In a recent Leach Impact blog we offered some tips to help boost the workplace wow factor in 2018. But what was the reason behind us providing such advice?
Of course, part of the rationale is because we love creating impactful environments that impress people the minute they step inside, whether we’re talking consumers shopping in a store, or staff arriving at work.
But such impressive surroundings are proven to have a bottom line impact in both of these scenarios too.
Thinking specifically about the workplace, most organisations would readily acknowledge that their employees are the lifeblood of their business. Providing an inspirational workspace therefore helps to motivate these people on a daily basis. It can be the difference between a colleague feeling appreciated and uplifted, or, on the flipside, that their employer simply doesn’t care about their morale.
And, because motivated employees naturally perform better and are more productive in their work, this translates directly into a strengthened bottom line for the company concerned.
Yet this is just one example.
With unemployment rates falling, the jobs landscape is becoming increasingly fluid and competitive. Organisations therefore can’t rest on their laurels when it comes to attracting and retaining staff. Employees are increasingly considering the bigger ‘package’ when evaluating their career options, from flexible hours and reward perks, to on-site parking and the quality of the working environment. We spend enough time at work after all – we don’t want to be engulfed by dreary surroundings. Businesses therefore need to think about the first impression that they create with their interiors, and the impact that this could have in their efforts to compete for talent.
The same interiors can have a lasting impression too. Simple manifestations of a brand culture, on the walls surrounding an employee, can continually communicate with that individual as to what the company stands for, why their efforts matter and how the business is different. Sometimes it isn’t feasible to communicate with every member of staff on a daily basis, but even such subliminal messaging can help maintain a sense of involvement that reinforces ongoing effort and contributes to the bottom line.
And the list of benefits goes on. Carefully-considered lighting, for example, can have health and concentration benefits that will help to safeguard from costly absences. Even the colour on the wall can have an impact, with orange great for high energy meetings, white known for its creativity-boosting powers and blue instilling feelings of tranquillity.
There’s certainly an element of science to the subject, as well as design. If this is something you’d like to explore further why not view our case studies for some inspiration or contact us to discuss your own workplace requirements.
