There has been much talk recently about what the average office will look like by the end of the current decade. Will the traditional brick-and-mortar office make a comeback? Or will it be supplanted by the remote workplace of tomorrow? Maybe a mix of both?
One thing that some business leaders agree on is that the old workplace is gone for good. The COVID-19 pandemic was a terrible wake-up call for almost every aspect of daily life, including how we report to work. Fortunately, we adopted some changes that allow today’s workplaces to be more resistant to such disruptions.
One such change involves rethinking how offices pick and arrange their Melbourne office furniture. As the business world waits for the manifestation of the future workplace, now may be a good time to get an idea of the different types of office furniture in use today and ways to maximise their usefulness in the modern setting.
Office Desks
Office desks are the workhorses of any office. While an office worker can get tasks done without a decent chair, they can’t do so without a desk. Whether for supporting binders of documents or other office equipment, the right desk can be configured for any kind of job.
|
Type of Office Desk |
Description |
Best Use |
|
Workstation |
A typically large desk that can be partitioned into multiple work terminals. The size of each terminal can be configured to suit the office’s requirements. |
For workplaces managing dozens of office workers, such as call centres |
|
Task desk |
The quintessential office desk that’s designed for versatility for a wide range of jobs. It can be built with features like drawers and cable management. |
For rank-and-file workers and team leaders |
|
Managerial desk |
A slightly watered-down variant of the executive desk that’s larger than a task desk and built with the necessary features for managerial-level tasks. |
For managers or manager-level personnel |
|
Executive desk |
The largest single-user office desk available made to assist with the tasks of executive-level personnel, namely C-suite roles (e.g., CEO, CFO, COO) |
For executives or managers with their own office rooms |
|
Sit-stand/Height Adjustable desks |
Desks that can change their height with the push of a button, enabling users to work when seated or standing and is perfect for the health conscious . |
Best used in open workspaces and hot-desking areas to promote movement, collaboration, and productivity while enhancing workplace ergonomics |
|
Corner desk |
As the term implies, this desk is designed to fit in corners to maximise every square metre of office real estate. Typically built like task desks or workstations. |
For adding office space in corners and tight spaces |
|
Reception desk |
A desk with an aesthetic façade that enhances the office’s image by creating a professional first impression for guests while providing a welcoming space for clients, and employees. Works well with comfortable reception seating and tables. |
For reception areas, and used as a central hub. |
Office Chairs
Office workers spend a large portion of their waking weekdays at their desks, so ergonomic office chairs help them get through the day. If the office desk is the workhorse of any office, then office chairs are the backbone – figuratively and, to an extent, literally.
|
Type of Office Chair |
Description |
Best Use |
|
Task chair |
Task chairs are designed for long-term daily use, emphasising a balance between comfort and ergonomics. Mesh, fully upholstered, adjustable height and with or without armrests, task chairs are a staple of any workplace. |
General purpose |
|
Visitor chair |
Basic seating for guests designed to keep visitors comfortable until their appointment or meeting. Typically fixed height and can come with or without armrests. |
For break rooms and reception areas |
|
Reception lounge |
Lounge chairs with softer upholstery for maximum comfort for office guests. |
For reception areas |
|
Managerial chair |
A step up a standard task chair, often featuring higher backrests, armrests, and adjustable height. Some models may also come in luxurious upholstery. |
For managers or manager-level personnel and boardroom seating |
|
Executive chair |
The highest-tier office chair that often favours comfort and style over ergonomics. Featuring a headrest addition and deluxe upholstery add to their status and grandeur |
For executives or upper level management with their own office spaces. |
|
High-bar chair |
A fixed-height chair that’s taller than most office chair variants. Can come with or without armrests and ideal for instances where higher seating is required. |
For any part of the office with high desks, usually lunch rooms, breakout spaces and some hot desking areas. |
Office Tables
Office tables are distinct from office desks in that they’re designed for conversations and meetings. As such, they lack most of the features that desks have (though some models have limited storage capability). That said, office tables are popular among home-based start-up business owners who can’t afford dedicated work furniture in the meantime.
|
Type of Office Table |
Description |
Best Use |
|
Boardroom/meeting table |
A large surfaced table designed for holding meetings with a large number of attendees at one time. Boardroom and meeting tables are the heart of an office space and leave a strong impression on clients while also allowing collaborative discussions between employees. |
For boardrooms and meeting areas |
|
Coffee table |
A table often placed in a rest or visitor area along with comfortable seating. Its small size makes it great for exchanging ideas over drinks or office furnishing. |
For break rooms, reception and visitor areas |
|
Training table |
A table with a spacious surface that can be used for breakout spaces, informal meetings or in the lunchroom. Can feature fixed stands or wheels for easy movement and storage. |
General purpose |
Office Storage
Amid more workplaces going paperless, they still need adequate physical office storage to an extent. Some business transactions still require paper documents, and moving them to digital storage can take money and time. In addition, having physical backups ensures the office keeps running during system downtime.
|
Type of Office Storage |
Description |
Best Use |
|
Filing cabinet |
A staple of traditional and modernised offices alike, filing cabinets are heavy-duty drawers capable of holding thousands of paper documents per drawer. |
Can be placed anywhere, recommended in archive and record rooms |
|
Storage cabinet |
A heavy-duty cabinet that can hold documents, stationary and other items under lock and key. Can appear in various heights and volumes. |
General purpose |
|
Pedestal |
A versatile storage system consisting of typically two to three drawers, and a flat topside that can serve as a side table. Comes as fixed or mobile. |
Common as storage space for workstations and task desks that don’t have built-in drawers |
|
Buffet |
A long, stand-alone cabinet hugging the wall that offers additional storage space for office supplies, books and a variety of other items. |
Wall-side storage |
|
Locker |
A slim storage space that comes in either single, double or quad door configuration. Good for storage of office workers’ personal effects and belongings. |
Personal storage in the workplace, schools or gyms. |