Top Three Strategies for Renovating Your Office

It's that day in your business where you are growing so quickly that you have to decide – do we move or renovate?

An updated office can result in increased worker productivity and morale, brand awareness and ultimately an improved bottom line. Ninety percent of top management indicated that updated design had positive effects on worker productivity (American Society of Interior Designers’ survey).

From the moment your clients or potential clients walk through your door; they are making assessments about you and your business. Likewise your employees and potential employees are determining what it would be like to work for you. How you care for your office space will be a direct reflection of how you care for your clients and employees.  

1. Too many people not enough desks. Your business has grown and you are struck by the lack of space. Before you push one more desk into the corner or search for a new office space, consider consulting with an office interior design professional. Designers who specialize in office space planning will have creative solutions to your space management problems. They have studied the psychological effects of space and can help you make decisions about the balance of comfort, privacy and flexibility for your clients and employees.

2. Your furnishings, lighting and technology are outdated. Consider new ergonomic furnishings. Today’s ergonomic furnishings can accommodate the many different work styles of your employees. Desks can be raised for standing work and lowered for sitting at a computer. Purchase adjustable and ergonomic office chairs. Your back will thank you.

Ask your employees about the lighting in their office. According to a study in the Scientific Journal, “the prime factor which affects the productivity of employees is lighting in the office”. Add task lighting as needed, preferably full spectrum light.

Finally, are your computer systems up to date? Even a switch to flat screen monitors has a huge impact on the feel of an office and having two flat screens can improve productivity.

3. Your walls, floors, ceiling are showing signs of wear and tear. With shoe and boot clad clients and employees, carpeting is the first surface in your office to look well worn. Install more durable surfaces in the high traffic areas.

Painting the walls a new color is one of the least expensive and easiest ways to update a space. The wall color can help improve productivity and speak to your brand message. Don’t forget to check the ceiling tiles and have damaged ones replaced.

Early in your plans, be sure to involve a qualified office designer. He or she can help save you money and time and ease the process so you can get back to focusing on what matters – running your business.

Why is an updated office design important to you?  Your office needs to reflect the shifting trends in the marketplace and needs of your employees not to mention exceed your competition.

When you incorporate great design into your workplace, you will:

·         retain and attract the best talent

·         experience an upturn in overall productivity

·         increase your bottom line.

Catherine Avery is a Fairfield County based interior designer, who specializes in creating office environments for small to mid size businesses. Her website is resovateofficedesign.com and you can submit your office design questions to Catherine at cjavery@resovate.com.