No matter what type of business you’re in, it always seems that day to day office life can start to dull your senses and have you watching the clock by midday. What if there were a few helpful, and super unique, gadgets to help you turn your office space of any size into the perfect place to be productive, recharge and kick ass all the way through to Friday?
1. Foot Hammock
Sitting in an upright office chair can really start to take its toll on your posture and lower back, no matter what your age. While some offices have opted for standing desks, that doesn’t help relieve the fatigued muscles and body slump that hits about 2pm. A foot hammock easily attaches under your desk, allowing you to lift you feet while you lean back and continue to work until closing time. Believe it or not, but that tiny break of putting your feet up can really go a long way when it comes to finishing off the day on a strong note.
2. Exercise Ball/Resistance Band
Much like the hammock lets you kick back for a bit, keeping a little stash of low impact exercise equipment can really help you feel rejuvenated before the day is done. Taking a quick 15 to stretch it out, bend it back and boost a few endorphins means less of that end of day struggle, and a better feeling body to hit happy hour!
3. Rainbow Maker
Nothing dulls your productivity like a gloomy day. Brighten up your work space with your very own rainbow! This cool little gadget gives you the zen-like feeling of sunny, summer days and adds little pops of bright colour to turn your rainy day the other way!
4. Colouring Books
It wasn’t long ago that stress-relieving adult colouring books hit the market and took off running with their huge popularity. At a low cost and being able to be used nearly anywhere, keeping an office stash of some Crayolas and a book can help you to lower any midday stress and take a little brain break. Eating lunch alone? Do a little colouring while you snack and let your mind relax and focus on something else. Just watch how refreshed you will feel when you return to work.
5. Healthy Snacks
Nothing slows down a day’s productivity like a hunger slump. That post-lunch hunger rolls in and you start to feel dull and lethargic. Keeping a little stash of healthy snacks can work wonders on reviving you until you head home for dinner. Things such a trail mix, granola bars and even a little bit of chocolate and perk you up and keep you productive until the clock strikes 5 – And don’t forget to stay hydrated! Skip the sodas and keep a reusable water bottle close by to keep your focus up.
6. Cleaning Supplies
While most offices have an after-hours cleaning company that swoops in after everyone has left, that doesn’t mean you can’t keep a little bit of the work for yourself. Brain on overload and looking for a quick distraction? Grab a few Lysol wipes and do a little sanitize and organize of your work space. You’ll get a nice little brain break, not to mention the fresh scent and organized space will help you to focus and feel back on track.
7. Ostrich Pillow
Everyone gets a lunch break, or a smoke break, or some even get a break whenever they’d like. Enter, the Ostrich Pillow. This handy little new pillow allows you the plop your head down on your desk and catch some Zzzs, while giving you comfort, privacy and blocking out any office noise. Extra tired today? Speed through your sandwich and grab a quick 10 minute power nap comfortable at your desk. You’ll thank us later.
8. Plants
Since many people suffer from allergies, not all offices allow for real, living flowers. However, greenery is usually a go! From tropical looking leaves to simple succulents, adding some plants to work your space can help turn a drab office into something that feels more home-like and zen. While it may seem like a small change, tiny touches can really go a long way when you’re spending extra hours at work. Try adding a few little plants to desk or work space and watch the difference it makes.
9. Whiteboard Clock
Stop watching the clock and waiting for quitting time. Instead, try a whiteboard clock! This handy new gadget helps to not only break up your day to keep the hours pressing on, but it also helps you time-block and manage your tasks with ease. Work away, and when the clocks hits your next task, you’ll know to switch it up. It’s also great for showing you how much time you need to allot for projects in the future, and keeps the day sailing by.
10. Desk Light
Nothing is worse than getting in the zone on a big project and being interrupted by a colleague asking you to sign a birthday card. Solution is simple! You can add a light to your workspace that politely lets people know when you don’t want to be disturbed. This works great for shared office spaces, as they can see your red light and know to come back later. In contrast, you can flip the light to green when you cruising through the day and don’t mind a little impromptu chitchat.
Whether you work in a shared space or a traditional office, any tips and tricks to help the day go smoother are always a good idea. From keeping you calm to revamping your afternoon brain fog, there is no shortage of helpful gadgets. Looking to turn your office into a shared space? Don’t forget to check out the amazing selection of co-working spots Spacie has to offer!
Developed by Allied Properties REIT, the Queen Richmond Centre West (QRC-West) offers an excellent example of High-performance Workplace and adaptive repurpose through its incorporation of two existing heritage buildings into the establishment of a new 17-storey office building. The complex faces both Richmond and Peter Streets in Toronto’s Entertainment District due to its arrangement around an L-shaped atrium. This 302,000 square foot development adds a highly sustainable, new innovative office component which begins at the ninth floor. In addition, this state-of-the-art building features a retail component at grade and provides roof terrace access. The Mega Delta Frame structure is a unique structural solution that implemented the preservation and reuse of the industrial historic buildings on this site. Tech companies will be sure to appreciate this stunning custom-designed development and advanced innovative work space.
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the MaRS Centre is a vivacious area that has become the irrefutable hub of Toronto’s Discovery District. This urban location has direct access to Toronto’s subway line and is only a few short stops from the GO Transit system. 101 College is conveniently located and is easily accessible from all parts of the GTA. It is attached to the adjacent MaRS Heritage Building and reaches through an atrium and concourse-level food court. This office building is set to satisfy its tenants with its warm and lavish lobby, protective security, and pass card access to its elevators. Tech companies can benefit from its convenient downtown location with accessible transportation and close proximity to the vibrant city of Toronto.
The Heritage Building
The Heritage Building’s 4-storey brick structure houses tenant spaces that are occupied by professional services, industry associations, pharmaceutical companies and offices of Canadian universities and the Province of Ontario. The MaRS Centre has been honoured with the Heritage Toronto Award of Excellence for Architectural Conservation and Craftsmanship. The building was established in 1911.
The Atrium
The MaRS atrium is a glass-roofed building that offers public access through its walkway to Heritage Building tenants and retail vendors, and also access to the South and Medical Discovery Towers. The Atrium’s lowest level features a subdivided conference area that can host both public and private events. Events that span across Toronto’s arts, culture and urban community are sure to connect tenants to this exciting city. Its lower level also includes a media centre, video conferencing rooms and a public food court.
The South Tower
The South Tower is an 8-storey property that accommodates incubator programs and shared laboratory and research facilities. The 200,000 square foot building houses advanced mechanical and electrical systems, floors with enhanced load bearing capabilities and 15-foot slab-to-slab clearances.
The MaRS Incubator occupies the second and third floors of the South Tower, directly above the MaRS corporate offices. It is a dedicated area that comprises of offices and laboratories for about two dozen life science and technology companies.
The Balfour Building is a historical tower landmark and represents one of Toronto’s finest examples of Art Deco style in the 1930s. This 12-storey structure is a premier location with its dazzling interiors, marvelous rooftop terrace, impeccable hardwood flooring, and forced air heating and centrally controlled air conditioning. Employees of the tech sector would enjoy an office building at this location with its stylish design, accessible transportation and attractive amenities. The Balfour Building is located at the Northeast corner of Spadina Avenue and Adelaide Street, and is situated near the Financial and Entertainment districts, Gardiner Expressway, and the LRT. The City of Toronto Heritage Property Inventory listed the Balfour Building as a Toronto Heritage Property in 2011.
The Toronto Carpet Factory is a remarkable historic building from the past. It has lasted throughout the years due to its fine craftsmanship and materials used to design this structure of lasting quality. Its integrity is preserved through its new state-of-the-art facilities that are meant to inspire new ideas. Tech companies will be sure to enjoy this unique work space as it can stimulate creativity and inspiration in their workers. The building is a constant reminder that they are part of a proud and inclusive tradition of creating. With an assortment of buildings taking up a full city block on the western edge of Liberty Village, this long-standing repurposed factory is Toronto’s epicenter of creative output. This nostalgic property features tall windows, soaring ceilings and big open spaces.
At the heart of Liberty Village sits 80 Atlantic. Inspiration can easily be found in this magnificent building that was crafted with materials inspired by the past. This property features thoughtful details, collaborative spaces, high-design work environments, and innovative technologies that would be ideal for talented individuals working in the tech sector. As Toronto’s first new timber-frame commercial building to be built in a generation, 80 Atlantic integrates natural and high performance materials that set a new standard of development. Between 60 & 80, the courtyard attracts visitors into the site, which serves as a social space with public access, and is the spot of a signature patio area for Big Rock Brewery’s new concept restaurant and bar.
The Fashion Building is a renowned landmark of design and elegance and is located on the northwest corner of Camden and Spadina. It is conveniently located near the Financial and Entertainment Districts with the LRT right at the doorstep, and is just seconds away from the Gardiner Expressway. Not only does its convenient location make for the perfect work environment for busy individuals in the tech sector, the building is also spacious and visually-striking. This 8-storey heritage building features Neo-Gothic detailing, sun-filled space and a beautiful marbled lobby. Built between the years 1925 and 1927, it is an impressive warehouse-loft building with rental spaces that remain sought-after locations for today’s businesses. All suites in the building feature polished wood floors, 12ft ceilings and large operable windows. It contains barrier free access, a modernized elevator system, high speed data connectivity and energy efficient building systems.
The Reading Building integrates the convenience of modern contemporary design with the beauty of a past era. The 7-storey structure at 116 Spadina Avenue is located on the northwest corner of Spadina Avenue and Camden Street. Constructed in 1925, this astounding building was originally built as a warehouse loft. This solid concrete structure with its stunning red-brick exterior continues to attract a mix of corporate and creative tenants to its exquisitely restored brick and beam suites. Employees of the tech sector will be sure to appreciate its spacious interior and comfortable open work environment.
The Tower Building is a magnificent Art Deco-style landmark located on the northwest corner of Adelaide and Spadina Avenue. An eye-catching copper covered pyramidal tower rises two storeys above its 10-storey main structure. Constructed in 1929, the loft structure was originally designed as a commercial warehouse and has endured a major renovation to its mechanical systems while conserving the integrity of its original design. It features marvelous high ceilings, maple floors, elegant concrete columns and large operable windows. Tech company employees can step into this spacious accommodating office building and feel empowered about their work space. Tenants of this property can also enjoy modern amenities that include an energy efficient heat pump HVAC system, thermal glass, entirely refurbished passenger elevators and high speed internet connectivity.
The Commodore Building is a 10-storey loft building topped by a 2-storey tower that houses a mechanical room. Constructed in 1929, it was built as a commercial warehouse. This remarkable property features spectacular high ceilings, maple floors, sophisticated concrete columns and large operable windows. Tech company employees will be sure to value a wide spacious work environment where they can craft and exchange ideas comfortably and openly. Tenants can also enjoy modern amenities which include air conditioning, thermal glass, entirely refurbished passenger elevators and high speed internet connectivity. Currently, the building houses offices in the architectural, design, advertising, and internet sectors.
720 King Street West is a 350,000 square foot commercial office building situated in downtown Toronto at the corner of King Street West and Bathurst Street in King West Village. Constructed around 1974, the building underwent a major renovation between 1998 and 2004, which changed its original use of light industrial to a commercial class ‘A’ office occupancy. The property has undergone many interior renovations to accommodate tenant requirements. The 10-storey commercial office building borders the property lines along the south, west and east sides. A small surface parking lot of about 18,800 square feet extends to the property line on the north side. Even though over 90% of the building is used for office space, there is a mix of restaurant and personal service retail units on the ground floor for tenants to enjoy. This convenient downtown office location is suitable for tech companies to set foot in, while providing their employees with comfortable amenities.
