Sponsored by Aramark:
If you look around your office right now, what would it say about your company’s image? Is it an environment that promotes productivity while also welcoming your clients? If it doesn’t, you’ll need to implement changes in your office design. The idea is to create an environment that meets the needs of your staff and clientele. An inviting office motivates staff to be productive and invites customers to continue doing business with you. Here is a look at some ways you can make your workspace more inviting.
A Change in Color
Bare white walls may seem like the most affordable option, but it doesn’t do much for your image or the needs of your staff and customers. Colors often evoke emotion and inspire progress, which is why they should be chosen carefully. Blue, for example, is a color found in offices all the time. It’s known as an intellectual color that sparks communication and efficiency. Yellow, on the other hand, sparks creativity and improves moods.
Add a Break Room
Employees can’t be expected to be on the clock seven or eight hours at a time. They’re required to have a break. You can accommodate your staff during their breaks by adding a break room. Here, they can congregate for lunch or just to grab some snacks. A break room with vending machines, office water dispensers, a coffee maker, tables, a refrigerator, and a place for sitting can help boost morale.
A Comfortable Waiting Area
When clients visit your office, they expect to be treated well. Having a waiting area for guests can ensure they’re comfortable while they wait for assistance. Plush chairs for seating, end tables for storing reading materials, a water cooler, vending machines, and perhaps even a flat screen television can be instrumental in keeping your clients entertained during their visit. If you can spring for it, adding some toys, small chairs, a table, coloring books, and crayons are an essential way to keep children entertained as they wait with their parents.
Quality Office Furniture
Your employees need quality furniture to be able to do their jobs effectively. Old, outdated, or damaged furniture can lead to workplace injuries and slow productivity. Imagine having to sit for hours in a hard chair that tilts every time you lean (because it’s broken). Invest in quality office chairs, desks, and other furniture so your staff is comfortable while performing their duties.
Natural Light
Natural light isn’t something that’s just aesthetically appealing; it’s also beneficial to your health. Exposure to natural sunlight provides a great source of vitamin D. It is also known to help boost mood and morale. Chooe window treatments like blinds and shades that allow employees to control how much light they allow in at any given time.
Plants
Adding a little green to your office is not only great to look at, but it can help improve indoor air quality for your staff and clients. There are plenty of easy to maintain indoor plants you can purchase and place around the office.
Decor and Artwork
All that’s left to create an inviting office is to add some finishing touches. Add some decor throughout the building. Colorful vases, picture frames, sculptures, and art canvases can help to bring everything together. Add throw pillows to your waiting area or break room. Hang paintings or inspirational messages on the wall. Add sculptures, candles, and other pieces to side tables.
Of all the things required to run a successful business, employees and clients are at the top of the list. Without your staff, you’re incapable of handling all the needs of your customers. Without your customers, you essentially don’t have a business. Though there’s a lot involved in managing your staff and maintaining your customers, you can start by making sure you’ve designed a fully-functioning, aesthetically appealing, and inviting place for them to come to work or do business. This professional touch shows both parties that you’re willing to go the extra mile to accommodate their needs.
