When you reflect on your office space design, does something immediately spring to mind?
The way you choose to design your office says a lot about the company and how it operates. It’s often so subtle you don’t even realize it, but colours, furniture, and decor all work together to create an atmosphere that reflects the company’s brand and culture.
That’s why the right office design has many benefits for any business. Here’s what you need to know!
The Importance of Office Design in Reflecting Your Company’s Brand and Culture
Your office interior design may be working in your favour if you have the right design features in place, or it could be hurting your brand if there’s a disconnect between how your office looks and feels and what your company stands for.
For instance, here are some office design features and what they typically signify:
- Open-plan office spaces with minimal walls: Transparency and collaboration
- Corner/private offices and/or physical barriers between workspaces: Hierarchy, segregation
- Bright colours and artwork: Creativity and/or a youthful, fun atmosphere
- Neutral colours and modern furniture: Professionalism and sophistication
For that reason, when designing, your priority shouldn’t just be making it look nice; instead, focus on how best to communicate your company’s message through the space.
The Impact of Office Design on Employee Engagement and Motivation
Office design also profoundly impacts how employees feel.
For instance, it’s been proven that plants, greenery, and natural light are among the key pieces that can increase employee productivity and boost morale and well-being. Similarly, research shows that ergonomic furniture can boost workplace productivity by up to 17.5%.
In contrast, factors like office noise can have a detrimental effect on productivity, with 52% of respondents in a study reporting that they’d be more productive in a quieter work environment.
Accordingly, if you’ve been struggling to find ways to motivate and engage your employees, it may be worth taking a closer look at your office design.
Tips and Strategies for Incorporating Company’s Brand Elements into Office Design
Here are some practical tips and strategies for incorporating your company’s brand elements into office design:
Showcase Your Brand’s Values in Every Part of the Office
Think of your office as a physical representation of your brand’s values and make sure your company’s message is communicated at a glance!
For instance, if you’re a green energy company, you might want to push for natural elements, such as potted plants and wood furniture.
Go a Step Further with Customized Branding Elements
Many businesses only go as far as using colour schemes to emphasize their brand identity within their office design, which is a good start. However, if you really want to amp up the impact, go a step further with customized branding elements.
Let’s say you’re a video game company. You could add branded furniture that gives off a gaming vibe – like chairs designed to look like arcade cabinets or desks modelled after gaming consoles.
Work Down to the Smallest Details
Finally, be mindful of the smallest details – from coffee mugs to stationery supplies. For instance, if you’re a company that promotes sustainability, but your office is filled with single-use plastic water bottles, that sends a mixed message!
Examples of Companies That Have Successfully Incorporated Brand Elements into Their Office Design
Here’s a look at companies that have successfully incorporated brand elements into their office design.
Google opens awesome spa-like office in Budapest, Geek Wire
Google is known for its creativity and innovation. When you step into any of their offices, this message comes across loud and clear – from the bright colours to the whimsical decorations!
Costa Coffee
Costa Roastery & Headquarters, Artelia
Costa Coffee is a British coffeehouse chain, and its office design reflects that. They use calming tones of green and brown, as well as natural elements such as wood furniture and plants, to create a cozy atmosphere that’s reminiscent of the café experience.
Tips and Strategies for Reflecting Company’s Culture in Office Design
Now, let’s look at how to reflect your company culture in office design.
Pinpoint Your Company’s Culture
Are employees encouraged to collaborate and come up with creative solutions, or is there a strong focus on efficiency and productivity? Then, take it from there.
For instance, if collaboration is a core part of your culture, consider implementing open workspaces, comfortable seating areas, and even extra space for team meetings.
Keep Your Core Offerings in Mind
If you’re providing a service/product to clients, it’s important to make sure that your employees have access to that same service or product in-house.
For example, if your company offers a food delivery service, it makes sense to have a kitchen or dining area in the office where employees can enjoy a meal.
Choose the Right Colours
The colours you choose for your office design should also reflect your company’s culture. For example, if your company is known for its energy and enthusiasm, bright colours such as yellow, orange, and green might be right up your alley.
Examples of Companies That Have Successfully Incorporated Company’s Culture into Their Office Design
Here are examples of companies that have successfully incorporated their culture into their office design:
Airbnb
Airbnb Renovates Its 650 Townsend Office with Functionality and Fun in Mind, Architectural Digest
Airbnb’s offices worldwide are designed to reflect its core values, such as trust, belonging, and community. From colourful lounge areas to cozy workspaces, Airbnb’s message is loud and clear.
Facebook (Meta)
In Facebook’s offices, you’ll find bright colours and playful elements that create a fun work environment. This reflects the company’s culture of innovation, collaboration, and creativity.
It’s Never Too Late!
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in business for years, it’s never too late to start incorporating your company culture into your office design. We’re here to help – get in touch and let us show you how to create a space that your employees and customers will love!
