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Computer Desks & Chairs Tips
Do You Need a New Office Chair?
Take care when selecting an office chair. Even if you are not willing to pay for an ergonomic solution, you should at least consider the safety factors for others who may share your office chair in the future. Consider the following:
Does the chair have arm rails? This can allow for extra comfort.
Is the chair stable and durable?
Does it come with wheels for mobility?
Is the chair a comfortable fabric?
How much the chair will be used?
What is the expected time life of the chair?
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Different Types Of Work Stations For Different Functions
Office Depot Tip: L-shaped computer workstations are popular because they offer more space than typical desks for equipment like scanners, printers, faxes, etc. However, if you do a little research, you will find that many manufacturers offer complimentary pieces that may enable you to create your own L-shaped desk without paying thousands more for one piece set. Some L-shaped desks require assembly, so why not match and customized your own desk?
You may only require a single table attached to your desk for extra workspace above and to house a small filing cabinet and waste paper baskets underneath. Many home models come with an expandable "L" for occasional use.
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Glass Computer Desks
Glass desks can give your office or room an aura of sophistication and simplicity. But furniture made of glass isn't for anyone. If you work from home, a glass desk could be easily damaged or consistently need cleaning due to never ending finger prints. Consider your environment prior to shopping for a computer desk.
A glass desk or table may look great in a board room or front lobby as a receptionist's workstation.
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Choosing A Quality Office Desk
Office Depot Tip: When making a decision about the right computer desk to buy, first consider who will be using it and then how often and what the wear and tear might be.
For a student’s room: Choose a computer desk that’s easy to clean such as a washable surface with lots of storage and a desk that is on the smaller side due to having to fit into a bedroom or dorm room. Surfaces that are laminate or melamine can be a great option so that they clean up like new.
For an executive, something that looks rich like solid wood or glass to impress anyone who visits is a good option. An executive’s desk isn’t going to take the wear and tear that a home office or student’s computer desk might take.
For a home computer desks are regularly used by multiple members of a family and are often within reach of small children. Choose something with lockable doors that’s also not difficult to keep clean. An armoire desk, a roll top desk or desks with lockable credenza are all good options. This way, you can lock up items that are not meant for everyone’s eyes or fingers. Choose something that’s easy to clean as well.
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L-Shaped Computer Desks
L-shaped computer desks are popular because they offer more space than typical desks for equipment like scanners, printers, faxes, etc. However, if you do a little research, you will find that many manufacturers offer complimentary pieces that may enable you to create your own L-shaped desk without paying thousands more for one piece set. Some L-shaped desks require assembly, so why not match and customized your own desk?
You may only require a single table attached to your desk for extra workspace above and to house a small filing cabinet and waste paper baskets underneath. Many home models come with an expandable "L" for occasional use.
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The Advantage of Corner Computer Desks
Office Depot Tip: If your office desks have small surfaces for employees to work on, such as small workstations or computer cart desks, consider the following tips to maximize the space:
Flat screen monitors. Flat screen monitors take up a fraction of the space of a traditional desktop monitor and give your workstations a modern and stylish look
Laptop computers. A laptop takes up a small amount of space compared to a desktop, monitor and keyboard. Employees can also take their work home during busy times.
Keyboard trays. A keyboard tray hides away under the surface of the office desks so that the space on the desk is free for employees to use while the computer keyboard is neatly tucked under the desk either on a rolling track or extendable arms that allow you to easily bring the keyboard in and out as needed.
Partition wall shelves. If you have small workstations for your staff separated by cubicle partition walls, you can use those walls for storage. There are shelves and other accessories that can hang up on the wall freeing desktop space and making cubicles look more attractive and organized
Copy holders. Use a copy holder for data entry that attaches to your monitor or cubicle wall for space saving reasons as well as for ergonomics as it is friendlier to your eyes and neck to read at eye level instead of straining to read a paper that’s lying flat on your desk.
There are many things you can do to best utilize small office desks. A little creativity and the right office supplies can go a long way.
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Organize Your Student Desk
A student desk is generally smaller than the typical office desk. Order and organization can be even more important for the busy student who needs both the area to work in and easy access to school supplies and accessories. But normally, the most unorganized area of a student's workstation is the computer. Here are some tips to keeping computers organized so students don't get sidetracked:
Delete e-mail that was already read. This will keep your inbox clean. If you want to keep it, create an e-mail file folder for it.
Reply to e-mail right away, so that your in box does not get built up.
Delete messages occassionally from your Sent mail folder. Mail boxes can have size limitations and your sent and deleted folders can prevent you from sending out new messages. Sent messages with large attachments, such as pictures and .PDF files, clog up your space. Be sure to delete anything unnecessary to keep your mailbox running efficiently.
Add to your address book often.
Put spam filters on your e-mail account to limit in box space.
Files- keep a disk or CD with your assignments from previous classes. This will keep folders easier to navigate through, as well as allow for more space. In addition, you will have things backed up in case of failure.
Clutter on your student desk can be conquered. You just need to have a plan and make it habit to clean up the desk and computer routinely.
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Do You Need a New Office Chair?
Office Depot Tip: Using the right chair is important. While there are many types of office chairs, not all of them are meant to be sat in for eight hours per day. For example,
Folding chairs can be great for an office but not for employees who need to sit for long periods of time.
Guest and reception chairs are great for your front lobby or for an office that has occasional guests but should not be used as a primary seat for an employee who works at a desk or a computer.
High-Back chairs are great for board rooms or executive offices but are expensive and unnecessary for every desk in a large office.
Fully adjustable chairs are the most ideal chairs for office workers who spend a lot of time at their desks
Making your chair more comfortable when using it for long periods of time is going to help you in many ways. Use a chair with good lumbar support and find a height that allows you to sit comfortably with your feet fat on the floor and your wrists extended straight. If your chair doesn’t have decent support, consider buying an insert for it. An ergonomic chair will make your day more pleasant and allow you to be more productive with less back and neck strain. Having your chair allow you to swivel, move forward and back and have adjustable arm rests as well will all make it easier for you to move and be comfortable. Consider using an office mat as well to help your chair glide more easily around the floor at your workstation.
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Different Types Of Work Stations For Different Functions
When shopping for a desk, it's important to understand the difference between typical office desks and computer desks. Choose the desk that most suits your plans for it as well as the space that the desk will occupy.
Computer desks will accommodate equipment such as printers, faxes and provide pre-drilled holes for cables and wires, and may have a keyboard tray built in. A regular desk is generally rectangular with a workspace and drawers.
Corner computer desks are great for space savings. L-shaped computer desks are good for reception areas or workspaces where a lot of computer work occurs as well as other functions such as an administrative assistant who needs both space for a computer as well as paperwork.
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Office Chairs and Ergonomics
Ergonomic office chairs are suitable for use for long periods of work and are great for call centers, boardrooms, and executive use.
The wide range of adjustments should allow you to fine tune your seating position and to accommodate your working environment. Orthopedic and ergonomic office chairs may enhance work performance and help reduce a common cause of work absenteeism - back pain.
If you plan to be in your office chair on a regular basis, an ergonomic chair is your best option for comfort as well as productivity.
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Choosing A Quality Office Desk
When choosing office desks, quality can be an important factor. A desk is an investment that should last. If you are using this desk for a reception area, it is the first thing your customers see. If it's for an executive's office, it needs to reflect that in quality.
To determine the quality of the desk, start by examining the construction of the drawers. Higher quality drawers will have a sturdy suspension, using metal suspension rollers. Make sure that the drawers open and close smoothly when bearing weight. Also check to see if the drawers slide out to their full length, allowing the user to fully utilize the space. The desk should feel sturdy and not rickety.
Most quality furniture manufacturers also offer a warranty and guarantee with high end furniture.
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The Advantage of Corner Computer Desks
If you have a small office space at your home office or at your place of business, a corner desk may be a great option.
The main advantage of owning corner office desks is the amount of space the desk will free up. Typically, desks will span the length of an entire office wall. A corner computer desk will free up wall space and give the room an open-air feel to it.
A corner desk can hold as much equipment as a standard desk and generally can be set up to store many items and be ergonomic too. A corner computer desk is a great option for a child or teenager's room or for the family who wants a home office but either only has a small room to dedicate to it, or has to share a room with another function.
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Save Money by Using Fluorescent Desk Lamps
Fluorescent desk lamps come in all shapes and sizes, and while they cost about 25 percent more than regular lamps, they can last up to 10 years and run on less electricity. When you add up the cost of replacement bulbs and years of unneeded electricity, its easy to see why more and more people are moving toward using fluorescent desk lamps.
Having more task lighting on your desks can reduce eye strain. Whenever possible, employees should have natural light in their working environment. Not everyone can have a window seat, so it's best to allow employees to set up their area or cubicle with as much light as they feel is comfortable. While most offices do have overhead lighting, desk lighting is also advisable.
