Google isn’t only a tech powerhouse; it’s also a company known for its creative office design. Googleplex, Google’s corporate headquarters in Mountain View, CA, boasts of sports facilities, public art, electric vehicle charging stations, and many buildings sprawled across the area. Googleplex also houses the popular nap pods. For the company, this kind of complex isn’t at all difficult to achieve – they have a big budget for it.
It’s a different story, though, for small and medium businesses. But while a limited budget can’t bring in the amenities that Googleplex has, it shouldn’t be a hindrance to a well-designed office. Here are a few things to keep in mind when improving your office or building as an SMB owner:
1. Turf Care
“Because a business’ frontage is the first thing people see, it’s important to keep that space clean and respectable,” says U.S. Lawns, a company that provides grounds care services in South Denver, CO. In the world of business, first impressions mean a great deal. This is why you shouldn’t hesitate to invest in landscaping services for your business.
Lawn care specialists can create an exterior atmosphere that reflects your company’s philosophies. Additionally, by maintaining your outdoor hardscape elements, such as sidewalks and stairways, you can prevent accidents and personal injury claims. Often, clients are willing to transact with or spend on businesses with aesthetically pleasing offices because a well-kept building means efficiency for the clients. Turf care service providers can help with creating and maintaining a beautiful structure.
2. Trees and Interior Plants
The health benefits of trees and plants are well-documented. Trees absorb pollutant gases, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, and entrap them in their leaves, purifying the air, in the process. If your business is located in a city, trees can help fight the urban heat island effect.
When placed indoors, plants can act as decorations and productivity boosters. Cacti, for example, are great office plants, and they’re also low-maintenance. They only need sunlight, and they fit in small spaces.
3. Proper Ventilation
Like interior plants, good indoor air quality helps boost productivity among employees and reduce absences. Adequate ventilation means low condensation. In turn, mold, which may result in allergies or asthma among employees, cannot quickly develop on office surfaces. The fewer the people who get sick, the fewer the absences. For guidance, you can follow the workplace ventilation regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
4. Ergonomic Furniture
For many, offices feel a lot like a second home. Your employees spend at least eight hours in the office, and it can be a drag, especially with uncomfortable furniture. Manufacturers design ergonomic furniture with the comfort of the user in mind. Ergonomic chairs, for instance, keep a user’s body in an upright posture to reduce stress on the spine, neck, and hips, therefore preventing the risk of developing musculoskeletal problems.
5. Lounge Area
It’s not a good idea to confine your employees in a cubicle all day long. They can easily feel entrapped and burned out. Instead, you should give them space to relax, such as a lounge area. This space should encourage social interaction among employees during their break time. Or, it can also serve as a waiting area for visitors, clients, and applicants.
6. Parking Area
In 2017, an American driver spent an average of 17 hours looking for a parking spot, according to the most recently published report by INRIX, a transportation analytics company based in Washington. You can invest in a free parking space for your employees in or near your building. Doing so will help them spend less time looking for a parking spot, which means they have fewer chances of being late for work.
Free parking space is also advantageous for potential clients who intend to inquire about a service or purchase a product. When you provide a free parking area, you’re leaving an impression that you are more than willing to accommodate them.
When you invest in well-built and well-designed facilities in your office or building, you also invest in employee productivity and space attractiveness. Even with a limited budget, you have to work on upgrades (e.g., ergonomic over traditional furniture) or grounds care services. Remember, just like your logo, your office’s physical appearance represents your brand.