to find a solution to suit your business’ needs. To assist in your search to find the perfect storage it can be helpful to consider the following:

How much space do I have?

In offices where floor space is limited, vertical storage solutions such as wall units, bookcases and cupboards are ideal. In larger spaces (particularly open plan offices) lateral storage such as credenzas help to divide the space whilst maintaining an open plan feel.

What ‘look’ am I trying to create for my office?

Office storage solutions are typically available in melamine or steel finishes, with melamine offering a much more extensive range of options and colours. In offices aiming for a more minimalist look, cupboards, drawers or credenzas are ideal to hide unsightly office supplies and documents.

What do I need to store?

If your business handles a lot of paper documents filing cabinets or pedestals offer both organisation and storage. Have a lot of lever arch files? A bookcase, cupboard, wall unit or credenza are all great options.

Do I want my storage to be fixed or mobile? Do I want it to be part of my desk?

Storage can be fixed in a particular location or mobile and able to move with you about the office in the form of a pedestal. If looking for fixed storage you need to also consider whether you would like it be a part of your desk. A hutch or drawer box can add much needed storage to your desk, particularly in offices where space is limited.

What options exist?

Melamine offers a wide range of storage options. A smaller range is also available in steel.

• Hutch – a low set shelfing unit that can be fixed on top of a desk or credenza.
• Credenza – a horizontal cupboard with sliding doors. The addition of a hutch can greatly increase its storage capacity.
• Wall unit – a vertical unit with a cupboard to the bottom and shelfing above.
• Pedestal – a mobile storage unit with a variable number of drawers. Also available in steel.
• Drawer box – attaches underneath a desk to provide fixed drawer storage.
• Pigeon hole unit
• Bookcase (also available in steel)
• Cupboard (also available in steel)
• Filing cabinets (also available in steel)

Still unsure or ready to get started? Contact us instore!

Sit-stand desks are the current trend in optimising workplace ergonomics with many raving about the benefits of frequent posture change. The question is, do they really work? And with so many options on the market how do you choose?

A sit-stand desk (also known as a height adjustable desk) is a desk that gives the operator the ability to adjust the height of the work surface with ease. This not only allows changes in working posture from sitting to standing but gives the workspace the ability to adapt to the ergonomic needs of the individual user.

Prolonged sitting has been identified as an emerging workplace health and safety issue with evidence demonstrating that it is linked to increasing rates of musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, mental health, some cancers and even premature death (Safe Work Australia).Using a height adjustable desk to perform some work each day whilst standing has been shown to improve employee energy levels and productivity whilst reducing fatigue, the risk of injury and sick days.

Despite there being multiple types of sit-stand desks on the market, there are just two basic designs around which they are all based; one where the entire desk top is height adjustable, the other a gas assisted unit that is placed on top of a fixed height desk.

For those looking to try sit-stand working, a gas assisted unit placed on top of your current desk is a cost-effective option.

For those more committed to the practice, purchasing a height adjustable frame with a custom top can give your office a sleek, professional look. Height adjustable frames are available in a variety of sizes and configurations, from standard desks to corner workstations and pods. With regards to mechanism you have a choice of electrical, gas lift or manual options, each with their own height ranges with most allowing a maximum operating height of over 1100mm.

Ready to start shopping? We stock multiple types of height adjustable desk which are all available both instore and via our website.

Still confused? Contact us in store – we would love to help you find the best height adjustable option for your office.