A brief history of the office workstation

 

There has been an astonishing lack of interest among publishers and historians in the emergence of office design. But knowing the history of how modern workstations came to be is not without relevance because more than 2/3rds of people in the world spend their working lives in some offices. So, if you ever wondered why the office workstations are the way they are, here’s a quick history for you. 

16th to 19th-century workstations

In the 16th-century, the office workstation meant a worker carrying all the necessary tools for the job. For instance, if the workman were required to drill a hole, he would go to the blacksmith and get a chisel and a hammer. Thanks to technological advances during the mid-19th-century, the definition of desks changed. Even designers started to focus on the office, and it was George Nelson recognized the importance of creating modern workstations. As part of Herman Miller’s Executive Office Group, Nelson invented the first-ever modern workstation. With this invention, it was possible for the workers to put their tools away and not have to carry anything. They only needed to carry themselves to their workstations, and everything was kept neatly. 

20th-century workstations

Thanks to that invention, the modern office workstation was introduced and ever since designers have made several changes to the workstation to make it more functional and ergonomic. The design of the office workstation was changed again when computers were introduced in the 20th-century. The workstation was designed specifically to include specialized equipment like the computer and its peripherals. It made it easier for the workers to work on their computers by having everything in one place. 

The modern workstations for offices are much more useful and functional than the older ones. The workstations can fulfill several purposes like storing documents, making all the equipment easily accessible, etc. The workers can stay seated on their chairs while working on the computer and even stretch their legs. The workstations are all they need to work. 

Even though modern office furniture in Kolkata has evolved in design and style, the functionality remains the same. The purpose of the office workstation is to make it easier for the employees and staff to complete their job. It is an end-to-end setting that makes it easier for workers.

In summation, the office workstation is not an ordinary piece of office furniture. It is not something that offices can choose to install in certain areas in the workplace. For any modern office space, the workstation is a necessity. Employees working on computers must have a designated workstation where they can store their files, documents and finish their tasks. Along with the workstation, modern offices must also invest in ergonomically designed chairs to make the working experience smoother and free of any back pains. 

So, do you have workstations in your office for your employees? If not, head to an office furniture store and redesign your workplace because good workstations helps in employee retention.