We spent in the workshop many hours a day, sometimes even more than in our own homes. However, we do not always pay as much attention and care to create pleasant environments that help workers feel comfortable and motivated. Everything in office design is relevant, but there are aspects that should never be missing. Here we discover some of the most important:

Office chairs Mystic by Limobel Inwo

ergonomic furniture

In particular, the chairs should have a Ergonomic design perfectly studied to ensure a correct posture of the back. All collections of Limobel Inwo chairs They have an ergonomic design, studied in detail for the correct position of the user: ergonomic and non-slip seat, adjustable arms and headrest, mesh or breathable fabric backrests, adjustable height and position of the backrest, possibility of 360º rotation, etc...

The tables must also have some design flexibility, to adjust to the different tasks or functionalities: legs with different heights and that do not obstruct the work area, electrification systems to prevent the cables from being loose and becoming entangled with other objects, ecological finishes, whether in paint, lacquer or laminated, since the contact with the surfaces is constant. All these aspects are taken care of in detail in the design of Limobel Inwo furniture, because we know that comfortable spaces begin with the workplace.

Heos office table

VOC-free materials

As we have pointed out, the surface materials, paints and lacquers must be free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), certain hydrocarbons that are gaseous at normal room temperature or are highly volatile at room temperature. Their characteristic is that they easily become vapors or gases, remaining suspended in the environment. Many VOCs are dangerous air pollutants, contributing to the formation of pollution in cities (smog). In indoor environments they are very present, along with other compounds that are not so volatile and are deposited in dust. In the construction sector, they are released by paint and lacquer solvents, foams, plastics, air fresheners, insulation, melamine, binders, silicones, waterproofing agents, mastics, dry cleaning products... They are also produced in the combustion of gasoline, wood, coal or natural gas. Some of the VOCs more present They are formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, acetone, and perchlorethylene.

Aware that these volatile components are found in many materials used in the manufacture of office furniture, in Limobel Inwo we work tirelessly to reduce their presence. For this reason, our products have been designed to be manufactured with a 60% recycled materials, limiting the use of hazardous substances. The steel and wood used are 100% recyclable. Printing inks are water-based without solvents and we have significantly reduced the use of glues and glues on the upholstery and, in general, global emissions in the production process. 

Acustic Premium dividing panels in multiple Nix workstations, by Limobel Inwo.

Acoustic conditioning

One of the most important aspects to achieve an adequate productive environment is the acoustic conditioning, as we showed you a few weeks ago. The choice of materials is essential in this task: materials with sound-absorbing properties must be chosen, such as enriched textiles and carpets made of rubber or organic materials, el cork and other types of new generation coatings. For this reason, in areas with a lot of noise, it is not advisable to install “hard” materials, such as stone or ceramic, where the sound bounces and generates an echo. It is not about not using these materials, which are of course an ideal and very decorative resource, but allocating it to certain areas where loudness is not a problem.

Plus One chairs by Limobel Inwo.

Good lighting

Another aspect that is often not attended to properly is the illumination. If possible, it is always advisable to have a source of natural light, with large windows that also allow good ventilation. However, often this is not possible, or not always direct light does not favor working with computers. Therefore, it is also pertinent to resort to systems that regulate the passage of light, with blinds or screens that shade the light. In addition to the adequate regulation of natural light, it is always necessary to have the support of artificial light and a good lighting Project, done by professionals. Don't even think about leaving it in non-expert hands! It can be a real disaster. Lighting projects are usually the most complicated and technical part of the overall interior design project. In fact, many projects fail and it is not perceived exactly where the error is, because the lighting it is an intangible that completely shapes and defines a space.

biophilic touch

Recent studies have shown that the integration of plants and green areas inside the offices substantially favors the spirit of the workers. Cary Cooper, Professor of Psychology and Organizational Health at Lancaster University, in a study on "The Global Impact of biophilic design in the workplace” indicates that “being connected to nature is, in fact, a human adaptive function that enables and supports psychological restoration. This means that, within a built environment, the incorporation of elements that allow a direct connection with nature (parks and lakes) or indirect connections (for example, interior design using natural elements, colors and patterns that resemble nature, indoor plants and views of green spaces) they can help our mental recovery and offer a break from our daily activities in order to maintain positive well-being.” A London company tested the concept by bringing in more than 4 thousand plants in their offices, equivalent to eight plants per person. Among the results they obtained, the reduction of toxic components, the compensation of humidity and the improvement in the well-being of employees stood out. And another Human Spaces study found that workers in offices with natural elements, such as greenery and natural lighting, are 6% more productive. In summary, it is scientifically proven that the biophilia benefits and favors motivating environments.

Create community

If the modern design of work environments seeks something, it is to create dramatic effects that move away from the traditional office concept. For this, work is done especially on the worker community, creating open and casual common use areas, where workers can interrelate: dining rooms, play areas, kitchens, even gyms or nurseries. Creating small cities within a large office is becoming more frequent, because the idea that these spaces should be friendly and favor not only the exchange of professional ideas, but also the common life of workers has finally been adopted.