T O T A L O F F I C E

The Future Office - III - Virtuality

2012-03-06T17:34:00.000-08:00

“Virtuality”

There are so many terms floating around in our industry that it’s difficult to determine what a marketing ploy is and what is actually relevant to your organisation. Trends in the market are driving a shift in the way office furniture is designed and utilized. Designers and architects are noticing the footprint of offices and workstations shrinking to optimize available space, increase collaboration and ultimately yield a greater return-on-investment to the owner. This action, this change, doesn’t go unnoticed in our society and those trusted to consult us and define it, tend to assign words to box in certain aspects of these market trends. One such word is ‘Virtuaility’, a word that is used often in defining what the ‘Future Office’ looks like.

“Suddenly, real estate didn’t seem so real any more. I realized just how rapidly ways of working in the office were changing, and how radically these changes would affect the conventions upon which office design and real estate practice have been based for decades. But I saw that what was more important was that everyone will be affected by the changes because they are irreversible...” – Francis Duffy, Design Strategy for the Future Office.

It is true that every aspect of the workplace is changing. There is a wave of new construction that is not waiting for strict environmental standards to be imposed decades down the road, but instead opt for current third-party certification such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,) that promote sustainability, total cost of ownership efficiency and indoor-environment quality. We’re also faced with a multi-generational workforce – Traditionalists; Boomers; Generation X and Millenials – that have different ideas of what the workplace should be and how the work is done. The younger generation thrives off of collaboration and a dynamic office, changing the way walls and the ‘corner office’ are being perceived.

The one concern that I have is that people try to box the future office into a defining term that becomes a marketing ploy for them. They end up succumbing to making predictions at what the future office looks like – and it’s nothing new, people in every industry and walk of life have made predictions that at the time seemed quite credible, but ended up wrong. I have pulled a few quotes from a list with a little over eighty more (you can find hundreds more as well).

·         “We stand on the threshold of rocket mail.” - U.S. postmaster general Arthur Summerfield, in 1959.
·         “By 1985, machines will be capable of doing any work Man can do.” - Herbert A. Simon, of Carnegie Mellon University, 1965.
·         “With over fifteen types of foreign cars already on sale here, the Japanese auto industry isn't likely to carve out a big share of the market for itself.” - Business Week, August 2, 1968.

“Prediction is very hard, especially about the future” – Yogi Berra.

To predict with absolutes (i.e. guiding a rocket) is a complex mathematical process where skilled professionals dedicated to that task are enlisted. To predict the future based off of various and sometimes contrasting research is risky. The human factor: psychological, social, socioeconomic, physical and biological characteristics make it virtually impossible.

I cannot say it as well as Dr. B. M. Hegde (though directed at a different industry) “Unless one knows all about the initial state of the organism, which is impossible with our present knowledge in medicine, future predictions based on a few of the known parameters is a scientific impossibility.”

Everyone is trying to predict what the future office landscape will look like. Some people use industry terminology and complicated analysis to sound credible and convince the unsuspecting. Others are doing the right thing: they are using the available research and resources available to them to encourage ‘Total Cost of Ownership’ and improve ‘Return-on-investment.’ By addressing the present efficiently is the only way we can possibly attempt to predict the future.

This ‘Virtuality’ seems inevitable, but the impact of it is what we cannot predict. Will people be able to work solely from home? Will a desktop-replacement laptop be a sufficient ‘virtual-office’ that people can work from anywhere? Will networks and technology support virtual corporation initiatives? These questions can easily be manipulated to paint a picture of a monster out of ‘virtuality,’ when indeed the extent of ‘virtuality’ will be increased productivity in its simplicity.

The people that sit at desks and use the valuable space an organisation purchases are specialists in their respective lines of work. Technology is a tool that they utilize to aid them in the bottom line, it is not a requirement. The best way to illustrate that statement is to say that the world was still spinning in 1938 and 1972, preceding the invention of the computer and the internet respectively. ‘Virtuality’ is not what we need, if it catches on it’s because it is what we want.

Every organisation is different and unique in its processes. This means that even though we have modular benches, can create touchdown and ‘hotelling’ stations does not imply that everybody can increase efficiency and return-on-investment through the same techniques. The professionals in our industry are trained to adapt to specific client requirements and provide them with maximized return-on-investment through the best ‘total cost of ownership’ practices.

To reference ‘Contract Magazine’ (which has several articles on the future office) whom publish articles specific to the contract furniture market: One of them that jumped out at me was ‘Characteristics of the Future Office’ by Ruth Jansson, CID, IIDA, LEED AP. In her article she spoke of workplace standards as well as the influencers in designing such standards. These standards are adhered to when expanding or reconfiguration. She also touches on speculative spaces, another area of design which supports total cost of ownership. These methods are some of the closest we can come to providing the most efficient solutions for your organisation without running the risk of incorrect predictions.

Virtuality is a reality, but the obvious is the closest we can come to ‘predicting the future office.’ The rest of the information and statistics are just additional tools in our arsenal.

Until next time – go change the world. P.H.

Sources cited:

1. http://www.2spare.com/item_50221.aspx (just for the quotes, we don’t really go there for the endless entertainment they have to spare.)
2. University of Michigan: Centre for the Study of Complex Systems
http://www.cscs.umich.edu/~spage/teaching_files/modeling_lectures/MODEL5/M18predictnotes.pdf
3. http://www.mangalorean.com/browsearticles.php?arttype=Health&articleid=1670
4. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/477530/probability-theory/32786/Conditional-expectation-and-least-squares-prediction?anchor=ref407446
5. Contact Magazine
• http://www.contractdesign.com/contract/design/Designing-for-Millen-2132.shtml
• http://www.contractdesign.com/contract/design/Characteristics-of-t-2079.shtml
• http://www.contractdesign.com/contract/design/Designer-Perspective-1925.shtml
• http://www.contractdesign.com/contract/design/Office-Design-Trends-1869.shtml
• http://www.contractdesign.com/contract/design/Point-of-View-The-N-1792.shtml
• http://www.contractdesign.com/contract/design/features/Partners-in-Change--1863.shtml
• http://www.contractdesign.com/contract/design/Future-Furniture-Tre-1288.shtml
6. Teknion Corporation
• Cynthia Kirkland Odell
• Demographic Change in Canada: Making Sense of Trends and Drivers. Presentation to 2017: The Workplace, University of Waterloo, October 16, 2007. Mark Schaan, Retirement and Ageing Division, Strategic Policy and Research Branch.
“MasterFormat 2004 Edition Numbers & Titles" 6/8/2004 downloaded 07July06Design /Referenced 3/31/2010
Websites
• http://www.carusostjohn.com/artscouncil/history/origins/index.html, http://www.generationsatwork.net, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-World_War_II_baby_boom, http://annaliotta.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/06/what_shapes_the.htm, http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9750972-7.htm, http://www.wbdg.org/design/design_change.php, http://www.artofthefuture.com/JCRE2.html, http://conferences.cis.unisa.edu.au/2006/tabletop2006/notes/Industrial%20Design%20&%20Table%20Top%20Desgin%20Issues%202006.pdf,
7. Does Matter Vol. 2 – Published By Teknion

For more information Contact: TOTAL OFFICE Planning Services - Professional Delivery & Installation 420 Banks Road Kelowna, B.C. V1X 6A3 Tel:250.717.1626 / Cell:250.869.5304 Toll Free:1.800.558.DESK (3375) E: info@TotalOfficeBC.ca W: http://www.totalofficebc.ca/

The Future Office - II - Solution #7

2012-02-07T01:21:00.000-08:00

We cannot view the future as some distant ideal that we have little or no say in. Instead we need to - we must see the future as the best practices of our industry today, being amplified throughout the entire industry as a whole. Then, with a solid foundation we can trend forward, increasing our productivity, efficiency and the bottom line.

One study blows away the negative perceptions of change, because through simply using ‘Solution #7’, HP was able to make ‘tangible’ and ‘measurable’ (two of the most important terms in marketing) total cost of ownership improvements with significantly higher than just nominal results.

This is called ‘Working outside the Box.’

People increasingly work in places other than their workstation or office. A case study prepared by Hewlett-Packard and a major office furniture manufacturer, using a technology developed by HP and tested at the HP facility in Melbourne, Australia, indicates that employees were utilizing their dedicated space only 38% of the time. Such under-utilization of space in the office is comparable to the cost of downtime at a manufacturing facility. “Picture a manufacturing head going to the board and saying ‘I’ve got a great idea. Let’s build a manufacturing plant that targets 40% utilization.’ He would be laughed out of the boardroom, yet we are doing this right now in FM.” (1)

In today’s top-performing companies, workers spend more time collaborating and learning – gathering in meeting rooms, training rooms and team spaces, as well as lounges and cafés. Yet, many companies have not taken into consideration that dedicated workstations are being used less and less. The result is less than optimal use of an important physical resource – space.

The Hewlett-Packard study used motion sensors called “motes” to capture occupancy “at the seat.” Researchers could then identify what seat is being sat on and when, in order to accurately read how space was being utilized and if savings could be achieved. The conclusion? HP workers were utilizing dedicated space only 38% of the time, a number that HP to reconfigure the facility and to use offices and meeting rooms differently. Now utilization averages 50% and at times reaches 90%. The company has reduced its real estate cost per employee by 55%! (2)

The new reality is that people move around at work and are more productive when they do. Information gets passed along in brief, casual exchanges just as much as during formal meetings. The challenge for those charged with creating the office plan is to balance the need for dedicated spaces that support focused work with the need for immediate access to shared spaces for collaboration.

The ideal of the future office is taking the above fundamentals and applying them across the board as Solution #7. Rather than just seeing how we can reconfigure the spaces inside the box, we need to take ourselves out to about 50,000 feet high and take an objective look at the space being utilized and what the ultimate goal of achievement is. Is it 40% utilization of space or is it 50-90%? Or do we dare to dream and say that we’re going to utilize 95-100% of the space that we’re paying for? We can’t do that by just reconfiguring a desk or buying an ergonomic solution, we need to do that by not buying anything but by tapping into the resources available to us to plan and execute brilliantly, far before the purchasing stage.

Until next time – go change the world. P.H.

Sources cited:
(1) Mark Golan, Cisco Systems (http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2006/ts_121506.html)
(2) (www.reuters.com)/article/pressRelease/idUS169229+10-Nov-2008+PRN20081110
(3) WorkPlaceOne

For more information Contact: TOTAL OFFICE Planning Services - Professional Delivery & Installation 420 Banks Road Kelowna, B.C. V1X 6A3 Tel:250.717.1626 / Cell:250.869.5304 Toll Free:1.800.558.DESK (3375) E: info@TotalOfficeBC.ca W: http://www.totalofficebc.ca/

The Future Office - I

2012-01-10T06:31:00.000-08:00

The Future Office isn’t a distant depiction of what the workplace can look like – it’s the best practices of today being amplified for the majority of the workplace as a whole tomorrow. The way computers are used in pretty much every business and help us achieve far more productivity than we could have twenty years ago, is the same as taking what is systematically working well in the office and watching it explode as the norm, as people discover it’s untapped potential. When society as a whole can find a significant benefit from a relatively simple process change, we adapt, or as the social-media-era would put it – we trend.

“A quiet revolution is happening in the places we work. And this time, the transformation is only partly driven by technology. It’s also a response to a new generation of workers with new ideas about life and work, ready and willing to abandon the conventions that have long governed office life – the 9-to-5 workday, the coat and tie, the once-coveted private office. Change has come and we are just beginning to see what it will look like.

One thing is clear. In the 21^st century office, the name of the game is collaboration. And it’s played on a field whose boundaries and forms are flexible and fluid, where the walls that once defined structure and hierarchy have yielded to unmapped territories where people can make connections that lead to innovation…” – Steve Delfino, CoCreate

We can talk about the workplace trends, the four different generations in the office and the need for knowledge workers. But we’ll leave the research and business philosophy to management guru’s like Peter Drucker, already renowned worldwide for their expertise in the field. What we will do is give you sneak-peeks at what this future office looks like – because it’s already being implemented by some of the most powerful organisations in the world! And it not only adds to the bottom-line, it challenges it. We have a startling example of ‘Total Cost of Ownership’ in our next chapter – not one that we did ourselves, one that was implemented and tabulated. One of many that won’t stay hidden for long, because like we said earlier, when so many can benefit from doing so little, we trend.

Until next time – go change the world. P.H.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-13T16:19:00.000-08:00

What an exciting year! Thank you kindly for all of your continued support and for taking a look back at the surprising accomplishments we’ve achieved together!

We’ve had some major changes as well as some nice commendations, below is just a highlight of some of the things that you’ve inspired us towards:

- Business Excellence Award ‘Small Business’ with the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce

- GreenStep recommendations and action-plan set in place

- 2010 Chamber Office Makeover

- Pushor Mitchell Apple Triathlon ‘NCBC Sprint by Total Office’

- Interior Designer programs that support CEU Credits

- Ergonomic & Lighting Programs

- 2010 Grand ‘Re-Opening’

- New Dynamic and Engaged Team

Our inroads into the community are strong and we are proud to be the premiere suppliers of office furniture in the Okanagan Valley, with exclusivity to the Teknion Furniture line (www.teknion.com) and a broad range of other, well-placed suppliers in the marketplace.

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce has played a major role in Total Office connecting with the business community, through networking opportunity events, the Business Excellence awards and collaboration on last –and this new year’s ‘Office Makeover’ promotion, we’re excited to be involved and look forward to supporting our local business community through the Chamber and various other organisations in the years to come!
http://www.kelownachamber.org

We can write in lengths the amount of pride we have in our community and how much we appreciate the support and camaraderie from our partners – our clients, but we wouldn’t be able to provide the level of service excellence that we’re known for in the industry if it wasn’t for the brilliant, engaged and overachieving team that we have in place!

Sincerely, have an amazing and relaxing holiday and we look forward to all of our shared endeavors in the new-year!

Sean Casey - Handle Cushion Winner!

2011-11-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Sean Casey from Excel Personnel! This month’s winner of our ‘Handle Cushion’ core-stability cushion!

“…Thanks again for the prize and it was nice meeting you today. Congratulations on your success at Total Office and we look forwarding to working with you in the future….” – Sean Casey, Thompson Okanagan Senior Account Manager/Recruiter

Be sure to scan our QR code when you see it – on our shirts, signage or at events for your chance to win!

Recipient of the 2011 Business Excellence Award! Thank You Kelowna!

2011-10-17T22:31:00.000-07:00

Wow. It’s tough to describe how honored we are to be the recipients of the 2011 Business Excellence award for Small Business!!

First and foremost we’d like to thank you, our community, our clients, the Chamber of Commerce and so many others that we’re connected within the Regional District of the Central Okanagan. We’d also like to extend congratulations to the other finalists in the Small Business category; X10sion 207 Clothing Company/Surf Culture Clothing Co./X10sion 207 Premium OUTLET and All Occasions Party Rentals Inc.

It wasn’t without effort getting here, but with an amazing staff in place that is willing to go above and beyond our expectations, to deliver on our promises, it’s been worth every step of the way! We’ve seen each member of our team grow and the dedication of everyone in really raising the bar of service excellence – far above our slogan and right in line with our mission statement, it means so much more than words when you actually see your staff live it every day!

In line with our commitment to excellence, we want to take this opportunity again to share our heartfelt thanks to you. We hope if there’s anything we can do to get involved with your business, you’d give us a call so we can show-off our award winning team!

Of course as all small business owners know, with every ‘calm will come a storm. We appreciate and respect this award, yet are inspired to blow the business community away next year and reef our sails through whatever challenges ahead. Total Office will lead the office furniture and service industry to higher levels, we will do our best to encourage the business leaders around us to continue and do the same!

Let’s take on 2012 together, Kelowna!

2011 Business Excellence Finalist - Thank you Kelowna!

2011-10-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

Total Office has been nominated for the 'Small Business Award (1-10 employees), aside All Occasions Party Rentals and X.10.SION 207 Clothing/Surf Culture. We will like to extend a sincere 'Thank You!' to the businesses and individuals of Kelowna for their commitment and patronship.

"Kelowna, BC - Sixteen finalists will be honored at the 24th Annual Business Excellence Awards on October 17th at the Delta Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort and Conference Centre where five category recipients will be announced, along with the Business Leader of the Year recipient. Presented by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and Platinum Sponsors the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Farris, Vaughan, Willis & Murphy LLP, the popular Kelowna event is part of the annual Small Business Week (r) activities (October 16 - 22, 2011).

...The Business Excellence Awards program celebrates achievement in our business community with finalists in each category selected from a wide group of nominations. The panel of judges visits all of the finalists and will judge them on the growth and development of their business, customer service, employee relations and community service."

- Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, to see full article please visit: http://www.kelownachamber.org/CWT/External/WCPages/WCWebContent/WebContentPage.aspx?ContentID=1381

REFINED ~ FUNCTIONAL ~ VERSATILE

2011-10-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

Expansion Casegoods is one of the most extensive laminate casegoods offerings on the market, striking a perfect balance between price, functionality and contemporary aesthetics.

Expansion Casegoods meets a broad range of freestanding applications and diverse office plans. A uniform product platform simplifies planning and provides a consistent aesthetic throughout the office. Universal components and an array of design options accommodate diverse needs and meet individual budget requirements.

Overlapping worksurfaces and overhead cabinets mount to Wall Panels to create a light, open look in small and large configurations.

Secondary desks – available up to 108 inches wide – create multi-level workstations, maximize use of space and unify structure and appearance. A broad offering of desks, credenzas and returns are available preconfigured or as modular units.

Expansion Casegoods encompasses a wide selection of storage. Overhead Cabinets, Hutches, Hutch with Towers, Towers and lowheight storage increase planning flexibility. Wall Panels and storage units in different heights create a range of elevations. Overhead storage mounts as a Hutch, on drywall or on Wall Panels for diverse applications. In addition, the Expansion Casegoods offering includes an extensive selection of meeting and conference tables suitable for small informal meeting rooms or a spacious boardroom.

Expansion Casegoods is GREENGUARD® Certified for Children & Schools, complies with BIFMA e3, meets LEED certification credits 4.1/4.2 NC & CI and 4.5 CI and is manufactured in plants certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standards. FSC wood is an option.

Expansion Casegoods creates efficient, highly functional workstations

For more information Contact: TOTAL OFFICE Planning Services - Professional Delivery & Installation 420 Banks Road Kelowna, B.C. V1X 6A3 Tel:250.717.1626 / Cell:250.869.5304 Toll Free:1.800.558.DESK (3375) E: info@TotalOfficeBC.ca W: http://www.totalofficebc.ca/

ARE YOU SITTING DOWN?

2011-06-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

Ergonomists agree that alternating between sitting and standing results in decreased discomfort, increases productivity and, when given the option, is the preferred method of working by desk users from around the world.

Variation in movement is the key to maintaining a healthy body and the ways to achieve this from a sitting position are extremely limited. Postural variation is the most effective way of reducing musculoskeletal discomfort through weight redistribution and repositioning.

The pressure on the lower back, buttocks and legs is considerably reduced in a standing position as different sets of muscles are activated. When we move from a sitting to standing position our bodies natural inclination is to stretch and move. The immediate effect is a reduction of the pressure on the spine and improved blood circulation.

A height adjustable desk allows the user to maintain this variable position for as long as they desire whilst still continuing to work as usual.

Technology has taken us to a stage where we are most productive in front of our PC and although we are advised to take regular breaks and move around the office this does not always happen. Sit Stand technology allows the user to achieve many of the benefits they would from leaving their desk while continuing to work. You get more done when you're standing up - when you're sitting, you're naturally recessive, when you're standing, you're ready to do something.

Only an Electric Sit Stand Desk provides true height adjustability as the height can be altered by the individual at the touch of a button throughout the working day as required; the important thing is to vary your routine. Make a point of getting up every half hour or so and walk around.

One desk is suitable for all people of different shapes and sizes. This caters for a mobile workforce either sharing desks in “hot desk” situations or in call centres with a constant turnover of staff. The flexibility of these desks also accommodates people with disabilities and existing back problems.

Reduce problems caused by static and sedentary postures that can lead to musculoskeletal injuries and work related stress issues. Incremental changes allow the user to easily change heights between tasks such as typing and writing and assist with comfortable collaboration with colleagues.

Standing burns up to 30% more kilojoules than a static seated position.

Good Ergonomics is good economics.

A healthier, happier staff will result in a more productive workforce.

Proudly Sponsoring...A Fantastic Seminar NOT to miss!

2011-05-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

Courage to be Naked

Date: Thursday, May 26, 2011

Time: 8:45 AM TO 10:30 AM

Location:

Sandman Hotel Kelowna
2130 Harvey Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6G8

Courage to be Naked: Understanding the Impact in our Business Due to the Paradigm Shift in our New Economy, presented by Fred Sarkari

There is a paradigm shift in the expectation of our clients. In short, how people did business in the past will never be how people will do business in the present and future. Understanding this simple yet critical paradigm shift will be the direct reflection of where your business will be in the coming years.

Learn what the few are doing in order to thrive in this economy. Fred Sarkari has the opportunity to see first hand the difference between entrepreneurs that just survive and those that thrive in our new economy. If you have ever heard Fred speak, you do not want to miss out on this phenomenal event.

Come hear him share his experience on the following:

- What is the critical paradigm shift in our new economy that will impact your business forever?

- The most important element that determines the results of any social media launch.

- Understanding the psychology behind capturing the attention of any audience. From individuals to a crowd to print media.

- And Much more that will forever impact how you do business.

Door prizes and giveaway bags of goodies for everyone in attendance.

***Everyone that registers will also be put into a draw for the NEW iPad2.***

Come get your free copy of Fred's new book - Courage To Be Naked - The Ultimate Guide To Presenting And Communicating Your Message.

Price - $15 includes tax. Refreshments will be provided.

To register for this event, click on the link:

Kelowna Chamber Event - Courage to be Naked

For more information Contact:
TOTAL OFFICE Planning Services - Professional Delivery & Installation
420 Banks Road Kelowna, B.C. V1X 6A3
Tel: 250.717.1626 Toll Free: 1.800.558.DESK (3375)
E: info@TotalOfficeBC.ca W: http://www.totalofficebc.ca/

TOTAL OFFICE Kelowna - Grand Re-Opening April 21st 2011

2011-04-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Earth Day, Total Office Business furnishings of Kelowna is having its

Grand Re- Opening

For over 40 years, Earth Day—April 22—has inspired and mobilized individuals and organizations worldwide to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.

At Total Office we are leaders in environmental and social initiatives. Part of our commitment is to green our business challenge based on the David Suzuki model and doing a base line study of the environmental footprint of our business with specific goals of reducing by 2013 and beyond.

“We support MS Society, SPCA, Hospice, Food Bank, Brain Injury Society and are participants in the TIER employment program offering a opportunity to a challenged worker as a further component of our social responsibility “says Roy Collins co-owner of Total Office Business Furnishings.

“As a business based in the Kelowna community we want to reduce our environmental footprint and Total Office wants to contribute to the solution in any possible way including selling products manufactured in Canada by workers being paid a fair wage and contributing to our tax base and social programs” said Carmen Sparg co- owner of Total Office Business Furnishings.

Our business benefits by being a leader in promoting the social welfare of the community and giving back to the community we live in. Total Office Business Furnishings leads the way with supplying ground-breaking design and technology in today’s Office Furniture Industry. Our product portfolio encompasses several lines of systems furniture, mobile furniture, architectural wall systems, seating, storage and filing, freestanding case goods and accessories.

At Total Office, we recognize the power of green design in order to enhance our ability to interact with one another and our world and with our Teknion Furniture Systems of office furniture manufactured in Canada we create a more comfortable and green place to work.

Total Office supplies furniture that connects people, technology and spaces.

Integrated design with unlimited possibilities for the future of business.

“This is an exciting period for us and we look forward to educating our clients and the public on the benefits of thinking green” said Roy Collins.

For more information contact

Roy Collins

Owner / Principal

Total Office – Business Furninshings

420 Banks Road Kelowna, B.C V1X 6A3

tel:250.717.1626 cel:250.869.7645

toll free:1.800.558.DESK (3375)

Planning Services - Professional Delivery & Installation

e: roycollins@TotalOfficeBC.ca

w: www.TotalOfficeBC.ca

þ Go Green: please ~ only print if necessary!

Total Office Kelowna - The Small Business Big Impact Challenge - Scotia Bank

2011-04-07T13:31:00.000-07:00

Click on Image and vote for Total Office Kelowna - The Small Business Big Impact Challenge Award.

What does your business do to make your community a better place to live?
We are leaders in environmental and social initiatives. Part of the green business challenge based on the David Suzuki model and doing a base line study of the environmental footprint of our business with specif goals of reducing by 2013 and beyond. We support MS Society, SPCA, Hospice, Food Bank, Brain Injury Society and are employing a challenged worker as a further component of our social responsibility

Why have you chosen to take this approach?
As a community we want to reduce our environmental footprint and Total Office wants to contribute to the solution in any possible way including selling products manufactured in Canada by workers being paid a fair wage and contributing to our tax base and social programs. Our business benefits by being a leader in promoting the social welfare of the community and giving back to the community we live in.

What advice would you give other business owners who might be considering this idea?
Yes we would definately recommend promoting environmental ecoonomic and social values in every business. It is in fact the wave of the future

For more information Contact: TOTAL OFFICE Planning Services - Professional Delivery & Installation 420 Banks Road Kelowna, B.C. V1X 6A3 Tel:250.717.1626 / Cell:250.869.5304 Toll Free:1.800.558.DESK (3375) E: info@TotalOfficeBC.ca W: http://www.totalofficebc.ca/

TOTAL OFFICE Kelowna - Grand Re-Opening April 21st!

2011-04-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 21st

Please RSVP to: Susanna Schneider at susanna@totalofficebc.ca

Phone: 250.717.1626

When: 7am - 9am

Where: 420 Banks Road

Kelowna BC

Enter our draw for fabulous prizes!

Your Office Canadian Style

2011-03-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

What you should know about Canadian Office Furniture Manufacturer "Teknion"

Teknion embraces change and its inherent possibilities. Our culture is one of innovation. A diverse, yet integrated product line allows companies to adapt to new forms of work as they unfold. Teknion products perform independently and in concert, combining in virtually unlimited configurations that fit new needs as the world’s economies and cultures evolve. At Teknion, we seek to realize the power of design to enhance our ability to interact with one another and our world. Teknion creates furniture that connects people, technology and spaces. Integrated design with unlimited possibilities for the future of business.

Integrated Product PortfolioWhen Teknion began operations in the early 1980s, it did so with a single line – the Teknion Office System, or T/O/S. Today, the company offers a number of different panel-based, freestanding and desking systems, including District, Leverage, Transit and T/O/S. Marketplace, Ability and ie are Teknion’s freestanding systems offerings and Expansion Desking is the company’s desking line. Teknion offers two architectural or demountable wall products – Altos and Optos.

Teknion seating products range from stacking, lounge and general-use to task, wood and executive. Popular seating lines include Contessa, Savera, Amicus, Fitz, Marini, Visio, Volume, Zone, Aegis and Synapse. The company also offers a wide range of storage and filing for use inside and beyond the workstation, including Almanac, Ledger and the Universal Overhead.

The Tables & Collaborative Spaces program features an array tables and complementary storage and work tools designed for boardrooms, meeting rooms, training rooms, café/lounge and dining areas. Complements – Teknion's Ergonomics & Accessories Program – is designed to promote healthy working postures and to organize and personalize the workspace.

Industry Design AwardsTeknion continues to earn many prestigious awards, the majority related to new product design and innovation. Within the past few years, many of the company’s new products – District, Marketplace, Expansion Desking, Fitz and Synapse – have won a host of international honors. Competitions in which Teknion has received awards include Best of NeoCon, Good Design, NeoCon Green Stars Awards for Environmental Excellence, Best of Canada, Best of Year, the Design Exchange, the FX International Interior Design Awards, iF product design award and the Innovation Awards.

Check out this great video "Workplace One". Follow the link below and enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxBol_eI9FM&feature=player_embedded

Please call us with any questions you may have at 250.717.1626 or toll free at 1.800.558.DESK (3375).

Total Office your Authorized Tekknion Dealer.

For more information Contact: TOTAL OFFICE Planning Services - Professional Delivery & Installation 420 Banks Road Kelowna, B.C. V1X 6A3 Tel:250.717.1626 / Cell:250.869.5304 Toll Free:1.800.558.DESK (3375) E: info@TotalOfficeBC.ca W: http://www.totalofficebc.ca/

SHOWROOM BLOWOUT SALE!

2011-01-25T13:26:00.000-08:00

Total Office is excited to announce our SHOWROOM BLOWOUT SALE! Take an additional 20% - 50% off already reduced Brand Name items including:

· Office Desks

· Office Suites

· Ergonomic Office Chairs

· Guest Chairs

· Stacking Chairs

· Reception Furniture

· Filing Cabinets

· Conference Furniture

· Bookcases

· Office Storage

· Office Tables

· Office Accessories

These items are great for your Home office or your Business. Act qucikly while quantities last!

Brand Names

Remember to check out our Preowned Section. Total Office carries preowned desks, suites, filing and storage, seating, partitions, whiteboards and much much more!

Total Office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.

Health & Productivity in the Workplace

2010-12-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

Ergonomic Office Furniture Tips
Ergonomics is fast becoming a hot topic within the office furniture and design community. More employers are beginning to understand that workplace comfort makes a difference, not only in
employees’ happiness and comfort, but in their overall productivity. A happy worker is an efficient worker, and oces that are still waiting to embrace ergonomic furniture and accessories are likely falling further and further behind in today’s busy workplace. If you’re new to ergonomics, give some consideration to starting with two basic areas in the office: the monitor and chair.

Ergonomics for the Head and Neck
The neck and back are two of the most common areas in which workers experience pain.The business world as we know it requires employees to spend the majority of their time on the computer. Most workers don’t properly position themselves or their monitors. This results in exhaustion, eyestrain, neck and back pain. Ergonomic monitors and accessories will help ease the strain workers maybe experiencing. A monitor arm, lift mechanism, or wall mount will allow employees to move their monitors to a height and distance that is comfortable for them. Adjusting the viewing distance and angle will not only help improve clarity, but it will also help ease neck pain. Let Total Office assist you in designing the right ergonomic workstation for you.

Ergonomics for the Torso
In terms of health and productivity in the workplace, one of the most important purchases a business will make will be workplace office chairs for employees. An oce chair should support the back, legs, buttocks, and arms. To truly meet ergonomic standards, however, oces should look for adjustable chairs that will not only raise and lower depending on the worker’s height, but that are also equipped with a tilting back and moveable arm rests. Additionally, look for a sturdy frame with ample padding, and lumbar support. Remember, the goal is to find a chair that adjusts with the worker depending on the task at hand rather than workers having to reposition themselves to align with their office. When choosing the right ergonomic chair be sure to visit Total Office.

Did you know...
Total Office Offers
Ergonomic Assessments?
Book yours today!

For more information Contact: TOTAL OFFICE Planning Services - Professional Delivery & Installation 420 Banks Road Kelowna, B.C. V1X 6A3 Tel:250.717.1626 / Cell:250.869.5304 Toll Free:1.800.558.DESK (3375) E: info@TotalOfficeBC.ca W: http://www.TotalOfficeBC.ca/

Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Total Office Makeover

2010-11-04T06:17:00.000-07:00

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Total Office, and 103.9 The Juice are giving you a chance to win a $5000 Office Makeover!

Sign up as a new member with the Kelowna Chamber before Dec 31st, and you're automatically entered!

Don't delay, join the Chamber today! Our membership team is looking forward to hearing from you!

Contact the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce at 250-861-3627, or email Tessa Wynn, Membership Development Manager.
OR you can submit your online membership application and we'll be happy to contact you!

For full details on this promotion, click here.

TOTAL OFFICE
Planning Services - Professional Delivery & Installation
420 Banks Road Kelowna, B.C. V1X 6A3
Tel:250.717.1626 / Cell:250.869.5304
Toll Free:1.800.558.DESK (3375)
E: info@TotalOfficeBC.ca W: http://www.totalofficebc.ca/

TOTAL OFFICE Kelowna - Agents of Change our Environmental Mandate

2010-10-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

At Total Office, we care about the world we live in, and understand the effects the products we sell have on the environment. Our own environmental mandate is to promote Canadian manufactured products that are
minimally packaged and produced to environmental standards by workers being paid a fair wage. Products
that are made to stand the test of time and last.

Total Office is one of the first companies to adopt the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Go Green Business
Challenge Workplace Strategy. Internally we recycle used furniture in our Pre-Owned Furniture Division, separate and recycle all packaging and reuse as many of the products we can.

Our goal in adopting the Go Green Business Challenge is to further enhance our green initiatives by empowering our people to achieve greater success. We have the resources and the expertise essential in designing and implementing environmentally and user friendly long-term office spaces, with the least amount of impact on our environment.

Our Major supplier Teknion Furniture Systems is the first office furniture manufacturer to attain ISO 14001 certification for all of their major facilities. Teknion has an unparalleled environmental sustainability mandate. All product lines are Green Guard certified for indoor air quality. Integration is clearly evident in how we
apply our extensive portfolio of products. It saves time, money and the environment by adapting to the constant change in the workplace.

For more information Contact:

TOTAL OFFICE
Planning Services - Professional Delivery & Installation
420 Banks Road Kelowna, B.C. V1X 6A3
Tel:250.717.1626 /
Toll Free:1.800.558.DESK (3375)
E: info@TotalOfficeBC.ca
W: http://www.totalofficebc.ca/

Generations in the workplace

2010-09-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

First and foremost we need to ask:

Who are the generations? There are four:
1) the Traditionalists; 2) the Baby Boomers; 3) Generation X, and; 4)Millennials.

The next question we need to ask is: What generation do I belong to? To answer this we have to take a look at the generational divide.

Traditionalists were born before 1946. Baby Boomers were born between “1946-1964”. Generation Xers were born between “1965-1980” and the Millennials were born between “1981-2002”.

A more interesting way to determine the generation you belong to is to ask yourself, ‘Who was my favorite musician growing up? Glen Miller, The Beatles, Madonna, or Usher? What about your favorite toy? Marbles, a hula hoop, Barbie and G.I. Joe, or maybe it was a Gameboy or Playstation?

After figuring out your generation, let’s take a closer look at the personality traits and behaviour of each generation. Traditionalists value hardwork, dedication, sacrifice and are known as the “Work to Live” generation. They focus on building a better future and are
authoritarian, expect pyramid shaped organization. (Keyword: “Loyal”)

Baby Boomers are competitive, individualistic, question authority, and “Live to Work”. Known as the “Me Generation”, they want to build a stellar
career. (Keyword: “Optimistic”)

Generation X are electric, resourceful, self-reliant, distrustful of institutions, highly adaptive to change and technology. They believe that the world is
not as safe as it once. Are children of divorce, latch key children, impacted by downsizing and right sizing and wait
a long time to start families (career first) and now seek work/life balance. (Keyword: “Skeptic”)

Millenials have been over schedualed from birth.They were born into the information age; expect multi tasking, multimedia and have high expectations
of self, and organization. Team oriented, need to feel valued and are known as the “the collaboration generation”. (Keyword: “Realistic”)

The attraction and retention of workers is a key issue facing employers today. There is a need to create working environments that will appeal to the employees you want to attract and retain. The answer is not in one size fits all strategies, it is in creating a range of solutions to meet all generations needs, as well as address how everyone’s workplace needs change throughout the day/week.

The key issues being addressed are:

-Healthy environments (daylight/views, air, temperature)
-Sustainable spaces/energy efficient
-“Future proofed” – able to grow & shrink
-Mobile/changeable, sometimes by employees
-Diversity of spaces to meet diverse needs
(public/private/interactive); (temporary, changeable, permanent)
-Reflect corporate image & culture
-Affordable (and often more dense)

A multigenerational workforce requires companies to meet the
varying needs of each type of wroker. Companies will have to
develop multiple strategies not a single dramatic one. Each
companies approach will require a unique approach tailored to
suit their needs. The companies who do it best will get the best
people.

Total Office Business Furnishings in Kelowna understands the
above issues facing all kinds of businesses, corporations and
government institutions. We are here to help all our customers
from concept to completion and beyond. Total Office is not just a
supplier of office furnishings, architectual walls, and ergonomic
accessories.

We do all that, but in addition Total Office provides
planning and design services through a collaboration processes
with the customer, architect, contractor, designers and/or project
manager. We support every project full circle, from informing,
educating, assisting, brainstorming, floor planning and installing.

We do it all with service excellence as our driving force for
building long-term business-to-business and business-tocustomer
relationships.

For more information Contact:
TOTAL OFFICE
Planning Services - Professional Delivery & Installation
420 Banks Road Kelowna, B.C. V1X 6A3
Tel:250.717.1626
Toll Free:1.800.558.DESK (3375)
E: info@TotalOfficeBC.ca
W: http://www.totalofficebc.ca/

Environmental Sustainability

2010-09-16T06:20:00.001-07:00

What We Do:
At Total Office, we care about the world we live in, and understand the effects the products we sell have on the environment. Our own environmental mandate is to promote Canadian manufactured products that are minimally packaged and manufactured to environmental standards by workers being paid a fair wage. Internally we recycle used furniture and reuse as many of the products we can. We have also adopted the David Suzuki Green Your Workplace strategy in partnership with the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.

We have the resources and the expertise essential in designing and implementing environmentally and user friendly long-term office spaces, with the least amount of impact on our environment. Our Major supplier Teknion Furniture Systems is the first office furniture manufacturer to attain ISO 14001 certification for all of their major facilities. Teknion has an unparalleled environmental sustainability mandate, all product lines are GreenGaurd certified for indoor air quality and manufactured in Canada.

For more information Contact:
TOTAL OFFICE
Planning Services - Professional Delivery & Installation
420 Banks Road Kelowna, B.C. V1X 6A3
Tel:250.717.1626
Toll Free:1.800.558.DESK (3375)
E: info@TotalOfficeBC.ca
W: http://www.totalofficebc.ca/