The pursuit of the perfect work environment has become an important aspect of not only fostering the well-being of employees but retaining them as well.
A Gallup poll found that employees prioritize their well-being and want to work for a company that does the same. The evolution of workspaces has allowed more companies in different sectors to do this and has paved the way for innovative solutions like workspace design.
One example of a transformative addition to the workspace is the adjustable work table, a piece of industrial furniture designed to empower users with the ability to customize their workspace.
Here’s how this workplace staple has improved the health of employees and what you should look for in an adjustable work table when searching for the perfect fit.
The Evolution Of Work Spaces
Early workspaces predominantly featured static and standardized workstation designs. These conventional workspaces, while functional, often lacked the flexibility needed to accommodate the diverse requirements of workers.
As a better understanding of workplace health and productivity has evolved, a notable focus has shifted toward more productive and healthy solutions. Ergonomics has become a guiding principle, leading to a more healthy yet efficient workplace.
Ergonomics is the study of designing and arranging environments to fit both the capabilities and limitations of the people who use them. The primary goal is to enhance human well-being by creating environments that align with people’s natural abilities. In the context of workplace design, ergonomic principles create environments that promote comfort, efficiency and overall well-being.
A key consideration in this is the space where employees work, including work tables or workbenches. Ergonomics may take into account factors like posture, movement and the prevention of discomfort with repetitive tasks.
One of the most common design features that has evolved in the workspace is the inclusion of adjustable work tables. These adjustable pieces of industrial furniture allow users to customize their workspace by lifting or lowering the table height based on a worker’s personal preferences.
This addition to your workspace marks a step toward fostering a healthier and more dynamic work environment. But not all adjustable work tables are designed the same. It’s important to find the perfect fit for your workspace to not only ensure comfort and productivity, but to ensure a long-term investment as well.
Factors To Consider In An Adjustable Work Table
Selecting the right adjustable work table involves consideration of many different factors to ensure it seamlessly integrates into your workspace, including the following.
Individual Needs And Preferences
Consider your specific work requirements and tasks. Think about the range of height adjustment needed not only for different activities, but different employees. Don’t forget to take into account any specific features that align with your facility’s needs, including storage options and cable management solutions.
Workspace Constraints
Measure your available space to ensure the work table you’re considering fits comfortably. Consider the layout of the room and how the table will impact the overall flow of your workspace, and assess any potential obstructions or limitations that may affect the functionality of the adjustable work table.
Budget Considerations
Budget considerations are often a top priority when purchasing industrial furniture. Explore different options within your budget, considering both basic functionality and additional features. Keep in mind that investing in a quality adjustable work table is a long-term investment in the well-being of your employees, as well as how efficient and productive they are on a daily basis. The lift mechanism you choose as well may impact the budget, while we’ll also address below.
Material And Build Quality
Assess the durability and sturdiness of the materials used in the construction of the work table you are considering. The adjustable mechanisms should also be of high quality to ensure longevity and smooth operation. Look for materials that will withstand the conditions of your factory or laboratory, which we’ll dive into more later in this article.
Reviews And Testimonials
Consider reputable brands and products with a track record of positive reviews and testimonials. Research this feedback to gather insights into the real-world experiences of other customers, while paying attention to particular feedback on durability, ease of adjustment and overall satisfaction with the product.
Future Expansion And Adaptability
While it’s important to consider the adaptability of a work table in your current workspace, you should also consider any future changes that may occur as well. While you can’t always predict growth or production changes down the road, you can assess if a table can be easily integrated with additional accessories or features as your needs evolve.
Important Adjustable Work Table Features
While the above factors can help you make an informed decision when selecting an adjustable work table, there are some important features that shouldn’t be overlooked. These features include:
- Lift mechanism
- Countertop material
- Storage and organization
- Weight load capacity
- Chairs
Lift Mechanism
Height-adjustable lab tables, also known as adjustable height workbenches, are equipped with mechanisms that allow workers to easily raise or lower the tabletop to their preferred working height.
There are four lift mechanism options:
- Slot adjustment: A worker must make adjustments by raising the workbench legs and removing bolts or spacers.
- Hand crank: Employees rotate a hand crank to lift or lower the bench.
- Hand crank with hydraulic features: When cranked, the hydraulic fluid in the cylinders force the shafts in the legs to elevate.
- Electric: An employee can easily lift or lower the surface with the simple push of a button.
A table with an electric lift mechanism is the most ergonomically-friendly option, but can also be the most costly. However, an electric lift option can be a great option for work environments where heavy equipment is used.
Located at the end of your adjustable legs, casters can offer the added advantage of mobility. You can read more about the importance of casters in our article, What Should Your Mobile Industrial Workbench Include?
Countertop Material
While many focus on the lift mechanism when shopping for adjustable workstations, the countertop material on the table is critically important when we talk about durability and investment potential.
There are many tabletop materials that can enhance the functionality of a workspace. Some of the most popular options include:
- Phenolic Resin
- Epoxy Resin
- Solid surface countertops
- Chemical Laminate
- High Pressure Laminate
- ESD laminate
- Stainless Steel
- Butcher Block
If you work in a harsh environment, materials like phenolic resin and epoxy resin are able to withstand conditions like high heat, moisture, bacteria and fungus. On the other hand, if electrostatic discharge is an issue, ESD laminate can help enhance the safety of your workspace and protect your equipment.
You can read more about each of these surface types in our article, 6 Items All Adjustable Workbenches Should Have.
Storage And Organization
When shopping for an adjustable work table, work with a high quality industrial furniture company that will customize storage and organization solutions based on the tools your staff needs to be productive and efficient.
Some space-saving and organization tools that you can include in your work table’s design include:
- Utility drawers
- Shelving
- Upper storage cabinets
- Articulating computer monitor arms
- Keyboard trays
- CPU holders
- Pegboards
- Bin rails or panels
When placing these tools, consider what makes the most sense for your employees’ natural movements for the tasks they must complete.
Weight Load Capacity
If your employees work with heavy equipment or products, you’ll need a work table that can support that weight. A standard bench will have a weight load capacity up to 750 to 1,000 pounds, but if your tools weigh significantly more than that, a heavy duty bench can support up to 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, while an extra heavy-duty workbench can support up to 10,000 to 20,000 pounds.
Chairs
An often overlooked part of an adjustable work table, a chair can make or break your work area. The industrial furniture chairs you pair with your work table should offer features like adjustable heights, sturdy frames, and comfortable backrests and seats.
The material of your chair is often important as well. For example, there are typically three types of materials that are used in labs and industrial applications:
- Fabric
- Vinyl
- Polyurethane
Fabric is often chosen for its comfort, but the same fabric you find on office chairs doesn’t stand up to chemicals and other harsh substances. Vinyl offers more resistance to stains, is easier to clean and is more durable. Polyurethane is a tough material that is synthetic and holds up well against chemicals, oils and solvents. Polyurethane is also easy to clean, and is resistant to punctures and tears.
How An Experienced Industrial Furniture Company Can Help
An experienced and reputable industrial furniture company or manufacturer will work with you to make sure the exact needs of your company are met. When choosing a partner to work with, make sure you take into consideration lead times so that you can ensure your timeline for delivery is met.
It’s also important to ask about how a company transports your order. Some manufacturers will deliver their products using their own trucks, while others will contract the delivery through a trucking company.
When products are shipping across the country, common carriers may be used. If you don’t order enough adjustable work tables to fill an entire truck, it’s possible that the trucking company will pick up products from other companies to make the trip more financially feasible. Make sure you check with the manufacturer about how it packages its products to ensure they are protected and you won’t have to wait for replacement products.
Finally, an experienced manufacturer should offer an adjustable work table that not only meets your needs but yields long-term benefits for your company. A manufacturer that is committed to customer satisfaction will want to establish a long-term partnership with you that evolves as your workspace’s needs evolve as well.
