First impressions count, or how does office appearance impact your business image?

A well-designed and arranged office can speak volumes about a business, from its approach to innovation, how it cares for employees’ well-being, to its commitment to sustainability. Decorative elements in the office can attract talent, enhance employee engagement and build clients’ and business partners’ trust. This article will discuss how the look of the office impacts a company’s image, which of the elements are key and how they can be used effectively. Do read on to get the details!

You can only make a first impression once. How do you build a positive company image?

First impressions will not fail you, so building a positive company image should start from the very first contact with a customer, job candidate or new employee. Keeping everything up to standards is a major factor: from an attractive and functional website, to clear and reliable communication, to high quality products or services. A company culture that promotes engagement, responsibility and innovation will translate into highly loyal customers and employees and new talents on board.

One must bear in mind that employees are an organisation’s ambassadors, so investing in their development, well-being and ergonomic workstations is in fact an investment in the company’s image. Intelligent design of the space using contemporary office furniture indicates that the business’ purpose goes beyond generating profits. What also counts is its people. In this way, the company can build a brand that will win trust.

What the office looks like reflects the company’s values

The appearance of an office is not just a business’ aesthetic embellishment, but a key factor that reflects its values and culture. This actually showcases the organisation’s worth.

What our expert says

     The office has long ceased to merely operate as a physical space where professional responsibilities are carried out, and this has been clearly demonstrated during the pandemic. Not only is it a space with partition walls, open-plan desks, amenities and meeting rooms. Today, office spaces are places where people can collaborate, socialise and share ideas, views or aspirations. Workplace design can contribute significantly to creating a supportive brand culture

– says Eliza Donek, Product Manager at Mikomax.

An office made to measure for business. What is wayfinding and space branding?

The modern office inspires teams and makes their daily work easier. Two core concepts in contemporary space design are wayfinding and space branding.

• Wayfinding is a space design principle that facilitates navigation in the office, as it improves user efficiency and comfort. Thanks to well-thought-out signs, maps, colours and textures in use, employees and visitors can easily go around the premises.
• Space branding is a strategy that involves using architectural and graphic details (wallpaper, logos, light installations) to represent the culture and history of a business. However, these are not marketing or promotion, but part of an employer branding strategy. Its function is to improve working comfort and staff well-being, as well as boost creativity.

Wayfinding and space branding are essential components of a functionally arranged office, and should be intertwined and coherent in their aesthetics and content.

Impressions of customers and business partners

It is in the office space that customers and business partners experience the corporate culture, not only through conversation, but also through the environment around them. The sleek and functional office design, which incorporates wayfinding and space branding, attests to the organisation’s modern and professional approach with attention to detail. The nuances of colour, the choice of materials, the arrangement of the space all create a mesmerising and long-lasting first impression. Smart details, suitable lighting, clearly defined areas for working, relaxing and meeting are all components that enhance the perception of the company by customers and business partners.

Employee motivation and involvement

The aesthetics of the office plays a much bigger role than we often assume. Not only does it mirror the company’s image, but it also has a direct influence on employee motivation and involvement. And it is not just about ergonomic chairs or modern electric height-adjustable desks. It is more often that employees seek out spaces that support their creativity, communication and well-being. Creative relaxation areas, plants that improve air quality, or inspiring, out-of-the-box solutions such as electronic interactive whiteboards or dry-erase boards can all help to increase employee commitment. Creating such a work environment requires considering both company’s profile and employee’s needs and expectations, but it will certainly bring tangible benefits.

Recruitment and retention of talent

Today, the ability to attract and retain talent no longer depends solely on salary or development prospects. Increasingly, working conditions and, in particular, working space will play a major role. An office that highlights a company’s values and provides a well-thought-out, comfortable work environment can attract the most ambitious candidates and increase the chances of retaining talent already employed. Convenient meeting areas, well-thought-out ergonomic solutions, areas for relaxation or individual work can all contribute to the organisation’s perception by its prospective employees. A unique and eye-pleasing office can be a way for businesses to stand out from their competitors.

Office aesthetics that enhance your business image

The days when offices looked the same no matter where you worked are long gone. Today, company space is supposed to reflect the culture of an organisation, including team personality, the company’s mission and collaborative spirit.

Office furniture and décor

The right choice of office furniture and suitable décor is essential for creating a positive company image. The aesthetics applied in an arrangement – reflecting the character and values of the organisation – is often what customers, business partners and new employees see first. When choosing office furniture, it is important to pay attention not only to functionality, but also to design, which should harmonise with the overall style of the office.

Colour and lighting

The right choice of colours for walls and furniture can define a brand’s identity, influence a visitor’s first impression, and improve the mood of employees and increase their efficiency. Well-designed lighting highlights selected interior elements and adds to the well-being of employees. The right combination of these two can transform an office space into a place that is not only functional but also aesthetically appealing.

Space ergonomics and functionality

Thoughtful workstation layout, access to natural light and a choice of furniture that ensures the comfort and health of employees are integral to the modern office. Stand Up R manual height-adjustable desks are an excellent example of products that combine these features. By easily adjusting the height of the tabletop, users can alternate their sit-down and stand-up positions at will. This improves both comfort and health, as it provides for better circulation and lowers the risk of back problems.

Today’s offices must respond to the dynamically changing needs of employees and business by becoming multifunctional spaces that promote both focus and collaboration. In this context, the Ligo modular cubicle system enables you to configure your furniture in an almost unlimited number of ways to suit individual needs and office spaces. Soniq mobile acoustic partitions, on the other hand, are a solution that improves acoustic comfort. You can use them to arrange temporary quiet areas, which is particularly important in an open-plan office. This will easily transform a team-work open spaces to more private areas. When combined, all these components create a harmonious and functional space that contributes to a positive company image.

Introducing nature into the office

Introducing natural products into the office is not only a trend, but also a strategy to improve the well-being of employees and the image of the company. Biophilic design involves the use of organic materials such as wood and stone, as well as potted flowers or moss walls in the office space. Plants are used not only for decoration. They improve air quality and enhance the well-being of employees. Biophilic design is perfectly complemented with free-standing tree-shaped partitions, as it adds a charming touch to the open office space. They help create a space that promotes calm, creativity and focus, as you can move them around freely.

Shared space and relaxation areas: responding to the expectations and needs of today’s employees

Shared space and relaxation areas are increasingly used in modern office design. They are perfect for relaxation, but also provide space for informal meetings, the exchange of ideas or brief recharge breaks. A key component in chillout zones at a workplace, soft seating furniture that encourages relaxation. The use of designer Packman sofas and armchairs underlines the firm’s modern and innovative approach. Their ergonomic shapes and top-quality materials guarantee comfort and support both during a short break and pre-planned, extended creative brainstorming session.

Transform your office into an inspiring space that exhibits your business’ values
Choose smart office furniture that will enhance brand perception and increase customer confidence >>