4 Signals You Might Not Know Your Office Is Sending

Chances are, you probably haven’t given much thought to how your office is perceived by others. However, overlooking the importance of the physical workplace can prove to be a costly mistake. While you might not even be aware of it, the way you choose to design your workspace can have a significant impact on how potential clients, customers and employees view your business as a whole. As soon as they enter your office, they will be forming snap judgements about your company culture, work ethic, achievements and ambitions. With that in mind, it’s important to be aware of the different messages you might be giving off. Here are four signals you might not know your office is sending.  
  1. You are unprofessional
  An office that indicates you are unprofessional is a sure fire way to lose out on valuable business opportunities and custom. If your workspace is cluttered, disorganised or in a state of general disarray, chances are that others will think this unprofessionalism seeps into other areas of your business. An unkempt workplace shows that you are careless, which could lead to the assumption that you have the same attitude in the way that you approach your work.   OK, so you may have more pressing day-to-day matters to deal with than keeping on top of your cleaning duties, but if you want to demonstrate to your customers, clients and workforce that you take pride in what you do, you’ll need to give your office a sophisticated, polished look. If your workers’ desks are piled high in paperwork, there are stacks of folders on the floor and the bins are overflowing, it’s time for a spruce up. Have a clear out and get rid of anything that is worn out, broken or simply not needed. It’s also a good idea to invest in a range of office storage solutions to help keep everything in order and prevent the mess from building up.  
  1. You don’t care about your staff
  Uncomfortable and substandard furniture, a lack of a space to socialise and cramped workstations are all tell tale signs that you don’t really care about your staff. If you are not committed to your personnel’s needs and wellbeing, not only do you run the risk of low morale, reduced job satisfaction and increased turnover, but it can also be a real turnoff for potential employees and other people who are visiting the premises.   Luckily, this problem can easily be fixed. Start by investing in high-quality, ergonomically designed desks and chairs for your staff and make sure that their surroundings are pleasant and comfortable. If possible, you should also provide a break-out area or canteen where your workers can chat to their colleagues and have some downtime away from stressful work demands. Taking the time to make sure that your staff members are happy and healthy can work wonders for morale and your company’s image. After all, the happier your employees, the more likely they are to go that extra mile for your business - which can boost client relations and customer service.  
  1. You are uninviting
  No seating area in the reception room? Closed door policy? Bland and generic décor? Not making the effort to ensure that your office is welcoming can cause all sorts of problems that are bad for business. Not only can an uninviting and impersonalised workspace be off putting for visitors and give them a bad experience of your company, it can also make your employees feel disconnected from their jobs.   As a general rule of thumb, having open plan layouts is more welcoming that private offices. As well as encouraging teamwork and open communication among staff members, collaborative workspaces also show those who visit your office that you have a friendly, team oriented company culture. It’s also important to make sure your décor scheme is as warm and welcoming as possible. Even small details, like hanging artwork on the walls, adding plants in the reception area or having refreshments on hand, can make the space feel far more homely and give an overall positive image of your organisation. Don’t forget to provide plenty of visitor seating options in reception rooms, conference areas and meeting spaces too.  
  1. You are unsuccessful
  When it comes to your business’ image, first impressions matter. When people walk into your office, the first thing they are likely to notice is the fittings and furnishings. Low quality furniture, scruffy décor and broken equipment are all signs that you’re struggling to keep your head above water, which can be damaging for your reputation. If you want to instil trust in clients and customers and leave a favourable impression, you need to project an image of success.   To do this, make sure that your office looks presentable and professional at all times. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend a fortune on an entire refurbishment or splash out on state of the art facilities. A few office furniture updates and a fresh lick of paint should be enough to give your workplace a more polished look. If you are strapped for cash, focus on key areas that other people will see, such as the reception area and boardroom. While investing in cosmetic updates may not be at the top of your priority list, bear in mind that it could lead to better business opportunities and increased revenue in the future.   When it comes to office design, it’s important to view your workspace as an extension of your overall company brand and corporate image. Get it wrong, and you could be in serious trouble. However, by taking simple steps to avoid the common pitfalls outlined above, and by giving your workspace some careful consideration, you should be able to increase employee morale, enhance your business’ image and bolster your bottom line.   If you want to ensure that your office is sending out the right signals and reflecting your business in a positive light, why not take a look around our website and browse our collection of quality office furnishings today?