Offices, like homes reflect on the occupant. They reflect the culture of those in charge, the
feel of the product being created or the services being offered.
There are two parts to any office environment, the common spaces and the personal spaces.
You should be concerned with both.
The common areas should be warm and welcoming for a dentist’s office and modern and
innovative for new software development companies. They should reflect what the company
produces. Financial Advisor offices should have artwork on the walls that implies stability and
growth and moving forward, while a plumbing supply showroom should employ good lighting
for sink and faucet scenarios and use less artwork on the wall so as not to distract you. And
like homes, all the elements matter, the floor coverings, the lighting, the wall colors, the ceilings,
and the condition and style of the furniture and how it is oriented. In an office, the impression
created influences whether someone wants to return and do business with the company.
You spend an inordinate amount of time in your personal office space. It should be a space
you are proud of and one you enjoy being in. It should be a stimulating environment to
develop new ideas and move you forward. The furniture should be oriented so that it is in the
most productive position with proper lighting. And next in importance to a comfortable chair, is
that your office space should reflect your personality.
When your personality comes through in your work space it feels more like an extension of
yourself and you will enjoy being there more. But what can be equally as important is using
your office space to make a connection. When a client comes to visit you in your work space
and they see highlights of a football career or an interest in sailing or concern for animals, it
can form a connection, a bond. It provides not only a conversation starter, but it could form a
connection to a common interest that can often be the reason someone selects you to work
with instead of the competition down the street.
An updated office can help give you an edge in these competitive times. Embellishments
can help you make the right connection with your clients.
________________________________________________________