How To Make Your Office Greener

Posted on January 17, 2020 by jstfort

How To Make Your Office Greener Or More Eco-Friendly

Numerous studies show employee health and well-being are inextricably linked to employers providing a clean, healthy work environment. Studies also show that employees spend a significant part of each day at work.

It is therefore important to ensure the environment is safe and conducive to mental and physical well-being and productivity. Some studies also indicate that employees in an eco-friendly workspace tend to experience fewer workplace mistakes, and accidents. Besides, a greener office seems to help minimize high staff turnover and absenteeism. All are key indicators why you should make your officer greener.

Here Are Some Ways To Make Your Office More Eco-Friendly

Facilitate Employee Buy-In

Employees who feel a part of any greening program will more than likely help sustain the initiative in the long-run. One of the best ways to make your office greener and more eco-friendly is to include your employees in your planning at the start.

Engendering employee input into green initiatives will help make them feel they constitute an integral part of the project. It may also help motivate them to come up with their ideas to make their workspaces more efficient and user-friendly.

Improve Wellness And Reduce Absenteeism

Some studies show that employers lose billions of dollars in production time yearly due to absenteeism or illness. A sick work environment may also contribute to high staff turnover, more workplace mistakes and accidents, and low motivation.

A clean work environment is a great investment in helping to improve productivity, general outlook, and employee and client relations.

Improve The Lighting

Research shows that office lighting consumes almost 20 percent of all energy use in organizations. Incorporating more natural lighting may not only help reduce energy costs but may promote more alertness and focus at workstations.

Switching to low-energy or LED lighting, and positioning workstations closer to natural sunlight may help boost energy and productivity levels among employees.

Encourage employees to turn off lights in rooms that are used less frequently, and also switch off lights at the end of the workday. Some studies indicate leaving lights on overnight may help increase greenhouse emissions in the office.

Incorporate More Greenery

An attractive work area may help boost employee perspective and foster greater interaction among colleagues and customers. Try bringing some of the greenery from the outside into the workspace to help make your office more eco-friendly.

Research shows that plants can help improve the overall air quality by consuming carbon dioxide and increasing oxygen levels. Plants may also help disperse any chemical substances released by office cleaning products, furniture, and equipment. Cleaner air quality may also help reduce absenteeism due to illness resulting from environmental factors.

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products And Equipment

Chemical cleaning products may release harmful gases or fumes into the air and air-conditioning vents. Studies show some odors and toxic fumes from chemical cleaning products may contaminate the office environment with constant use.

Some products may also release irritants that can contribute to respiratory illnesses, burning, itching, watery eyes, and itching skin. Eco-friendly cleaning products can help employees inhale, cleaner, fresher air.

They may also help reduce dust and chemical residues that may shorten the lifespan of office furniture and equipment.

Conserve Energy

Lighting and equipment generate high volumes of energy while operating. Eco-friendly office equipment may help reduce emissions and cut costs related to high-energy output.

Switch off computers, printers, heating, and air-conditioning systems when not in use. Regulating heating and cooling systems to avoid constant cycling also help reduce energy output and expenses in the office.

Use Less Water

Conserving water will also help reduce wastage and utility costs. Implementing initiatives to help conserve water will also ensure a more eco-friendly work environment.

Switch out traditional plumbing fixtures with low-output or motor sensor faucets. Low-flushing toilets will also help save water. Check your plumbing system regularly to help reduce leaks and replace faulty fixtures promptly.

Reduce Wastage

Green office spaces can also help reduce office wastage and operating expenses. Let employees be responsible for providing their utensils for coffee, snack and lunch breaks. Reducing the reliance on single-use plastics will help minimize wastage, and garbage entering the landfill.

Using less paper and recycling used paper will also help reduce costs. Set up areas around the office for collecting items that can be recycled to help reduce clutter and wastage. Recycling ink cartridges, filters, drinking bottles, cans, and paper products can also help reduce the carbon footprint in the environment.

Service Equipment Regularly

Instituting a sustainable maintenance schedule can also help make your office environment more eco-friendly and productive. Periodic checks and servicing equipment will ensure they are in good working order, help reduce breakdowns, and expand their lifespan.

Improve Restroom Efficiency

Restrooms are among the hardest-working spaces in the office. Making them more eco-friendly will reap many benefits. Use eco-friendly cleaning products to keep floors, walls, sinks, and bowls clean, sanitary and pleasant smelling.

Keep washroom floors dry and clean to help reduce slips and falls that may cause serious accidents or injury. Switch to soaps and air-fresheners that emit fewer odors into the atmosphere, and reduce oils and other harmful chemicals entering the drainage system.

Clean around taps, basins, and bowls often to help minimize mold and mildew build-up. Use hand blowers or cloth towels to reduce the use of paper products for drying hands after using the washroom.

Recycle Obsolete Equipment

You can become a good corporate citizen by doing your part to reduce the number of machines entering the landfills. Instead of throwing them out, check to see whether you can recycle or refurbish them to extend their usefulness. You can then donate them to charitable organizations or educational institutions.

Commuting

Daily commuting may lead to fatigue, stress and less productivity among employees. Promoting carpooling may help protect the environment while promoting greater employee interaction.

Providing a clean, eco-friendly office space is one of the best ways to ensure the safety and well-being of your employees. It also demonstrates a level of corporate responsibility to clients and staff that you are serious about business and the environment.

Empowering your employees to be a part of green initiatives will help keep them invested in their workspace health and safety regulations. Eco-friendly workspaces can help reduce wastage, conserve energy, and promote a happier, healthier, more engaging employee. If you are relocating an office this is a great time to consider taking steps to make your office greener. In the event of an office relocation, make sure you hire professionals for this process. Click here to get a free estimate today.

Ideas For Decorating A New Desk Space

Posted on January 9, 2020 by jstfort

Ideas For Decorating A New Desk Space

You have just finished moving to a new location and now need to find a way to add some décor to your desk space.

There are ways to decorate your new desk space in such a way to be more productive, and comfortable at work. We consider a few excellent tips to make you feel more comfortable in your new desk space at work.

Take A Minimalistic Approach

You should decide on a design style before you implement any décor. While it might be tempting to get as many tools and gadgets into your work desk, giving yourself easier access to everything you need while you work will be essential. You might want to consider a minimalistic approach instead.

The approach to reducing the clutter in your desk space helps to give you a larger space to work in. A minimalistic workspace has also been shown to be useful for boosting your productivity.

Add Some Plants

Once you have decided on a layout and design for your desk space, be sure to consider adding some plants too. There are several benefits that some plants would be able to offer you – particularly in your office space.

It has been shown that plants in an office can significantly enhance indoor air quality. Furthermore, you might find that adding some plants can help to produce a reduction in your stress levels – something that might be critical during those working hours. In addition to these, plants also add some color to your desk space and contribute to the aesthetic appearance of your office.

Add Storage Units

Another important element of comfortable desk space would be storage. We see how a minimalistic approach to your office and desk space décor would be beneficial. This, however, might mean that there is insufficient storage space for your documents, stationery items, and other essentials.

Consider the size of your office space and the desk itself. Then see how you can optimize the space to create storage units. You should consider adding some units to the wall – this can reduce the space used on the ground level, but still give you a location for files, documents, and other items to be stored. When adding storage units, do not overlook the open space underneath your desk – this can also serve as a great location for some drawers.

Pin and tack items to walls

Add a little life to your workspace by pinning and tacking different photos and items around you. Think about bringing some personality to your desk. Pin and tack some family photos, vacation getaways images or inspirational quotes. These things can help you keep your mind on the positive things in life during the tough days at work.

Add in a lamp

Not every office is as well-lit as we would want them to be. Things can start to seem very dim and gloomy especially at the end of a long week. Brighten things up with a nice desk lamp. It can really help lighten your mood when working late hours.

Moving into a new office might be a stressful time, but planning ahead can make things much easier. Your new office also gives you an excellent chance to explore new ways of decorating the interior of various rooms – and this includes the desk space that you will be taking advantage of. We offered a few useful ideas for decorating a new desk space – take a look at which of these will be best suited to your space. If you are in the mists of planning an office relocation, click here for a free estimate.

Cool Office Gadgets 2020

Posted on January 2, 2020January 3, 2020 by jstfort

Cool Office Gadgets 2020

Shopping around for some new items for your office can be a big task. You’re not sure where to start. The goal is always to create the best possible work environment for your employees. Whether you are setting up a new office or updating an existing one, make sure to provide your employees with a comfortable and productive space. Here some of the coolest office gadgets that you will see in 2020.

Stand up Desk

Stand up desks have become extremely popular in many offices nationwide. This is due to the extensive amount of research done showing how detrimental a seated position is to your health if done for hours at a time. The stand-up desks provide an easy and convenient way to transition from a seated to standing position. The desk levitates to your workstation, making it easy to use a computer or laptop from a standing position.

Wifi Document Signer

This scanner is an extremely easy device to get all your documents on to a digital platform. No more fussing with aggravating copy and scanning machines. Simply slide your paper document through the wireless scanner and have your document appear on your digital device. This is great for those scanning documents in volume. A must-have for any office.

Touch Screen converting bar — Image sourced from – https://www.bhphotovideo.com/

Touch screen bar

We are all used to touch screen tech in our everyday life. This device allows you to have that same ability on your laptop. The touch screen makes it easy to drag and drop throughout your desk stop. Easily swipe and scroll through documents with the touch of a finger. For creatives, this is a must. This makes drawing precise and simple. Effortlessly edit and cut videos down to the exact detail. This is compatible with almost any of the latest laptops.

Balance ball chair

Balance ball one of this year trending office items — Image sourced from https://www.gaiam.com/

You may have seen those weird balls that look like chairs in your office. These are extremely popular now, but what are they for? These chairs promote popular body alignment while stabilizing your core. A unique looking chair that has a significant amount of health benefits.

Hello 2 is a this years trending office item — Image from https://store.solaborate.com/

Hello2 Video conference call

The Hello 2 takes your video chatting experience to the next level. This versatile device not only comes with a 4k camera, but it also has a plethora of other features to give you a top-quality office conference call experience and more. Integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google Voice, it allows you to easily make requests to AI voice assistants. Transferring any TV to an all in one communication device, Hello2 is one of this year’s office essentials.

Air pods

They are everywhere. You’ve seen people everywhere you go with the signature white air pods. What makes them so popular, and why would they be used in an office setting? The hand-free Bluetooth pods make it extremely easy to connect with people while on the go or getting work done. Whether you are taking calls, listening to music, or getting information from Siri, the ability to be hands-free makes it extremely easy to multi-task.

Interactive office projected is one of the trending items this year — Image from – https://protechprojection.com/

Epson Projector

This hot piece of tech is designed to make your meetings more engaging. Its convenient technology allows you to project onto any surface. Use the surface as a whiteboard or to mirror your computer screen. The best part is the whole experience is interactive, allowing you to control your meeting from the board. It’s screen sharing features allow you to share your meeting with up to 15 devices and also allows the member to participate as well with the ability to adjust.

When it comes to setting up your office, make sure that you’re up to date with the latest gadgets that will help with well being and productivity of your team. Some of the latest trends in tech and office furniture can help. If you’re planning an office move or relocation be sure to click here for a free estimate.

What Is a Commercial Cube Sheet?

Posted on July 19, 2019 by rhunt

What is a Commercial Cube Sheet?

List are one of the most common tools to make a move run smoothly. Offices will have lists of important documents that need to be saved, who will be working on which floor, and other important information. Commercial moving companies make lists too. Their lists contain all the items being moved from your business.

That is where a commercial cube sheet comes in. The commercial cube sheet will list quantities of inventory, then use the corresponding volumes of those items to generate a price estimate for the move. Generally, these items include common office furniture like desks, computers, and cubicles and their volumes.

Why Does My Business Need One?

Estimators will use a commercial cube sheet to create an inventory of items that need to be moved. For example, common items like chairs will be recorded for quantity under the same category of ‘desk chair’. Generally, items that have no category on the sheet will be marked by the size of box they require. Once everything is accounted for, a total volume is calculated that a price estimate can be based on.

Do I Complete the Cube Sheet?

No. A sales representative will complete the cube sheet for you.

However, understanding how a cube sheet works will make it easier understand how your movers look at your business. You will be in charge of telling our rep what will move with you and what won’t. Making those decisions early will better organize your business for the moving process.

How Is a Cube Sheet Completed?

Again, your sales rep will handle the completion of the cube sheet from start to finish. They will work with either you or whomever you designate to manage your move. Then, they will go room by room, discussing with you/your manager which items will be moved and what will not. This is the time to provide greater detail to your sales rep so that there is clear understanding between you, the rep, and the moving crew.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Cube sheets are a very simple part of your moving process. The only thing you should keep in mind is whether the scope of your move has changed vs. what’s recorded on the cube sheet. If there are significant changes of what is or isn’t going, the sales rep will usually need to adjust the move plan and maybe even your price. The cube sheet is a record you can reference to recall the agreement of what’s included in the service. If the basis of the service has changed, be sure to let the sales rep know so he or she can prepare.

Any questions you have about cube sheets can be directed to an Olympia sales representative.

Contact us today at 800-222-4744 for more information or to schedule a proposal meeting.

9 Things Companies Just Don’t Need Anymore

Posted on May 28, 2019 by rhunt

We’re almost two decades into the new millennium, and some companies are still stuck like it’s 1999. Nostalgia might work for old records and bell-bottom jeans, but not for office spaces.

It’s time for a declutter. You company is likely wasting money on a larger office space to accommodate things you just don’t need. Olympia Office Movers is here to help you evaluate and move to a smaller, cost effective, and modern office space.

Here is Olympia’s list of things in your workplace that just need to go.

Fax Machines to Email and USB

Fax machines are out and digital transfers like email, local cloud storage, and Dropbox are in. Only Joe Shmoe at Radioshack is still using a fax machine, and he’s just doing it to be different.

Mail Rooms to Digital Communications

Mail rooms became obsolete with email, but some companies have kept them around gathering dust. All that wasted space is the best place to set up a game room or relaxation area.

Fluorescent Lighting to Natural Light

Not only are fluorescent lights an energy drain, they also hurt the eyes. Most offices try to do the most they can with natural sunlight these days, with LED bulbs as an alternative.

Analog Registers to Multi-Use Registers (Card tap and Apple Pay)

Cash rhymes with past for a reason! The classic push-button register is being retired across the country. Now full-digital systems like Square are taking over point of sale systems, as well as payments, capital management, and payroll.

(Disclaimer from the author: Actually, carrying cash is very important and you should still do it even if you don’t ever use it).

Water Cooler to Water Bottle Fountain

Though the water cooler is legend in the stereotypical office, more and more companies are switching to filtered water bottle stations. This reduces plastic waste from disposable cups. Encourage your team to convert to water bottles full time and access to crisp, filtered water.

Drip Coffee Machines to Keurigs and Tea Pots

The drip coffee maker lost favor with the caffeinated masses long ago. Keurig brewers are usually the first suspect in drip coffee’s decline, but traditional and electric teapots are also seeing a resurgence as tea reasserts itself.

Meetings Over Dinner

Nobody wants to talk business while they chomp on a medium rare steak. As the concept of ‘work-life balance’ gains popularity, less people are wooing clients in the evening.

Stationary Storage to Free Space

Physical marketing materials and company stationary are out of favor. Offices need less storage space than ever nowadays, so the old closets full of paper have lost their relevance. As email and social media marketing take over, say goodbye to the pamphlets of yesterday.

Closed Cubicles to Open Floor Plans

Cubicles are reaching the age of retirement in certain industries. Now, open concept offices are the cutting edge of innovation.

Are You Hanging On to Old Stuff?

If you read this list and felt called out, maybe its time to call in the professionals. Olympia Moving and Storage can help you declutter your office with our trained disposal crews. Unwanted furniture, appliances, papers, and trash will be out of your office without any hassle on your part.

If your company has thing it just doesn’t need anymore, contact Olympia Moving and Storage today at 800-222-4744 or fill out our free estimate form.

Moving Office? Feng Shui Your New Space

Posted on July 25, 2016August 23, 2018 by olympiamoving

When moving into a new office space it’s the perfect time to reorganize and decorate. These are some tips to help your transition and plan an office that will generate positive energy and inspiration.

Trash the clutter.

Go through all of the loose paper and random sticky notes and trash anything that isn’t relevant! The tricky part about this is keeping it de-cluttered; try to get into a habit of leaving your desk clean at the end of the day and don’t over crowd items . If it’s still feeling cramped, possibly invest in a mirror to open up the space.

Get some plants.

Encourage your coworkers to give the office some green and fresh air by adding plants to the office. This will spruce up your desk space and improve what you are feeding your brain while at work.

Give your desk a “commanding position.”

Orient yourself so that you can see out the window and people in front of you; this creates a safe space. People working behind you can often be distracting and you may get the feeling that someone is always looking over your shoulder.

Harmonize the layout of your desk.

The left side of your desk has to do with wisdom, relationships and wealth. You should decorate this area with cooler colors, family photos and plants. The center of your desk should be clutter free and clear, this area aligns with your career, health and reputation. You can fill this space with motivational quotes, business cards and colors like yellow, black and red. The right side of your desk promotes creativity, love and compassion. Bring in the colors gold, white and silver, a mantra or flowers for inspiration in these aspects of your life.

Once you have established a work environment that allows you to be productive, reach goals and enjoy every minute of it, you can then begin expanding Feng Shui techniques into other areas of your life.

Before you can Feng Shui your office space, you need to move there! Request a free office moving estimate online or by calling us at 800.222.4744

Announcing New Philadelphia Commercial Moving Company Location!

Posted on June 30, 2016August 23, 2018 by olympiamoving

Philadelphia PA Moving Company — *Olympia Moving & Storage is now open in Philadelphia, PA*

Olympia Moving & Storage, a leading moving company in Boston and Washington DC, announced the opening of their newest Philadelphia moving company location.

“We chose Philadelphia as our newest location in response to the demand from area relocation and real estate professionals. Philadelphia’s historic homes, universities, and industry are a perfect fit for Olympia’s 25 years of experience.” said Michael Gilmartin, President and Founder of the Boston-based moving company.

Olympia Moving & Storage uses highly-trained moving experts, technology, and an extensive a-la-carte menu of services to provide companies with a move that goes far beyond lifting boxes.

In addition to local, interstate, and international moving and storage, the new Philadelphia moving company offers relocation concierge services, designed to assist companies with every aspect of their move. Olympia’s moving consultants recommend services to make the process smoother. Olympia’s concierge services include, office moving, workstation installation, electronics disconnection/re-connection, crate delivery, storage and recycling & disposal.

Olympia uses a combination of personalized customer service and technology to ease pre-move stress and ensure a seamless move. Each client is assigned both a dedicated move consultant and coordinator to plan the move, guide the whole office through the process, and be responsive to client needs. Olympia Moving customers can also track and manage their move online via the Olympia Move Portal, where they can sign and download documents, review details, access moving resources, and more.

Most importantly, Olympia Moving & Storage employs the best full-time moving professionals in
the industry. Olympia’s movers practice their skills in the fully furnished Olympia Training House before stepping foot onto a move site for the first time. The crews’ extensive training includes packing, furniture protection, moving, furniture assembly, and customer service.

“Our goal is to redefine the moving industry. We work with our customers to eliminate the stress and intimidation from the move so they can concentrate on enjoying their new home,” says Michael Gilmartin. “We’re excited to show Philadelphia that there’s a better way to move.”

If you’re in need of a move in Greater Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey, or Northern Delaware, request a free, no obligation moving estimate online or by calling 610-951-6090