Office furniture is designed to enhance the productivity and comfort of your staff. It can transform a bland office into a pleasant workplace. For instance, the ergonomically designed chairs and desks may reduce employee complaints of back and muscle pains. These furniture pieces also improve the circulation of blood to the brain, increasing mental alertness.
During the early part of the 21st century, office furniture manufacturers had a healthy run. However, the recession from 1991 to 1992 negatively impacted demand. This was in large part due to the fact that some businesses were shedding employees, which required them to buy new ones. Another factor is the increasing costs of health care.
The top ten office furniture manufacturers in North America included Steelcase, Herman Miller, HNI Corp., Kokuyo International Co. Ltd., Knoll, and Clerestory. Many of these companies are well-known for their style, innovation, and design. A few, like HNI, are known for their wood-burning fireplaces.
Knoll wowed the public with its innovative office furniture designs in the 1940s. In 1997, the company opened the Knoll museum in New York City, where it displays its wares.
The HNI name is synonymous with 퍼시스oc에 컨설팅 받기 quality office furniture and furnishings. Founded in Muscatine, Iowa in 1944, the company has a long history of creating beautiful work spaces for American G.I.s. They have also won a host of awards and recognition, such as being a top pick in the Home Office Furniture category.
One of the most significant trends in the industry has been the increase in exports. While the imports and sales of office furniture are a small fraction of the overall market, they have grown substantially. Imports in 2006 amounted to $30.8 billion, while exports reached $3.7 billion.
Other trends in the industry have been the rise of e-commerce sites and the general economic climate. Consumers have gotten used to shopping for goods online. Consequently, many offices have moved to paperless alternatives, such as storing files in the cloud.
Another important trend in the market is the increasing emphasis on environmentally friendly options. Companies are pressured to use recycled and recyclable materials to reduce emissions. Also, more businesses are utilizing smart technology, such as an all-in-one printer and copy machine, to make running a business more convenient and less costly.
Although the most accurate statistics are hard to come by, the general consensus is that the North American office furniture market declined by 9.7 percent from its 1989 peak to 2006. Exports in 2006 were up 2.4 percent to $3.74 billion.
There are numerous reasons why the office furniture market has been in decline. Among them, the increasing cost of health care and the general economy have been two of the main contributors. But there are still plenty of reputable office furniture companies to choose from. Some brands specialize in high-end options, while others have a strong record of quality and customer service.
Choosing the right office furniture is a crucial step in setting your business up for success. Make sure to choose a design that will match the needs and budget of your office.