The Impact of Design on Workplace Culture: Creating a Space that Reflects Your Values
It is often said that first impressions can say a lot about someone or an environment, but this can also vary depending on the individual. A dark and closed off space may feel cold and uninspiring to some, but to others, it may feel homey and cozy. A bright and airy space may get creative juices flowing for some but feel overwhelming or sterile to others.
The proper design of an office space is a key component in reflecting your company’s culture and workplace environment. Having the proper design can significantly impact how your employees feel, interact with co-workers, and create day to day. Ensuring that your design is intentional and thoughtful is a key aspect of a productive workspace. Here are three areas to consider when designing your workspace to ensure that your space reflects your company’s values.
Consider Your Employee’s Well-Being and Foster Productivity
A top goal for any company is to foster a positive and productive work environment that makes employees feel safe and supported. Reflecting this in your office design is paramount to ensuring that these goals are met. The proper workspace design impacts the company’s culture, and your employees will adjust their behavior to match their work surroundings.
Bringing in elements such as natural light, ergonomic and comfortable furniture, and workstations, and bringing the outside world inside with plants and greenery can help to support mental and physical health. Additionally, allowing employees to have options such as standing desks, flexible workstations, walking pads, and benefits such as a company in-house gym (or membership to a local gym) promotes wellness and supports employees outside of their workday. In turn, this can lead to happier employees with less stress and foster productivity and creativity.
Integrate Your Company Values and Culture Into Your Design
Every company has a culture by which they are defined. This culture is comprised of the company’s values, practices, and goals which shape employee behavior and how outside customers or clients view the company. Ideally, a company’s culture directly aligns with the employee’s values which, in turn, motivates them to work hard and produce high quality work.
When designing or redesigning a workspace, the company’s values and culture need to be reflected in the design and layout. If a company prides itself on creativity and thinking outside of the box, an open workspace with multiple collaborative areas and flexible workstations will foster this value. For companies that are bold and cutting edge, utilizing new smart technology and private workstations will allow employees to think of the next big thing. Companies that focus on eco-friendly solutions or combat climate change may want to consider using recycled materials, install solar panels on their roof for electricity, and encourage a hybrid work model to reduce greenhouse gas emissions created during the daily commute.
Incorporating design elements that reflect your company’s values and culture not only inspires your employees to do their best work, but also shows outside observers that you stand behind your mission.
Stay Cutting Edge By Incorporating Modern Technology
Even if your company is not within the technology sector, ensuring that your office space has the latest smart technology allows for collaboration with teams across the globe. Meeting rooms with video conferencing capabilities, workstations with fast-charging cords and plugs, and the most up-to-date software helps employees to work productively and continue to reflect your company’s values and culture. Whether your employees work solely in the office, remotely, or adopt a hybrid approach, having the best technology solutions available ensures that your employees will feel supported by the company.
It is important to design a workspace that supports your company’s culture and values. Your employees may spend upwards of 40 or more hours a week working, so providing them with a safe working space that cultivates creativity, productivity, and inspiration is vital. A well-designed workspace is an extension of your company’s identity and what it stands for. Taking the time and money to invest in a workspace that reflects your values will not only bring about more innovation but will also allow your business to grow.
If you are ready to create a workspace that perfectly encapsulates your company’s values and culture, get in contact with Interior Fusion today! Our team of designers will take the time to fully understand your wants and needs and design a space for you that empowers and represents your company’s mission.
