Tips, Ideas & Updates

Different  organisations need different workstations. From call centres to clerical roles  and team based work arrangements, using appropriate workstations can facilitate  better work results and access and enhance staff comfort. These are five  essential workstation concepts to suit any working arrangement.

1. Call Centre

  Like any other  department, call centres need to have ergonomic workstations that allow staff  and managers alike to work closely as required. Suppliers of office furniture in Sydney can assist you with design as well as  appropriate materials for partitioning individual workstations.

 

  Features to  consider:

• Ergonomics. Ergonomic office  chairs are essential for staff who sit for long periods. Many office furniture  specialists supply ergonomic office chairs in Sydney.
• Flexibility in  design. The materials should be able to be adjusted. For example, partitioning  or screen sizes and layout styles. Some call centres may need larger  workstations for staff while others need workers to be working in close hubs.
• Space efficiency. Space  is often an issue in call centres. Workstations for call centre staff should be  space efficient.

2. Reception

  The reception desk  is often the first thing clients will notice as they walk into the office.  Reception desks can be custom made to blend harmoniously with your office  design.

  Features to consider  in a reception desk:

• Business signage. The reception desk  should be able to accommodate business signage if required.
• Finishing. The type of  finishing can provide more visual impact.
• Counter top  material. Counter top material can be different from the rest of the reception  desk to create visual contrast.
• Storage. The amount of  storage required in terms of desk drawers.

3. Clerical

  Clerical style  workstations will usually have more partitioning to provide staff with more  space for independent work while still allowing collaboration and access.

  Features to look  for:

• Adjustable keyboard  or workstation height. Having an adjustable keyboard or workstation can  help reduce back strain and improve posture for those who sit for long periods.
• Open plan vs  individual work space. Depending on the particular office, taller screens  may be installed to workstations to reduce noise distraction. Orientation and  layout design can also help encourage communication and access to other team  members when required.

4. Work Clusters

  Work clusters – also  known as circular store station – are a very popular way of arranging  workstations. The individual workstations are arranged so that everyone faces  into the center of the cluster. This can provide more work space and increase  privacy because no staff member is looking directly at another person or their  work screen. At the same time, the clusters can help with mutual collaboration  and supervisors can find it easier to work with team members.

  Features to look  for:

• Panel height variations. This affects the  visibility of employees, whether they are sitting or standing.
• Storage. How much desktop or  drawer based storage is required.
• Colours. Using attractive,  harmonious, and soothing colours brings a positive tone to the working environment.

5. Manager

  Manager workstations  will generally incorporate more storage and desk space. A circular or U-shaped  design is popular.

  Features to  consider:

• Desktop hutches. These can provide  extra storage space if required.
• Lockable drawers. Lockable drawers  for any important files or documents.