Great Minds Don't Work Alike
From January 2006
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Today, more organizations are seeking to extend their brand and convey their values through their physical environment. “Design re?ecting who a company is and what they stand for, for both customers and employees, engenders a sense of pride and belonging in where people work,” says Therese Kingsbury, VP, Miles Treaster & Associates in West Sacramento, adding, “The whole social aspect of work has become more important to people. To younger workers especially, having a sense of community attracts prospects to go to work for a company.”
Companies with limited economic resources occupying less than ideal spaces can ?nd simple, cost-effective ways to demonstrate values. Seemingly trite ideas such as posting a “good-news board,” where employees share personal celebrations and professional victories or creating a team-project scrapbook for the lobby can connect customers to staff and build team pride.
“The most progressive companies today are not con?ned by their physical bricks-and-mortar location,” says Nelson. “They’re creating an environment that works for them by promoting their philosophy and values.”
Above all, color continues to make a powerful statement. For the most part, gone are the neon hues used during the “look at us” dotcom boom. “The trend is back to warm,” says Kingsbury. “It plays into the whole environmental consciousness.” Currently, neutrals are on the rise, accented with warm colors, similar to the inviting tones used in residential interiors. The desire for a more residential feel in an of?ce environment extends beyond color. Interactive white boards, such as the Smart Board, are the ?at screens for the of?ce but allow for the digital integration of visuals, videoconferencing and website links.
Krotine notes her clients’ rising use of the term “living rooms” to describe their ideal reception area. “It’s more relaxed in feel, a space meant for their clients and employees,” she says. “And it truly represents the crossover of home and work spaces.”
Design that creates connections and crossovers leading to heightened employee ef? ciency and comfort remains the goal.
“I can walk into any business and tell you in 10 seconds ?at what it’s like to work there (by) what’s on the walls, what you see, how you’re greeted,” says motivation maven Bob Nelson. “If it’s a vibrant culture, it comes through. You can’t fake that (culture)… in the annual report, yes, but not in the facility. People wear their pride, or lack of, in their environment (on their faces).”
Companies with limited economic resources occupying less than ideal spaces can ?nd simple, cost-effective ways to demonstrate values. Seemingly trite ideas such as posting a “good-news board,” where employees share personal celebrations and professional victories or creating a team-project scrapbook for the lobby can connect customers to staff and build team pride.
“The most progressive companies today are not con?ned by their physical bricks-and-mortar location,” says Nelson. “They’re creating an environment that works for them by promoting their philosophy and values.”
Above all, color continues to make a powerful statement. For the most part, gone are the neon hues used during the “look at us” dotcom boom. “The trend is back to warm,” says Kingsbury. “It plays into the whole environmental consciousness.” Currently, neutrals are on the rise, accented with warm colors, similar to the inviting tones used in residential interiors. The desire for a more residential feel in an of?ce environment extends beyond color. Interactive white boards, such as the Smart Board, are the ?at screens for the of?ce but allow for the digital integration of visuals, videoconferencing and website links.
Krotine notes her clients’ rising use of the term “living rooms” to describe their ideal reception area. “It’s more relaxed in feel, a space meant for their clients and employees,” she says. “And it truly represents the crossover of home and work spaces.”
Design that creates connections and crossovers leading to heightened employee ef? ciency and comfort remains the goal.
“I can walk into any business and tell you in 10 seconds ?at what it’s like to work there (by) what’s on the walls, what you see, how you’re greeted,” says motivation maven Bob Nelson. “If it’s a vibrant culture, it comes through. You can’t fake that (culture)… in the annual report, yes, but not in the facility. People wear their pride, or lack of, in their environment (on their faces).”
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