Every employer strives to create an office environment that is aesthetically pleasing, professional, conducive to productivity, and comfortable for employees – but this is easier said than done.
Considerable thought must be given to all aspects of office design, and that includes the window coverings. Choosing the right commercial window coverings will go a long way to helping you achieve a space that boosts employee morale, wellness, productivity and privacy.
Below are some factors to consider when choosing window coverings for your office.
1. Light, Glare & Temperature Control
For those tasked with ordering commercial blinds and shades for their office, retail store or hospitality business, an important consideration is light control. While natural light is generally preferable to artificial, too much can become uncomfortable as well.
Having the ability to control the amount of natural light entering a space means that you can ensure employees, customers and clients remain comfortable regardless of the time of day. In an office setting, for example, eye strain from too much or too little light can grind productivity to a halt. Glare on computer monitors from direct sunlight can similarly hinder productivity. Commercial motorized shades can be raised and lower depending on the time of day to help reduce eye strain and glare.
As a bonus, they can also save you money.
Reducing the sun’s intensity will make you less reliant on the heating and cooling system to moderate temperatures. This translates into dollars saved – and a happier workforce.
2. Privacy
If privacy is a concern for your business, the right window coverings can help.
Commercial roller shades are a popular choice due to their opaque or semi-opaque materials that block outsiders from peering in. Having said that, blackout shades (depending on the industry) are less desirable for some workplaces, because some natural light is still preferable. Instead, they will seek a product that strikes a balance between privacy and light control. Sheer shades, for example, can provide just enough privacy and diffused natural light when closed.
A combination of sheer and blackout shades may also work for some commercial spaces. For example, blackout shades may make meeting and conference rooms more usable when video presentations are held, while sheer shades can be used for the remainder of the office to ensure there is plenty of soft, natural lighting.
3. Automation
Work environments continue to embrace smart technology, and this includes smart window blinds and shades. These commercial window coverings can be controlled remotely or programmed to raise and lower in accordance with the position of the sun or working hours. For example, they can be programmed to rise at a specific time in the morning, and lower at the end of the day, or in the afternoon if the sunlight is uncomfortably bright.
4. Safety & Hygienics
If your workplace is pet-friendly or if toddlers may be in the room, motorized window coverings offer the added benefit of no pull string, which pose a strangulation hazard.
Lastly, smart blinds and shades offer the added benefit of being more hygienic, which is especially important today. Because they can be programmed to raise and lower, this means your staff avoid handling the blinds.
The right commercial window coverings have the power to make an office look and feel professional, but also boost privacy, comfort and safety. Find the right commercial window coverings for your business at a commercial window covering supplier near you.