How To Design An Office That Reflects Your Company Culture
How To Design An Office That Reflects Your Company Culture
Your office is more than just a place for your employees to work. It’s where they form relationships, solve problems, share ideas, and take breaks. How your employees feel in your office space is a reflection of your company’s values and culture. And if you want to attract and retain the best talent, you need to make sure your office design reflects that. Here are some tips on how to do just that.
1. Define Your Company Culture
Before you can start designing an office space that reflects your company culture, you need to define what that company culture is. What are your core company values? What do you want your office environment to feel like? Answering these questions will help you create an office space where employees will want to be a part of and thrive.
For example, a company that values collaboration and innovation would want its employees to feel comfortable and creative in their work environment. To do this they could design the office space to be open and welcoming with communal workspaces and plenty of informal meeting areas, which encourage employees to interact and brainstorm ideas. Or have a casual dress code, which allows employees to feel more relaxed and comfortable. These are things you should consider when designing your office space and workplace environment.
2. Incorporate Those Values Into The Design.
Once you know what your company culture is, you can start incorporating those brand values into the design of your physical workplace. For example, if one of your core values is transparency, then you’ll want to make sure there are plenty of windows and open spaces in your office. Or if creativity is important to you, then you might want to include some colourful or unique elements in the design. Whatever it is, to get your desired office culture you need to make sure the office design speaks to your company’s values.
You can also incorporate your brand colours into the office design. This can be used in carpeting, walls, furniture, and decor. By making your brand colours and style part of the office design, you’re sending a clear message to employees and visitors that your brand is important to you.
3. Consider The Needs Of Your Employees.
It is no secret that the way a space is designed can have a profound impact on the people who work in it. In fact, there are now entire fields of study devoted to the topic of “space psychology” and how the design of an office or workplace can influence everything from productivity to creativity to team dynamics. Some things to consider when choosing your office design/office furniture are below.
Natural Light
One important factor that often goes overlooked is the role of natural light in work culture. Sunlight has long been known to have positive effects on mood and well-being, and studies have shown that employees who work in spaces with ample natural light are more productive and creative than those who don’t.
Office Acoustics
In addition to natural light, acoustics also play an important role in office culture. A study by Harvard University found that workers in open-plan offices were less productive than those in traditional closed offices because they were constantly interrupted by their colleagues. The solution? soundproofing or better yet, designing offices with private cubicles or meeting rooms.
Use Office Furniture And Accessories To Communicate Your Culture
The office furniture and accessories you choose for your office can also communicate a lot about your company culture. For example, if you have a relaxed and informal work environment, you might opt for comfortable sofas and coffee tables instead of formal desks and chairs. Also, consider having a space with bean bags, which can help to encourage employees to brainstorm and work together.
When it comes to accessories, choose items that reflect your company’s values and mission. Accessories that can help convey your company values can be things like wall art, glass walls, where your furniture is sourced, etc.
For example, if you are a sustainable company, you might use recycled materials or furniture made from sustainable materials. This sends a strong message to employees and visitors. It shows that the company is committed to its values and is willing to invest in creating a space that reflects those values.
Finally, ergonomics should also be taken into account when designing a workspace. Employees who are comfortable and well-positioned at their desks are more likely to be productive than those who are not. Some ergonomic furniture and accessories to look out for are;
- Ergonomic chairs
- Standing desks
- Footrests
- Wrist rests
- Mousepads
By taking into account the needs of your employees, you’ll be able to create a positive work environment and an office where they’ll love to work in.
Conclusion
Your office is more than just a place for your employees to work—it’s a reflection of your company’s core values. And if you want to attract and retain the best talent, you need to make sure your office design reflects that. By defining your company culture and incorporating those values into the design of your office, you can create a pace that employees will love working in—and that will help you attract and retain top talent.
Need Some Expert Advice?
At TACTIC we have pioneered a new model of commercial advisory offering leasing, interior design, and fit-out project management that makes tenants’ lives easier.
Our award-winning, industry-leading interior designers will be able to bring your vision to life and create the company culture that will allow you and your employees to thrive.
