| Because technology and innovation have made | | | | choice is refurbished furniture. Eco-friendly |
| significant advancements in western society, this | | | | companies obtain old office furniture, repair and |
| has a resulted in new ways of living and working. | | | | clean them, and then resell them. This reduces the |
| One place where significant growth and change | | | | amount of waste going into landfills. |
| has taken place is at the office. People no longer | | | | Appearance: Modern offices are much more |
| use typewriters and sit on uncomfortable wooden | | | | personal. They are designed and built for comfort, |
| chairs. The modern office has now become a | | | | boost employee morale, and impress customers |
| home away from home. | | | | and clients. The modern office tends to have |
| Important changes in the office have centered on | | | | more windows and lighting. Office furniture is |
| appearance, technology advancements, innovative | | | | more modern and chic. There is no longer a sterile |
| office furniture, appearance, and implementing | | | | and bland appearance. Paint color schemes and |
| eco-friendly policies. | | | | carpet are usually chosen to match the office |
| Technology: Because of advancements in | | | | furniture. There is a trend for open spacing. The |
| technology, office spaces have become much | | | | height of cubicle walls is being reduced. |
| smaller and simpler. Equipment is much smaller, | | | | A Green Office: many offices are now |
| lighter, and requires less power. More information | | | | implementing policies that will help protect the |
| is stored on computers so there less paper is | | | | environment. Some green measures include: |
| required. Phones and faxes are often used | | | | setting up recycling bins, using energy efficient |
| together in one area and photocopying machines | | | | computers, installing water coolers with |
| are smaller. This means that less area is required | | | | biodegradable cups instead of drinking bottled |
| to house office equipment. Advancements in | | | | water, purchasing recycled paper, storing more |
| technology have also resulted in a blending of | | | | content on computers instead of constantly |
| work space and support space. There is more | | | | printing documents, purchasing refillable ink jets, |
| teamwork taking place so offices are now | | | | using eco friendly kitchen utensils and dishes, using |
| designed to make it easier for employees to | | | | non toxic and environmentally friendly cleaners, |
| communicate with each other. The size of private | | | | using energy efficient light bulbs, reusing boxes, |
| workspaces has been reduced. Office chairs are | | | | and purchasing refurbished electronics and other |
| now more ergonomic in order to reduce aches | | | | equipment. Employers may also offer a subsidy |
| such as back pain. With new cost saving and | | | | on public transit or start a carpool. |
| longer lasting light bulbs, lighting has become more | | | | Health and Well Being Programs: Many employers |
| energy efficient. As well, office machines are now | | | | offer ways for their employees to get healthy. |
| being built to minimize health risks. | | | | This can include providing special exercise and |
| Office Furniture: Environmentally friendly furniture, | | | | relaxation programs such as yoga, keeping a |
| or Green Furniture, is becoming a very popular | | | | couple of bikes nearby in case an employee |
| choice. Many office supply companies are now | | | | wants to go for a bike ride during lunch break, |
| selling desks, chairs, cabinets, and other furniture | | | | setting up a room with exercise equipment such |
| made from wood that comes from sustainable | | | | as a treadmill, and starting a walking or running |
| forests. Bamboo is popular because it grows | | | | club. |
| quickly. This type of furniture is usually made | | | | The modern office is much different than the |
| without using chemicals. This includes the paint and | | | | traditional office. There is a trend of designing |
| varnish applied to the furniture. There are also a | | | | offices to accommodate changing lifestyles and |
| number of companies selling office furniture that is | | | | make the work environment more enjoyable and |
| made from recycled materials. Another popular | | | | healthier. |