Maybe you’ve been in your current office for years and interior design isn’t your passion. Maybe you’ve just moved in and are still working out of banker’s boxes. But, in any case, it’s all too easy to let your office’s appearance get lost in the day-to-day shuffle. Suddenly, your professional practice feels like a dying mall — and your clients are noticing.
Keep in mind: your office is the embodiment of your business. Whether or not you get new business can depend heavily on how a client receives it. With a few careful considerations, you can make sure your office space doesn’t become a liminal space.
A Great Office Experience is About the Big Stuff
Is your space open and easy to navigate, or is it congested and hard to move through? Do your employees have the privacy to complete their work and the freedom of movement to collaborate? Striking a balance between an attractive and a productive workplace isn’t as hard as you might think.
De-Clutter Your Space
Several years ago, Marie Kondo’s “sparking joy” theory of home organization caught on, suggesting that anything that doesn’t immediately bring joy to you by viewing or holding it isn’t needed. But have you brought that principle to the office? Keeping unnecessary clutter like empty boxes, packing tape and printing supplies tucked away — or, better yet, organized in their own room or space — keeps your workplace looking tidy and professional.
Pay Attention to Your Layout
Once the clutter is out of the way, set yourself to the layout of your office. Where are the majority of your workstations? Can visitors easily navigate their way through your office? How efficiently do your employees get around?
Don’t be afraid of color, either! Too many offices today settle for a dull black-and-white color palette. A vibrant splash of color on the walls and floor can go a long way towards brightening and enlivening your workspace.
Ample Sunlight
It sounds too obvious to mention, but consistent and ready access to sunlight is an important factor in an employee’s mental health. Studies show that exposure to natural light can help boost one’s mood, increase productivity, and encourage better sleep. Make good use of your office’s window space, keeping blinds open during those beautiful summer days.
If, for whatever reason, you have limited window options, warm, low-level lighting can provide similar benefits while creating an inviting, stress-relieving atmosphere. Many of your clients get enough harsh, fluorescent overhead lighting at their office. They’d welcome a change of pace when visiting yours.
A Great Office Experience is Also About the Small Stuff
Beyond the macro elements like office architecture and layout, small touches throughout your office can elevate it to the next level. While these considerations might not be at the top of your to-do list, you’ll find they’re an essential part of making your office more comfortable.
Embrace Your Green Thumb
Well-placed plants throughout your office bring color and presence. Consult with a local nursery to learn which plants are best for your location and which sizes you can integrate into your space.
Don’t, however, settle for fake plants. They might be similar at a glance, but live plants bring a living, breathing energy that fake plants can’t match. Plus, some plants filter toxins and allergens out of the air, making your office healthier.
Pets in the Office
Whose day isn’t brightened by running into a friendly dog? A planned visit from a furry friend makes your workplace feel more communal, boosting your office culture instantly. You’ll want to make sure that pet owners have proof of vaccinations and that your office has sufficient outdoor space for walks and bathroom visits.
Visitor Amenities
In this post, we listed a few visitor amenities that every advisor should have in their office. That includes you, reader! Adding things like a visible events calendar, a designated, recognizable, and furnished waiting area, and even a candy dish or baked goods turn your office from an intimidating financial institution into another part of the community.
However you decide to upgrade your office space, keep it personal, keep it professional, and don’t be afraid to make it lively. You want the physical embodiment of your business to look its best — follow your instincts and get to work!
