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This month we are devoting our newsletter to commercial and workspace design. After all, most of us spend more time at work than we do in our own living rooms!
Study after study proves that workplace design has a major impact on the satisfaction and productivity of workers. Yet, a majority of office workers say they are unhappy with their work environment.
Logitech, an office furniture manufacture, surveyed employees and found that 84 percent said their satisfaction level at work could be improved by simple changes, including the layout of their workspace! Some of their biggest complaints included poor lighting, bad acoustics, and dreary aesthetics.
Addressing these issues can reduce stress and empower employees. In many cases, well designed workplaces increase motivation by instilling a sense of pride and purpose. Happier employees are more productive. This is true in a wide variety of industries, from healthcare to high-tech companies.
Therefore, managers should not treat design as an afterthought or “favor” to workers. Instead, good design should be treated as a business solution that benefits both employees and employers.
Making a First Impression: Your Reception Area
Your clients often form a first impression of your business before they ever shake your hand. Your reception area says a lot about the quality and care your clients can expect from you.
Think about the image you want to portray and choose your furnishings and lighting accordingly. For instance, a tech company should steer clear of traditional furniture and opt for a more exciting, streamlined look. A law firm will probably want its reception area to appear formal and dignified.
In a waiting area, one of the most common mistakes is to line seats only around the perimeter of a room, or worse, in rows. This arrangement will make visitors feel restless and impatient as they wait. Instead, place furniture as you would in a living area, giving people the option of sitting alone, in pairs, or in groups. This way, they can choose to quietly read, talk to others, or simply observe their surroundings.
Coffee and side tables should further reflect the personality of the business, while giving you a place to put reading and promotional materials. Don’t forget to add plenty of lightening. Well-lit areas are more welcoming. Artwork is a must. However, only add pieces you would hang in a well-appointed home. Too often, waiting and reception room art looks like rummage sale leftovers.
No matter what style you choose, the furniture and accessories should appear upscale in style and material. Your clients want to know that you value them enough to give them a nice place to wait.
Enhance Your Image with Color
Color is one of the most important design elements in any commercial space. Color can impact how clients perceive your business and affect the mood and performance of your employees. Think this sounds far-fetched? Well, have you ever met a doctor wearing bright red scrubs? Probably not, because red is more likely to cause stress. Most hospital scrubs are green, which is usually perceived as a calming, healing color.
To use color to enhance your image, you must first understand its effects. Red, orange, and yellow are warm colors that can make a room feel physically hotter and stimulating. Notice that a lot of fast food establishments use these warm colors to boost excitement and appetite. In an office setting, the stimulating nature of red can boost productivity, but it can also increase anger and tension. Yellow is the mildest of the warm colors and is seen as cheerful and not threatening.
Cool colors, like green, blue, and violet tend to soothe while setting a formal, dignified mood. Blues and greens are therefore often used in medical offices where they can encourage relaxation. Cool hues are also good in high stress work areas and places where concentration is necessary. However, if blue is overused, it can contribute to feelings of coldness, sadness and fatigue. More saturated cool hues, like deep purple and green, often elicit a sense of status and dignity, making them ideal for executive offices and reception areas.
It is important to think beyond personal preferences when choosing a color for your business. By using a mix of visually appealing hues, you may be able to make your employees and customers happier and even boost your bottom line.
Safe Workplace Design
Good workplace design is not just about making spaces pleasing to the eye. It also requires careful attention to the comfort and well-being of those who work in the space.
This is not the time to cut corners. Not providing adequate working conditions for your employees can result in all types of physical problems, including neck and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis.
Properly designed work stations, including the right desks and chairs, can alleviate many of these problems. J. West specializes in commercial space management. Contact us for more information on how to create an attractive and safe work environment.
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