Comfortable offices – what kind of workspace is best for employees?

Verkkokauppa.com offers a wide range of products to improve office comfort and employee well-being—something your staff will surely appreciate. These tips will help ensure your office environment boosts wellness.

A dream office includes at least an ergonomic office chair, adjustable desk, high-quality noise-canceling headphones and a premium coffee machine – but a functional office needs more. In this article, we explore what makes a dream office where work is more fun, comfortable, and productive.

What kind of office beats the perks of working from home and encourages employees to return?

Many employers want their staff to spend more time at the office, as working together in person fosters a stronger sense of community. However, many employees now prefer a hybrid model, splitting their time between home and the office.

To compete with the benefits of working from home and lure employees back, the office must offer real advantages and comforts. A modern office provides inspiring spaces that support collaboration and creativity, featuring ergonomic workstations, quiet zones for focused tasks, and relaxation areas for breaks. High-quality technology and fast connections make work easier, while flexible hours and easy accessibility make commuting more seamless.

“You can make the office more attractive by ensuring it offers higher quality, more versatile, more comfortable, and more ergonomic working conditions than a home office,” says Tero Soini, Sales Manager at Verkkokauppa.com.

Tero Soini says.

Noise-canceling headphones and sound masking systems guarantee peace and quiet

Office spaces have changed significantly over the last few decades. While offices used to consist of separate rooms where employees worked in private, modern workplaces are mostly open-plan—making office acoustics vital. Although working in an open office is great for social interaction, the background noise can be distracting. Those used to a quiet home office might hesitate to return because of the noise. Fortunately, there are many ways to ensure an acoustically pleasant environment.

“Sound masking systems ensure that people aren't distracted by others' phone calls. Using soft materials is also key to a room's acoustics,” Soini says.

Noise-canceling headphones, on the other hand, ensure you can hear your calls or remote meetings even in a noisy environment. There are numerous models specifically suited for office work.

“Noise-canceling headphones are indispensable in an open office. They are constantly evolving, and there are many models on the market that remain comfortable even during long periods of use,” says Soini.

Get the office lighting, temperature, and interior right

A professionally decorated and equipped office beats a home office in comfort. A pleasant temperature increases efficiency—during a heatwave, many even look forward to a cooled office.

“Verkkokauppa.com sells and installs air source heat pumps for businesses. They are highly effective at cooling the office and improving overall well-being at work.”

Office lighting is crucial for maintaining energy levels during the darker months. In a well-lit office, the day gets off to a faster start than at home, and professional lighting adjustments make the workspace more pleasant.

“Lighting has a major impact on how work progresses. In the morning, the light can be brighter and whiter, while in the afternoon, it can be dimmer and warmer,” Soini explains.

A pleasant return to the office also requires restorative breaks and a visually appealing environment. You can enhance the aesthetics with plants and improve the quality of breaks with functional breakroom facilities. A coffee machine, microwave, refrigerator and dishwasher are essential for any office, just like a photocopier, printer or projector.

“If there's only one microwave, the lunch break can be wasted in a queue. There should be several microwaves in the breakrooms. Professional-grade coffee machines guarantee fast, fresh coffee for everyone, eliminating waste from old coffee left in a standard pot,” Soini concludes.

Verkkokauppa.com offers a vast selection of products that aren't strictly tools but are essential to the office environment. In addition to equipment, we provide everything from coffee, snacks and nuts and soft drinks. We also carry beautiful decor items to make the office more inviting.

Room booking systems support workplace well-being

According to Soini, the most important reason to come to the office is the people. In addition to open-plan areas, the office should feature up-to-date, modern, and versatile workspaces.

“It's good to have clear spaces for teamwork, quiet zones, and various specialized areas. These spaces should be equipped with the right technology for every purpose,” he says.

Soini adds that employees often no longer have assigned desks, which can create challenges in an open office. Room booking systems solve this problem brilliantly and prevent ghost bookings.

“They allow you to choose and book a suitable workstation in advance, ensuring it's available when you arrive. If someone doesn't show up, a sensor releases the spot for the next person.”

Booking systems are also particularly handy when a team decides to have a shared office day. The system allows you to share your seat reservation with colleagues.

“The whole team can book adjacent seats. These solutions might seem simple, but they have a significant impact on workplace well-being,” Soini says.

Supporting physical well-being

Whether the job is physically demanding or mentally challenging, staying fit significantly supports your ability to perform. We offer everything from pull-up bars for the breakroom to equipment for setting up a full company gym.

Or why not try a new kind of incentive to encourage office attendance—a commuter bike benefit? By offering your staff the chance to choose a bike from our wide selection, you encourage active living and make the commute easier. Company bikes can also be easily acquired through leasing.

Verkkokauppa.com provides technology for all kinds of modern and comfortable offices. We offer personalized solutions, including delivery and installation.