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A business is a professional environment, but it doesn’t have to be dark or dull. In fact, an office space needs to be as comfortable and inspiring as possible, no matter the size. There are many simple ways to improve the look and atmosphere of your small business, which will then boost you and your employees’ attitude, performance and overall reputation. Here are four steps to start off that to-do list.
Interior Design
Think about your brand, what it offers, stands for and needs in order for its workers to be at their best. Design your offices accordingly, but why not try something unconventional? Be creative and unique with the space available. Take inspiration from 10 major brands and their interior design choices – Nike, Airbnb, Google. While their bank accounts and premises are big enough to accommodate many luxuries, there are smart features that a smaller business owner could adopt on a smaller budget, like plenty of windows, spacious rooms, poufs, quiet cubicles or even hammocks to relax in during a lunch break.
Green Business
Taking an eco-friendly approach to organizing your office can have several positive effects on your brand and people. Plants alone regulate the air. Combine them with natural light and you have a healthy and stimulating environment that also reduces the need for electric lighting. Replace office equipment and stationery with eco-friendly alternatives. Manage your heating and cooling systems carefully, for example, by making sure the setpoints are several degrees apart so the air conditioning isn’t constantly working. Solar panels are a particularly green choice, not to mention noteworthy. All this effort shines a favorable light on your small brand’s identity.
Insurance
Showing that you care about the physical and financial wellbeing of employees and customers alike adds to the business’s good reputation. The backing of general liability insurance, at the very least, will fortify the brand better than any walls and décor. Feel confident in the knowledge that any harm caused by your company to third parties is covered, from bodily, personal or advertising injury to property damage. A mishap can instantly derail your hard work by halting projects, tarnishing your status and clouding your judgment with stress, so be prepared to leap to action with the best insurance you can get.
Clean Office
A dirty work environment can damage the brand as much as an accident. Imagine a client or potential partner walks in and sees layers of dust, clutter and dirty dishes lying around. Such a state doesn’t inspire professionalism. Cleaning can easily be handled by you and your staff, but hiring an expert office cleaning service is also an option. Ensuring every part of your office is clean and presentable, including front of house and washrooms, takes a weight off your shoulders and lets you focus on actually running the business.
Every improvement measure, whether to do with design, security or hygiene, goes a long way towards making a small brand stand tall.
