How to make your office space look fun yet professional?

Businesses invest in employer branding to attract the best talent to their companies. In this sense, the office plays a crucial role, as companies realize that a comfortable office environment is just as important to employees as other job perks. Most job seekers, when choosing a new employer, pay attention to and consider the office environment. Therefore, it is vital for companies to turn their office into a space where employees want to spend most of their time.

Your investments in an office space won’t be in vain. In this sense, you will improve the company's image in the eyes of its employees, clients, and business partners. A properly designed office space emphasizes professionalism, stability and reflects the values ​​of the company. Besides, do not forget about word of mouth. Employees talk about their work outside of it; they discuss it with their family, friends, and sometimes even with new acquaintances. Thus, the way they represent it has a substantial impact on the company's reputation.

This article shows the main parts of an office that you need to consider when creating a fun, yet professional work environment.

Decor

Adding pleasing and colorful decor to an office space can make the work more enjoyable and help employees feel comfortable. However, one should be careful to maintain professionalism at the same time. So, you should find a balance between fun and practical decor to create an office environment that emphasizes your personality and shows your partners and clients that you are professional.

One way to boost an attractive office is to incorporate contrast colors within the decor, such as painted walls. Motivational quotes and colorful wallpapers are always a great idea too if you're looking for inspiration. Additionally, utilizing some modern and decorative shelving is also a good idea in regards to aesthetics and practicality. They will give a specific charm to the office while at the same time maintaining a professional look. On the shelves, you can place decorative items or some books. With the help of shelves, you can also create a unique design, for example, an outline of a symbol, logo, or sign. Also, don't forget about plants! There are many that do not require special care, such as succulents, and can serve as refreshing and natural decor for an office.

However, don't go overboard! Keep it simple, organized, and avoid clutter. Pick a few areas to focus on. Your decor should make the office space enjoyable but not distract your employees.

Colors

Add some color to your office space to lighten it up. Colors can really turn a dull standard office into a productive and fun place to be. To make it look professional, limit yourself to two or three contrast colors and avoid bright ones like neon. If you haven't yet decided on a color scheme, consider using your brand or company colorways. When choosing paint or decor for your office space, choose those that reflect the uniqueness of your company. This turn will reflect the essence of your business.

Besides, certain colors can have powerful psychological effects on people's feelings. For example, green is considered a calm color, and while looking at green, eyes are relaxing. This is why choosing a suitable color scheme for your office is very important.

Furniture

It’s never a bad idea to keep office furniture in mind at the initial stage of planning your office arrangement. When choosing furniture for your organization, you should follow the current needs of your staff and not your personal taste. Thus, thoroughly study the company's structure, the flow of employee interaction, and the movement of people in general throughout the space.

One of the most important components of office furniture is chairs. After all, an employee spends most of their time on it. Therefore, ensuring optimal comfort is a vital consideration. Uncomfortable chairs can lead to major discomfort and various illnesses such as scoliosis, osteochondrosis, carpal tunnel, and digestive issues. The health of employees directly affects their work and productivity, so incorporating ergonomic furniture like rising desks, expandable chairs, and footrests are a great way to support your employees and their well-being.

To give your office a more homely atmosphere, consider additional communal seating space aside from desk seats, like ottomans and sofas. During the day, employees can be tired of sitting in one position at one place, so providing more opportunities for your staff to move around and still be productive is best. Designating additional sitting space is also excellent for breaks, collaboration, and informal meetings. 

Lighting

Lighting is one of the critical factors that must be considered when developing a layout solution. Natural light is essential for productivity in the workplace so the distance from windows to workplaces shouldn’t be too big. Research shows that the office environment has a significant impact on our lives. Lack of daylight during work can disrupt a person’s circadian rhythm causing increased fatigue and even insomnia. You can also ensure that artificial lighting is strategic and energy efficient. Lighting that is too dim can strain eyes and cause a drowsy effect, whereas lighting that is too bright can also be harsh on the eyes and cause migraines. Switching from conventional light bulbs to LED solutions allow for smart controls, color changing, and customization.

Lounge area

Since employees and team members spend most of their daytime in the office, it is crucial to provide space for them to relax and enjoy their break. A specific rest area can be created so long as it differs from the general working environment. Many tech companies in Silicon Valley provide their employees with playrooms, indoor gardens, massage rooms, and more. Of course, it can be financially difficult for small organizations as you will need more space, but you can begin by perhaps implementing some mobile recreational activities like ping-pong tables, table soccer, etc.

Personalized workplace

Encourage your team to customize their workplace to keep them motivated. Every employee has their individual style and preferences in decor. Something like a family photo, a child's drawing, or a model figurine can be on an employee's work desk. It will give your office a more homely atmosphere, and everyone will feel more comfortable and productive.

Do not expect that all employees will maintain their workspace in the same condition. Some will feel comfortable working at a perfectly cleaned table, while others will find it more convenient to create a creative mess. Let each employee decide for themself as long as it does not interfere with their professional duties.

Finding the perfect balance between professionalism and a fun office environment can be an easy task if you have the necessary knowledge or professional help. A functional office and properly selected furniture solutions will help employees carry out their daily tasks more efficiently and improve the flow of business processes. My Perfect Workplace will help you to find the ideal office space suitable for you.