Your office is much more than just a space for your employees to sit at a desk all day long. It’s an environment that speaks to your company’s culture and has the ability to either motivate or discourage the people in it. Offices that are warm and inviting tend to increase productivity among employees and encourage business from outsiders. Next time you’re in your office, take a minute to really look around. Is it dated, drab, or boring? If your office is in need of some TLC, check out these tips for making your space more welcoming!
Get organized
There’s nothing more overwhelming than an unorganized space. Go through your office’s lobby, breakroom, and other shared areas and tidy up. Remove unnecessary clutter and bring in storage solutions if you need them. Ask your employees to clean their desks and provide them with trays, drawers, cabinets, etc. to make their personal spaces orderly and comfortable. Getting organized will not only make things easier to find, it’ll make your office feel more spacious.
Let there be light
Many employers don’t realize the power of natural light. Studies show that exposure to natural light improves employee morale and even provides certain health benefits. In comparison, a dark office creates a discouraging environment and is likely to make employees feel tired or depressed. Be sure to utilize the windows in your office and keep the blinds open during work hours. If your office has few or no windows, consider adding wall lighting, as overhead lighting can feel too harsh.
Decorate the walls
Hang artwork on the walls to add personality and visual interest to your office. Choose images that reflect your company and will inspire your employees. Consider hanging one or more large mirrors from your walls as well. A mirror will make any space feel larger and also reflect light, making the space brighter.
Use accent colors
Adding even subtle splashes of color can bring new life and dimension to your office. Paint an accent wall or purchase a few pieces of brightly colored furniture to place in shared spaces. Pops of color can turn a boring office into one that exudes energy.
Freshen the air
You probably pay close attention to the way your office looks, but how about the way it smells? Scent is one of the most powerful senses and is proven to impact the way we behave. Pleasant smells lift moods and may even affect the buying behavior of clients. According to Apartment Therapy, cinnamon, mint, lemon, orange, and rosemary scents can help boost productivity.
You don’t need to completely rebuild your office to make it more comfortable and inviting; a few simple changes can make a big difference. Use these tips to make your space more welcoming and reap the benefits of happier employees and visitors!