In my recent blog post “Defining Your Company’s Core Values,” I discuss the importance establishing and following your company’s core values. In this article, I would like to explore the way in which a company’s office design reflects those core values.
Although many of us spend as much, if not more, time in the workplace than we spend at home, office spaces are not given the same consideration in terms of design and function. This becomes a problem when the workplace does not reflect the core values and brand of the company. For example, an advertising company that values collaboration and transparency may opt for an office space with an open floor plan and communal areas where employees can come together for brainstorming sessions. However, an attorney’s office should reflect a commitment to professionalism and privacy standards. The attorney’s office space would look more like a “traditional” office, with individual offices and conference rooms.
How to begin:
After defining your company’s core values (see blog post), the best way to begin re-thinking your workspace design is to survey your employees. Ask them how they envision the space in terms of how they perform their jobs. Inquire about your employee’s work habits: for example, how they use communal space, if the lunchroom is a place for collaboration, if they work better in quiet, defined spaces.
Consider color schemes, ergonomic furniture and accessories, energy efficiency, etc. Again, this is reflection of the type of work you do – an energy company should pay a lot of attention to energy efficiency. Also, technology needs to be seamlessly incorporated into the workspace based on employees’ recommendations.
Remember, a well organize, thought-out workspace will energize your team and give employees ownership of their environment. The layout needs to be understandable and the spaces should be furnished in a way that conveys their intended use. In the end, this will promote pride in the company and increase efficiency.
The design should reflect your brand:
Your company’s mission and values should be obvious to anyone (an interviewee, employee, client, etc.) who enters your workplace. Your public space should reflect who you are as a company.
For example, if you are an international company, show this by decorating with photos and accessories from the regions where your company does business. Show your company’s creativity and innovation by creating an open, collaborative workspace. If you consciously design your office space to be a reflection of your brand, the benefits are plentiful, including increased communications and productivity amongst employees, innovative thinking, and a cohesive branding of your company.
If you have any further questions about setting and conveying your business’ core values and how to brand your company, please reach out to us at DeSantis Trusted Advisors.
