Opening your first office can be one of the most thrilling experiences when starting your new business.
…but it can also be one of the most stressful rooms to get right. Done correctly, you will create a workspace that promotes productivity, health, and happiness for years to come. Done incorrectly your staff will suffer:
- Sore backs
- Grumpy staff
- Wasted money
The good news? Your first office doesn’t have to be stressful to set up. Here is exactly what you need to prioritise, so your budget goes on what actually matters.
Time to dive in…
The rundown:
- Why Your Office Setup Matters More Than You Think
- The Non-Negotiables Every New Office Needs
- Where To Spend (And Where To Save)
- Common Mistakes New Businesses Make
Why Your Office Setup Matters More Than You Think
Most new business owners treat their office setup as an afterthought.
Big mistake.
Your workspace environment affects productivity. Employee retention. Sick days. Investing in cheap desk chairs and drawers that pinch your fingers may seem wise when you’re first starting out, but…
But it costs way more in the long run.
Here’s one for you: researchers at the University of Leicester discovered that ergonomic office layouts have the potential to boost productivity by as much as 40%. Now that’s profit from a relatively small initial outlay.
One of the first places you should start? Ergonomic furniture, like comfortable chairs that provide proper support. Ergonomic office chairs are among the easiest and wisest investments you can make when starting your business. Good quality ergonomic office chairs promote good posture, minimize fatigue and will keep your employees focused throughout their long work days.
Ergonomic office chairs matter because:
- Staff will spend 8+ hours a day sitting in them
- Poor seating causes back pain and long-term injury
- Uncomfortable chairs slow down productivity fast
- Good chairs easily last 5-10 years
Neat huh? One wise buying choice can influence the well-being of your business for decades.
The Non-Negotiables Every New Office Needs
Every startup office needs certain basics before opening the doors.
Avoid these at all costs, or productivity will suffer starting day 1. These are the things you should focus on before anything:
Ergonomic Office Chairs
Ergonomic office chairs top this list for a reason.
Your employees will sit in these chairs more than anywhere else in the workplace. Studies have indicated that 61% of workers struggle with pain associated with poor posture. That’s why ergonomically designed chairs are so important to a growing business.
Look for chairs that offer:
- Adjustable seat height and depth
- Proper lumbar support
- Adjustable armrests
- Breathable mesh or quality upholstery
- A five-star base for stability
Don’t cheap out. A good ergonomic office chair will save you money many times over in productivity and lost work days.
Good Quality Desks
Desks are the second big-ticket item to get right.
Invest in adjustable sit-stand desks. They allow employees to move during the day which helps prevent backaches and increases energy. If sit-stand desks aren’t in the budget, ensure desk height is appropriate for chair height.
Reliable Tech Setup
Slow computer or dodgy WiFi can grind office productivity to a halt. Priorities:
- Fast, reliable internet
- Good quality monitors (dual screens where possible)
- Comfortable keyboards and mice
- Proper cable management
Proper Lighting
Poor lighting causes eye strain, headaches, and low mood.
Sunlight is your friend here. If that isn’t available, get nice warm LED lights instead of cold fluorescent bulbs. Lamps at each desk are also a great idea that most companies don’t think of.
Where To Spend (And Where To Save)
Not every part of an office setup deserves the same budget.
Here’s a simple breakdown of where money should actually go…
Spend more on:
- Ergonomic office chairs (staff use these all day)
- Reliable technology (downtime costs a fortune)
- Good lighting (affects mood and productivity)
Save money on:
- Decorative items and artwork
- Fancy reception furniture
- Break room extras
Buy what impacts everyday productivity and wellness. Save what’s just for aesthetics.
Now that might sound obvious…
Entrepreneurs sometimes make this mistake. They spend too much money on the lobby/reception area and cheap out on $50 office chairs for employees. Half the team is experiencing back pain after 6 months, and there is no productivity.
Money talks. Research has found that every $1 spent on ergonomic interventions is returned to businesses in the form of reduced costs and productivity benefits between $3 to $6.
That’s a ridiculous return on investment.
Common Mistakes New Businesses Make
Setting up a first office comes with a learning curve.
Here are the biggest mistakes to avoid so no time or money gets wasted.
Buying Cheap Furniture
Cheap furniture is expensive.
It sounds contradictory, but it’s accurate. Inexpensive chairs and desks fail more quickly, cause health issues, and typically require replacement before 12 months. Quality is cheaper to purchase once than purchasing inexpensive products three times.
Ignoring Ergonomics
Ergonomics isn’t just a buzzword.
Ergonomics is the study of how to design a workplace that properly fits the human body. Design it wrong and you get injuries, absenteeism and employee turnover. Design it right and you have employees working at peak efficiency.
Forgetting About Storage
New businesses always underestimate storage needs.
Files, paper goods, swag, extra equipment… someone has to store it. Budget more space than you expect to require. Then double it.
Skipping The Test Run
Never buy office furniture without trying it first.
That $500 chair that looks amazing online may actually feel like torture after 2 hours of sitting. Hit up showrooms, sit in chairs, really learn what feels good. Reliable suppliers usually allow you to let staff try it out before ordering in bulk.
Bringing It Home
Setting up a first office is a huge milestone for any new business.
If you do it correctly you will have a workspace that will allow your employees to stay productive and healthy for decades. Here are the essentials:
- Invest in ergonomic office chairs – your team’s health depends on it
- Prioritise quality over quantity – buy fewer, better items
- Focus spending on productivity – not decorative fluff
- Think long-term – cheap options cost more over time
Companies succeed when they invest in their offices rather than spend money there. Quality chairs, equipment and lighting are essential in every efficient office.
Start there, and everything else will fall into place.
