How Office Design Can Strengthen Company Culture
A company’s corporate culture directly impacts its bottom line and plays a significant role in employee satisfaction. Whether your organisation’s core principles and values are clearly articulated in writing or they occasionally pop up in discussions, it is important that your employees, clients, and prospects know exactly what your organisation stands for. Here are five ways you can strategically implement office design elements that reinforce your company culture.
Adapt Office Layout
The layout of your office space can significantly affect your company culture. As such, thought should be put into how your floor plan can facilitate the characteristics and traits you want your team to embody. If your organisation is one that embraces creativity and collaboration, open floor plans, common areas and project boards will provide employees with the tools they need to explore and express their ideas. On the other hand, if your organisational objectives are most effectively met in a more structured environment, cubicles and offices with doors will provide employees with the space and privacy they need to achieve their deliverables.
Showcase Corporate Values
A little reinforcement and repetition never hurt anyone. Yes, you’ve taken the time to document and share your corporate culture guidelines, but how many people will actually read it? Incorporating key statements into the office décor allows employees to come face to face with certain messages on a daily basis. For example, a large decal in your reception area can showcase your mission statement while framed signs along the corridors can highlight various core values.
Brand Your Space
Your logo and brand colours are at the heart of your corporate identity. These visual elements were selected to represent your company for a reason so embrace them. Identify opportunities where they can be showcased strategically and tastefully. For instance, your colour palette is a good starting point when contemplating shades for your walls and furnishings, while your logo can be creatively displayed in your reception area.
Select the Right Furniture & Finishing Touches
Carefully selected furniture can play a significant role in reflecting and reinforcing your company culture. Sleek modern designs can paint the picture of a creative and innovative organisation. Including greenery in your space can highlight a work environment that is relaxing. While professional elements such as academic credentials and awards can indicate that your organisation is trustworthy and knowledgeable in its field.
Showcase Your Work
Nothing speaks to your company’s capacity more than the results your team produces. Whether you create products or deliver services, find creative ways to display your work. For an advertising agency, this may come in the form of framed client artwork, while an architectural firm may feature blueprints or images of their signature projects. This strategy shows clients and other visitors exactly what your company can deliver, while simultaneously providing staff with a feeling of accomplishment and acknowledgement for a job well done.
While it is impossible to force a culture into existence, research shows that a healthy work culture nurtures positive attitudes and fosters productivity. So, take a moment to assess your office space. Does it reflect your company’s culture? Does it provide team members with the channels and tools required to enact various elements of your corporate values? If the answers to these questions aren’t a resounding ‘Yes’, get in touch with Applied Imaging for a consultation today!
