The Chief Executive of the British Council for Offices (BCO), Richard Kauntze has observed that a notable change is underfoot in the world of office design. He told The Guardian newspaper in a report published this weekend that the lines between the way we live and work in the 21st century are becoming ever more blurred, leading to offices that are furnished with leather sofas, oversized lamps, games rooms and even astro turf in some cases. The result is a space that is less conventional, more fun and much more closely related to a leisure environment than what many would envisage as a traditional 9 to 5 office space.
An investigation by The Guardian found that more and more offices are following in the lead of new office design trailblazers like Google, who famously create wonderful, colorful offices full of pool tables, games consoles, comfy seating, free cafeterias and even barber shops. Led by a generation of young workers that grew up with new technologies such as social media and the Internet and more ‘fun’ brands like Apple or Google, offices as a playground are back in vogue.
One business owner interviewed by The Guardian suggested that the money he has spent on transforming a floor of his building into a fun work environment is worth its actual weight in gold by making it easier to retain staff. This in turn reduces the need to recruit, train up and wait for new employees to get up to speed, making for a much more productive and efficient workplace. The example of Google also shows that investing in a rewarding office environment that workers actually want to spend time in makes it much easier to attract the stronger candidates when positions are created.
While the BCO chief executive estimates that around 15% of business costs relate to property (with the remainder taken up by employees), transforming a sterile work environment into a more fun, upbeat and leisurely office doesn’t need to cost the earth. Borrowing from Google’s practice of using slides instead of stairs or Innocent Drinks turf-themed flooring rather than traditional carpet may be out of the question, but the good news for those with an eye on the purse strings is that you can start to recreate this more casual workplace environment with the addition of a few carefully chosen real leather sofas.
Many of the sofas available from Leather Sofas Online are equally suited to a relaxed office environment as they are to the home. And with discounts of up to 50% on the most popular models, creating a welcoming office doesn’t need to cost a huge amount. Robust and built to last, the St Sulpice two seat brown leather sofa would make a stylish addition to any office space. Chosen by interior designers for its classic good looks and contemporary appeal, the real leather upholstery is well suited to a busy space as it’s treated with a hardwearing finish to make the hides even more durable and ensure they age with grace. There is currently 44% off the model, making it just £499.
For an even more informal mood, the St Sulpice real leather armchair lends itself to curling up with a book during a busy work day. Comfortable and long lasting, it is currently on offer at £399.
Perfect for shared office spaces or for companies occupying the higher floors of larger office buildings, the Montreux two seat leather sofa is designed with a lift off back to make it easy to manoeuvre through stairwells and narrow hallways. With a 44% discount, it is now priced at £499.
Few things invite relaxation like a comfy beanbag. Capable of injecting a much more laid back feel to even the smallest of spaces, all Leather Sofas Online beanbags are made to order by artisans in the West Country. They make particularly useful additions to break out areas or, could even be placed in informal meeting rooms for more productive brainstorming sessions.
To shop the entire range of leather sofas, armchairs and beanbags and to buy online visit http://www.leathersofasonline.co.uk
