Why Office Design Matters? What Does It Say About Your Business?

Written By: Sumita Roy

Why does office design matter?

Over the last eight decades, the office building and their internal set up as undergone lot of transformation.

And though this transition is a continuous process and cannot be really pointed in an ongoing scenario- looking back we can definitely see the offices then and now differences.

In the 1960s, an office was seen as a communications system having floor plan that facilitated free flow of information- something like an open office.

But with time issues related to acoustic control, healthy and personally responsive environments, privacy, and individual office rooms became increasingly important. Thereby incorporating cabins meeting rooms, cubicle workstations etc.

The workplace concept got revolutionized further when people started moving from desktops to laptops. Europe and Asia started incorporating North American design practices for their commercial set ups. 

The distributed intelligence of the ubiquitous personal computer required improved facilities management, and lead to the inception of 'intelligent building‘concept.

In the later years, 1990s the industry further understood the impact of cabling, requirements along with pressure of spaces, and heating / cooling and indirect effects of changing organizations structures.

Types of impact an interior space has on business performance

Interior design and business literature suggest there are a number of impacts a business can have.

• Motivation and retention of staff;
• Productivity of staff
• Knowledge and skills of staff;
• Responsiveness to business or technological change;
• Innovation and creativity in the workplace;
• Customer attraction and retention;
• Catalyzing culture shifts;
• Optimization of total occupancy cost.

Uncertainty of the management team

One important thing is that the relationship between effectiveness and efficiency is a bit tricky. 

Saving budget through leasing smaller space brings in direct gains to business. With every inch of space saved the savings directly go into the corporate pocket.

However, contributions of greater effectiveness and more powerful expression are not-so-direct. There are no guaranteed returns. 

The potential through better design and interior placement has to be created by the management to exploit. It may work or it may not. Experimenting is the only way in which it can try to increase the knowledge and work effectively.

What Does It Say About Your Business?

Stepping back to think what kind of office space would keepyou happy both financially and operationally- you will have to think harder. You need to be aware of a few things: 

• The impression you create- on investors and employees; 
• The leit-motif it displays about your choices and the company’ functionality; 
• The inspiration it creates for your employees; 
• And the comfort zone

How to get the overall effect?

Desk Placement:

Start with the furniture of the space- meaning desks and their placement. In a traditional set up (in a cabin or meeting room) you have a desk between the owner and the client.

For ages this has become the most convenient setting that has the systems positioned aptly.

But what if you choose to let go off the traditional spaces and instead opt for a sofa with a center table at a low height to make it more personal.

This center table can act as a good equalizer in a negotiating setting. 

If you want to come across as a flexible and friendly business person/ partner, it is best not to put in any physical obstacle between you and your clients.

Décor:

Décor creates the ethos of the company.

If your company is an art design, or interior decoration company- then make sure the setting reflects the art you aspire to create. 

Similarly a manufacturer of baby products would need to create a cozy effect. An apt setting relays the ethos of your business operations.

A corporate office needs a welcoming effect. There are numerous ways to do it. 

You can put up a vibrant logo of your company against a white or monotone wall. Or use the main color scheme of your logo and do the walls in the same hue.

Foyer:

This is the very first space your customers and clients get introduced to.

So think hard about the kind of impression you want to create on them. 

As per the ultra chic standards you can obviously make the space prim and proper- with a professional reception and waiting area. 

But with the trending of more informal space why not make it more cozy and comfortable than strictly formal.

Adding in plants, art works, couches- even bean bags- can be a way to make it more relaxing for job interviewees as well as clients- who find the space amicable in their first interaction. 

Also make sure that the décor is in sync with the rest of your office design.  The transition from foyer to the meeting area or your cabin should be effortless.

Temperature:

It is one of the most essential factors that directly effects the mood of the people working within your office.

A cohesive work space requires a good and efficient heating and cooling system, a well ventilated space and light. 

A temperate environ will not only ensure comfortable working but also prove favorable for your clients.

I am not sure about the positive impact of temperate climate on your meetings, but I can definitely guarantee their negative impact if the heating / cooling effect is not working properly. 

Locality:

Having an office at a well connected and recognized locality always creates a good impression. 

For example: a client wants to come to your office. He reaches the destination by travelling through well constructed road and can spot your office easily. 

He will come in with a much better mood than the client who has to drive through the broken/ under construction roads and has to spend an hour spotting your office.

A good space requires a good rent- but it is a small price to pay against the benefits it will provide you.

If your office is a backend one and the employees live nearby- then may be just any space with low rent would do. But for a front end office- you definitely need a presentable space to create an impression by leasing out a space in a posh and happening colony.