New Year's Resolutions for the Office

In 6 days, it will officially be 2013. You survived the non-existent Mayan Apocalypse, you survived your in-laws and the holiday hoopla. And now you're tasked with going into 2013 better than 2012. So why not set up some office resolutions for yourself?

Not much different than your regular resolutions, this will hopefully help with a well-balanced lifestyle. Think about it, Monday - Friday, your daily schedule is probably broken down like this (and this is if you don't have children): 7 hrs, sleeping; 1 hour, grooming/getting ready; 9 hours, working, 2.5 hours, eating/food prepping, 1.5 hours, working out; 3 hours, random activity (more work, watching TV, meetup, etc). 9 hours in an office....let's set some goals to make this better!

1. Clean Out That Inbox!
You've been cc'd on emails you didn't need to be on 3 months ago that you still have not deleted. And why? Because the email you really needed to keep was right after that one and you have completely forgotten it's existence. Spend 15 minutes a day the first week (or two) of January de-cluttering your inbox. Why? First off, it's taking up space on your company server. Second, it really is unnecessary information you don't need. Save the important emails in personal folders to help maintain a categorized system, but try and start fresh this new year.

2. Clean Out Your Desk Space!
Some people are pilers. Some are collectors. Others just don't like to throw anything anyway! Now is the time to go through your stashes and file folders to see what you can purge. Afraid you may throw something important away? Why not scan it and save it on a disk or thumb drive? Or a folder on your desktop?

3. Eat out less!
Every now and then, I forget my lunch and have to grab a salad from downstairs. I usually splurge and get a soda and some potato chips. Average cost? $8.90 before tip. If I had to do that every day? That's nearly $50 a week/ $200 a month. And that's just lunch. Not only is bringing in your own food cheaper, it's a great way to watch what you're eating...literally. Many times take out places are using oils and fats your not aware of. Or maybe you didn't realize the amount of sodium in those fast food french fries. Make it a full year goal to track when you're eating out, what you're eating out, and how much you spend to help reduce for the following year.

4. Get up more!
There have been numerous studies on the negative affects of sitting for hours on end in front of the computer. I've written a few blogs on exercising or getting up at work - but now is the time to make a conscience effort to improve this ratio. Set up a reoccurring meeting on your calendar in which it goes off every hour or two. Get more water, do some stretching, take a quick social visit to the front desk to get your mail...the more excuses the better. If you don't have the luxury of a sit-to-stand station, this is a great way to remind yourself to get up and moving.

Additional items like drinking more water, working towards a promotion, getting an office fitness class or team together, actually taking lunch away from your desk are also great ideas! Do you have any I'm missing? Let us know in the comments!

~ Kendal

The Hybrid Secret Santa/White Elephant Office Party Game

First off, I apologize for being off for a few weeks. As the main writer for our blog, I take full responsibility for not having back up entries - that'll be on the New Year's Resolutions list!

Many offices have had, or will be having, their company holiday party. Due to all the craziness of our recent merger, we pushed ours back to this Friday. Normally, our companies have either had a secret santa or a white elephant game - but with lack luster support of one and the addition of 35 for the other, neither was really working out. But who doesn't like getting surprise gifts?!? So, with that in mind, I offer up this crazy mash-up of secret santa and white elephant. I'll make sure to update with how my fellow co-workers feel about this game - there's an interesting twist thrown in for good measure.

I know it looks long - it's just broken down. It should only be a 10 - 15 minute game max, depending on the size of your office.

1. Everyone needs to bring in a wrapped gift. For our office, we have a $10 cap and presents can be hand made, baked, regifted, or up to $10. No tags! Creativity on packaging is highly encouraged.

2. Have everyone bring in their gifts early. Once they do, write their name on a slip of paper and put it in an unmarked envelope (they don't need to know you're doing this). Have one for every participant.

3. Depending on the size of your office, you may need to separate gifts into different locations of the office. For example, we have 55 people playing this game. To avoid major head injuries, I'll be putting 7-10 gifts in the different conference areas of the office and then assigning people numbers based on those locations. However, if you have 10 people, you can probably just keep them in one location.

4. If you do need to split up gifts, randomly select the presents to be placed in the different areas. Know how many presents you put in each area, and then assign your coworkers a number. Example, if you have 4 areas in the office the presents are in, count people off 1 - 2 - 3 - 4, with the appropriate amount of presents in each spot.

5. Let them know they have 1 minute to get a present and get back to the waiting area (only from the area assigned). Have them come back and form a circle (as best as possible).

**** if they are not back in a minute, they get to serenade you with your favorite holiday song :-)

6. As they're coming back, hand each person one of the envelopes you have pre-sealed. Tell them they can't open it...it's a surprise.

7. They're all back! Tell them to look around - they have 2 minutes if they want to make any trades. If not, they can hang out where they are...just make sure they get back into a circle like form

8. Now that they may or may not have the pretty present they want. Great! They think they're about to open their gift...but they're not.

9. Pick a person in the circle to start with - tell them to open the envelope...the name on the card? They have to trade gifts with that person. To avoid confusion, go around the circle clockwise until everyone has opened up their envelopes and traded gifts.

10. Once the last envelope has been open and present grudgingly traded - everyone can open their gifts. Added bonus - have them hold gifts over head for a great photo op :-)

Enjoy!

Kendal

Cool Chairs For The Office

Yesterday, we had Paula from Coalesse show the sales team the cool Hosu chair. Sleek, multi-use, and comfy...what more could you want in your office? Today's blog will showcase 3 other cool chairs that would make your workspace a little more versatile.

1. Hosu from Coalesse - http://www.coalesse.com/products/hosu/

Personally, I'd like that entire set up. Lamp, cute table, open space with concrete walls for the industrial office feel. "Hosu encourages spreading out. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, this unique work lounge creates a comforting personal space to relax and get things done".

2. Big Lounge by Turnstone - http://myturnstone.com/products/big-lounge/

The Campfire series from Turnstone is great furniture for collaboration or solo time. Comfy, cool colors, modern - the Big Lounge is perfect for any office or school setting. " Big Lounge is just as good a place to work and generate big ideas as it is laze and loiter."

3. Emu by Coalesse - www.coalesse.com/products/emu-heaven-seating/

It may look like I'm playing favorites, but I really enjoy Coalesse's seating line. And emu is no exception. This indoor/outdoor chair creates an architectural dreamland of smooth lines and sophisticated style. Sigh. "A lounge chair, along with cafe armchair and side chair, comprise the chair selection; a coordinating upholstered stool is also available."

  4. C.R. Lounge by Davis - http://www.davisfurniture.com/product-details/C-R-Lounge/22/1

I think this is a chair that impresses upon first glance. It looks cool - maybe it's uncomfortable? There's only one way to find out...nope! it's perfect. This year, it won a silver medal at NEOCON . "The large, inviting seat appears to open up as you draw closer, beckoning you to relax in its warm embrace".

Have a suggestion for a cool, unique, comfy, inviting, must have chair? Leave a comment and let me know!

~ Kendal

Happy Thanksgiving

As we take tomorrow as a day of reflection, a time where we look at our life and all the things we're thankful for, I wanted to take this opportunity to send out a very Happy Thanksgiving to your and your family! B&OI/BarclayDean is successful because our customers choose to do projects with us. And for that, we are extremely grateful.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season!

Party Time! A Successful Celebration!

On Nov. 1st, we announced to our company that we would be getting bigger. That BarclayDean would be joining us and that we would "inspire workplace innovation, together". Then we decided to celebrate. Not only did we have a successful "mixer" of the new associates, but we also celebrated Steelcase's 100 year Anniversary, as well. It was quite the shindig, and I have visual proof of it.

First, the mixer. Held at Urban Enoteca in SoDo, we had appetizers and beverages as we mingled and mixed with our new coworkers. The thing about being in the furniture industry though is it's highly likely you have worked with these people in the past. And many had...



 

Tim Jones and Scott Harrison

 

Then, of course, the 100 Year Anniversary Party! So much fun!!!  We had our own "Dream Wall" where people wrote their thoughts about the future of technology and the workplace. We had quite the variety of ideas - and it looked great!

But there was also food, drinks and raffle prizes!!!

We'll be announcing our new name in January 2013 with a full renovation of our showroom (as well as a new office on the 4th floor of the design center). That means another party already in the planning for next year. Want to see more pictures??? Leave a message - I have tons!





BANK & OFFICE INTERIORS AND BARCLAYDEAN JOIN TOGETHER

SEATTLE’S LEADING OFFICE FURNITURE DEALERSHIPS,

BANK & OFFICE INTERIORS AND BARCLAYDEAN, JOIN TOGETHER

SEATTLE (Nov. 2, 2012) – Bank & Office Interiors and Barclay Dean announced yesterday that they are joining together to better serve customers with combined innovative workspace solutions and products along with an enhanced level of service. The two companies unite embracing the vision of “Inspiring workspace innovation, together.”

“Both organizations’ focus has always been on providing excellent customer service,” said Tim Jones, President and CEO of Bank & Office Interiors.  “United we have a depth and breadth of skills and resources that can take our customer service to an extraordinary level.”

Tim Jones will remain President and CEO, while Bank & Office Interiors’ Jeff Rospond and Kristi Jones will join Scott Harrison and Valarie Schmidt of Barclay Dean to form the new executive leadership team. Both teams have joined goals of corporate citizenship within the community and exceeding customer service expectations.

All employee positions will be retained as a result of the companies’ uniting. The new company will continue to support its many clients throughout the region with Headquarters located in the Seattle Design Center. A new brand name and identity is set to be unveiled before January 2013.

“This new alliance is very exciting,” says Scott Harrison, CEO of Barclay Dean. “We are bringing together 140 years of experience to inspire workspace innovation and provide clients with an extraordinary experience. Together, we renew our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities in which we live and work.”

Both organizations have a strong relationship with Steelcase Inc., the global leader in the office environments industry; and both excel in quality practices, each having received Steelcase Exemplary Performance awards. The new entity will remain an authorized Steelcase dealer as the two companies come together.

About Bank & Office Interiors

Founded in 1934, Bank & Office Interiors has relationships with many local and multinational organizations creating dynamic workspaces that aid collaboration and drive productivity. The company also offers services through the Workspace Development brand like its innovative Integrated Project Delivery program. Its 130 employees provide services throughout the state of Washington with dedicated focus in the Greater Puget Sound Region and Spokane. For additional information visit: www.bankandoffice.com  and www.workspacedevelopment.com.

About Barclay Dean

Barclay Dean, founded in 1949, is currently headquartered in Bellevue, WA with nearly 60 employees. Its business is focused on providing innovative workplace environments that enhance customers’ business results. The company is strongly engrained in the community through professional engagements, non-profit organization leadership and participation in company-wide volunteer projects. For additional information, visit www.barclaydean.com

Media Contact:

Kristi Jones

206.768.8000

kjones@bankandoffice.com

# # #

100 Years Series: L.L. Bean

Welcome back to the final edition of the 100 years series! So far we've visited Steelcase, Girl Scouts and Oreos - all national organizations with rich histories and a determination to stay relevant and beneficial for another 100 years...and then some. Today's organization fits right in to this category...literally.

L.L. Bean is a well known shoe and clothing line for the outdoorsy type. However, this should not deter you from checking out some amazing products that have been providing warmth and protection from the elements to its owners since 1912. It originally started with the Maine boot that Leon Leonwood Bean invented in 1911. In 1912, L.L. Bean launched by sending a mailer out for "novel hunting shoes" - this led to their first 100 orders. Within 5 years they branched out into clothing - a hunting jacket to go with the hunting boot - and their mail order company began to thrive!

Some other notable events:

• They patented the Maine Hunting Shoe in 1921 after modifications by Winfield A Given were made
• In 1928, Ernest Hemingway recommended L.L. Bean hunting boots in a letter to a friend
• In 1960, Ted Williams (baseball legend) sends L.L. Bean a letter offering to buy the company. L.L. declined the offer.
• The Coty Award - "fashion's oscar" (1975) goes to the Allagash Hat (amongst other items).
• 1976, L.L. Bean got it's own zip code
• In 1995, llbean.com launched
• In 2010, online orders eclipsed catalog orders for the first time.

To find out more information on L.L. Bean's history (or to go shopping for some boots!), click here!

I hope you've enjoyed the heritage and history of some great American organizations. Though there are quite a few others that have turned 100, as well (check out wiki for a bigger list), we wanted to share in the celebration we're having with Steelcase with a few favorites. Did we miss one you really liked? Leave a comment and I'll try to do a history check for next week.

100 Years Series: OREO

Good Morning and welcome back to the 100 Years Series. Just to catch up, we are celebrating one of our favorite vendor's - Steelcase - 100 Year Anniversary (which we're celebrating Nov. 8th with great party - contact us for more information!) by looking at their past and future. They've achieved so much and have such a great theme. If you haven't seen it yet, check out there site: http://100.steelcase.com/.

After talking about Steelcase in week 1, we visited one of my favorite childhood memories - the Girl Scouts. Their history is rooted deep in tradition and respected what the girls and women of the world can do. Read last weeks post for info and then check out some facts about them here: http://www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/facts/

This week we visit what we're told is "Milk's favorite cookie". Oreo was made by Nabisco (a division of Kraft foods) in 1912 at the Chelsea Factory in NYC. The name was trademarked on March 14th, 1912.

The original design was set to look like a wreath  with the name "oreo" in the center. The newer design we see today was created in 1952 by William A. Turnier.

Did you know the Oreo Cookie has been renamed a few times? Originally, it was the Oreo Biscuit. In 1921, it was renamed the "Oreo Sandwich". In 1948, it was called the Oreo Creme Sandwich only to be changed in 1974 to the Oreo Chocolate Sandwich. Now, as far as I can tell, we call them Oreo cookies.  

Over the years, Oreos have been keeping busy. They've become international (mostly in the last 10 years) with great success. They changed their size (mini oreos, double stuf'd oreos), added some flavors (Neapolitan oreos, green tea, strawberry), they even got into baked goods and ice cream. And they continue to be a favorite as they market to the next generation of kids and adults.

For more information, I highly recommend checking out the Wiki site - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oreo - and then visiting Oreo's online http://brands.nabisco.com/Oreo/birthday/. Play some games, share your birthday, take a pic of yourself dunking and oreo old school style...and do what their slogan says: "celebrate the kid inside".

Oreo, we wish you a very happy 100th birthday and look forward to many, many more!

~ Kendal

100 Years Series: Girl Scouts

Welcome back to our 100 years series that looks at a handful of great organizations that are hitting 100 years in 2012. Last week, we covered Steelcase (one of our favorite vendors) and gave a brief over of their history and awesome firsts!. Today's organization...Girl Scouts! Who are celebrating "the year of the girl".

As a girl scout member from 1989-1994 (troop #316 from Milford, CT, representing!), I have fond memories of camping and silly songs and crafts. Marching in the parade and learning about assembly lines and teamwork. It was a fun and rewarding experience and one that I cherish and hope to offer future generations. But the history and motto of the organization, as well as its evolution and continued effort to provide more options and education to girls is truly wonderful.

"Girl Scouts is dedicated to every girl, everywhere". - probably my favorite quote from the website

I am taking the rest of my information from their website: http://www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/facts/ - there is waaay to much information to share, and so I highly recommend taking time to go through it yourself. But here are the general facts:

Girl Scout Mission
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

100 Years
Founder Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout Troop on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Ga.

An American Institution
Girl Scouts of the USA was chartered by the U.S. Congress on March 16, 1950.

Still Growing Strong
Today, there are 3.2 million Girl Scouts—2.3 million girl members and 890,000 adult members working primarily as volunteers.

Empowering Girls
In Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Through a myriad of enriching experiences, such as extraordinary field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental stewardships, girls grow courageous and strong. Girl Scouting helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others.

At Home and Abroad
Girls at home and abroad participate in troops and groups in more than 92 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas, and over 100 local Girl Scout councils offer girls the opportunity for membership across the United States.

An International Family
Through its membership in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a worldwide family of 10 million girls and adults in 145 countries.

A Pivotal Part of Women's History
More than 59 million American women enjoyed Girl Scouting during their childhood—and that number continues to grow as Girl Scouts of the USA continues to inspire, challenge, and empower girls everywhere.

 Such an amazing organization and one which will continue to change the lives of girls everywhere!

100 Years Series: Steelcase

One of our prime manufacturers, Steelcase, has been celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. To join them in this momentous occasion, we will be hosting a party in a few weeks to commemorate their major achievement and to look towards the next 100 years.

In doing research, my boss, Kristi, found 3 other major American institutions that are also celebrating their centennial. So to help lead up to our event in early November, this blog is going to highlight these outstanding organizations.

But first, we will begin with Steelcase and their story...which started with a garbage can.

Though founded in 1912, Steelcase, then known as "The Metal Office Furniture Co.", had it's first big hit in 1914 with the manufacturing of the metal trash can. People had the careless tendency of throwing their cigarettes into the wood cans thus igniting a fire. But the ability of the metal cans to be mass produced at a low cost created an instant success.

Following this came other great pieces, including bond boxes, desks, discovering how to use U-Channels to make lighter yet sturdier products and so much more. They officially changed their name to Steelcase (though the brand name had been used since the early 1920's) in 1954 and continued on with a history of firsts:

1939 - Industry's First Roll-Edge Desk
1945 - First to have standard and interchangeable parts
1954 - First to add typewriter auxiliary unit
1961 - First to use acrylic paints
1978 - First Lou Harris Study published on the effects of the office environment
1990 - First to filter effluent paint tanks
2001 - First U.S. LEED-Certified plant opens
2007 - First to have a movable wall system C2C certified (Pathways)

Steelcase's history and devotion to the industry is an amazing achievement to recognize. B&OI has been selling Steelcase pretty much since we opened our doors in 1934 - so our partnership and much of our success is based off of their innovative products and dedication to their dealerships. Please check out more of their illustrious history here (I like list view best) as well as checking out their great story of the next 100 years here.

Verb: A New Back to School Furniture Essential

You can smell it in the air in Seattle. That time of year when children, teenagers, and adults alike eagerly make their way back into the classroom to learn important information like "who won the war of 1812?" , what is x = 12-4(3) / 8(27+45) , can our culture successfully embrace transformational leadership in corporate America?

Well, maybe not everyone is eager. However, there is always the possibility of getting to go back to class and having new and improved stuff to work with. Here is a great new product line to look for!

Verb by Steelcase 

Steelcase has created a great new table product that has installed what every student over the past 20+ years has most likely doodled on...a mountable, mini whiteboard. Verb is great for collaborating during class and sharing ideas, this line of products (which includes tables) "is an integrated collection of furniture designed to support... learning spaces and project team rooms". Find out more here!

Here's an interesting and quick youtube video that showcases the properties and capabilities of Verb for the classroom:

And for some fun, check out this great video from EM Strasbourg (France) taking complete advantage of the awesomeness that is the Node chair. 

 

Blog Favorites

Today's post marks number 65 for Bank & Office Interiors. Writing once a week (usually on Wednesdays) since March 18th, 2011, our topics have ranged from cool furniture products, ways to stay healthy at the office, and a list of songs about work. As the primary writer, I've enjoyed creating many of these posts and wanted to share what I think the cool/interesting ones have been so far and look forward to creating more witty, entertaining and educating posts in the future.

Please click on the title to link to the article

1. Gearing Up For NeoCon. - NeoCon for the furniture community is a big deal. And it is huge. I wrote this article to give tips to first timers or a refresh for veterans. Such a cool event!

2. Your Health and the Office - Don't Neglect Yourself - Last year saw a lot of awareness raised about the evils of sitting for too long in your office chair. It includes a great infographic from mashable's story.

3. One Lean Journey Leads To Another - Dana, our Director of IT, wrote a great blog on a project we did with Steelcase and the University of Washington to make them more lean.

4. Your Worklife Without the Copier? - Can you believe that the copier has only been around since 1960? What did they do before then?!? Well...another great article from Dana to let you know some cool facts.

5. Giving Hospital Rooms a Facelift - Looking Towards the Future - Oprah had a great article in her magazine, O, on the direction hospital rooms could be taking to help patient care. This was a review of that great piece.

Enjoy!

Kendal

B&OI Furniture Favorites

Bank & Office Interiors sells quite a few pieces of furniture to our customers - but I've never taken the time to find out what some of co-worker's favorite pieces are.

Personally, I'm a big fan of the dash light by Details. It's sleek. It has an LED light. It also comes in a variety of colors. You can learn more about it here.

Josh in IT chose Answer by Steelcase. "It goes together like an erector set - which every child should have played with". As a former installer, Josh would know about putting it together with a major benefit being the ease you can rearrange it. Check out more info here.

Lynda, a designer, loves the look of the Coalesse Enea Lotus Stool. "The profile is clean lines and doesn't obstruct the views" It is a good looking and versatile with a look and dynamic that allows you to put it just about anywhere. Find out more info here.

Claudia, an admin assistant, is a fan of the Steelcase i2i chair (which is my number 2!). "They're just really fun to sit in!". And she's right! The low seating is part of the collaborative collection which was designed to make teamwork easier. Definitely a cool product that would be great in any office! Find out more info here!

Kevin in contract sales had to choose two. First, he went with the Leap Lounge with Ottoman because it's a cool design and very comfy when you get to put your feet up. It does look really nice - find out here!

He then went on to say the media:scape (which is my number 3). "It's one of my favorites because of the ease in which you can share ideas with associates and clients". And he's right - now Steelcase has the mini and the mobile media:scape with allows for any room to become interactive and collaborative. Check it out here.

Answer - here it's a cube, but the possibilities are endless

The lovely Enea stool in action

Leap Lounge with Ottoman - I could definitely get comfy

media:scape offers easy collaboration and a great way to share info!

5 Office Friendly Fitness Tips



You can do push-ups in the office!

 If you live out on the west coast, specifically the Pacific Northwest, then summer is just starting to come through. When we're not outside enjoying the gray, 60 degree weather, we're inside the office, sitting, working hard for our jobs and neglecting our bodies. It's important to remember to stay fit for yourself, even when buried under mounds of paper work. I found two cool articles that offer some tips to staying fit...in the office.

From Parade.com, they offer 9 tips you can use (check out the article here) - here are a few:

* Need ideas? Take a walk: Brainstorm project ideas with a co-worker while taking a walk, either in or out of the office.

* Visit your coworkers: Walk down the hall to speak with someone rather than using the telephone or sending an e-mail.

* Save the Date: Schedule exercise time on your business calendar and treat it as any other important appointment.


Total performance offered two (out of five) tips I really liked for the office (check out full article here):

* Morning workouts - summer (normally) tends to get warm and working out at lunch or in the evening can be painful. However, there's something about a 5:30am run with the cool air invigorating your senses to wake up that gets your work day going!

* Summer diet - oh I said it (well they started it). They suggest Barley should be added to your diet (great for kidneys, keeps intestines cool), as well as fruits and veggies. I agree! Make this the summer you skip the muffins and croissants and cake Wednesdays and enjoy Greek yogurt, baby carrots with peanut butter and fresh salads with yummy trimmings and a light vinegarette.

Of course this isn't the end all, be all list of tips. If there's a coworker in the office your friends with, working together and making each other accountable for changes is a great way to stay motivated. But ideally, not neglecting your limbs and health for the sake of 10 more minutes of sitting in your chair (which really turns in to 2 hours and you know it) is what you're striving for.

Good luck!

Kendal

To Cube or Not to Cube



My phone booth

 Working in an office furniture showroom has shown me a lot of different set-ups and layouts for a company's work environment. My station has my back to the cube door (yes, my cube has a door) with super high walls and very muted colors (gray slate wall w/ this silvery green upholstery) which creates a sense of privacy, but gets pretty drab/dark. The rest of the showroom, for the most part, is open. Different heights of panels and spaces to create an environment that allows for more collaboration.

Some businesses still hold on to the 6ft high cubes for their workers (I know my old job did) - but with such an emphasis over the last few years to allow for more collaborative workspaces, the trend has been moving forward. In a recent Steelcase article, they write, "The shift toward collaborative work has dramatically changed the topography at many workplaces. More than half of the companies in the CoreNet/Steelcase study say they’re reconfiguring individual workspaces to make more room for team spaces". But by taking away more private space, you're removing the individual's ability to work in a quiet "me" space. Not everything is group oriented, and the noise and distractions can get overwhelming.

How do you feel about the more open spaces? Does your building still have private offices and higher cubes or has your company opened up the space? Let us know!



The center of the showroom (right behind my work area)



The big table in the back set up for group work



Top Songs About Work

This week's blog needs something fun - it is hump day after all. So to spice it up, I give you some top songs about work. Many of these come from Yahoo's "The 25 Best Work Songs for Labor Day" - so if you don't like my choices, check out there list and let us know which are your favorites!

Note: Links go out to youtube

In no particular order! And I apologize - most of these seem to be created before 1990.

Workin' For A Livin' - Huey Lewis and the News
"Workin' for a livin' (workin')
Workin' for a livin' (workin')
Workin' for a livin', livin' and workin'
I'm taking what they giving 'cause I'm working for a livin'. "

Working for the Weekend - Loverboy - you have to get through the intro
"Everybody's working for the weekend
Everybody wants a little romance
Everybody's goin' off the deep end
Everybody needs a second chance, oh"

It's Not My Place (In the 9-5 World) - The Ramones
"But it's not my place oh no
No it's not my place no no
No it's not my not my not my place
In the 9 to 5 world
And it's not my place
In the 9 to 5 world"

Working Class Hero - John Lennon - probably one of my favorite songs in general
(warning - language may not be appropriate for work)
"A working class hero is something to be
A working class hero is something to be"

 

Finest Worksong - R.E.M

"The time to rise has been engaged
You're better best to rearrange
I'm talking here to me alone
I listen to the finest worksong
Your finest hour
Your finest hour"

So what do you think? Have a favorite I'm missing? Let us know!

Fabrics for the Office - Why You Should Care

From Architex International

It's not something I readily think about as the marketing rep for an office furniture company. I like to show cool pictures of technologically advanced workstations and executive chairs...not the type of fabric you should choose for a panel. But if you're going through the process of buying new product or possibly refurbishing / refreshing your classics, then investigating in the aesthetic you will have to look at day in and day out for the next few years is extremely important...so I'd like to show you a few of our favorite companies to look at.

Architex - with multiple lines in various shapes, colors and (rather importantly) prices, Architex offers a wide variety to make your office and furniture beautiful. Additionally, they have a line devoted to "the common thread for the cure" - a non-profit that combines the furniture industry with the fight against breast cancer.

cf stinson is another great, versatile fabric manufacturer that offers a wide range of products to choose from. The Jazz collection is Agion Antimicrobial. Bleach solution cleanable, GreenShield soil + stain protective finish, 100% Eco Intelligent (post consumer recycled polyester) and has a non-halogenated, no-brominated FR enhance moisture barrier. (i.e AWESOME!)

 DesignTex is a favorite here at the office (and not just because they're a Steelcase company). Another large selection of everything from handmade rugs to panel fabric, I'm a fan of their environmental designs. Though most manufacturers are already very green focused, DesignTex takes the time on their website to point out their mission, recycling options, stories and history. It takes it an extra step. As a green conscientious consumer, I appreciate that.

Maharam: 2001: A Space Odyssey

And last, but not least, Maharam. A fourth generation, family owned company, they originally started out in costume fabrics and then morphed towards commercial interiors in the '60's. They, too, have the variety need to make your space creative and fun...but they also offer quite a few eccentric pieces that could make for a wonderful conversation piece.

Fabrics help accentuate your office. It can brighten up, offer a creative outlet for your co-workers and keep the office interesting. It can also create a dreary scene or unmotivated work area - so choose carefully!

Company Outings

It's that time of year again. B&OI is about to make the annual trek down the street to watch the Mariner's play at Safeco Field. Friends and family of B&OI associates are all welcome, and we start with a t-shirt, a company bbq and a few hours of non-work related socialization.


Our Company Day includes t-shirts

 A recent article in the Chicago Tribune discussed how companies are reducing the picnics - like making it during the week and not inviting family. Holding it on their grounds instead of going somewhere off site. Since I've been at B&OI (2009), the picnic has been at our office and we take the short drive down to the game. Does your company still have a family outing? Has it been reduced or slowly coming back to add a few things you used to remember?

Let us know!

Kendal

Congrats to NEOCON winners!

Last week, a few of our vendors won awards for their awesome products at NEOCON! We just wanted to show them some love for their hard work...

STEELCASE, COALESSE, DESIGNTEX - 5 Awards

SILVER AWARD  |  Verb by Steelcase Education Solutions (education solutions category)

SILVER AWARD + INNOVATION AWARD + EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD  |  Freestand Table by Coalesse

GOLD AWARD  |  Techniques collection from DesignTex (wall treatments category)

DAVIS - 4 Awards

GOLD AWARD |  Benching category for Perch (pictured right)

GOLD AWARD |  Seating category for Tre (pictured left)

SILVER AWARD  |  Guest Seating category for Fina

SILVER AWARD  |  Lounge Seating category for C.R. Lounge

WIELAND

GOLD AWARD  | Healthcare Seating category for sleepToo

VERSTEEL

SILVER AWARD  |  Training Tables category for Paces

  

KEILHAUER

GOLD AWARD | Stacking Chairs for Loon

SILVER AWARD  |  Lounge Seating category for Talk (pictured)

Attend NeoCon? Have a favorite? Let us know!

Summer Warehouse Sale!

Check out another wonderful warehouse sale next week at our 1st Ave location in Seattle. So much inventory at great prices! Pre-owned furniture is a great way to get nice furniture AND be environmentally conscientious! Check out our facebook invite for more info!

Stress Relief for the Workplace

Recently, Turnstone wrote a blog (which included a very cool inforgraphic) on stress in the workplace. According to their research, 80% of employees say they are stressed. This isn't something that comes as a particular surpise, sadly, but that does mean that there are a whole lot of people out there not exactly happy.

Turnstone's research offers suggestions with creating a perfect office anatomy to help improve conditions. Fixing the temperature, better light, and allowing for plants are proven to help reduce stress. Additionally, the color of the room can be a big impact as well (please check out their article for more info).

I thought it would be beneficial to find a few more tips and tricks from the web that could help ease some of your stress. Some are easier than others, but it's good to have a few options. Plus, if you're like me, you don't have control over the temperature or the color of your office (or cube), so having these to fall back on can't hurt.

Ririan Project (which is a personal development blog) has 19 Suggestions for stress relief (which you can check out here). They recommend having stress balls at your desk,  reducing distractions, taking breaks and walking away - which doubles as being good for your overall health! - and eating fish? "Australian researchers have discovered that eating oily fish such as salmon and sardines can help lower stress levels. This is because oily fish are jam-packed full of omega-3 fatty acids which help your nervous system to function properly and reduce the affects of hostility and aggression".

Natural Bloom offers some additional tips (which you can find all of here). Taking a few minutes to listen to your favorite music can reenergize you (and calm you down...the Beatles do that for me). Deep breathing and herbal teas to calm and sooth. Also, take a few moments to massage your forehead and temples, as well as standing up and stretching. 

Sound simple enough? Stress is going to happen, but once you realize it's coming head on you can take a few moments to relax before it completely overwhelms you. Do you have any tricks you use for stress? Maybe a mid-day kickboxing class or a particular routine you use? Let us know!

~ Kendal

Does your workspace work?

One of my favorite Steelcase videos showcases all the misfortunes that may haunt your office space - from lack of proper technology, to poor lighting, all the way back to lack of collaborative areas (rock paper scissors, anyone?). Take 2 minutes and get a good laugh as you start to empathize with possibly some areas of the short. Personally, the poor technology reminds me of my old office, as well as hitting my head more than a time or two to reach the desk top. Have anything in particular you're nodding your head to? Let us know! What's worse - lack of meeting spaces or having a lack of tech support?

Sustainable Solutions - A Success Story

In October of last year, a company from Olympia came to B&OI with a cool project in a somewhat small space. The budget was set at around $25K and they had a few unique requests they wanted fulfilled.  

The original furniture they were hoping for, completely new, was very much out of their price range. However, the fun thing about B&OI is that we have a warehouse full of pre-owned furniture that we can reupholster and paint to make it look like new! A mix of new and pre-owned allowed them to get the solution they wanted at an amazing price in the color scheme they were hoping for.

Additional enhancements were added, such as the glass window at the top of the panels and whiteboards on the exterior of the panels. Their original offices were more of an open space style - so the addition of panels to cut back on noise was a hot button issue, as well as a sliding door feature to allow even further reduction of noise and interruptions.

The group was very happy with the results of the project. B&OI provided design, delivery and installation, refurbishment, and project management with a fast turnaround of  less than 2 months. The project officially started in October with a signing in mid-November with installation completed the last week of December.  

Beyond our amazing customer service, this is a great example of how you can use pre-owned furniture to create a successful and practical office space. Their budget was maintained because they were willing to take the old and the new - but you can achieve your ideal space with used furniture. 

Check out a few shots taken by the sales rep, Alonzo! He did such a great job!



Glass panels, white boards on the wall!





Steelcase Answer with sliding door

Tight spaces made it tricky, but they now have the privacy they wanted



Office Apparel

Good Morning!

Here at Bank & Office Interiors, we have what most people would call a more formal, professional dress at our locations in Seattle. As a working showroom, it is necessary that we all look presentable and fancy - like our awesome furniture! In one respect, I like dressing up and wearing neat clothing. The phrase, "she looks smart" makes me smile (because I hear it in a British accent). On the other side, who wouldn't want to wear a pair of jeans to work with a nice sweater or cardigan (or blazer)?

Below, our Project Manager is showcasing the latest in B&OI fashion that our guys wear while on job sites. It actually looks really sharp (smart :-) to have everyone looking uniformed while at a different location. The warehouse employees have it a little more laid back than we do up at the showroom. But since they receive very few visitors, they are given a little more leeway in what they wear.

What do you think? Does your company have uniforms? What's the tone in the office? Semi-professional? Casual? Suits and ties?

Thanks! Kendal

The Best Office Perks

If you work in an office, or have in the past, chances are you remember something cool your company did for you that wasn't necessarily in your contract. Like free coffee in the break room or a company softball team (sponsored with fun t-shirts). These office perks are a way to keep morale up and your employees generally happy. Over the past few years, the amount and extremes of perks have gone down significantly, but there are still some out there worth offering your team. Here are a few of the favorites (and feel free to let me know of any I may have missed):

 - Snacks (like fruit and granola) in the break room (along with the free coffee)
 - Tuition Reimbursement (or free school altogether!)
 - Sports Teams (nothing like team bonding over a playing field)
 - Paid Sabbaticals (who doesn't need a little me time)
 - In-House Gyms (or memberships to local gyms)
 - Good Office Furniture (never underestimate the importance of a good chair)

Check out more from Inc.'s article and Boston.com's article for some more of the best office perks.