Turnstone Blog

Not So Corporate Wall Art

2012-05-04T12:30:26Z

There’s nothing more boring than walking through or working at an office with the same old, boring “motivational” wall art. Not only are the typically posters or prints you see not aesthetically pleasing, but they don’t properly represent the companies either. The minute someone enters my office for instance, they notice that every part of my brand is represented nicely.

What you’re used to seeing:

What you SHOULD see:

Getting prints made like the ones you see above is super easy. Both prints you see above were made using CanvasPop. It’s a really cool site that lets you create a canvas out of pretty much anything , including really great cool word clouds from Wordle.net.

Want to create not so corporate wall art for your office? Here’s what you do:

1. Go to Wordle.net2. Create a word cloud using different words and choosing colors and fonts you like
3. Save your Wordle to your desktop
4. Upload to Canvaspop
5. Order and eagerly wait for your new prints.

Other ideas for custom wall prints:

Photos from company gatherings, trips and get-togethers: remembering fun trips only adds to the reasons why you love working for the company.
Re-prints of press or awards received: great reminders of all the hard work you’ve put in and what you’ve received. Press mentions and awards should always be visible, no matter how large or small the office is.
Reminders, quotes and other things you want everyone, including your customers, to know. A great example:

Honest words that you or your company embody or live by. One great example is the Holstee Manifesto:

Already have cool art in your workspace? Let me know in the comments below!

The Office Chair and How to Choose the Right One (Infographic)

2012-04-03T19:22:29Z

Let's not hurt our achey breaky back anymore!

Back pain is something that affects us differently. However, one solution that many people overlook to the problem, is a seat. But not just any seat will do, oh no, one should pick the right chair the same way they a house. Aesthetics, balance, support, are just a few of the elements that you should consider in the perfect chair.

Understanding the elements that make a great seat, turnstone has decided it was time for the perfect infographic to explain the perfect chair, enjoy.

Company Culture: Riding Bike to Work

2012-02-03T13:00:41Z

Aside from the health benefits of being active, there is even more of a reason to walk and bike to work. Companies and programs are offering more incentive to use alternative modes of transportation. From days off, to bike discounts, using your legs to get to work means sweet rewards.

The Washington Post covered a story on Bethesda company Calvert Investment, and how they are rewarding employees for alternative commutes. Each year, employees that walk to work are rewarded with a voucher worth $120 towards walking shoes. Bikers get a one-time payment of $500 towards a bicycle. Public transportation riders get reimbursed for Metro and bus rides. Because of these incentives, one third of the company now travels without a car.

The Alliance for Biking and Walking reported that between 2000 and 2009, the number of commuters that biked to work increased by 57%.

Even professional athletes choose a car-free commute. A recent photo of LeBron James went viral on Twitter, showing the basketball player biking to a home game at American Airlines Arena to face off against the Chicago Bulls.

A London startup called PleaseCycle, adds up "bike miles", much like a frequent flier program. By tracking miles using Twitter or a mobile app, users are able to redeem their miles for time off work, or even a discount on a bicycle.

Aside from offering monetary rewards, riding to work a few times a week will increase the health of employees. One study found that for every dollar spent on healthcare programs, medical costs fell by $3.27. That is a huge motivation for a boss that is looking to trim some fat from the budget. Literally.

But how do you set up your own reward system at your office? Start by offering a starter kit with reflectors, water bottle, local bike map, helmet, and a voucher for a bicycle. Encourage usage by setting up a points system, that can be redeemed for prizes. Help employees plan a safe bike route to work. Offer shower facilities and/or laundry service. Create a place to store bikes during the day; products like the Bivi Bike Hook keep your wheels out of the way.

Does your company offer benefits and rewards for employees that bike or walk to work? Who is it, and what do they give out? Does that make a better work environment? Tell us in the comments!

5 Ways to Gain 30 Minutes a Day

2012-05-17T10:48:03Z

The Value of your Wandering Years

2012-05-16T14:22:25Z

Encourage an Exercise Culture Through Office Design

2012-05-15T13:00:27Z

Working off of your Lap, Do’s and Don’ts

2012-05-14T11:58:31Z

Amazing Office? Show It Off To Attract Employees

2012-05-11T18:08:12Z

Getting into Your Productivity Groove

2012-05-10T12:50:14Z

Tools For Finding The Perfect Office Space

2012-05-09T12:38:58Z

Nine Absolutely Crazy Offices

2012-05-08T12:53:17Z

Eyespeak’s Fun “Woodland” Headquarters

2012-05-07T11:58:09Z

The Power of a Physical Inbox

2012-05-03T12:25:17Z

Designing for Wow’s or Designing for Employees?

2012-05-02T12:29:43Z

The (not so) Extreme Office Makeover

2012-05-01T12:30:07Z

So you think its time to give your office a makeover but it may be a little too early to replace all the furniture and do a complete overhaul. I understand and promise not to hold it against you. I know it’s time for you to make a change but let’s skip the huge budget, how does a $500 office makeover sound to you?

Here we go:

1. Make the move

Cost: Free

The fastest and easiest way to make a change is to move what you already have. If you have your desks setup against the wall, try bringing them in the middle of the space. Got your file cabinets hovering near your reception area? Try moving them to a different part of the office. Play around with the layout of your office space and just start moving!

2. Out with the old

Cost: Free

I’m sure you knew this was coming but it’s time to get rid of some stuff. If you’ve got piles of documents and files that need to be shredded, then do so. They’re taking up unnecessary space in your office, and are probably crowding your employees too. If you see other clutter spots throughout the office, take a walk through and start tossing things out. You’ll see a difference right away.

3. Paint!

Cost: $250 and up (depending on the size of your office)

Easy enough right? If you want to feel fresh and new, then a fresh coat of paint is what you need. Even if you don’t feel ready to add a bright color to your office, a fresh coat of paint in any neutral color will give an immediate update to the space.

4. In with the new

Cost: $200

This is my favorite part of an office update! Stylish office supplies and fun desk accessories can change a space instantly. Ever notice your desk is covered in boring letter trays, file folders and paperweights? Switch out all the pieces you don’t love and you’ll see an instant change. Other office accessories like lamps, wastebaskets (yes it’s an accessory!) and pillows help with the makeover too.

5. Cord control

Cost: $50

Take a look around your office and tell me what you see. Chances are, every area that has a printer, label machine or other electronic has a mess of cords in full view. Cords are actually not a office accessory and are a big eye sore. There are plenty of cord accessories like the cable box from Blue Lounge, which keep even your surge protector hidden.

For a few other tips, check out "3 ways to refresh your space on a budget" in turnstone's DIY section. What tips have you found that make a big impact on your space without an impact on your budget?