Anyone in charge of decorating a new office knows just how important the smallest details are. The indoor tree in the corner. The fish tank along the wall. The comfortable seating. Each item placed precisely in order to promote a customer’s comfort. Those things aren’t what is most important about designing a new office though.
The most important thing to consider when designing a new office is office branding. From the lighting fixtures to the wall art, everything that is placed within an office speaks of the company’s brand. It is the first impression of the company customers get when walking through the door. Office branding tells the story of what a company is truly about.
Office Branding
Office branding goes far beyond simply re-decorating a space with wall graphics, wall wraps, window art, window graphics, etched window vinyl, lobby signs, and dimensional signs. Office branding increases employee productivity and satisfaction, as well as ensuring that the best talent walks through the company’s doors.
There are many ways to visually share the story of who a company is. From a mural of a highly influential member of the company to bold lettering that proudly displays a level of professionalism. Even the very colors chosen for an office space can be incorporated into an office brand. It all tells a story of who the company is and what it is about.
Office Atmosphere
An office space should be designed to promote the behaviors a company wishes to cultivate. For example, a crisp clean designed office with bold wall lettering promotes a more business minded atmosphere. Whereas an office where employees sell sports equipment may have large posters of various athletes on the wall and a floor designed like a basketball court to promote a more leisurely playful atmosphere. The atmosphere created will keep both employees and customers focused on the true representation of the company.
There are several things a company will want to consider when brainstorming how they wish to brand their office space. Companies will want to think about what drives their business and what they want their customers to count on them for. They will also want to think of ideas that may reflect the company’s brand and how this can be incorporated into the office design. A team meeting where all employees can brainstorm together is typically a very effective way of coming up with a creative office branding idea.
Motivating Employees
Office branding is much more than the fish tank along the wall, the color coordinated furniture, or the indoor tree placed strategically in the corner. It is about creating the optimal environment to promote creativity and productivity among employees. It is about telling customers exactly what the company is about before ever being greeted by an employee. It is about a company’s first impression. As with all first impressions, it is the most important thing about designing an office space.
