Interview with Inspire Cowork on Choosing Chairs for Their New Offices

We caught up this week with Aidan Green, owner of Inspire Cowork to talk about why he chose Krost to supply the furniture for the recent expansion of the largest shared office in Sydney’s south.

What made you purchase your chairs from Krost?

We have been expanding our space and wanted a set of quality chairs to compliment the professional fit out. Speaking to many other co-working space owners on what to consider in this key purchase, it was clear that durability was an essential factor.

Inexpensive chairs in a co-working space don’t last long. With staff using the chairs for long periods of time day in day out, it is only a matter of months before poorly designed chairs break.

Work Health and Safetyis also an important factor.  We need to cater for multiple body types so ample adjustment options are necessary. Talking to WHS specialists, there is also a duty of care to provide a safe working environment which extends to suitable chairs.

It was speaking to multiple other workspace owners that led us to Krost Business Furniture. After a few recommendations, we were confident that Krost Business Furniture was a key supplier that met all of our needs.  Being able to test the chairs for ourselves in the showroom closed the deal.

We’re Looking Forward to a Big 2016

We hope you had a wonderful break and are settling nicely into 2016. With a huge year planned we can’t wait to show you all of our new products and celebrate the release of our upcoming 2016 catalogue.

Our showroom, office and online store have reopened. So why not start 2016 with a new, refreshed look in the office. Pop into our showroom where our consultants will be delighted to help you with all your office needs or head over to our online store for a quick and easy purchase.

We look forward to hearing from you and wish you a very Happy New Year!

Seasons Greetings

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and to thank you for your support throughout the year.

We’re really looking forward to 2016.  With a host of new products along with our 2016 catalogue and more additions to our online store, it’s definitely going to be a big one for us!

We will be closed from December 25th and will reopen on January 7th, we wish you all the best over the break and look forward to hearing from you in the New Year. Until then, eat well and rest up.

See you in 2016!

How To Become A Successful Entrepreneur

What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur?  Whilst there is no secret recipe to success, there are a few common personality traits found in most successful entrepreneurs. We have compiled 8 tips to help you get on the path to success:

1. Love what you do – Successful entrepreneurs are passionate about their business and this is what keeps them motivated in the harder times. Exhibiting your passion will also most likely ignite the same feeling in others around you.

2. Work Hard – There is no easy road to success and luck only comes to those who work hard. Behind every great success story lies years of hard work, sweat and tears.

3. Be confident – Successful entrepreneurs not only believe in themselves but they believe in their ideas. Confidence is key in overcoming any possible hurdles, negative minds and in convincing others around you.

4. Take baby steps – The most successful companies and ideas were rarely born overnight. It can take some time, maybe a few years to see the results of your hard work, but motivation, positivity and perseverance will get you there.

5. Be Resilient – Mistakes are inevitable. Don’t let them get you down or affect your momentum. Instead, get back up, learn from your failures, and look to the future.

6. Be Flexible – You will need to be able to adapt to all changes and challenges that you may face if you want your business to stand the test of time and perform in the long run.

7. Vision –  Entrepreneurs have the ability to see opportunities everywhere and to think ahead. They are always on the lookout to develop a new idea.

8. Build your A-Team – Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and are ready to support your ideas.

A Little About Our Custom Manufacturing…

Did you know we locally manufacture all of our melamine and veneer desktops, meeting table tops, storage units and other joinery in our Sydney manufacturing plant?

Local manufacturing allows us to provide you with the largest variety of sizes and finishes available. We’ve got it all covered, it’s rare to find a job that we can’t do!

Our capabilities include:

• Custom shapes, sizes and edge profiles
• Custom joinery and cabinetry
• Powder coating
• Custom upholstery

We manufacture using only world’s best practice methodologies on some of the most technologically advanced machinery available. Our multimillion dollar machines are optimised to be as efficient as possible and produce items of the highest quality, which is why our lead times are unparalleled in the market.

Through our best practice manufacturing facilities, we are more equipped than ever to offer you the complete office furniture solution.

The Best Ways to Improve Productivity at The Office

1.  Work on important tasks in the morning - studies have proven we’re most alert and full of energy in the few hours after waking so use these hours wisely and tick off those important tasks as you sip on that morning coffee.

2. Change your mind set – The most productive people have a positive mindset they are able to use ‘motivating self talk’ to help them power through long to do lists, overwhelming and stressful situations.

3. Take regular breaks – Taking scheduled breaks can improve concentration and help you maintain a constant level of performance.

4. Learn how to multitask - In a world where distractions and long to do lists are inevitable learning how to successfully multitask plays an essential role in being productive.

5. Set yourself deadlines – Try giving yourself a set amount of time to get tasks done and stick to it.

6. Tame your inbox – If replying to or disposing of an email takes less than two minutes, do so straight away. Also try building times into your day to check your emails rather than having the email notifications distracting you constantly.

7. Keep a to do list – Keep two lists, one for short term must-dos and one for longer term items. To do lists will help you nut out which tasks to tackle and ensure no task is forgotten.

8. Clear your desk – Spend the last few minutes of your day cleaning off your desk. Throw away what you don’t need out and file any things you do need.

9. Embrace technology – Take advantage of applications that will make your work life easier and save you time.

The Evolution of the Computer Desk

This video by the Harvard Innovation Lab captures the history of the office between 1982 and today.

It’s remarkable to see how we’ve evolved from a cluttered desk including cork boards, fax machines, books and calendars to a virtually clear workspace. The developments in computers and smartphones have completely changed the way we work.

Check out the video!

Video: courtesy of BestReviews  

8 Air Cleaning Indoor Plants

Indoor plants have proven to be very extremely beneficial in purifying and renewing indoor air by filtering out toxins, pollutants and the carbon dioxide we exhale. Research from NASA shows that some plants in particular are more efficient in filtering out toxins than others. Here are their top picks:

Chinese Evergreen – An excellent plant for purifying your indoor air. It has the desirable characteristics of shade tolerance and a large leaf area.

Heart leaf philodendron – NASA determined that Philodendrons were among the best indoor plants for removing formaldehyde from the air, especially at higher concentrations. At lower concentrations it was found that Aloe Vera removed formaldehyde more efficiently.

Spider Plants – This plant placed in the top three of indoor plants that are efficient at the removal of formaldehyde from indoor air.

Aloe Vera – Aloe was shown to be much more efficient at the removal of formaldehyde at lower concentrations than Philodendrons. Aloe is also renowned as a medicinal plant known for it’s healing properties, giving it many of its nicknames.

Mums – NASA has determined this plant to be effective in the removal of benzene, a known carcinogen.

Golden Pothos – This plant placed in the top three for indoor plants that remove formaldehyde from our indoor air, according to NASA studies.

Gerbera Daisy – NASA’s research shows Gerbera to be superior in the removal of benzene, a well-known carcinogen.

Heart leaf philodendron – NASA determined that Philodendrons were among the best indoor plants for removing formaldehyde from the air, especially at higher concentrations. At lower concentrations it was found that Aloe Vera removed formaldehyde more efficiently.

Time For a Siesta?

Ever felt like a mid work day snooze would be a dream? Employees around the world are making it a reality by dedicating 20 minutes of their lunch break to napping.

Research has shown that the midday snooze produces all kinds of benefits, including improved memory, increased alertness, and decreased mistakes. Evidence also suggests that naps help with creativity and problem solving.

Could getting a few Z’s on your break become a social norm of the future?! Read more about it here.

Krost Turns the Town Yellow for Daffodil Day

If you visited Newtown station last Friday, you wouldn’t have been able to miss our staff and the bright yellow Daffodil Day stall filled with Daffodil’s and Cancer Council merchandise.

The generosity of your donations made the day a huge success with us being able to raise much needed funds to go towards cancer research. Thanks for the support!

5 Tips for Etiquette in an Open Office

Whilst there are a huge number of positive attributes to open offices at times, factors such as noise and distractions can present a challenge. Here are some tips for behaviours that will help to ensure your open planned office remains a productive and pleasurable place of work.

1. Keep Noise to a minimum – Loud voices and noises easily distract other people in the office, so unless everyone needs to know what you are talking about or doing you should try to reduce your noise output. Using your ‘inside voice’, not talking loudly on the phone or using loud headphones or ringtones are all ways to reduce your output.

2. Choose the Right Place to Chat – The middle of the open office is not the best place to conduct lengthy, controversial or confidential discussions. Have these types of chats in small private meeting rooms to avoid others around you losing focus on their work. If you need to talk to someone that does not sit right next to you, ensure you get up and talk to them at their desk rather than yelling across the room.

3. Be Aware of Odours – Using perfumes, deodorants or eating foods with strong aromas at your desk could make your colleague uncomfortable or even feel sick. Try to keep odours to a minimum.

4. Don’t Be a Distraction – Typing loudly, using speaker phone, fidgeting, tapping your pen or constantly interrupting your colleagues to chat is often not appreciated. Try and respect a persons need to concentrate or meet deadlines.

5. Keep Your Desk Organised – Aim to keep your desk clutter to a minimum by not letting food debris, paperwork and files stack up on your desk. People around you will feel more comfortable in a clean workspace and it’s much more professional.

8 Ways to Keep Active at Work

1. Don’t Sit Through your Entire Lunch Break – Plan to use at least half of your lunch break to take a short walk outside or around the office. Walking, even at a slow pace is beneficial to both your body and mind.

2. Take the Stairs – Instead of using the elevator walk or even run up the stairs instead. Stairs are the best way to burn a few calories!

3. Don’t forget to Stretch – By integrating some simple desk stretches into your daily routine, you can make yourself more comfortable and protect your body from permanent injury that could affect your muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons.

4. Take short coffee breaks – Take short breaks throughout the day to get up and move around. A short 5-10 minute break will help clear your mind, keep muscles active and give you a boost of energy. Even volunteering to do the coffee run will get you up and moving!

5. Get a Head Set – Using a headset for your phone will allow you to stand up and move around whilst talking on the phone. Studies have shown standing up whilst on the phone can also improve your confidence, clarity and posture.

6. Track Your Steps – Invest in an activity tacker like a Fitbit or Apple watch and set yourself a goal to improve on your activity levels everyday. Being aware of how much you’re moving is a great way to get motivated.

7. Consider Height Adjustable Desks – Height adjustable desks are fantastic way to easily alternate your position from sitting to standing throughout the day. Alternating to a standing position during the day ensures the electrical activity in your muscles remain active.

8. Take the Long Way to Work – If you can’t ride or walk the whole way to work, try and park further away from the office or train station so that you have to walk the rest of the way. Remember any movement is better that none!