Part of the: Office Fitout Collection

It can be difficult to make decisions sometimes, and many managers use pro and con lists to made the process a little easier. In the interest of efficient decision making and effective management, we've compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages or a range of common questions that might come up inhttps://www.thegoodguys.com.au/acer-238-inches-core-i5-8gb-128gb-ssd1tb-hdd-touch-aio-dqb8qsa004 a business setting. Comment below with your thoughts!

Music in the Office

At some point during your career, you’ve no doubt worked in an office where the radio played, music boomed through the halls or, god forbid, your colleagues enjoyed a good old fashioned sing-a-long.

 The stats:

61% of employees listen to music at work to make them happier and more productive

90% of workers perform better when listening to music

99% of employees produce more accurate work when listening to music

Music in the office can be a great way to keep the mood light, add a fun energy to the office or even inspire and rally, but it can also irritate and distract staff, or in the worst cases, lead to confrontations. Let’s compare the advantages and disadvantages of having music in the office.

Advantages of music in the office

• Employees can have fun listening to happy music or throwback tunes
• Employees can bond with each other over a shared love of a particular musician
• Certain types of music can improve employee accuracy in tasks such as data entry
• Music can create a desired atmosphere in a reception area, breakout space or in common areas
• Music can inspire, motivate and encourage staff before an important meeting or sales call

Advantages of not having music in the office

• There are fewer distractions for employees trying to focus
• Staff can choose their own, personalised playlists to listen to with headphones without disrupting those around them

Disadvantages of having music in the office

• Different types of music can annoy employees who have different tastes in music genres
• Issues can arise with the type of music played and the volume of the music, particularly when teams who manage very different types of work sit in close quarters

Disadvantages of not having music in the office

• The office can feel sterile and lack energy
• Employees miss out on the benefits of music, including increased productivity and increased levels of happiness

Should employees be allowed to listen to music at work? NoiseNews answers that question here.

Read our article on 100 Songs to Boost Your Productivity at Work.

Office Plants

Having plants, greenery and other decorations in the office can be a lovely way to brighten up an otherwise dreary space, but unfortunately, not everyone loves this kind of floral decoration. Let’s compare the advantages and disadvantages of having plants in the office: 

Advantages of office plants

• The office is healthier, as plants make the air cleaner and can make it feel easier for staff to breath 
• Studies show that plants reduce levels of pollutants and irritants in the air
• Plants are a cheap and positive way to decorate a workplace (CIPHR outlines the seven benefits of having plants at work) 

Advantages of not having office plants

• There is less office maintenance required, as plants need to be regularly watered looked after
• The office can have a cleaner, less busy appearance

Disadvantages of office plants

• Occasionally some employees may have a minor reaction to particular plants, though this can be overcome by adding some artificial plants to the space

Disadvantages of not having office plants

• ​​​​The office can seem dull, as plants add a splash of colour and brighten up the space 

 Read this Small Business Trends article to find out more about which plants can improve your office environment.

Flora Hosta Plant Real Touch in Pot	A great artificial plant that requires no maintenance Available in two different heights	1 years	$24
Flora Artificial Real Touch Phal Orchid in Silver Pot	An artificial wall that brings a taste of the outdoors, inside	1 years	$212
Flora Artificial Pink Lilac Mix in Glass Vase	A soft and charming arrangement for your stylish office. No maintenance required	1 years	$164
Flora Artificial Orchid Phalaenopsis in Antique Brass Bowl	Suitable for reception and visitor spaces, breakout areas and on counters or coffee tables. Known as delicate and graceful, often seen as a symbol of beauty and love.	1 years	$45
Flora Artificial White Orchid in White Pot	Suitable in corporate offices like meeting and visitor rooms, breakout spaces, reception areas and on counters and side tables.	1 years	$230
Ivy Mat 500mm x 500mm	Suitable for offices, reception and visitor rooms, meeting rooms and shared spaces Symbolize beauty, grace and elegance	1 years	$45

PC versus Mac

Almost everyone takes a strong position when it comes to the age-old (well, age-old within a modern sense) debate: Mac or PC. Of course, a lot of it comes down to a basic personal preference, but the differences between the two can be summarised further:

Advantages of using a PC

• PCs are made by hundreds of manufacturers so there are multiple options available  
• PCs offer better options for gamers

Advantages of using a Mac

• Macs offer strong options for designers, video editors and those undertaking creative work
• Macs are often considered the 'trendier' choice 

Disadvantages of using a PC

• Windows can have slower processors than Macs

Disadvantages of using a Mac

• Macs are often priced at a higher rate
• There can be fewer options available
• Macs are not available in as many locations as PCs

 Still not sure which to buy? Read this in depth article about the pros and cons at ComputerWeekly.com.

Apple Macbook Air 13.3-inch 128GB - Gold

Touch ID 8GB memory Force Touch trackpad 13.3-inch Retina Display Available in multiple colours including gold, space grey and silver

1 year

$1849

Dell Inspiron 24 3000 23.8" AIO	Integrated Radeon R5 Graphics 23.8 inch FHD Display 8GB RAM	1 year	$999
HP 21.5" Intel Core i3 8GB 1TB AIO	8GB RAM  Intel Core i3 processor	1 year	$949
Acer 23.8" Core i5 8GB 128 GB SSD1TB HDD Touch AIO	8GB Core i5 processor	NA	$1499
Lenovo 23.8" AMD A6-9220 8GB 1TB 520 AIO	8GB Integrated graphics 2.5GHz processor speed	1 year	$799

Ergonomic versus Traditional Furniture

Although there are people resisting the move most companies are taking towards an entirely ergonomic workplace, there aren’t many reasons not to invest in this healthier way of working. Ergonomic furniture is better for the individual, better for company health and better for the bottom line, but let’s investigate further:

Advantages of ergonomic furniture

• Ergonomic furniture leads to fewer health issues, including back pain, neck pain and stiffness 
• Ergonomic furniture is more comfortable
• More on the lasting benefits at Concept Seating

Advantages of traditional furniture

• Your company may already have traditional furniture that is not rundown or old, meaning that purchasing new products can seem unnecessary 
• Traditional furniture can be less expensive than its ergonomic counterparts 

Disadvantages of ergonomic furniture

• Ergonomic furniture can take time to get used to, particularly when it comes to ergonomic keyboards and mouses

Disadvantages of traditional furniture

• Traditional furniture can lead to workplace injuries which cost the company money
• Traditional furniture may not be designed with the modern workplace in mind

For more, read the Young Upstarts article on why you should upgrade to ergonomic office furniture.

Hawk - Fabric Office Chair Medium Back Black Height Adjustable Arms	A comfortable, ergonomic chair Available in multiple fabric colours including black, blue, grey and red Available with different arm options including black and chrome	5 years	$226
Swan White Nylon Office Chair - White Frame	An innovative and comfortable chair with height options	5 years	$304
Shrike Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair Height Adjustable Arms and Back	A powerful, executive chair for the executive making a statement Designed with ergonomic features including arm rests	5 years	$389
Hawk Mesh 2.0 3 Lever Mechanism Mesh Back	An affordable yet high quality chair for the home or corporate office Available with arms and without arms	5 years	$199
Ergonomic Ratchet Mesh Back Task / Operator Chair Heron - Adjustable Arms	An easy chair with a soft mesh back Available with different seat colours including black, blue, grey	5 years	$338
Sparrow - High End Office Chair Medium Back Grey Posturesure	A traditional looking chair with all the modern features	5 years	$501
Sparrow - Operator Office Chair High Back Height Adjustable Arms	An affordable ergonomic solution Available in multiple fabric colours including black, blue, grey and red	5 years	$367
Swift - Office Chair High Back Height Adjustable Arms	A bright yet professional chair for the home or corporate office Available in multiple fabric colours including black, blue, grey and red	5 years	$298
Smile and Enjoy - Executive Fabric Office Chair High Back	An executive chair fit only for the best leaders who demand style and comfort	5 years	$819

Dove Office Chair	A simple, no nonsense, comfortable chair	3 years	$159
Dove Mesh Office Chair	An affordable ergonomic chair for any office	3 years	$136
Dove Mesh Drafting, Drawing and Professional Chair	A drafting chair that is both comfortable and reliable	3 years	$239
Commercial Furniture Direct Ben Lee Executive Range - High Back	An executive, PU leather chair	5 years	$489

Stand-up Desks versus Traditional Desks

Although there are many benefits to a sit-stand desk, they remain a reasonably rare fixture in many offices today. Not only are sit-stand desks versatile (you can sit AND stand!), they have a range of health benefits that can’t be ignored (the facts about standing desks can be found at Workrite).

Advantages of stand-up desks

• 2 hours of sitting is as harmful as 30 minutes of exercise is beneficial 
• Research suggests standing burns more calories than sitting

Advantages of traditional desks

• They are often cheaper and more readily available
• Many offices have multiple traditional desks available and cannot justify purchasing new furniture

Disadvantages of stand-up desks

•  Employees can find them difficult to adjust to and struggle to maintain focus whilst working and standing

Disadvantages of traditional desk

•  Sitting for extended periods of time has been proven to have many negative health implications, including an increased risk of stroke 

Before making a decision about the desk that's right for you, read this Bustle article that outlines the eight things you need to know.

Litewall 2000 - Office Desk Commercial Entry Level White Square Leg Office Furniture	A simple and affordable desk Available in a range of desktop sizes and colours including white, maple and wenge	10 years	$319
Just Right Home Office Package - Black Frame	A clean yet affordable desk for any corporate or home office Available in a range of desktop sizes and colours including white, maple, wenge, salvage oak and dark oak	5 years	$1,101
Uniform Panel Return Desk	A traditional desk with a spacious return Available in a range of desktop sizes and colours including white, maple, salvage oak and dark oak	5 years	$339
Litewall Evolve - Modern Office Desk Office Furniture	A modern desk with plenty of space for drawers and other office accessories Available in a range of desktop sizes and colours including white, maple and wenge	10 years	$374
Quadro Loop Leg 2 Person Run Office Workstations	A space saving desk for a pair of hard working employees Available in a range of desktop sizes and colours including white, maple, wenge, salvage oak and dark oak	10 years	$779
Executive Office Desk Blackjack	A beautiful desk for the office with a minimalist design Available in a range of desktop sizes and colours including white, maple and wenge	10 years	$539
San Fran - Executive Office Desk Chrome Leg	An executive office desk with a bold chrome leg Available in a range of desktop sizes and colours including white, maple and wenge	10 years	$629
San Fran - L-Shaped Corner Office Desk with Black Leg Office Furniture Online	A large l-shaped desk with plenty of room for the busy executive Available in a range of desktop sizes and colours including white, maple and wenge	10 years	$925
San Fran Executive Setting - Chrome Frame	An executive setting with a powerful chrome frame Available in a range of sizes and colours including white, maple and wenge	10 years	$1,607
Switch Executive Desk	A simple yet high-quality desk that looks good in any office Best price guaranteed	10 years	$634

 Stand-up Desks

Sit-Stand Range - Stand Up Electric Height Adj Desk Black Frame	The perfect introduction into the world of sit-stand desks Available in a range of desktop sizes and colours including white, maple and wenge	10 years	$815
Flexi Premium Height Adjustable Single Workstation	The perfect introduction into the world of sit-stand desks Available in a range of desktop sizes and colours including white, maple, salvage oak and dark oan	10 years	$916
Just Right Height Adjustable Corner Workstation - White Frame	The perfect introduction into the world of sit-stand corner desks Available in a range of desktop sizes and colours including white, maple, salvage oak and dark oan	5 years	$986
Pop Monitor/Laptop Stand Black	A cheap stand-up desk alternative for those scared of commitment	5 years	$39
Pop-top Stand-up Height Adjustable Desk	A pop-top stand-up piece the cost-conscious office	5 years	$349

Vertical Ergonomic Mouse - Wireless Right Hand	A wireless mouse for those who value health and safety	NA	$85
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse Black	Includes a Windows button, thumb scoop and 4 way scroll wheel	1 year	$59
Evoluent Vertical Bluetooth (Mac) Ergonomic Mouse	Sculpted, ergonomic design 2 thumb bottons and extended lip included	2 years	$190
Goldtouch Semi-vertical Wireless Mouse	Wireless design 66 degree slope Anti-slip grip	NA	$99
Adesso iMouse E2 / E20 Vertical Mouse	Vertical orientation Two internet buttons and a switchable DPI button Easy to use	NA	$78
Evoluent Vertical Mouse C	Premium vertical mouse Reduces the amount of gripping and force required for use Free shipping	NA	$210

Open Plan Office versus Closed Office

“We have five generations coexisting in the workplace, from the traditionalist who has aspired to a corner office for their entire career, to the millennial who couldn't care less where they sit.” 

Certainly a more modern management style, running a company with an open-plan space is becoming a regular occurrence, and can be done to create openness, encourage communication or to simply save space. Moreover, accrdoing to CNB Africa, 80% of U.S. businesses use it as their preferred set up.

Advantages of an open plan office

• There is an increased likelihood of collaboration in an open plan space
• Employees are more likely to communicate due to the lack of physical barriers they perceive
• Teams may feel a sense of working towards shared goals
• Individuals may hear useful information, have an opportunity to correct mistakes and offer their advice where appropriate
• Open plan offices offer staff the chance to learn from each other
• Open plan offices can be a cheaper option and enable the use of shared workstations such as this one from Jason L (more on this at Vanna)
• An open plan office has a modern energy

Advantages of a closed office

• Closed offices offer employees a greater sense of privacy
• Closed offices create an environment with fewer distractions for those working in offices
• A closed set up entice employees to strive for a better office, thereby rewarding the best performing staff with the premium working space

Disadvantages of an open plan office

• Open workplaces can lead to high levels of noise
• When employees work in close quarters, conflicts can more easily arise
• Illness can spread faster around those working closely together
• In open plan offices hierarchy more difficult to establish

Disadvantages of a closed office

• Closed office designs make hot-desking more difficult, particularly for staff who aren’t regularly stationed in the office
• Natural relationship building can be more challenging (more on why open plans can kill teamwork on In The Black)
• Closed office plans are not necessarily the best use of space in smaller offices
• Closed offices can make it more difficult for employees to build rapport with one another
• Activity-based tasks are more difficult due to separation and office space
• There are lower supervision when an office is made up of many smaller, closed spaces

Deciding if you should redesign your space? Read about the advantages on Oktra.

Flexible Hours versus 9-5

There’s a common misnomer that flexible working hours mean lazy, uncommitted staff, and a management team with no sense of how their employees are performing. Another common perception is that flexible hours are reserved only for parents with young children, and can therefore seem unfair to the rest of the team. Flexible working hours can, however, be a great way to reward staff, to give them more freedom, and to give them a workplace they feel a sense of loyalty to the company that looks after them.

Advantages of flexible hours

• Flexible hours mean allowing your employees to be at their best, without having to rush or miss out on other life events
• Flexible hours can mean your company's contact hours increase
• By offering a flexible working arrangement, employees have a sense of loyalty and appreciate for a company, and are more likely to stay

Advantages of 9-5 hours

• 9-5 hours are part of a traditional office structure that many companies work within
• 9-5 hours can give staff a sense of fairness, as everyone in a company is held to the same standard 

Disadvantages of flexible hours

• Flexible hours can make it difficult to mark out the work day in some cases
• People are guaranteed to see who they want when they want when all staff work 9-5

Disadvantages of 9-5 hours

• 9-5 hours make it difficult for staff to work with overseas contractors and clients, due to time differences and other barriers
• 9-5 hours don't allow any flexibility for staff, which can lead to resentment

Open Door Policy versus Closed Door Offices

Having an open door policy isn't just about leaving the door open, it's usually part of a greater communication structure where every employee is entitled and encouraged to address their concerns with management. At first glance, it may seem as though there are a few disadvantages to having an open-door policy at work, but let’s compare:

Advantages of an open door policy

• Open door policies encourage communication and the exchange of ideas
• There is less of a sense of hierarchy and barriers
• Managers seem more accessible and working relationships can become closer

Advantages of a closed door office

• Preferred schedules are respected as meetings are required for many interactions
• A clear hierarchy is established

Disadvantages of an open door policy

• Open door policies can lead to employees going over their direct bosses
• Open door polices can encourage more meetings than are necessary
• Find out if an open door policy is killing your productivity at Time Management Ninja

Disadvantages of a closed door policy

• Closed door policies can lead to less openness in a company, real or perceived
• There is more privacy for the executive team

Convinced an open door policy is the only way for your company? Read Insperity's article on the way to establish one that actually works.

Kitchen Supplies versus BYO Snacks

It has become in recent years for companies to provide not only tea, coffee and milk for employees, but fruit, snacks and even lunch! Google and other large companies are known for their lavish food options, which can certainly add to the appeal of working there. While it can have an impact on the bottom line, offering extra goodies to staff can make your company more appealing, and make longer hours seem less arduous.

Advantages of having kitchen supplies

• Employees feel taken care of an appreciated
• Employees are less likely to leave the office for lunch, and if they need to stay late, won't be hungry and therefore less focused on work
• Healthy eating can be promoted through actions, not just words (more on the kitchen supplies every office needs at Order-In)

Advantages of BYO snacks

• It costs less for the company
• There are fewer considerations, such as dietary requirements

Disadvantages of having kitchen supplies

• Kitchen supplies require management, including removing spoiled goods and shopping for food each week

Disadvantage of BYO snacks

• Staff may struggle to find time to duck out for lunch and will therefore not work to their potential

If you are planning on stocking up your company fridge, we suggest including the following:

Fruit 
Crackers
Dips
Nuts
Veggie sticks
Dark chocolate
Tea and coffee

Don't forget to read about the seven supplies to put use to in the kitchen at the Kitchen website.

Set Lunch Hours versus Flexible Lunch Options

Unless you work in a cafe, supermarket or similar business, you’ve probably spent the better part of your career taking your lunch break whenever you want, or whenever you see a gap in your busy schedule. Perhaps you don’t even find the time to leave your desk most days, or find yourself grabbing a snack as you’re moving between appointments. There are pros and cons to set lunch hours, so let’s compare:

Advantages of set lunch hours

• Company planning is easier with schedules easily accounted for
• Employees are unlikely to miss important calls or meetings

Advantages of flexible lunch options

• Employees have a sense of agency and control over their days
• Employees are able to eat when they are hungry, not when they are told they should

Disadvantages of set lunch hours

• Staff feel like there is no flexibility at work
• Staff feel like they’re being watched
• Staff can’t make plans or run errands during the workd day

Disadvantages of flexible lunch options

• It can be more difficult for managers to monitor staff hours

Working from Home versus Working at the Office

Much like the perception of flexible working hours, there is a stigma around working from home that portrays an employee who spends their days at cafes, avoid doing any work and get away with whatever they like. There is a lot more to working from home though, and having employees based out of the office can actually have benefits to the company at large.

Advantages of working from home

• It's easier for employees to work extended or flexible hours
• There is no time or money spent on travelling
• Companies can work with offshore contractors and freelancers (more on these advantages at NiBusinessInfo)

Advantages of working at the office

• Feedback and discussions are instant
• Face-to-face communication, which has several advantages, is easier
• Colleagues can easily build rapport with each other

Disadvantages of working from home

• Tone is easier to convey and there are fewer miscommunications
• Issues with technology can arise 

Disadvantages of working at the office

• There is less flexibility for staff

Business in Blue Jeans haws more on whether or not you should rent an office space or work from home. Read about it here.

Corporate Wear versus Casual Wear

The dress code for most companies comes down the a number of things, including:

• The type of business, e.g. a law firm, a juice bar, a childcare centre
• The type of industry
• The kind of operations e.g. a tech start-up or a government agency 

There are other considerations when it comes to determining company dress code, with both corporate and casual wear having advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of corporate wear

• The company presents a professional look
• Employees may feel a sense of confidence while dressed in corporate wear 

Advantages of casual wear

• Employees feel more comfortable
• Employees may be drawn to a company that values their comfort and expression

Disadvantages of corporate wear

• It can be expensive for staff
• It can be uncomfortable, particularly during long hours in the office

Disadvantages of casual wear

•  It can look unprofessional and leave a bad impression

Paper versus Digital Files

As we become more aware of the impact we have on the environment, the idea of paper filing becomes less and less appealing. Many companies now use systems such as CM9 to take over the records management process, and to curtail the wasteful practice of printing documents that end up lining the bin. Moving to a purely digital system can be tricky however, particularly for staff less confident using technology or adapting to change. Let’s compare:

Advantages of digital files

• Digital files are more environmentally friendly and less wasteful
• Digital files are easier to track
• They make up part of digital office life

Advantages of paper files

• Paper files make up part of a traditional system of operations, which may seem familiar and comfortable
• There are no technological concerns to consider

Disadvantages of digital files

• Adapting to a digital filing system can be frustrating and difficult for the less savvy employees

Disadvantages of paper files

• Reporting is more difficult and less efficient 
• It can be make compliance tricky

Not sure how to maintain both electronic and hard copy filing systems? Read this handy article at the Chron website.

Resources

1. Open Office vs Closed Office: What’s Better? 
   Vanna
   https://vanna.com/articles/read/open-office-vs-closed-office-whats-better-1006?hl=en
2. A new study should be the final nail for open-plan offices
   The Conversation
   http://theconversation.com/a-new-study-should-be-the-final-nail-for-open-plan-offices-99756
3. Open Plan vs Closed Office: Which is Better?
   BFX
   
4. Why Open-Plan Offices Don’t Work (And Some Alternatives That Do)
   ArchDaily
   https://www.archdaily.com/884192/why-open-plan-offices-dont-work-and-some-alternatives-that-do
5. Open vs Closed Space Work Environments
   The Perspective
   https://www.theperspective.com/debates/businessandtechnology/open-vs-closed-space-work-environments/
6. Workspace satisfaction: The privacy-communication trade-off in open-plan offices
   Journal of Environmental Psychology
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272494413000340
7. Open Door Policy
   The Balance Careers
   https://www.thebalancecareers.com/open-door-policy-1918203
8. New Managers: 4 Reasons You Need An ‘Open Door’ Policy
   Forbes
   https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2013/10/07/new-managers-4-reasons-you-need-an-open-door-policy/#155e18b67cde
9. Don’t Interrupt Your Creative Groove: 9 Ways to Collaborate Without Scheduling Meetings
   Piktochart
   https://piktochart.com/blog/collaborate-without-meetings/
10. Want a More Productive Team? Stop Meeting So Much
    Forbes
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2018/04/27/want-a-more-productive-team-stop-meeting-so-much/#1e325ae676a6
11. How to take back your productivity with No Meeting Wednesday
    Wavelength
    https://wavelength.asana.com/workstyle-no-meeting-wednesdays/
12. Cheers to drinking on the job?
    The Sydney Morning Herald
    https://www.smh.com.au/business/small-business/cheers-to-drinking-on-the-job-20180412-p4z9ax.html
13. Work drinks: good or bad for workplace culture?
    Executive Style
    http://www.executivestyle.com.au/work-drinks-good-or-bad-for-workplace-culture-113rgk
14. Vox Pop: How to Make the Most of Friday Night Drinks
    Scout by Broadsheet
    https://scoutjobs.com.au/insights-and-advice/advice/voxpop-friday-night-drinks
15. Macs vs PC: Which should I buy?
    ComputerWeekly.com
    https://www.computerweekly.com/opinion/Mac-vs-PC-Which-should-I-buy
    
16. New Research Rekindles Debate Over Standing vs. Sitting at Your Desk
    Healthline
    https://www.healthline.com/health-news/debate-over-standing-vs-sitting-at-your-desk 

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