Today, many successful companies relocate their offices not only for business growth, but also to create a more efficient and enjoyable workspace for their employees. The basic thinking is, if you’re going to spend a lot of time and money setting up these new offices, why not turn them into workspaces that really invigorate your staff? If you are a business owner or office manager thinking this way, then you are already on your way to a successful office relocation and a bright future for your business. I just have one more idea to add to your modern thinking: outdoor space.
If the new commercial space you’ve leased comes with a bit of green space, why not dress it up a bit? In the warmer months, both customers and employees can enjoy this space, boosting morale and fostering new ideas. Companies that thrive on creative thinking often have contemplative places that stimulate employee eureka moments, but even if your company isn’t in a creative field, it can simply benefit from happy employees doing their jobs with more enthusiasm.
You may also want to consider an outdoor space or patio for practicality. Most companies have employees who smoke. Instead of smokers congregating at the front of your business or near some sort of entrance, you can create a designated private outdoor space that is tucked away from the public eye.
Whatever the intended use of your outdoor space, you’ll want to make sure it’s designed according to its function; otherwise, it won’t be worth the effort. If your space is intended to be a gathering place for gatherings or outdoor lunches, make sure there are plenty of seats, tables, and receptacles for trash and recycling. If this space is intended to be a smoking area, some seating and many urns for ashes may be required. Regardless of the function of the space, you will need to ensure that it meets all the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of fire codes. This means including wheelchair accessible ramps, seats and other entry points, as well as designating clear emergency exit routes.
Once functionality is in place, you can dress up the space by planting a small garden, installing a statue or fountain, or accenting the patio with decorative tiles. Regardless of how you want to decorate your outdoor space, you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money. Employees will already appreciate this extra space, so even planting just a flower bed or two will suffice on a smaller budget.
The point to take away from all of this is that office design is not just about interiors. The office layout should affect the entire lot you rent or own. After all, if you’re paying for all that space, you need to use every square foot for the benefit of your clients and staff. For a few extra bucks, those added perks are definitely worth it!
