Have a Scary Chair-y Halloween

Do you think your office chair is just going to sit around this Halloween while you’re out trick or treating? Don’t be so sure.

Your office chair may have a few tricks of its own for scaring up some Halloween fun.

If you don’t believe us, take a look at this video of some office chairs that really know how to party. Then, when you leave the office on Halloween, make a note of where your chair is and be sure to check it’s position the next morning.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

And be sure to check out what the “stars of our show” do in their “day jobs”.

Your Guide to Understanding Office Furniture – L and U-Shaped Desks

If you are responsible for selecting or purchasing furniture for your office, you know that your choice of office furniture is not a decision to be made lightly. Every project, from an individual office to furnishing an entire building, requires attention to detail.

One of the details many office furniture buyers struggle with when buying L-Shaped Desks or U-Shaped Desks is the positioning of returns and bridges. While the choice between right and left may seem simple, you may ask: “Is that my right if I’m sitting behind the desk…or would it be my left if I’m approaching the desk?”

It’s all a matter of perspective.

Here are a few simple guidelines to put it in perspective for you.

“L”-SHAPED DESK – This is a desk and a return connected in an L-shaped configuration. In most cases, the unit is preconfigured with the return on either the right or left side and the placement must be specified when you place your order.

Your choice of right or left is determined by the side on which you need the return when you are sitting behind the desk, and not facing the desk. In other words, when you are working at your desk, a right return will be on your right-hand side and a left return will be on your left-hand side.

“U”-SHAPED DESK – This is a three-piece unit consisting of a desk in front and a credenza in the back, with both pieces connected by a bridge to form a U-shaped configuration.Typically, the unit is preconfigured with the bridge on either the right or left side, which must be specified when ordering.

Once again, your choice will be determined by the side on which you need the bridge when you are sitting behind the desk. A right bridge will be on right-hand side when you are working at your desk and a left bridge will be on your left-hand side.

ATD’s Buying Tips for Office Furniture

When you’re in “The Office”, do you feel like a “Survivor” or “The Biggest Loser”?
Does the thought of organizing your office and choosing office furniture fill you with “Glee” or make you want to jump into a “Shark Tank”?
Do you feel “Grimm” amid the clutter? Maybe it’s time to take “Revenge”.
“Once Upon a Time” you may have thought it hopeless, but we’re “Raising Hope” that “Happy Endings” are in sight.
No “Bones” about it. With the right office furniture and some organization, you can turn your office into a “Castle”.
“What Would You Do”? Just get into “Top Gear” and follow ATD’s “Rules of Engagement” for Office Furniture.

Your office can go from “Scandal” to “Smash” hit in no time. These helpful tips for selecting office furniture will help you vote clutter “off the island” and say “You’re fired!” to inefficiency.

“L”-Shaped and “U”-Shaped Modular Desks provide the most efficient workspaces. They let you store all of your equipment (phone, computer, peripherals) on one “wing” of your desk, leaving the other section free for “spreading out” while you work.

If your office design doesn’t allow for a Modular Desk, consider using a free-standing Double Pedestal Desk in combination with a Computer Credenza or Keyboard Credenza to hold your computer and peripherals.

Adding a Hutch to your workspace creates extra storage space for books, manuals, catalogs and CDs and reduces clutter on your desktop.

If possible, locate your desk so you aren’t facing the door. This will keep you from being distracted by passersby.

If you have many personal items (photos, knick-knacks, plants) in your office, a Storage Credenza provides convenient display and storage space.

Make sure you have plenty of file space near your desk. Lateral and Vertical File Cabinets will keep all of your important files within easy reach.

Consider your workflow when arranging your office furniture. Your office layout should minimize the amount of bending, stretching and walking you have to do when moving from one activity to another.

Take time each day to clear your desk before leaving work. A clear desk will let you start the next day with a clear mind.

ATD-AMERICAN Says “Thank You” to Our Customers

Saturday, September 15th, is National Thank You Day.

ATD-AMERICAN is celebrating by thanking the people who mean the most to us…the customers who have placed their trust and confidence in us for more than 80 years.

Because the customer has a need, we have a job to do.

Because the customer has a choice, we must be the better choice.

Because the customer has sensibilities, we must be considerate.

Because the customer has an urgency, we must be quick.

Because the customer is unique, we must be flexible.

Because the customer has high expectations, we must excel.

Because the customer has influence, we have the hope of more customers.

Because of the customer, ATD-AMERICAN exists!

Thank You for the Gift of Your Business

Think Outside the Box with Hon Initiate

How can I think outside the box when I work inside a cube?

Think Outside the Box with HON Initiate

Simple! Smart! Sustainable! The Initiate Panel System by HON is ideal for open-plan offices, private suites, reception areas, call centers, meeting spaces and team environments.

The Simple Story – Some room to spread out. Plenty of storage space.Just the right mix of privacy and collaboration. With Initiate, office cubicles don’t have to be cramped boxes anymore and outfitting your office with a panel system doesn’t have to be complicated. Order an Initiate worksurface and the cantilever supports are included. Order overheads and they ship preassembled. Order a panel and it comes complete…no trim to specify or install. Panels even attach with a single universal connector that simplifies installation and reconfiguration.

A Smart Choice – The longer you own an Initiate panel system, the better you understand what a smart choice it is. Metal frames and trim retain their integrity through years of reconfiguration. Metal-to-metal connections create a solid structure, keeping panels perfectly aligned. Components fit together tightly without gaps and finishes match precisely from one piece to the next.

A Sustainable Solution – All tackable Initiate panels feature Nature Core, a patented low-emitting fiberboard made from a rapidly renewable material. In addition, Initiate is certified under Scientific Cettifcation System (SCS) Indoor Advantage Gold, recognizing its compliance with specific requirements for air emissions. Initiate also meets the BIFMA e3 Furniture Sustainability Standard, earning level2 certification. Finally, Initiate contributes to LEED credit for officces seeking that certification.

If you’re looking for one system that can furnish your entire organization, Initiate is the answer. Let our ATDesign team show you how easy it is to create the customized offices and workstations that will meet your needs.

Is It Time to Re-Think Your Waiting Room?

Recently, the Washingtonian conucted an online poll asking their readers

“What’s Your Biggest Pet Peeve About Going to the Doctor?”

Here’s what they said:

If your patients are losing patience while they wait, re-think your waiting room with ATD’s wide selection of seriously comfortable seating and reception furniture.

Even if you can’t make the wait any shorter, the plush comfort and great design of our Sofa, Loveseat and Chair collections will certainly make the time pass more comfortably. We offer an extensive selection of sofa, loveseat and chair collections from High Point Furniture Industries, Office Star, Global Industries, Trinity Furniture and Mayline.

For the ideal balance of comfort, style and function, ATD offers a large selection of versatile and flexible Modular and Beam Seating. Whether your style is Classic, Contemporary, Transitional or Traditional, you’ll find the perfect fit and the perfect look for your waiting room, including popular modular seating collections from Lesro, Office Star and High Point. For great flexibility and versatility, be sure to check out our beam seating collections from KFI and OFM.

Complete your waiting room with attractive and functional Reception Desks and Stations, convenient Coat Racks, and handy Literature Racks. Add a finishing touch with beautiful Artwork.

For help putting it all together, put our Space Planning Experts to work for you. IT’s FREE and EASY!

How Do I Adjust an Ergonomic Office Chair?

An ergonomically-designed office chair is an essential element of a modern office. If you’ve already done your homework and found the perfect ergonomic chair for you, congratulations. You’ve chosen a chair with all of the features you need. But they won’t help you if you don’t use them. Just follow these simple guidelines to get the most benefit from your chair.

A Good Office Chair Should Work as Hard as You Do! – A comfortable office chair is the most important element in creating a productive, healthy workspace and a healthy productive YOU!

There are many different styles of ergonomic office chair, but the center of every chair is the mechanism. To make your chair work for you, you have to give it a little help.

Read the Instructions That Come With Your Office Chair! – Your office chair control mechanism is designed to put comfort at your fingertips. Spend a few minutes with your instruction manual and experiment with the various control features. Don’t worry, it won’t break the chair. Office chairs are tougher than you think.

Now adjust! (Your chair, not your attitude). Control mechanisms vary widely and provide different degrees of adjustment. Most office chairs, however, have adjustable-height seats and backs and adjustable armrests. Here are a few basic adjustments you can make to start you on the road to working comfort.

Seat Height Adjustment – Adjust the height of the seat so your feet rest flat on the floor and your thighs are parallel to the floor. Your hips should be slightly higher than your knees. There should be a space equal to the width of 3 or 4 fingers between your knees and the edge of the chair. This will help avoid pressure on your thighs and allow good circulation in the legs.

Back Height Adjustment – Adjust the backrest height so it conforms to the natural curvature of your spine and provides support to the lumbar or lower back area. This will help you maintain correct posture and alleviate back pain and fatigue.

Armrest Adjustment – Adjust the height of your armrests until you can gently rest your elbows and forearms and your shoulders are in a relaxed position without hunching or raising upward. This will help reduce shoulder, neck and back strain and minimize the risk of pain.

Keep on Adjusting – Don’t adjust your office chair once and forget about it. As you become more familiar with the adjustment features, use them reposition yourself throughout the day. If you perform multiple tasks, adjust your chair to provide maximum comfort for each task.

Take command of your comfort! ATD offers a wide selection of ergonomic office chairs at low discount prices. Choose from a wide variety of unique and distinctive styles from manufacturers your know and trust. Our selection of Office Star ergonomic chairs includes the popular Space Air Grid Series and ProLine Series ProGrid mesh chairs. We also offer the innovative Ergohuman mesh chair by Eurotech as well as the latest styles in ergonomic office seating from Allseating, Dauphin, HON, Humanscale, Neutral Posture, Nightingale and OFM.

Hot Summer Safety Tips

Summer is here at last! School’s out, the days are longer and it’s time to get out and enjoy some fun in the sun. But summer heat waves can be dangerous.

You can’t beat the heat, but with a few simple precautions you can enjoy your summer safely. Check out these suggestions from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness

The best defense is prevention. Here are some prevention tips:

Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:
- Infants and young children
- People aged 65 or older
- People who have a mental illness
- Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

If you must be out in the heat:

Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first “tip” (above), too.
Try to rest often in shady areas.
Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).

This information provided by NCEH’s Health Studies Branch of the CDC.

Source: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.asp

How to Choose the Right School Furniture

Choosing the right school furniture isn't as easy as it used to be.

Choosing the right school furniture isn’t as easy as it used to be. The one-room schoolhouse has been replaced by large state-of-the-art buildings. Simple wooden desks and chairs have been replaced by ergonomic classroom chairs and student desks. Teaching the 3 R’s has moved beyond the classroom and into computer labs and science labs. Textbooks are giving way to laptops and tablets. Even the blackboard is being replaced by whiteboards or electronic interactive boards. Classroom Scene with Teacher and Kids

One thing that never changes is that whether you’re replacing a few chairs and desks or outfitting an entire school, your main concern is choosing the right school furniture. At ATD-American, we recognize that school furniture needs and preferences vary significantly among schools and districts. One thing that never varies is the expectation of quality, durability and functionality.

Quality School Furniture - Quality school furniture is vital to creating a learning environment that inspires and encourages students to reach their full potential. School chairs and school chair desks must be comfortable and durable. School desks and other worksurfaces must be adequate to specific tasks, such as note-taking, laptop computer use, experiments, etc. Beyond these functional aspects, the classroom image portrayed correlates to student perception of your performance expectations. An attractive, highly functional, quality environment tells them you expect excellence.

Durable School Furniture - Durability is always a primary concern when selecting school furniture. Key features and benefits to look for when choosing school chairs for children include welded tubular steel frames for lasting strength and seating surfaces of polypropylene, polyethylene or melamine hard plastic for long-term performance. School desks should have mar-resistant worksurfaces with either a high-pressure laminate finish or melamine hard plastic construction.

Functional School Furniture - Along with durability, most educators would agree that one of the main functions of contemporary school furniture is to be ergonomically supportive and comfortable. Another key classroom furniture characteristic is adaptability. For some schools, it is essential to have school chairs and school desks that accommodate diverse teaching styles and curriculum offerings. Chairs that can be quickly stacked for easier classroom cleaning and readily moved from room to room as needed are exceptionally adaptable and provide flexibility.

Your School Furniture Budget – Price, of course, is a major factor in your school furniture selection process. Your challenge is to find the best product within your budget, and that’s why it’s important to choose from an extensive product line.

Click here for the Top 3 Reasons to Buy from ATD

Other factors to consider when making school furniture selections include product lead times, delivery and installation services, and service after the sale. Some smaller distributors have limited capabilities and these limitations become very evident, especially if you need furniture quickly and they can’t help you meet your deadline

Shop for School Furniture You Can Depend on at ATD’s Deep Discounts – Whether your school focuses on traditional curriculum, cooperative learning or a combination of styles, ATD has the school chairs, school desks, school chair desks and activity tables you need to fit the teaching styles of your faculty, meet the needs of your students and help everyone succeed. Select your favorite school desks and school chairs, or discover exciting, new products from our school furniture collections. Outfit classrooms, breakroom & cafeteria, library, preschool, computer labs & training rooms, science labs, art rooms, locker room & gymnasium, auditorium & music rooms, outdoor areas, or reception & lounge areas from our wide selection of school furniture. It’s even easy being green with ATD’s Earth Friendly school furniture.

If you need help with your selection, put our experts at ATDesign to work for you. IT’S FREE AND EASY. Call us at 888.283.7246 or e-mail designs@atd.com.

Lower your buying costs and get more for your money. Add ATD-AMERICAN to your bid list. Call us at 866-283-9327 or email rfq@atd.com.

ATD Celebrates Clean Air Month with Greenguard® and Indoor Advantage™

May is Clean Air Month and ATD wants to make it possible for everyone to sit back, relax and take a deep breath.

We at ATD-AMERICAN believe that a healthy environment is essential for our company, for our planet, and especially for the children and adults who use our products. We are dedicated to providing our customers with precious natural resources and positively contribute to a healthy work, school and world environment.

As a part of our “Green Initiative” ATD is committed to contributing to cleaner indoor air quality. You’ll breathe easy when you select office furniture and school furniture with GREENGUARD®, GREENGUARD® Children & Schools or Indoor Advantage™ certification.

GREENGUARD® – The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI), is an industry-independent, non-profit testing organization that establishes acceptable air standards for indoor products, environments and buildings. GEI’s mission is to protect human health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air.

GREENGUARD-certified products, including office desks, office chairs and other office furniture, must meet stringent third-party requirements for low chemical emissions based on established health standards, and undergo rigorous testing and verification on a regular basis.

GREENGUARD certification is broadly recognized and accepted by a number of “green” building programs, including the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED® program.

GREENGUARD® Children & Schools - Children spend about 85% of their time indoors, where the air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. As a result, they face long-term health risks due to indoor air pollution.

The GREENGUARD Children & Schools standard evaluates the sensitive nature of school populations, combined with the unique building characteristics found in schools, and presents the most rigorous product emissions criteria to date. Certified products, including school desks, school chairs and other classroom furniture, have been tested for their chemical emissions and performance according to the California Section 01350 Specification, the only health-based building material specification for indoor air quality.

The GREENGUARD Children & Schools program is overseen by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI), an industry-independent, non-profit testing organization. GREENGUARD certification is broadly recognized and accepted by a number of “green” building programs, including the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED® program.

Indoor Advantage™ – Developed by Scientific Certifications Systems (SCS), Indoor Advantage subjects products to the most rigorous indoor air quality emission standards in the U.S., and offers two levels of certification:

Indoor Advantage™ certifies conformance with LEED-CI criteria for EQ4.5 (furniture and seating), as well as BIFMA X7.1 (low-emitting furniture and seating).

Indoor Advantage Gold™ certifies additional conformance with California 01350 Special Environmental Requirements and the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS), which set emission limits for classroom furniture and other products used in public schools.

ATD works every day to find and implement other ways to protect and sustain our environment and its resources. We select products that are designed for durability and optimal reusability or recyclability. We also make every effort to ship products from the source closest to a customer’s location in order to save fuel. As a company, we have made a commitment to conduct our own business in a sustainable manner and make every effort to recycle, re-use and reduce waste .We also seek out business partners who share our commitment to the environment. Their efforts include implementing “Green” manufacturing processes, using recycled or renewable raw materials, and producing green-certified products.

By implementing these solutions, as well as many others, ATD aims to reduce our impact on and promote responsibility for the environment across all levels.We also promise to continually improve our business practices in order to protect and sustain the environment and its resources for today’s children and for generations of children to come. We welcome your comments and suggestions, and we encourage you to let us know how your office or school is “Going Green”.