Much like the warehouse, the office is a workplace where utmost organisation is key to a boost in productivity, efficiency, and success. Add to this a reduction in risk of injury and you get the idea as to why proper storage and adequate equipment to handle materials are necessary to a business.
One of the crucial pieces of this type of equipment happens to be the humble yet versatile office trolley that can significantly improve the workflow, while at the same time expediting processes. Before we move on to the essential aspects of purchasing a trolley, let’s first go over the aspects of why it’s a must-have.
Why Is a Trolley Important?
Smooth Organisation for Smooth Business Operation
As mentioned, this is the type of equipment that can assist you with making your office an organised workplace by providing ample storage for the daily supplies, documentation, and needed items. In case your office is open to clients as well, additionally this equipment can serve for storage of guest amenities and promotional materials alike, and easy transportation of the said items.
Stress-Free Mobility
Making your way through a busy office with crowds (comprised of employees and clients alike) can certainly make for a stressful operation. But, not when you have an office trolley to back you up. Designed with rolling casters or wheels, you can easily manoeuvre it anywhere you see fit, even through tight spaces, so it gives you utmost flexibility with transporting the items as needed, and where the need arises promptly. Not to worry about the maneuverable wheels, as they too can be easily controlled thanks to the inclusion of brakes in the design.
High Versatility
If you’ve wanted to have a versatile piece that would make your office workplace ideal, then look no further than the office trolley. Available in a range of sizes, capacities, and configurations (with or without several tiers, and compartments), you can find the perfect one for your business requirements. Additionally, it’s possible to even repurpose it as flexible display shelving, where you can keep some documentation, stationery, or other office supplies instead of on actual shelving. This means the trolley is highly adaptable which further makes it appealing.
Spotless Reputation
When working with clients, the last thing you want is to leave the wrong impression as soon as they set foot in your workplace. Lack of organisation and efficiency can easily shoo them away, which is why it’s also essential to implement the use of office trolleys as your assistants in boosting your professional image. Easily and seamlessly distributing documentation, brochures, or even refreshments can certainly secure your stellar reputation, and win the hearts of clients. Don’t be surprised if this results in years of loyalty, and proves to be a successful strategy in winning the hearts of clients-to-be as well.
Increased Cost-Effectiveness
Material handling can take its toll on the employees, there’s no doubt about that. This is true regardless of the size and amount of the materials that ought to be handled. Even the office can pose a risk to the employees when it comes to handling materials, which is something you get to nip in the bud when you choose to buy an office trolley to take care of the load.
What’s more, this type of equipment comes with neat features like maneuverable wheels or casters brakes, and ergonomic handles. The time-saving and efficiency you gain leads to cost-effectiveness as there’s a reduction in the paid leaves and absenteeism. In other words, if you want to count on the reduction of injuries, besides the reduction in errors and delays, the trolley is the go-to investment to make.
How to Choose the Right Workplace Trolley?
First and foremost, it’s important to note there are several types of trolleys, including those for the office, which can certainly lead to confusion during the shopping, unless you consider the crucial aspects. As there are table and shelf trolleys with several flat shelves, file trolleys for suspension files, folder trolleys for binders and folders placed upright, and roomy basket trolleys, be sure to keep your office needs in mind.
What are the usual materials you get to handle around the workplace? What is their size (i.e. length, width, height) and weight? Answering these two questions can help you narrow down the choices, finding the trolley in the perfect size as well as load capacity. Additionally, keep the trolley’s mobility in mind. How mobile and flexible do you need the wheels to be? This would also indicate the wheel size you require, with large wheels generally being better suited for movement over obstacles.
Which leads us to durability and material too. The material of the overall trolley design is just as important as that of the wheels, so don’t take this aspect lightly. In the case of light loads, plastic is a nice option, but if you require something sturdy to stand the test of time, then consider aluminium and steel.
Worker safety is another must, which can be checked by the ergonomics and safety features, such as wheel brakes, adjustable handles, and non-slip surfaces. Lastly, check the trolley’s overall adjustability – this is a non-negotiable if your office space is small and you could do with something foldable and easy to store.
