Many companies immediately think about how they look online or on traditional mediums like billboards when it comes to marketing. However, not many businesses take the time to think about how they present themselves when customers or clients enter their office. A lick of paint and maybe a complimentary cup of coffee is often as far as it goes.
There are several creative ways to impress your guests by showing them a consistent brand message when they enter your office. But just as important is the company’s goal for employees to live and breathe the company brand and values. Workplace branding can do all that and more!
1. Use natural lighting
The benefits of natural light on our physical and mental health are clear. A better mood, more energy, and less stress can be reduced by using natural lighting.
It’s not just for your staff. Imagine a client walking into an office of the staff negatively affected by fluorescent lighting—they’re going to pick up on the mood. Compare that with your customers being greeted by the happier and friendlier staff, and everyone will have a better experience.
If you don’t have a lot of windows, use an off-white or pastel-colored paint, a bright carpet, and maybe even a mirror or two to spread light evenly around the office. It’s an excellent way to brand yourself as an energetic, uplifting company to your staff and customers.
2. Your color scheme is important
Are you a fiery and controversial advertising agency ready to take on the world? Or are you a company that wants to promote a calm but professional appearance?
The former might use brash and bold colors, and the latter would probably lean toward green or blue to show a more measured approach to their branding.
It’s a big decision when choosing your office color scheme because it can also reflect your company’s attitude. Clients depend on selecting the exemplary service for them, so don’t feel constrained by what others are doing. If you want to be “out there” and make waves, feel free to go bold. If you’re in more conservative professions such as law or medicine, darker colors can instill a sense of trust.
Also, add soothing plants and greenery into the office, as these promote feelings of calm, and clients and staff can benefit from some in-office green space.
3. Show your values
Staff and clients need to know what you stand for. An environmentally friendly approach is now necessary for almost every business. A great place to start is on products that get heavy use, such as ink cartridges and even printers themselves.
Ensure your staff knows exactly how to dispose of used Brother printers and ink. Include this policy in sales literature and have a framed copy on your wall. It shows you care about the environment as well as making sales.
4. List your achievements
Your achievements are part of your brand. You’ve worked hard for the recognition that you’re doing things better than your competition.
It’s not only a statement to your customers that you’re a great company to work with: It’s a source of pride for your staff, and it encourages them and can motivate them to achieve even more for the company.
5. Create communal areas
New studies into stress-related illness and employee health suggest communal areas are crucial to productivity and improved workflow.
It can be for as simple a reason as getting help with a problem at work. A communal work zone lets you meet up with other employees and discuss an issue. Another set of eyes on a problem might relieve a buildup of stress employees are experiencing from being unable to solve a problem independently.
However, it can also be a benefit of just socializing with others and relieving stress in a relaxed environment when work becomes too much. Being in work mode from the moment you walk in the door to the moment you leave is increasingly seen as an unhealthy approach to the work environment.
Taking 20 minutes occasionally to unwind and let your employees’ minds have a much-needed break may contribute to their productivity rather than hurt their output.
6. Use wall space
Walls are the biggest source of space that can help motivate and inspire employees and guests.
As a staff member, a lot of time is spent looking at the four walls that make up an office space. We’ve all seen the inspirational pictures and quotes that many offices carry, and they’re there for a reason—they work!
They inspire employees, but what if you added your twist to it—a picture related to your business with messages that applied to the tasks your employees are trying to achieve?
Additionally, using these well-placed pictures on your lobby and halls walls can inspire clients and help them appreciate your company’s culture. Integrate photographs from the company’s beginnings and incorporate pictures of employees having fun in and out of the office.
Images of the local community can also connect with the local economy and show an investment from the company in the town, district, or city. This also helps set a tone for customers and employees about how the business’s location means something to the local area.
The takeaway
Branding your office space is a beautiful opportunity to show your staff and your clients exactly what you’re about as a company. If done correctly, it can inspire and motivate both to interact and form a lasting relationship with your business.
Create a space that inspires employees, informs visitors, and aligns with your company values and culture. Let your company culture influence your interior design and add a design piece that leaves an excellent first impression.
When you have motivated employees and impressed customers, you are more likely to build brand loyalty, attract new clients, and retain your workforce.
