- Continue Shopping
- Your Cart is Empty
Pros and Cons of Open Floor Plan Offices
Open floor plan offices have become the norm, especially for startups and contemporary companies. The driving force behind removing cubicles is the idea that employees should feel free to collaborate and ask questions throughout the workday. If you’re thinking about converting to an open floor plan workplace, consider the pros and cons before making the transition. To learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of this popular layout, keep the following in mind:
The Pros
An open concept floor plan is often beneficial for improving communication and encouraging close relationships between team members. When there are no literal or metaphorical walls separating employees, they’re more likely to mingle throughout the day and seek help whenever it’s necessary. For some, the ability to move freely throughout the space has positive effects on productivity and well-being. Additionally, open floor plan offices remove the feeling of a hierarchy that may be present in buildings that reserve spacious offices for high-level personnel. With an open floor plan that’s free of individual, closed-off workspaces, everyone is out in the open and approachable, regardless of their position. This simple change in perception may encourage employees to share opinions more freely and promote a sense of equality.
The Cons
Although open concept floor plans have a host of advantages, it’s also important to consider the potential drawbacks. One study shows that within a well-known Fortune 500 company with an open concept floor plan, communication and productivity actually decreased. Instances of email communication and instant messaging were higher than face to face conversations in this instance, which usually isn’t the goal for open workplace layouts. Researchers involved in this study hypothesize that employees may feel “on display” in an open floor plan, which leads to increased social pressure and a reduction in verbal conversations. Keep in mind that this study was conducted on a large company, so results may be different for small offices.
An open concept floor plan can be a great choice for employers that aim to encourage creativity and communication between teammates. Regardless of the layout that’s best for your office, providing your employees with high-quality, ergonomic equipment is a must. Vitrazza is proud to produce beautiful, super-strong Glass Office Chair Mats that complement any workspace. Each of our products is backed with a “forever” warranty, and the sleek design of our Glass Chair Mats add a touch of elegance to any room. We offer large-quantity discounts, so please visit us online at vitrazza.com to browse our inventory. If you have any questions, our concierge-style customer service team is happy to help you select the ideal product for your needs.
Office Organizing the Marie Kondo Way
It’s the perfect time of year to get a little spring cleaning done. If you’d like to give the office a complete overhaul, you may enjoy the principles espoused by Marie Kondo. The Kondo Way has captured the attention of millions, and this lifestyle is especially well-suited for minimalists or those who prefer to keep clutter to a minimum. When you’d like to start with a clean slate and ensure that each object in the office serves a purpose, consider the Marie Kondo-style tips we share here:
Start with a Vision
It will be difficult to achieve a workspace that inspires happiness if you don’t have a goal in mind. If you embark on the decluttering journey without a clear vision of what you’d like, you may become frustrated or overwhelmed with the process. Before you begin looking up office inspiration photos, start by thinking about what your ideal work area feels like. If you’re looking for a Zen space that’s as clean as possible, you may choose to avoid excess decorations and mementos. For those who’d prefer a cozy, comforting office, it may be best to include a few family photos or meaningful knickknacks.
Sort Through Possessions by Category
Cleaning out your workspace can be daunting, especially if you attempt to multitask and jump between projects. You’ll be more likely to follow through with your organization efforts when you take Marie Kondo’s advice and tackle just one category at a time. For example, it may be beneficial to start by sorting through books and magazines in your office. Be sure to avoid cracking open a book for a trip down memory lane, as this may encourage you to hang on to items that no longer bring true joy. After you’ve sorted through books and magazines, work your way through paperwork and miscellaneous items until you’re satisfied with the contents of your workspace.
Get Creative with Storage
When organizing the workplace, you may not be able to remove every item that doesn’t spark joy. If you need to keep tabs on paperwork, feel free to get creative with storage solutions. Colorful or personalized file folders and eye-catching containers could be an excellent solution for keeping your office tidy in a way that’s aesthetically pleasing. You should feel happy and at ease in your workspace, and personalizing the area is a great step toward designing a peaceful environment.
Creating a workplace that fosters creativity and productivity starts with paring down to the essentials. If you’re currently using a plastic chair mat, make the switch to the premium alternative: Glass Office Chair Mats by Vitrazza. Beautiful Glass Chair Mats will perfectly complement any office and they’re more ergonomic and stylish than worn-out plastic mats. Vitrazza stocks 12 popular sizes and sells direct to home office and business customers throughout US and Canada. Learn more at vitrazza.com.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the Office
Looking for fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at work? This Irish cultural holiday is widely celebrated throughout the United States, and your team may enjoy the chance to get festive at the office. If you’d like to honor this special day with work-appropriate activities, take a look at the options we share here:
Offer a Prize for Wearing Green
The color green is a well-known symbol of St. Patrick’s Day, and this tradition comes from Ireland’s nickname: The Emerald Isle. Wearing green is one of the most popular nods to the holiday, and it can be fun to hold a prize drawing for those who don this color. An Amazon gift card or similar reward is a great option for the lucky winner, and the prize drawing will add some excitement to the workday.
Play Irish Tunes
Playing some lively Irish tunes will invigorate the office and set the tone for an entertaining day. If your workplace has access to a Spotify account, browse the selection of playlists designed for St. Patrick’s Day. From traditional Irish folk music to iconic songs from the Irish band U2, you’ll find a host of Irish-themed music on streaming apps like Spotify or Amazon Music.
Host an Irish-Inspired Potluck
Hosting a potluck is a classic way to bring the office together, and St. Patrick’s Day offers a special opportunity to sample Irish-inspired dishes. Traditional fare like slow-cooked Irish stew and Irish coddled pork with cider are simple to prepare and transport, if employees are looking for inspiration on what to bring. Or, opt for the customary bangers and mash or corned beef sandwiches.
Go Out for Happy Hour as a Group
If your team would prefer to skip the pot luck, head out as a group for happy hour at a local pub or bar. St. Patrick’s Day is an excellent opportunity to have some fun outside the office, and sipping on green beer can be a stress-free method for relationship building.
Celebrating holidays in the office can boost team morale and encourage employees to become closer as friends and colleagues. In addition to having a little fun on special occasions, management can improve the workplace by investing in equipment to enhance employee comfort. If your office currently uses flimsy plastic chair mats, consider making the switch to superior Glass Office Chair Mats. Vitrazza produces beautiful, super-strong Glass Office Chair Mats with an emphasis on ergonomics and aesthetics. We offer 12 in-stock options to fit most workspaces, or we can work with you to create a customized product. We back each of our Glass Office Chair Mats with a limited “Forever” warranty, so you can feel confident that your Vitrazza product will go the distance. To browse our selection, please visit us online at vitrazza.com.
Tips for Running a Productive Virtual Meeting
If your company employs remote workers or offers frequent work-from-home days, you may be on the search for virtual meeting solutions. Keeping the team connected can be a challenge when everyone’s in different locations, but virtual conferencing technology makes it possible to keep in touch and stay productive. If you’ve never facilitated a virtual meeting before, consider the tips we share here to ensure an effective online gathering.
Utilize Video Conferencing
Chat rooms are great for staying in constant communication, but when a meeting is needed, video conferencing will add value to the collaboration. Connecting via video chat humanizes the interaction, and there are several tools that you’ll find helpful. Slack is a must-have for team communication and organization, and it has recently launched video conferencing capabilities. For groups of 12 or less, Slack’s video chat is an excellent option. If you need to include more participants without compromising video and audio quality, Zoom offers crystal-clear, glitch-free video conferencing and webinar solutions.
Send Out Agendas Ahead of Time
Both in-person and virtual meetings can turn into aimless conversation if attendees don’t have a schedule to follow. While you’ll want to avoid simply reading off a script, it’s often helpful to send out an agenda in advance. This doesn’t have to include a strict schedule—simply highlighting a few key points to discuss can make a difference in the fruitfulness and progression of the meeting.
Open with Personal and Professional Check-Ins
It’s possible to have a tight-knit team of remote employees, but it’s usually challenging to encourage interpersonal relationships when team members don’t see each other on a daily basis. Virtual meetings offer a valuable opportunity to connect as a group, so you may want to try opening the meeting with personal and professional check-ins. Offering each team member a few minutes to bring the group up to speed on the latest developments in their personal life and professional realm serves as a great ice-breaker, and may provide a jumping off point into the next topic on the agenda.
Whether your business is based in a traditional or virtual setting (or a combination of both), meetings are an excellent tool for bringing the team together. Comfortable office equipment is a must-have for employees, and can make a significant impact on productivity and happiness. If you’d like to upgrade the workplace or home office, consider replacing flimsy plastic mats with premium Glass Office Chair Mats. Vitrazza offers beautiful, super-strong Glass Office Chair Mats in a variety of in-stock sizes, and we also offer custom options. If you’d like to explore our inventory, please visit us online at vitrazza.com. If you have any questions, our customer service team is always here to help you find the perfect fit.
What Millennials Want in the Workplace
Millennials currently account for one-third of the workforce in America. They are no longer the youngest generation in the office, and many are highly educated with numerous years of experience. If you’re hoping to attract and retain the best-qualified talent, you’ll need to have an understanding of what this generation wants from the workplace. Workplace trends are ever-changing, but recent developments show that millennials are defining a new normal when it comes to office policies. If you’d like to learn more about what this age group expects from employers, consider the insight we share here:
1:1 Meetings Geared Toward Growth
Millennials appreciate managers who prioritize low-pressure, career path-oriented meetings and chats. This generation tends to be career-focused, so it’s especially important for them to understand what they’re doing well and what can be improved upon. Check-ins with managers and teammates should include individualized attention and occur on a consistent basis. Many top-rated managers make time for 1:1 meetings on a weekly basis, but once a month is a great target to strive for.
Flexible Working Conditions
Younger generations recognize the importance of finding a work/life balance, and many modern offices are implementing policies to encourage self-care and flexibility. As technology improves, more companies are moving toward virtual workplaces or offering plenty of opportunities to work from home. Additionally, generous vacation policies and paid time off are becoming the norm to keep employees satisfied with the company culture. If you’re interested in providing more favorable working conditions for your valuable team members, consider offering alternative schedules or the ability to work from home part-time.
Upward Career Mobility
Millennials are often high-achieving individuals and aren’t afraid to find work elsewhere if their current position isn’t progressing quickly enough. When you create a position, be sure to think about career progression and upward mobility within the company. Ambitious, high-performing employees are an asset to any business, and should be rewarded with opportunities to grow.
Since Millennials are a driving force of the American economy, it’s crucial to have an understanding of what this generation looks for in the workplace. Regardless of the demographics of your team, we recommend providing favorable working conditions to show your appreciation. If you’re planning to upgrade the office to improve employee comfort, make the switch from flimsy plastic chair mats to premium Glass Office Chair Mats. Vitrazza takes pride in crafting beautiful, super-strong Glass Office Chair Mats that suit a variety of office shapes. Our 12 in-stock sizes are suitable for most workspaces, and custom options are also available. To browse our inventory, please visit us online at vitrazza.com. If you have any questions, our concierge-style customer service team is always happy to help.
Best Online Collaboration Tools For Remote Workers
Modern businesses are all about flexibility, and many are moving toward an entirely remote operation or offering generous work-from-home policies. If you’re working with or managing a team of remote employees, you may be on the search for online tools to enhance communication and performance. As the market responds to new workplace trends, you’ll have the ability to choose from an impressive variety of technology to incorporate into the team’s daily routine. Here, we share a few of our favorite online tools that are ideal for connecting remote workers.
Slack
Slack is widely regarded as the ultimate collaboration tool. This software allows teammates to customize communication channels and search for conversations by keywords. When you’re looking for a comprehensive tool to streamline communication and keep tasks organized, Slack is an excellent choice and easily integrates with other tools.
Trello
Whether your employees work in close quarters in an office or are hundreds of miles apart, Trello can maximize organization. This project management tool functions like a virtual corkboard, and users can organize by boards, lists, and cards. A simple glance at the board can bring employees up to speed on the latest notes or ideas and help teammates visualize a path to success.
Zoom
Slack and Trello are excellent options for staying in touch and improving organization, but face-to-face meetings are occasionally necessary. If you’re looking for top notch video conferencing, Zoom fits the bill. This tool is well known for stunning video quality, crystal clear audio, and glitch-free user experience. Whether you’re conferencing with just one other person or 60+ employees, Zoom is a reliable choice.
Google Drive
Google Drive is considered the best file management system available, and is a must for file-sharing and collaboration between remote workers. Google Drive is easy to use from any device, and its instant syncing offers peace of mind and unparalleled organization for users. There’s a reason Google’s products reign supreme in the business world: they’re affordable, user friendly, and among the best options on the market.
Collaboration is crucial to foster strong teamwork, whether your office operates in a traditional or remote setting. If you’re hoping to treat employees for a job well done, consider gifting them a premium Glass Office Chair Mat from Vitrazza. Most home offices aren’t properly equipped with comfortable and ergonomic features, and our Glass Chair Mats provide unprecedented floor protection and maneuverability. Our 12 in-stock options fit most offices, and custom options are also available. When you’re ready to explore our inventory to find the perfect fit, visit us online at vitrazza.com. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our concierge-style customer service team.
Tips For Going Paperless in the Office
Many modern offices are making the transition toward an environmentally-friendly business model. Going paperless is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint, and you can start taking steps immediately to reduce or eliminate paper usage. Here, we share practical tips for transitioning to a paperless workplace.
Digitize Your Files
Still printing and storing papers for your records? If so, it’s time to make the switch to digital filing. Digital storage is a streamlined way to store and access information, and saving space and paper are additional perks. However, it’s crucial to ensure that your company’s vital information is securely stored, so consider using a reputable cloud solution such as Dropbox.
Reduce the Number of Printers
Employees generally print more than necessary if there’s a printer in every office. To lower the amount of paper used in the office, consider reducing the number of printers in the workplace. When there’s only one printer in the building, employees will be more motivated to cut down on paper usage.
Implement Paperless Meetings
Meetings are a great way to get the team on the same page, but they’re notorious for being paper-wasters. Next time you’re in the planning process for a gathering, skip the paper and opt for technology, instead. TeamViewer is an excellent choice for sharing information during meetings: just ask employees to bring their laptops so you can screen share. When the meeting is over, employees can download a copy of the information for future reference.
Switch to Paperless Statements and Bill Pay
Running a busy office comes with a host of associated costs. If you’re tired of receiving traditional paper statements and bills, take a few minutes to switch to online versions. Most financial institutions and service providers offer paperless statements and bills, but you’ll need to opt in to receive them. This should be a simple process, and you can even implement this strategy in your personal life to cut down on paper clutter.
Making the transition toward a more sustainable office is a rewarding process. To reduce both plastic and paper in the workplace, consider replacing flimsy plastic chair mats with superior glass mats. We’re proud to produce beautiful, super-strong Glass Office Chair Mats that last for decades. We back our products with a never-dent promise and forever warranty, so you can feel confident that your Vitrazza product will last for years to come. When you’re ready to explore our inventory, please visit us online at vitrazza.com. Custom options are also available, and we’d love to help you create the ideal mat.
Eco-Friendly Office Supplies
Most offices go through a heavy amount of supplies each year, which can create a surprising amount of waste. If your 2019 goal is to transition to a more sustainable business model, you may be on the search for eco-friendly office supplies. Making the transition from traditional supplies to sustainably produced products has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the office. When you’re ready to make a change, consider the eco-friendly options we share here:
Recycled Paper
Printer paper is used daily by most offices, so we recommend making the switch to the recycled variety. Recycling technology has made leaps and bounds since its inception, so you many not be able to tell the difference between recycled and non-recycled paper. This simple change has a significant positive impact on the environment, as you’ll save water and land use with each ream.
Biodegradable Trash Bags
Regardless of your team size, your office may still go through several trash bags per week. Keeping the building clean is an important priority to preserve employee health, but it’s just as crucial to be mindful about plastic use. Biodegradable bags are becoming easier to find, and sites like evolutionbags.com make it easy to place large orders online.
Glass Instead of Plastic
Plastic is often pervasive throughout the office. Used in everything from pens to chair mats to drinking cups, this environmentally taxing material is difficult to avoid. It may be unrealistic to achieve a completely plastic-free office, but you can certainly take several steps to reduce the amount of plastic used on a daily basis. If the kitchen area is currently stocked with plasticware, invest in a small supply of stainless steel cutlery and glass dinnerware. This may even save money in the long run, as the price of re-stocking on plasticware quickly adds up. When employees need to use plastic, be sure to encourage recycling by setting up easily accessible recycling bins.
Transitioning to a green workplace is an excellent way to make a positive impact on the planet. If you’re hoping to reduce the amount of plastic used in the office, consider recycling plastic office chair mats and upgrade to a superior glass version. Vitrazza produces super-strong Glass Office Chair Mats coated with Invisible Shield PRO 15, which enhances the characteristics of glass while preserving its natural beauty. We offer 12 in-stock options to suit most office shapes, and it’s easy to browse our selection online to find the perfect fit for your workplace. If you have any questions or would like to explore custom options, don’t hesitate to reach out to our concierge-style customer service team.
Workplace Trends to Watch For in 2019
Workplace trends are ever-evolving, and 2019 is sure to bring subtle changes from previous years. Whether you’re on the job search or trying to keep your company competitive to attract the best talent, being aware of current trends is a plus. Here, we share the top workplace tendencies to look for or consider implementing this year.
Increased Flexibility
For many companies, gone are the days of clocking into work at exactly 9:00 am and packing up at 5:00 sharp. Many modern offices encourage a flexible work/life balance, and work-from-home days or alternative hours are increasingly becoming the norm. In 2019, expect more workplaces to transition toward flexible policies.
Improved Performance Evaluations
While working from home or enjoying an alternative work schedule are privileges that many employees enjoy, tracking metrics is recommended in order to ensure that these policies are working. Instead of a run-of-the-mill annual performance review, top companies are changing the way they track employee performance. To encourage individual and team growth, be on the lookout for more frequent reviews and one-on-one meetings in which managers gradually increase challenges and listen to employee feedback.
More Rigorous Interviews
In the past, interviews were a one-and-done process. However, many companies are becoming aware of the costs of hiring an employee that isn’t the right fit. While qualifications are certainly important, it’s crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the candidate’s personality and unique skills that they’ll bring to the team. If you’re a manager or HR rep, you’re likely on the lookout for ways to reduce turnover and ensure the highest level of success for the company. To ensure that you sign on the strongest person for the job, consider holding multiple rounds of interviews with numerous members of the team. While this process undoubtedly takes longer, it’s highly effective for discovering where candidates shine and where they need improvement. Several interviews with varying personnel will also allow for diverse feedback from your staff, so you’ll have an in-depth understanding of how the individual will fare on the job. If you’ve found someone who’s a great fit for the company culture but may need additional training to be successful, you can pair him or her with a mentor to quickly bring the new hire up to speed.
Workplace customs are increasingly trending toward a better work/life balance and improved office experience. If you’re looking for a way to instantly upgrade the look and function of the workplace, consider investing in premium Glass Office Chair Mats. Vitrazza crafts beautiful, super-strong glass mats that are coated with Invisible Shield PRO 15 for unprecedented durability. We back our products with a “forever” warranty, and our concierge-style customer service team is always here to help. To browse our selection of mats, please visit us online at vitrazza.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash under Creative Commons 0 license
Introducing Exciting Changes at Vitrazza
Since our founding, Vitrazza has taken pride in crafting beautiful, durable Glass Office Chair Mats to suit the needs of any individual and office. We continuously work to improve our products and customer experience, and this year, we’re introducing exciting changes. Here, we share the newest upgrade to our products and unveil our improved warranty policy.
Invisible Shield PRO 15 Glass Coating
Our mats have always been the strongest on the market, but beginning this year, we’re coating each of our products with the new Invisible Shield PRO 15 by Unelko Corporation. This advanced glass coating technology offers an unprecedented level of protection, ensuring that your Glass Office Chair Mat will stay dent, scratch, and corrosion-free for the duration of its lifespan. The solvent-extended coating enhances the natural properties of the glass, and as the name suggests, it’s completely undetectable to the eye. Top brands such as Apple, Disney, and the Smithsonian Institute are using this technology, and we’re pleased to implement it in our production process.
A New Forever Warranty
Previously, Vitrazza offered a 10-year warranty on our products. With the introduction of Invisible Shield PRO 15, we’re able to provide our customers with a limited lifetime warranty. Our new transferable “forever” warranty protects against design flaws or defects that could cause breakage when placed on a flat floor. If cleaned regularly with Repel glass and surface cleaner, our products are expected to last as long as you’d like to use them. If you need to file a warranty claim, please take a photo of the broken mat, attach your original invoice, and email it to customersupport@vitrazza.com. Our concierge-style customer service team will begin processing your claim immediately and get back to you within three business days.
When you’re ready to enhance your workspace with a premium Glass Office Chair Mat, browse our selection at vitrazza.com. Our 12 in-stock sizes are suitable for most offices, but we can help you design a custom option if you can’t find the perfect in-stock fit. Business discounts are available, so please reach out to our team if you have any questions.
