How Can I Make My Office Desk Look Nice?

Office employees spend most of their days at a desk, working on time-sensitive projects, entering information into a database or answering email. A clean, aesthetically pleasing office desk makes work less cumbersome and more enjoyable. Here’s how to achieve this desirable end.

An ideal office desk is one that is inspiring—not drab. It should be clean and organized, allowing staff to find the supplies they need with a quick glance. A clutter-free office desk represents a clutter-free mind—which is what employees need to thrive in a professional environment.

The key to decorating an office desk is balance: the workspace should facilitate work projects and be personalized. An office desk should be primarily geared toward professional work, so it’s important to not go overboard with personal knickknacks and décor.

1. Hang Artwork

This leads to keeping the desk space professional. Work should be the priority; but feeling at home in the office is inspiring. Hang up artwork or place a framed quote on the desk—these décor items are appropriate as long as they serve to motivate the staff member.

2. Clear Clutter

As mentioned, clutter distracts an office employee from the tasks at hand. Clear the desk and floor of extraneous items, such as reference books and piles of paper. The space surrounding the desk is as important as the desk itself—and should be clean and clutter-free.

3. Bring in a Plant

Greenery offers numerous health benefits to a staff member. Having a plant on the desk comforts and sooths the employee, thereby reducing stress levels. A desk plant is known to boost productivity, making it the best cubicle buddy an office worker can have.

Plants improve the quality of the air, too. Office staff who desire a plant but have limited room on their desk should opt for a hanging plant. If drilling a hole into the ceiling is impractical, hang a small plant from hooks on a peg board.

Employees feel greater job satisfaction when a potted plant sits on their desk. They show more commitment compared to staff whose office environments lack natural elements. Aloe vera, fern, and aromatic lavender plants are excellent options for the office desk.

4. Install a Lamp

The fern on the office desk will benefit from ample lighting. Staff, too, feel energized when bright lights are added to the desk. Cool blue lights help employees concentrate. LED lights mimic natural lighting; their brightness can also be adjusted to gradually dim as the end of the workday approaches.

5. Enhance Comfort

A throw blanket or pillow for the office chair facilitates comfort throughout the workday. An oversized throw blanket in bold colors and wild patterns adds not only a touch of home but showcases the employee’s outgoing personality. Alternately, opt for a warm, solid color for a tranquil feel.

A throw blanket provides practical benefits, too. Offices get chilly when the air conditioner runs, but sitting at the desk with a colorful blanket over the legs adds warmth. A throw pillow also improves posture and gives the employee something to nap on during the day.

6. Add Photos

The choice of photos is key. Photos of the family or pet dog are appropriate for decorating an office desk. On the other hand, pictures of a significant other in swimwear is distasteful for a professional environment. Keep the number of photos to a minimum: 1 to 3 suffice.

7. Personalize

Every office desk needs functional items, like bowls and mugs. Add personality to the desk by choosing baskets, bowls, and antique boxes that show off individual personality. A vintage jar, for instance, might hold pens. Place the desk plant in a favorite-colored ceramic vase.

Rather than accept papers in the standard plastic office in-box, change it up by using a textured woven basket instead. A beautiful, hand-crafted bowl serves as a paperclip holder. Fresh flowers add pizzaz to an office desk, so bring an intricately designed vase for those occasions.

8. Install Shelves

Office desks are limited in surface area. But when it comes to decorating the desk, added shelving can expand an employee’s aesthetic horizons. Shelf space can be used to hold a potted plant or a framed quote, photo, or work of art. Plus, extra shelves eliminate desk clutter.

9. Explore a Color Scheme

Peel-off décor can beautify an office space. Use wallpaper or contact paper to create the preferred color scheme. Modern ones start with neutrals, like black, gray and white. Layer accent colors, like royal blue or emerald green, to create a high-energy look. Moss green offers a subdued feel.

10. Add Mirrors

A small desk space can be significantly opened up by installing decorative mirrors. Since they are reflective, mirrors have the ability to make a work area that is limited in size appear twice as big. Hang mirrors on the wall or even use one as a desktop.

Employees who work in the office sit at desks filled with important papers, supplies, and technology. When it’s time to relocate, packing up the large and small office goods can be time-consuming. Instead of wasting valuable work time, let the commercial movers at Chicago Office Movers handle the packing.

As a highly experienced office mover, we help companies move from one office building to another, on-time, within budget and as seamlessly as possible. Our professional crews take care of the relocation planning, packing, transporting as well as unpacking at the destination.

Whether your company has plans to relocate precious antiques, fragile IT servers, bulky office furniture, or heavy equipment, the trained crews at Chicago Office Movers handle all goods carefully and securely. Our trucks feature air-ride suspensions and lift gates that protect items during transport.

Chicago Office Movers has successfully relocated prestigious universities and major corporations. We are committed to giving our customers an excellent relocation experience. When you plan to move your business locally, long-distance or internationally, call our Elk Grove Village, Illinois, office for a free estimate.

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A fun office is a more productive one, simply because employees are motivated, creative, and enjoy team-building opportunities. These happy staff members look forward to working in their team environment. Here are strategies to give the office a dose of fun.

What are the benefits of a fun office?

Employees who work in a fun office generally feel happier, which in turn fosters a pleasant work environment. When company leaders give staff members an opportunity to get to know one another personally through fun work functions, they experience an invaluable boost in morale.

An office where hobbies are encouraged inspires employees. Office staff have the chance to transfer their creativity to work-related tasks. Collaboration also increases when office workers learn to work well together—and this occurs when they participate in fun activities.

Lastly, working for a company that values a fun office culture helps prevent burnout in even the most dedicated employees. Office managers who incorporate fun activities into the workday give staff a chance to relax from stressful projects and prevent overexertion.

1. Celebrate Birthdays and Milestones

Office managers are encouraged to celebrate every chance they get to improve the enjoyability of working in the office and increasing productivity. One of the simplest ways to achieve this end is to celebrate employees’ birthdays and workplace milestones.

Extravagant parties for birthdays or work anniversaries are unnecessary. Rather, inspire employees by hosting an ice cream social or happy hour. Team members love a celebratory atmosphere, which helps them feel like family. In turn, these bonded employees enjoy more productive collaborations.

2. Organize Office Sports Teams

Motivate staff by playing sports after office hours. Friendly competition results when teams are established by department or organizational rank; for example, team up company leaders against office employees. Sports that coworkers can play include baseball, volleyball, soccer, or basketball.

On a smaller scale, foosball and ping pong can be played in an office game room. Office workers release built-up tensions as they compete. Managers might even host board or card tournaments, where teams of employees have a chance to win attractive prizes.

3. Implement a Vision Board

Organizational goals are reached when office managers set up a vision board prominently in the workplace. Incorporate the company’s branding, logo, and colors. Then ask employees to add their personal career goals, which may prompt discussion about how to support professional growth.

4. Share Jokes

Workplace jokes add joviality. Share jokes via mass emails or group chats to bring smiles to the faces of colleagues. Choose jokes that align with the company’s mission; for example, offices that work in the field of childcare can create a list of amusing things they’ve heard kids say.

5. Praise Employees Publicly

Create a Wall of Fame that recognizes the accomplishments of employees. Company leaders can post photos of staff members with captions underneath describing the reasons for their recognition. Colleagues then have a chance to congratulate them on their professional achievements.

Offering consistent praise in the workplace enhances the productivity of team members. When adding a Wall of Fame to the office, establish a schedule to ensure that recognition is given on a regular basis. Enhance the Wall of Fame’s design so that staff enjoy viewing it.

6. Introduce an Office Mascot

An office mascot doesn’t need to dress up in a costume and dance. Rather, bring a cat or dog to the office and watch as employees improve their work-life balance, nurture productivity, and decrease their stress. A pet in the office rewards staff with higher levels of happiness and productivity.

Responsibilities come with bringing a pet into the workplace. Set up a schedule for employees to walk the dog or set up a food bowl for the cat. Employees benefit from taking breaks to walk the pets and sharing their workspaces with friendly felines or canines.

7. Create Multiple Workspaces

In today’s offices, staff are no longer tied down to a desk and chair. The most fun workplaces give employees flexibility with seating and desks. Integrate adjustable-height desks, multi-person tables, and stools. Mobile technology makes it easy to work anywhere in the office.

Team members will jump at the chance for a change in scenery. Even adding an option to work standing instead of sitting can be rewarding for some staff. Offer a variety of workspace and seating options to increase employees’ flow of creative juices.

8. Utilize Natural Lighting

Rows of fluorescent lighting do little for staff energy levels and productivity. Employees respond better to natural lighting, which can be increased by opening window curtains in the office. Or, install adaptive lighting, which emits cooler tones in the morning and warmer tones in the afternoon.

Sometimes, what an office needs is to relocate to a building with numerous windows, various workstations, and more collaboration spaces. When you have big plans to move your company to greener pastures, bring in the experienced office movers from Chicago Office Movers.

Our Chicagoland commercial moving service offers companies, both large and small, a range of conveniences to meet all their relocation needs. Moving crews from Chicago Office Movers are licensed and background-checked to give you peace of mind as they handle the office goods.

We also provide packing and unpacking services, a benefit for businesses that aim to resume operations immediately upon arriving at their destination. Our specialists can help you plan an efficient corporate move, which can take months to finalize, and then execute the detailed plan.

As one of the most trusted corporate movers in the area, Chicago Office Movers is ready to give you premium services at an affordable rate. We’ve moved a range of sensitive and bulky office property, from IT systems to science labs, for prestigious area companies, including Alcatel Lucent.

When you want to work with an award-winning commercial mover, choose Chicago Office Movers. We’re based in Chicago, Illinois, and we’ll relocate your business locally, long-distance, or internationally.

When your company has plans to move locally, long-distance, or internationally, call our Chicago, Illinois, location at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form for a free estimate.

Smart office technology is designed to improve workflow in today’s companies. Offices integrate high-tech gadgets and advancements to help employees work smarter, better, and faster. The technological frontier is vast, but certain smart office technologies are making a big splash.

Also known as the digital workplace or responsive workspace, the smart office is here to stay. A wide range of technology is utilized to the max, ensuring the work environment is intelligent and fully capable of adapting to meet the ongoing needs of employees.

The goal behind smart office technology is to automate routine tasks normally performed by human staff, thereby freeing up time for employees to tackle the work that technology is not yet capable of doing. As a result, businesses squeeze out more from employees while keeping them happy.

Smart office technology spans from refrigerators that let employees know when the cheese has run out to voice assistants that promptly answer any questions put to them. Smart technology is diverse, and not all offices need every latest gadget to stay ahead.

1. Smart Climate Control Systems

The temperature preferences among office personnel vary widely. Some staff prefer a cool work environment, while others are most comfortable in a warm space. While pleasing everyone is difficult, if not impossible, smart HVAC systems give employees control right from the office.

The detection capabilities of the smart climate control systems home in on preferences, usage patterns, outdoor weather, and company calendars. This real-time information prompts the system to regulate indoor temperatures. Increased productivity and a boost in morale are linked with employee comfort.

2. Smart Lighting

Offices that aim to reduce their energy costs use smart lighting. Installing this technology can save companies up to 90 percent on energy bills. Smart lighting automatically adjusts based on how many staff members are in the workspace as well as the degree of natural light.

Companies that are intentional about their energy usage while also focusing on promoting an environmentally friendly image benefit from installing smart lighting. The technology helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint in the office—a win-win for the company’s image and the environment.

3. Digital Assistants

Digital assistants are gaining ground in the commercial space fast. Office assistants are used for booking conference rooms, initiating phone calls, or sending emails. Ooma’s Virtual Receptionist, for instance, is a practical replacement for a full-time employee and comes at a fraction of the cost.

Like traditional human receptionists, the digital version takes incoming phone calls and instantly directs them to the right staff member. It creates automated messages that provide callers with the company’s office hours and list of employees. Staff can also check messages from a mobile device.

Companies that incorporate digital assistants are better able to streamline customer service, since the technology supports both customers and employees. Customer satisfaction spikes when customers receive immediate assistance—and digital assistants are available to help 24/7, even during hours when businesses are closed.

4. Smart Collaboration Tools

The post-pandemic era has ushered in remote work. Collaboration remains vital to the health of businesses, making video conferencing software a must-have in smart offices. Virtual meetings appear crisper and sound comes through sharper with the use of high-quality webcams and video equipment.

Virtual whiteboard software is another crucial tool in smart offices. Remote and off-site employees are able to utilize this smart technology to participate in collaborations just as they would in person. Encrypted cloud servers, too, hold data, giving team members access to information at any time.

5. Smart Security Systems and Maps

Gone are the days of staff fumbling with key fobs and keycards. Today’s companies rely on smart security systems and access control systems. Employees enter and exit the building with advancements, like two-factor authentication, built-in fingerprint scans, or facial recognition.

Visitor management is likewise enhanced with mobile guest pass credentials, which guests can access through email or text. Digital maps accessed via smartphone are useful for helping visitors find their way around large office buildings and directing them to conference rooms or halls.

These five smart office technologies improve the way employees work. While it’s expedient to have a wide range of technologies in the office, companies are encouraged to start the transition to a smart office gradually. Determine the needs of staff and what updates should be prioritized.

Ask employees what current technology is the most frustrating and which smart technology would provide the solution. Assess the company budget and choose an upgrade that will offer the biggest impact now and in the future. Choose flexible technology when business growth is expected.

Company leaders may also foresee adding offices or relocating to a newer facility. Keep these factors in mind, too, when deciding to implement possible smart technology solutions. If your company is moving, you’ll need a commercial mover with a track record for excellence, like Chicago Office Movers.

A corporate relocation is a significant event, one that needs a team of professionals to see it through to completion. At Chicago Office Movers, our dedicated crews will help your company leaders plan the move, securely pack all office goods, and unpack the items so your team resumes operations quickly.

Our office movers are licensed, trained, and experienced to ensure complete customer satisfaction. To meet the demands of business customers, we offer comprehensive services, which include short- and long-term storage options, paperwork storage, customizable add-on services, and service and insurance contracts.

Whether you are moving lab equipment, sensitive electronics, IT systems and server rooms, or cubicles, Chicago Office Movers will manage the entire move while staying on schedule and within budget. Our trucks feature climate-controlled spaces and lift gates to protect fragile office goods.

There’s a reason Chicago Office Movers continues to be trusted by prestigious area businesses: our commitment to quality during every phase of the office relocation.

When your company has plans to move locally, long-distance, or internationally, call our Chicago, Illinois, location at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form for a free estimate.

Simply choosing the right office space remarkably enhances employee productivity and accurately reflects the company culture. But finding the perfect office environment may not be as simple as it sounds. Numerous factors, like the ones that follow, should be carefully weighed.

A significant portion of an employee’s life is spent in the office, making it essential that the selected space naturally foster collaboration, engagement, and productivity. Today’s offices can be multifaceted, including open floor plans and private rooms. The right office space maximizes employee well-being.

1. Choose a location near the client base

Encouraging productivity in the office starts with choosing the right office space. However, diving right in and accepting the latest trends is impractical, since the unique company culture takes a backseat. What works for one company may not sit well for another.

Approach the relocation task by first considering the relevant demographics. The perfect office space is one that reaches the client base. For example, a tech company would sensibly choose to relocate its headquarters to an area highly concentrated with software manufacturers.

Consider a space located within a business district. Potential clients will take notice when a company is a key participant in networking events held by the local business community. Being in close physical proximity to clients not only provides networking opportunities but convenience.

Other considerations include choosing an office space in accordance with the nature of the business. A spacious reception area may be necessary for companies receiving regular visits from clients. Similarly, a media theater will facilitate large conferences or major company presentations.

2. Choose an accessible space

Boost employee morale by choosing an accessible office space, basically one with ample parking and limited traffic problems. Most office staff prefer a short commute. By choosing an office location that is close to employees’ homes, a company can be assured of happy, productive employees.

In reality, however, less than a third of companies are near employees’ homes; but a space close to public transportation is a preferable alternative. When commuting is not a daily hassle, companies are more likely to attract and retain a pool of qualified workers from a wider geographic area.

Assess the company culture before choosing an office space. A dynamic company culture with happy hour Fridays will ideally be located near restaurants and bars. In fact, 16 percent of polled office staff want to be near restaurants, with 9 percent wanting to be close to coffee shops.

One way to accurately gauge what’s right for the staff is to ask them what location options offer easy routes to work. Bear in mind that a long and expensive commute can lead to employees looking elsewhere for jobs with a convenient commute.

3. Choose a comfortable office space

An office with ceilings reaching at least ten feet high is one that conveys a sense of freedom, a feeling that improves employee satisfaction and engagement, especially for workers in creative fields. Similarly, plentiful natural and artificial light promote feelings of comfort and ease.

While the majority of today’s office spaces are open plan, implementing this type of layout should be done carefully. Increase employee satisfaction by respecting the need for privacy in the workplace. Include private rooms for taking calls or quiet areas for meditations, for example.

Visual, aesthetic appeal is also significant. An office filled with quality furniture and interior finishes is one that employees will enjoy heading to each workday. A picturesque view, whether from the balcony, windows or rooftop, equally promotes employees’ workplace satisfaction.

4. Choose an ideally sized space

The right office space houses employees comfortably. Choosing a building with extensive square footage will comfortably meet the needs of a large staff. Cramming several employees into a small space will adversely affect productivity. Likewise, avoid choosing too large a space to avoid wasting it.

The rule of thumb is to give each employee 21 square meters. Per this general guideline, a company with 100 employees would require a building of at least 2,100 square meters. Companies aiming to grow should factor in their future growth and choose a larger, more flexible office space.

Startups can expect growth. Scalability and flexibility become important when these companies search for a new office space. The right office environment will accommodate additional desks and staff; infrastructure can be enhanced; and, renovations will be permitted in the building.

Small companies expecting to grow may be unable to finance a bigger space right away. When working with a limited budget, opt for a shorter lease. Include terms in the contract that give the company the first right of negotiation when an adjacent space becomes vacant.  Or, consider the option to stay in a coworking space before committing to something long term.

Hunting for the right office space requires due diligence on the part of company leaders. Leasing an office is recommended, since the company will enjoy the freedom to experiment with new ideas. By carefully selecting the right office environment, employees trust that they are valued.

Work with an Office Mover

At Chicago Office Movers, we also understand value, which is why we offer affordable corporate relocation options that help companies move seamlessly. Our moving services are designed with the business customer in mind and therefore meet the needs of companies both large and small.

Your corporate relocation will receive the undivided attention from our licensed, trained, and background checked moving specialists. We create a moving plan, pack your office goods, and unpack them at the destination. Our secure storage facilities are available for the long or short term.

Office goods are loaded into the climate-controlled spaces of our trucks, which feature lift gates and air-ride suspensions that keep items secure during transport. Additionally, all business customers are kept up to date on the progress of the move via our professional tracking equipment.

Join the ranks of satisfied customers, like Alcatel Lucent and University of Chicago, when you choose Chicago Office Movers for your upcoming corporate relocation. Count on the experience and efficient processes delivered by our qualified crews of office movers. Call our Chicago, Illinois, office for details.

Contact Us

When you are moving your business, Chicago Office Movers can provide you with the commercial and long-distance moving services that you need. Given our industry experience and excellent reputation, we will help you relocate affordably and on schedule.

Contact us for your upcoming local, long distance or international move at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO).

Due to a range of factors, companies may decide to move to more pristine pastures. Upgrading the office space, downsizing, or relocating to an urban area with highly skilled workers are a few reasons companies move. Before handing over the keys, the office must be decommissioned.

The office lease contract defines exactly what is expected of the decommissioning process. Noncompliance with the contract terms can potentially result in forfeiture of the deposit or becoming liable for added costs that could quickly spike to thousands of dollars.

Business owners who initially entered into an office lease contract will have become contractually obligated to abide by the decommissioning requirements. The decommissioning clause describes the precise condition of the office space once the company and its employees vacate it.

The decommissioning process is given the moniker “broom cleaning.” While the process can be as simple as a quick cleanup, oftentimes, the office space must be restored to its original condition. This means removing all belongings and performing necessary repairs.

Common decommissioning requirements include removing data and voice cabling, newly installed plumbing, electrical or mechanical installations, and office furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Business signs, e-waste, and trash must be removed. Hazardous waste must be disposed of, and janitorial services must be canceled.

Planning the decommissioning event well in advance of the upcoming office relocation saves company owners time and money and reduces stress. Last-minute snags can be expected during the decommissioning process. Ensure a smooth relocation by evaluating the condition of the current space.

1. Partner with a commercial moving company

Since the decommissioning process is highly complex, business owners will likely require the support of a trusted partner. Large businesses may have to deal with hundreds of workstations and thousands of pieces of equipment. Working with a partner can speed up the relocation process and save money.

Relocating companies are advised to partner with the right commercial moving company or a transition management company. Either can help the business owner navigate a proper exit. Companies attempting a DIY office decommissioning risk “soft cost exposure” or running out of time.

2. Take an inventory of office goods

Early in the process, company owners should assess the value of the office furniture. Unwanted furniture may be liquidated. Working with a moving partner can ensure the liquidation process is completed in an efficient and timely manner—thereby avoiding unnecessary storage costs.

Once an inventory of office items that will be relocated to the new destination has been taken, communicate this information to the relocation partner. An experienced partner will discard the unwanted goods in an environmentally friendly way, ensuring they stay out of the local landfill.

An inventory should further categorize the items. Certain goods will be moved to the new office, while others will be donated or recycled. Office items with value may be sold. Products that can’t be sold may go into green waste or discarded at hazardous waste facilities.

3. Dispose of unwanted office furniture

Businesses strive for a net positive outcome, where the furniture liquidation yields a positive cash return. Donating office furniture to charities or having a third-party company remove them will result in a net zero outcome; this option avoids costs associated with having the business remove the contents.

A net negative result occurs when office furniture with little or no value is discarded or recycled. However, disposing valueless office items may come with a cost, one that a decommissioning expert can help minimize. Of the three options, discarding unwanted office furniture is oftentimes a last resort.

4. Transfer IT equipment

Businesses staffed with IT teams have plenty of in-house support. The IT personnel should disconnect and pack the technology prior to these items being loaded onto the moving truck. In-house IT staff will handle the deinstallation as well as the complete transfer of the technology.

Companies that are not staffed with in-house IT teams can assign the task of transferring the technology to the relocation partner. These professionals will disconnect, pack, move, and reconnect the equipment. They can also sustainably discard e-waste, from old computers to printers and fax machines.

The entire decommissioning process can take up to six months; however, the timeline is influenced by the size of the relocating company. Whether large or small, businesses that plan to move are urged to engage in phased decommissioning to minimize disruptions to employee workflow.

A well-planned decommissioning process will earn back the company’s deposit and avoid extra costs. Partnering with a relocation expert who is experienced in decommissioning offices will also reduce the risk of damage to the property. Relocation experts will offer “broom sweep” services, too.

Office Relocating?

When you are planning an office relocation, consider the decommissioning services provided by Chicago Office Movers. We are a locally based, experienced commercial mover who will ensure that your office space is returned to its original condition and meets the decommissioning terms of the lease.

The decommissioning process is likely to take some time when a business has made major enhancements to the building or installed new equipment after the lease was signed. Regardless of the renovations, Chicago Office Movers will return your office space to its original condition.

Our licensed, bonded, and insured moving crews remove and dispose of unwanted appliances, properly discard hazardous waste (ex, lead paint and asbestos), remove and recycle furniture, replace light bulbs, recycle e-waste, remove signs, clean the entire facility, and repair damaged drywall.

The reliable movers at Chicago Office Movers will also meet with your landlord to clarify all conditions of the decommissioning. Once our crews have returned the space to a pristine condition, we will conduct a final walk through with the property manager, ensuring the decommissioning terms are met.

Contact Us

Numerous satisfied companies partner with Chicago Office Movers for their relocation needs. We are available to provide professional and efficient office decommissioning services. Our crews are proud to serve Chicagoland businesses.

Call us for expert decommissioning or commercial moving services at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO).