Having a pleasant work area is always an invitation for better performance, things such as plenty of light, and the correct sort of lighting fixtures, color and furniture will also ad productivity. Marketers know the importance of color when it comes to their campaigns to promote new products or make customers find something more attractive, therefore more likely to be bought by us consumers.

Color, as I have written before, has a profound impact on the human psyche, playing a major role on how we feel, happy, depressed, aggressive or calmed. Of course there are many types of businesses. A workshop will not have the need to look like a corporate office, nor will require the same type of furnishings.

Good questions to ask are, What is the impression I want my customers to have of my business? What will my office say about me as a business owner? Will I conduct meetings here at my office? Will I want to look professional,  corporate-like? Modern? Trendy? Put yourself in the shoes of a first-time visitor: What does your office say about your company? Does it present an organized, efficient image? Does it reflect a healthy, active business? Is it both a practical workspace and a welcoming environment for visitors and colleagues? Spending just a few minutes a week keeping things tidy, and investing a few dollars in new plants or a fresh coat of paint, will ensure that first-time visitors see your office the way you want them to see it.

The ideal office space mirrors, to some extent, the type of work you do. Neutral colors, for example, are a good fit for conservative lines of work such as banking and legal services. And for more creative offices, such as photographers and graphic designers, a warmer, more vibrant approach often makes sense. Either way, make a deliberate decision about your office paint and décor — don’t just accept whatever was there when you moved in. At the same time, think about how to incorporate your company’s branding into your office décor. Consider where and how to use your business name or logo, and decide whether it’s appropriate to hang a sign outside your office. Issues like where to put your business logo and what color of paint to use may seem trivial, but they can have a powerful psychological impact when potential customers or clients come calling.

You don’t have to be a Feng Shui master to appreciate the impact that aesthetics can have on a productive business environment. Even in strictly practical terms, the decisions you make about where to place office furniture and how to use lighting are worth considering carefully. In other words, skip the lucky bamboo if you want — but do consider positioning your desk so that you combine personal privacy and comfort with the ability to greet visitors and communicate with co-workers. You may also want to turn off harsh overhead fluorescent lights and add indirect lighting, such as lamps and task lights. And be sure to take full advantage of any natural light available to your workspace. Whether you call this Feng Shui or plain old common sense, it all adds up to an office with a comfortable, practical layout and an atmosphere that’s more conducive to productive work.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and eye strain can be a huge productivity drain on you and your employees. That’s why ergonomic design isn’t just a business cost — it’s an investment that can save you a lot of money down the line. So if you are looking for a professional assessment, please feel free to contact us.

In the local business world here in Puerto Peñasco we have helped many friends who are business owners. We have helped them design dental offices as well as restaurants, security offices, schools, hotels, villas and spas. Request to take a look at our portfolio, you will be pleasantly surprised!

Writen by Eddie Wharez®
Interior Designer, Actor, Educator and Owner of Diseños Casa y Jardín the only 5 Star shopping experience in Puerto Peñasco.