A LOOK AT THE MODERN OFFICE

Because technology and innovation have made significant advancements in western society, this has a resulted in new ways of living and working. One place where significant growth and change has taken place is at the office. People no longer use typewriters and sit on uncomfortable wooden chairs. The modern office has now become a home away from home. Important changes in the office have centered on appearance, technology advancements, innovative office furniture, appearance, and implementing eco-friendly policies.

Technology: Because of advancements in technology, office spaces have become much smaller and simpler. Equipment is much smaller, lighter, and requires less power. More information is stored on computers so less paper is required. Phones and faxes are often used together in one area and photocopying machines are smaller. This means that less area is required to house office equipment. Advancements in technology have also resulted in a blending of work space and support space. There is more teamwork taking place so offices are now designed to make it easier for employees to communicate with each other. The size of private workspaces has been reduced. Office chairs are now more ergonomic in order to reduce aches such as back pain. With new cost saving and longer lasting light bulbs, lighting has become more energy efficient. As well, office machines are now being built to minimize health risks.

Office Furniture: Environmentally friendly furniture, or Green Furniture, is becoming a very popular choice. Many office supply companies are now selling desks, chairs, cabinets, and other furniture made from wood that comes from sustainable forests. Bamboo is popular because it grows quickly. This type of furniture is usually made without using chemicals. This includes the paint and varnish applied to the furniture. There are also a number of companies selling office furniture that is made from recycled materials. Another popular choice is refurbished furniture. Eco-friendly companies obtain old office furniture, repair and clean them, and then resell them. This reduces the amount of waste going into landfills.

Appearance: Modern offices are much more personal. They are designed and built for comfort, boost employee morale, and impress customers and clients. The modern office tends to have more windows and lighting. Office furniture is more modern and chic. There is no longer a sterile and bland appearance. Paint color schemes and carpeting are usually chosen to match the office furniture. There is a trend for open spacing. The height of cubicle walls is being reduced.

A Green Office: many offices are now implementing policies that will help protect the environment. Some green measures include setting up recycling bins, using energy efficient computers, installing water coolers with biodegradable cups instead of drinking bottled water, purchasing recycled paper, storing more content on computers instead of constantly printing documents, purchasing refillable ink jets, using eco-friendly kitchen utensils and dishes, using non toxic and environmentally friendly cleaners, using energy efficient light bulbs, reusing boxes, and purchasing refurbished electronics and other equipment. Employers may also offer a subsidy on public transit or start a carpool.

Health and Well Being Programs: Many employers offer ways for their employees to get healthy. This can include providing special exercise and relaxation programs such as yoga, keeping a couple of bikes nearby in case an employee wants to go for a bike ride during lunch break, setting up a room with exercise equipment such as a treadmill, and starting a walking or running club.

The modern office is much different from the traditional office. There is a trend of designing offices to accommodate changing lifestyles and make the work environment more enjoyable and healthier.

1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as one of the major technological changes that have appeared in the office?

A low power inputs

B centralized control over hardware operations and systems’ support

C downsizing and installation of user-friendly machinery

D efficient equipment and furniture placement

2. The word ‘ergonomic’ used in paragraph 2 means

A larger to allow more movement.

B focused on the correct and comfortable posture.

C designed to minimize physical effort and discomfort, and hence maximize efficiency.

D economic and cost-saving.

3. The pronounced tendency accepted in most modern offices in relation to furniture manifests itself in

A making environmentally savvy choices in furnishing the office.

B selling the old furniture in order to refurnish the office more plainly but at the same time more elegantly.

C buying furniture made from recycled materials.

D taking an active part in cleaning landfills and organizing waste disposal practices.

4. Look at the pronoun This in paragraph 3. The word This refers to

A bamboo furniture.

B environmentally friendly manufacture of furniture.

C refurbished furniture.

D the chemical treatment of furniture.

5. The phrase ‘boost employees’ morale’ used in paragraph 4 means

A raising the degree of mental and moral confidence of employees, the spirit of optimism in an organization.

B enhancing productivity among staff.

Ccultivating and fostering high moral standpoints of the employees.

D increasing each employee’s input.

6. The key idea of the sentence Employers may also offer a subsidy on public transit or start a carpool in paragraph 5 is

A Employers may cover the employees’ expenses connected with public transport and organize a parking space for employees.

B Employers may provide monetary contribution to employees to reimburse transport expenses and buy a group of cars that can be used by people working for the company who agree to travel together to work.

C Employers may buy monthly or season tickets for their employees thus reducing the costs of keeping a car park.

D Employers may indemnify their employees for their travel expenses on condition employees provide the company with cars for transportation.

7. The word ‘treadmill’ used in paragraph 5 means

A a dreary round or routine.

B a job involving drudgery and confinement.

C a special room in an organization where one can exercise during lunch breaks and after work.

D an exercise machine that consists of a continuous moving belt on which to walk or jog.

5. Read the text below.

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