Even after your startup grows into a serious business, it’s essential to keep your employees motivated and productive
One of the most exciting things about startups is designing your office in a way that represents your company and values. It’s a perfect opportunity to show your creativity, but you should also think about functionality. Besides being visually pleasing, your office should also inspire your employees to be productive, imaginative, and motivated.
So, if you want to create that kind of vibe in your office, here are a few design-related tips that should help you.
Design a bit more casual spaces
Having a lot of smaller meeting places that aren’t designed in a strictly traditional style actually encourages your employees to brainstorm, socialise, and discuss different ideas.
They are everything but boring, and they also provide your employees with a bit of freedom, which is something we could all use at work. So, consider adding some bean bag chairs, whiteboards, rocking chairs, and even hammocks and swings if you have the room.
They would encourage your employees to be creative, but they can also help them relax and unwind when they need a break.
Pick a design that represents you
Speaking of creativity and innovation, don’t be afraid to choose something a bit more “unusual” for your office design. For example, you can include some non-traditional materials, like wood pallets, and mix them with something a bit more modern, like metal. This way, you’d create a unique mix that is bound to draw attention.
Just keep in mind that you still want it to look good and organised, so pay attention to how you mix and match such contrasts. Finally, you should also introduce your brand colours in some way. For instance, you can introduce your brand colours through your desks, lamps, coffee mugs, and other items you’d see every day.
Appreciate your local artists
A big part of creating a good startup vibe is adding some local flair to the mix. You can do that by having a mural painted by a local artist, hanging some artwork, placing a sculpture in a corner, or arranging some photographs.
Also Read: Coworking space: why it’s the most startup thing ever
So, do some research on the local artists, see which one would fit the vibe you’re aiming for the best, and make a deal with them to promote their artwork in your office.
Don’t neglect comfort
No art can distract your employees if they have to spend hours sitting on uncomfortable chairs or working on desks that are not meant for that purpose. So, make sure your office is as functional as it is aesthetic.
This means that you should invest in quality furniture that will not harm your employees’ health. For instance, current furniture collections by King Living are perfect for a modern office, whether you’re looking for stylish desks or elegant armchairs.
Think about the colours
Painting your office in white or grey, and leaving it that way, can’t help you create a productive environment. So, besides adding your brand colours, don’t be afraid to add a pop of colour here and there.
Blue, green, orange and purple shades can all work great if you incorporate them properly. You can add them as accent colours, and you can introduce them through accessories, like carpets, decals, artwork, and similar. This can considerably contribute to building your corporate identity.
Be aware of different work styles
Cubicles used to be the basis of every office structure, but today, employers are more aware of different working styles that their employees have. While there are still some that prefer more private cubicles and separate offices, there are also many that thrive in open-plan offices and similar shared spaces with more flexible furniture.
Also Read: The benefits of coworking based on business size
Therefore, try to provide your employees with more than one option, so they can choose the atmosphere that makes them feel comfortable. By doing so, you will show them that you value them, and they are more likely to stay loyal to the company that caters to their work-related needs.
Provide some extras
Once you take care of all the basics, provide your employees with some extras. There are many small things that can make a big difference, like a stocked kitchen with various snacks and drinks, a nice sound system for music during breaks, comfortable seating options where they can relax, and perhaps even some entertainment options they can use during their breaks to reset. Speaking of breaks, make sure your employees get enough of them.
Breaks allow your employees to freshen up, strengthen the feeling of community by socialising with their coworkers, and relax a bit. For this purpose, you can separate one room, or you can create a peaceful outdoor area where your employees can get some fresh air when the weather is pleasant.
After all, you wouldn’t be where you are without them, so you must take care of their well-being. With that in mind, consider the listed tips, apply them to your office, and rest assured that your business will be successful.
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Image Credit: Eloise Ambursley
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