If you moved into an old building, many years ago then it’s completely understandable that your office still has the same decor, you’re using old desks, old machines and things are looking a bit worse for wear. Time goes quickly, you’re getting on with running your business, and then one day you realize you’ve been there for ten years and your office looks dated and unappealing. As well as getting on with running your business, it is essential to have an office that looks good and is up to date. You want it to be somewhere you’re proud to bring your clients to for meetings, somewhere your staff feel happy working and somewhere where that if you feel like you’re stuck staring at four walls, they are a lovely four walls to stare at.
You’ve probably seen pictures of or heard about Facebook and Google’s offices, with slides and sleep pods, football tables, table tennis, and bean bags and break out rooms. You don’t have to go this extreme of course, but your office environment does need to be a reflection of you and your business, so it’s essential to give the right impression and make it an extension of what you do.
Photo by Cadeau Maestro from Pexels
Relaxation Areas
As mentioned, this doesn’t need to be bean bags and slides, but it is essential to have an area where people can go on breaks, can eat their lunch or can even go for an informal meeting. Being stuck at a desk all day isn’t good for anyone, and it certainly doesn’t promote creativity or motivation. Some beautiful sofas or tables will do the trick, don’t make it look too formal, somewhere people can go for a change of scenery or when they need a moment.
Open Office Plan
It’s unrealistic to have an office for every staff member anyway, but an open plan office is a popular way to have your office laid out today. Not only is it the modern way of doing things, but it is far better for communication between employees, while you might not be a fan of shouting across desks, the fact they have the option is beneficial or to get up and walk over to someone’s desk. The other person can see if they’re there if they’re busy with someone else and it “breaks down walls” (which aren’t actually there) because there are no doors they have to knock on to go and see someone. In an office like this, relationships are formed more easily; junior staff are less scared to go in and speak to someone and ultimately it makes it a more pleasurable office environment, more sociable and more friendly. Of course, it is essential to have rooms that people can go to for private meetings or phone calls or even if they want to take themselves off for a bit of peace and quiet.
Add Some Colour
Whether your office has old nineties decor still or it is just plain grey, it needs updating. Dated walls and furniture make you look like a dated business, behind the times and really, not cool. Then plain grey or plain beige, while it’s simple and can be smart, it’s also boring, it can make you and your staff feel dull and lifeless too, and you really don’t want miserable, dull staff because you’ll never get their best work out of them in an environment like this. Even if you go with white, it can look too clinical. Decorate to show some personality, the personality of your business. Get some brand colors in there, even have a look at graffiti artist hire as there are people out there who can create custom corporate office murals, so you’ll have something wholly unique and reflective of your company. Get some funky furniture going on as well, it doesn’t need to be everywhere, but perhaps in the relaxation area mentioned before. Splashes of color all over the office to create the kind of office culture you want can help to improve staff morale and productivity. Try it.
Update Your Tech
Okay, this one sounds expensive…but it’s worth it. Today, people are used to advanced technology, systems, and software that helps them to do their jobs. Fast internet connection, computers that work and have the latest versions of everything, storing documents in the cloud, and communicating online. If you don’t have the basics, then you’re chances of attracting the best caliber of employees is low. It’s not just about attracting talent though, it’s about your business too and providing the best service for your clients. This can be done by investing in the best technology and software in your industry. Even investing in payroll software so that you save yourself time each month on paying your staff means that you can be spending your time doing what you’re best at. Anything that saves your time and makes your life easier is worth it when running a business. There are lots of free trials or even free versions of software that you can try out and see which ones work for you.
More and more people are opting for flexible working, options to work from home or work from a cafe. If this is something you’re happy with them, that’s great, if it’s not then you need to make your office somewhere that people want to be, somewhere you can get the best out of people and somewhere that looks awesome. Get your employees’ input on what they would like in the office and if some games would encourage them, then listen to them. You can always take them away if productivity decreases and use it as an incentive. Even ask your employees to decorate it themselves (if you trust them) or run a competition for the design and all your employees can vote for which one they want. It’s a fun little project for everyone and also helps with making people feel included and listened to and a big part of running the business.
- This post has been written by an outside source – Please read my disclosure policy
