The direct impact of an office space to the productivity of employees is very apparent. What is often overlooked, however, is the relationship of the space in regards with the company culture a business fosters. While there may be many intangible factors that influence company culture, one very tangible factor is office design. The environment and physical space that surrounds your employees contributes to workplace culture and helps in fostering a better company culture in the long run.
Culture thrives in the right conditions. Providing a great workplace is one of the factors that can influence your employees’ motivations, morale, and feelings towards working for your business. The design, layout, and functionality of a workspace communicate a lot about company culture, even to clients and visitors who see your office.
Here are some ways your office space affect company culture:
Socialization and the Workspace
The space available dictates the level of socialization that can occur in the workplace. Social places can increase the chances of ‘casual collision’ between employees which helps make co-worker relationships stronger. Providing areas that can be spaces for bonding, non-work-related discussions, and other formats of socialization can reinforce a stronger relationship between co-workers that can strengthen and establish a stronger company culture beneficial for your brand.
Flexibility and Options
A flexible work environment that provides options for the way employees work can combat boredom and apathy, thus contributing to higher engagement and a more positive atmosphere over all. It can also encourage higher engagement with each other that can lead to better working relationships between employees.
Company Branding and Design
A workspace that reinforces a brand identity helps in building a stronger company culture and a subconscious loyalty to a company. Using your brand colors, logos, and company values in your office can develop a long-term impression on both your employees and clients visiting your space.
Activity-based working
A workplace that has designated areas depending on activities accessible to all can help in fostering a stronger workplace culture for employees. Their inclusion in the workspace should be guided by the organization’s culture, values, and work requirements, and can include informal meeting spaces, formal meeting rooms, and project rooms.
