There’s no easy way to transform your business. Success takes time, and even businesses that look like overnight successes are generally the result of a great deal of hard work. Despite this, there are a number of things you can do to give yourself the best chance of seeing success.
A common trend in successful businesses is a truly impressive and inspiring workspace. Look at Google - wouldn't you feel inspired working somewhere like this? These world-class workspaces often come after initial business success, but that doesn't mean you can't create an inspiring environment before you're successful. Chances are, you won't have heard of a lot of these businesses, but they've still managed to create some very innovative spaces. Part of the reason why companies like Google have been so successful is because of the environments they’ve created for themselves and their employees.
The case for colourful offices
Did you know that the colour yellow increases creativity? That the colour blue increases productivity? Academics have long been looking at how different colours can influence our feelings and behaviours. The very best office providers use this research to shape the layouts, interior design, and the general feel of their office suites.
One study on the use of colour in marketing, found that most people make a decision within ninety seconds of seeing a product, and 62-90% of that decision is entirely based on colour. It follows, then, that the colour of our workspace would have a direct impact on the way that we work. Studies suggest that the best colours for workplace productivity are blue, green and yellow.
Adding colour to your office is easy, too. It's not just about painting the walls different colours. You can add colour to your office in literally every way possible, from the colour of your pens, to adding colourful paintings or sculptures throughout your workspace. Are your office chairs getting old? Why not replace them with some brand new, blue chairs?
Does size matter?
The size and shape of your office space will impact a range of factors, including how much personal space employees have, first impressions for clients, the availability of board rooms and meeting rooms, and business growth opportunities.
Research shows that a cramped working environment negatively impacts the creativity of employees, reducing the number of 'lightbulb moments'. Therefore, the more square footage a business can allocate to each employee, the more comfortable those employees are likely to be. More space generally equates to more privacy, greater focus and more creativity.
When a business has more space to play with, they’re able to consider more innovative ways of using it. This may include informal breakout spaces, open seating, movable desks, plants and greenery, and chill out zones. Many of these things have been shown to have a real impact on company culture, which tends to have a positive effect on employee output.
So, can changing your surroundings change your business?
Yes. We've seen that innovative and inspiring workplaces result in a more positive and productive workforce. A new or updated space is unlikely to transform the fortunes of a business within weeks, but even the smallest changes can have a very positive impact over time.
Want to explore the options for your business?
We offer high quality serviced offices in Leeds that could be exactly what your business needs. Want to explore whether a move is right for you? We’d love to give you the tour.
