5 Things to Consider to Achieve the Perfect Office Setting

People can’t help but to judge a book by its cover. Even with offices, people can’t help but make assumptions the moment they walk in. And not just the obvious stuff, they scrutinize even the miniscule.

A good impression is important if you want to reflect your brand. It’s time to take a step back and plan how you want to come across to your clients and consumers.

5 things to consider to achieve the perfect office setting:

1. Lighting

Proper lighting in an office makes all work tasks easier. With appropriate lighting, those without glare or shadows, eye fatigue and headaches are reduced. Therefore it’s best to use natural lighting but if your office doesn’t have that option, desk lamps and overhead lighting will do fine. Avoid fluorescent lights because aside from causing you and your client headaches, they are energy draining as well.

2. Desk placement

When setting up an office, important consideration must be given to placement of the desk. Avoid putting the desk between the client and the business owner because this may cause the client to be intimidated or feel detached. Consider a couch or ottoman instead because it creates the right ambiance for client facing meetings. With regards to the work area there are three principles to follow:

• Don’t have your back to the door/entrance
• Don’t make your desk face the wall
• If possible, make your desk face perpendicular to the door/entrance

3. Decor

The decors of an office should speak positively about the environment in which you conduct business. Depending on what type of business you run, the importance of the decor will vary. Remember that first impressions mean the world when it comes to office decoration.

Wall

Place your best wall hangings because they have the ability to influence a client’s opinion about a business as well as its employees. Choose fine artwork, prints that will not age, and remember to use removable hooks when you hang them.

Color

Company style and color go together when decorating an office. The color should conform to the company’s environment and personality. Use shades of black, gray and white for decor if you want to convey a clean and modern image. For a calming atmosphere, use shades of blue and purple. Add a portrait of an abstract landscape to complete the setting.

Room Jewelry

Vases, ceramics, felt pieces and sculptures can help create an office that’s appealing to you and your co-workers. You can mix different types of artwork for a more fun and creative set up. You”ll be surprised how just a few pieces can add to the overall ambiance of a place.

Greenery

You can’t go wrong with adding a few pots of plants or flowers. They brighten up your space, make people happier and most of all are cost effective.

Break area

Break rooms shouldn’t be overlooked because they encourage a mental and physical break from the daily races of the office. No need to go crazy with upgrades and fixtures but rather invest in a break room with essentials such as comfortable seating, television, tables, food options and games.

4. Lobby

The lobby is the front of a business and is an important element to the reputation of any company or organization. An outdated lobby could have a negative impact to your business. The lobby should incorporate the right blend of materials, practicality and personality because clients and potential employees are going to judge the quality of your operations and the corporate culture by the look and feel of a lobby.

• The space should catch the eye of a visitor
• The lobby should be reflective of the goals of the brand
• The lobby should be spick and span
• The lobby should be upgradeable

5. Temperature

Clients, employees and potential employees should feel neither too cold nor too warm once they enter the office. The goal is to make the office so comfortable that they don’t notice the temperature. Furthermore, a comfortable working environment allows employees to reduce sick days, stay on the job and be productive.

You’d be surprised how easy it is to make a personal and professional mark on your office space. Remember to surround your clients with a positive embodiment of your brand promise to ensure that they keep them coming into your office.

Did we miss anything? Feel free to share your thoughts on our comment section.

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