Within the last decade, workplaces as we once knew them have evolved to the point of nearly being unrecognizable. Cubical farms have been replaced with open floor plans and a communal vibe over privacy. Technology has shifted from landlines and desktop computers to laptops and mobile apps. Work efficiency and employee productivity are better than ever thanks to innovation in technology. All of this has spawned innovation in office design. Workplaces today are designed to more engaging than cold. Here are three ways office remodels can support creativity through the integration of brand identity, company culture, and community.
Remember Cultivating Company Culture Must Be Organic, Not Forced
When we’re hired for office remodels in Los Angeles, Ventura, or Santa Barbara, company culture is often brought up while discussing workplace design. This is understandable. It’s a buzz term. But workplace culture is more than painting a tagline on a wall that people see when they first walk through your door. It must be organically curated by your leaders and teams.
Clearly communicate who you are and what you do to whomever is handling your office remodel. Only work with a commerical contractor or builder that wants to know your company’s values, services, and overall mission statement. Someone that comes across genuinely interested in who your employees are and how they work. You’re bringing exceptionally talented individuals of various backgrounds together. Office design plays an integral role in unifying them with an understood purpose and goal. Your office design needs to showcase your values while also supporting collaboration, efficiency, and productivity. This goes a long way when it comes to naturally curating the company culture you’re looking to cultivate.
See Your Office Remodel as an Opportunity to Build Brand Awareness
Do you want an office design that increases brand awareness? Then you must approach it in the context of designing with both internal practices and external perception in mind. When approaching an office renovation, visualize the tour you’d give a prospective candidate, client, or business partner. What walking route do you want your floorplan to take them through? Do you want them to see employees in action? Do you want to seat them in a room with plenty of natural light and the best view? Do you want them to see 3D imaging of the company logo on the wall where they enter your office or wait for you? Do you want them staring at a wall adorned with noteable awards the company’s received, inspirational quotes, or your company’s mission statement? These types of things go a long way in establishing and reinforcing who you are and what your brand represents.
Build a Community and Establish Guidelines
Many offices today cater towards a variety of workstyles. While open communal spaces are popular with Millennial workers, you must also decide if your office remodel needs to include project, huddle, or focus rooms.
Are you moving from designated assigned workspaces to a more nomadic work environment where employees choose where they want to work at any given time? If so, it’s important to establish eqiquette guidelines so areas are kept clean and employees show respect to each other and shared work places.