The Difference a Sit-Standing Desk Can Make to your Work
November 18, 2024
When setting up an office in New Zealand, the temptation to head to a big-box retail store is understandable. The prices look low, and the ‘Scandinavian-inspired’ designs seem trendy on the showroom floor.
However, for a business, the real cost of furniture isn’t the price on the tag, it’s the cost of replacement, the risk of employee injury, and the impact on productivity. At Systems Commercial, we’ve spent over 30 years helping Kiwi businesses navigate this choice and choose the right functional and durable furniture for their spaces.
Here is why commercial furniture is usually a better investment than retail furniture for your workspace.
Retail furniture is designed for domestic use. In furniture design terms, that means it’s built to be sat in for maybe two or three hours a day.
Commercial furniture is an entirely different beast. It’s engineered for the full work day, five days a week, 52 weeks a year.
In New Zealand, employers have a legal obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to provide a safe working environment. Retail chairs often lack the necessary adjustments to support different body types over long periods.
Commercial furniture prioritises human-centric design. For example, a commercial task chair can offer:
Investing in ergonomic furniture isn’t just about comfort, it’s about preventing discomfort and reducing injuries & ACC claims within your team.
A $150 retail chair might seem like a bargain compared to a $450 commercial chair. However, if the retail chair breaks or becomes uncomfortable after 18 months, and the commercial chair lasts 10 years, the cheaper option ends up costing you significantly more in the long run.
Commercial furniture also comes with vastly superior warranties. While retail stores often offer a 1-year limited warranty, commercial suppliers like Systems Commercial provide warranties ranging from 5 to 15 years. This is a testament to the “buy once, buy right” philosophy.
When you buy retail, you are limited to what is in the box. When you work with a commercial specialist, the furniture can be adapted to your needs and space.
At Systems Commercial, we offer custom manufacturing from our West Auckland factory, expert advice to find the right functional furniture and complete office fit-outs. With our own install team we take the hassle out of the heavy lifting and assembly process. Whether you need a boardroom table that fits a specific “awkward” corner or workstations that match your exact brand colours, commercial furniture provides a level of professionalism that flat-pack retail simply cannot match.
Sustainability is no longer optional for NZ businesses. Retail furniture is often ‘disposable’ and once a joint breaks or the fabric tears, the whole piece goes to the landfill.
Commercial furniture is designed to be serviceable. Components like castors, gas lifts, and fabric covers can usually be replaced or refurbished. Furthermore, many commercial products carry environmental certifications, ensuring they are made from responsibly sourced materials.
While retail furniture has its place in the spare bedroom or a home study used occasionally, it rarely makes the grade in a professional setting.
Commercial furniture is an investment in your people’s health, your brand’s image, and your company’s bottom line. By choosing commercial-grade solutions, you ensure your office remains productive, compliant, and stylish for years to come.
Ready to upgrade your workspace? Check out our full range of commercial-grade furniture here, or contact the Systems Commercial team for an office fit-out consultation.
