When it comes to cutting costs, most business leaders and other decision-makers focus on factors such as supply chain management, customer acquisition costs, workforce planning, product price positioning, and so on.
Regardless of whether you want to make better use of your existing space or are “bursting at the seams” because of recent hiring activity, an office renovation is certainly a good news story for your business, your employees, and even your customers who find this kind of development impressive. After all, we all like doing business with companies that visibility demonstrate that they are investing in their stability and success.
Over the last few years, one of the most important developments in the world of office design has been the emergence of “breakout spaces”. These are small areas – usually situated next to a stairwell, elevator, lunchroom or other high-traffic area – where employees can informally meet, chat, unwind, read, meditate, or even take a quick (sitting) cat nap.
Aside from the obvious benefit of allowing employees to recharge their batteries – which is great for morale and supporting employee wellness — breakout spaces boost collaboration and productivity. What’s more, breakout spaces are easy to design, affordable to create, and quick to implement.
When it comes to making office renovation-related decisions, business owners and other leaders need to focus on cost, schedule, scope, the impact on customers and brand, and how it will help employees be more productive and collaborative.
However, it is also wise, where practical and appropriate, to make the office renovation as “employee-friendly” as possible. After all, just as customers ultimately determine if a product or service is rewarding, employees will have a major influence on whether an office renovation truly achieves its goals, or falls short of reaching its potential.
In a recent blog post, we highlighted some tips for creating open offices for introverts – so that the layout works for them vs. against them. Today, we continue the discussion by focusing on how to create open offices for extroverts.
Across the country and especially in Chicago, an increasing number of businesses are opting for an office redesign that makes ample use of what are called “breakout spaces”. Below, we highlight what this term refers to, and then explore why it may be a smart, progressive choice for your office redesign needs.
It has been about a month since we ushered in 2016, and that means most folks have all tied up their 2015 loose ends (or recovered from the festive holiday party circuit!), and are geared and ready to see what interesting and noteworthy developments the new year has in store.
In that spirit, the Key Interiors team is pleased to share the 4 office design trends that we believe will shape and influence 2016, and beyond:
When you generate 66 billion dollars a year in revenue, you do not follow trends: you make them! And that is why the business world has been paying very close attention to Google’s famed “Nested Office” design (see some photos here), to see where it’s something they should adopt ASAP, or perhaps stand back and eventually “cherry pick” some of the best, coolest elements.
However, regardless of what side of the Nested Office design fence you may be on – all-for-it, or wait-and-see – there are some very insightful best practices that can be gleaned from Google’s approach:
It goes without saying that businesses constantly need to find new and better ways to deliver customer service.
Indeed, reports by both BusinessNewsDaily.com and Forbes.com, respectively, point out that good customer service trumps both price and product in the hearts and minds of most customers. Or for the “glass half empty” folks among us: a survey by Oracle’s RightNow and Harris Interactive found that 82 percent of customers will leave a company after experiencing bad customer service. And it that is not daunting enough, a survey by MarketingCharts.com revealed that customers are far more likely to share bad customer service experiences online and offline than good ones.
Unless they have just moved into a new space or wrapped up a design overhaul, most business owners and executives would almost certainly put an office renovation on their “nice to have”, “to be considered”, or “future plans” list.
Just like doctors and all other essential healthcare professionals, dentists constantly need to find new and better ways in their practices to save time and boost efficiency — ultimately, so they can reduce operating costs, increase quality and improve patient care.
And in light of this, one of the most cost-effective, yet often overlooked areas they can address is related to sterilization stations.
We are all familiar with the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Well, with over 30 years of experience in office renovation field, take it from us that prevention is worth far more than that – it can literally mean the difference between an experience that is affordable and rewarding, and one that is stressful, costly and regrettable.
Obviously, your office renovation partner will have, by far, the biggest influence on whether your experience is successful or not. But what may be less obvious, is how to choose the right one.
These days, a growing number of small businesses are ensuring that their office renovation is also a “green office renovation”, so that it does not just improve workflows, aesthetics, customer service and employee morale, but that it ultimately reduces their environmental footprint. There are many smart and inspiring reasons for taking this route, including:
Businesses are constantly investing in technology and training in order to promote office collaboration. And while both these approaches can pay significant dividends, there is another, somewhat lesser known way to dramatically increase collaboration and ultimately drive productivity, performance and profits: office design.
At Key Interiors, our clients in both the business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) space frequently inquire about how we can help them create a branded office that boost sales.
That is, they want their brand to be captured by their office design, so that it is part of their overall communication and culture; both externally in how they engage customers and partners, and internally in terms of how their workforce is motivated and inspired.
For many doctors and dentists, their patient waiting room is – as the name suggests – a comfortable, functional space where patients and their family members wait anywhere from a few minutes, to possibly over an hour.
At Key Interiors, we have partnered with many dentists either to refresh their office, or lead the way on a major overhaul.
When many business owners and executives think about an office redesign, they tend to focus on “look and feel”. For example, they may begin to notice that their office is starting to look dated and faded; especially in comparison to what some of their competitors are doing.
According to research published by the World Bank, healthier workplaces also generate healthier profits. Or, to make the same point but in a rather more daunting (yet perhaps more memorable) way, a survey by the American Psychological Association found that unhealthy workplaces contribute overwhelmingly to employee stress – which costs employers across the country a whopping $300 billion each year in stress-related healthcare and absenteeism.
Many “Reality TV” shows and websites are dedicated to taking us behind the scenes of disastrous home renovation projects – which are the kind that spiral downwards and turn into a gaping, terrifying money pit!
It is a common scenario that unfolds in dental offices across the country: you and your team feel as though you are “bursting at the seams” some days, and yet you do not want to change locations – either to avoid the costs, or because your roster of patients wants you to stay right where you are. Fortunately, you can find a surprising amount of space – and make your space utilization more efficient and effective – through an affordable office renovation.
Just how important is employee happiness to the bottom-line? A study at the University of Warwick discovered that happier employees led to a 12 percent increase in productivity – while unhappy workers diminished productivity by 10 percent. As the researchers concluded: “We find that human happiness has large and positive causal effects on productivity. Positive emotions appear to invigorate human beings“.
One of the most beneficial aspects of an office redesign, is that it gives businesses an opportunity to collaborate and integrate the opinions and needs of different groups – each of whom has a valuable piece of the overall puzzle.
As you already know, redesigning your office to go green is, in itself, a visionary decision — because as the old saying goes, “if you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem”. Reducing your environmental footprint definitely makes you the former!
In your dental clinic, you may have started to notice an increasing gap between the lead-edge solutions you offer – such as invisible braces, same-day dental crowns, and so on – and the overall look and feel of your office. In other words: it may be time for a renovation!
Across the country, a growing number of businesses – from small firms to large organizations – are replacing conventional chairs and desks, with “sit-stand” desks.
First things first: the notion of “designing your office for the future” does not have anything to do with trying to reconfigure your environment, so that it might be used as a set for the next Star Trek movie. Rather, it means future-proofing your office renovation investment, so that you can continue reaping the rewards for years and decades to come.
There are many rewards of an office redesign, including improved workflows, better collaboration, enhanced customer service, and a more impressive image and reputation (which is very important for recruiting and retention).
Across the country, an increasing number of businesses of all shapes and sizes are renovating their office so that it is not just more functional, attractive and impressive, but also so that it is green and healthy.
One of the most rewarding outcomes of an office redesign is that you can literally transform your workspace into an environment that is dramatically more productive, efficient, energized and positive – which is a win for everyone: your employees, your customers, and your organization as a whole.
As you know, running a business is often rewarding, but it is never easy – simply because there is always a problem to solve or goal to achieve. Indeed, in business as in life, there is really no such thing as “maintenance mode”. You are either falling behind or moving ahead!
Whether you are planning on refreshing, renovating or re-imagining your dental office, it goes without saying that you will need to partner with a proven, experienced dental office design firm.
While enhancing brand image and impressing customers are two big reasons for moving ahead with an office renovation, there are other welcomed benefits as well, such as boosting employee morale and efficiency. And the simplest, smartest and most cost-effective way to achieve this goal is by ensuring that your office renovation supports employee health and wellness.
You may have come to the conclusion – or are heading in that direction per feedback from your employees, and possibly in light of comments from your customers/clients as well – that your office environment would benefit from a new look and feel.
As you prepare to shift addresses for your office relocation, you are obviously focusing on issues like layout, space utilization, furniture and finishing procurement, and so on. However, there is another vital piece of the office renovation puzzle that you should not overlook in the midst of your busy planning and decision-making: coordinating your staff!
It goes without saying that you know, beyond any doubt, that a successful office renovation requires forethought and planning. In other words, you and your colleagues would not arrive to work one morning and decide spontaneously or impulsively to refresh, renovate or re-imagine your environment! Obviously, arriving at this decision – and then deciding what steps to take, what to change, and what to leave as-is – is part of a process that can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months.
While dentists and doctors simply refer to them as “waiting rooms”, patients traditionally describe the area that they are obligated to wait – sometimes for hours – in much more colorful terms (that we cannot publish here on our family-friendly blog!).
There comes a time in the lifespan of every dental office – it could be several years after opening, or in many cases much sooner – when remodeling becomes less of a “nice-to-have” option, and more of a strategic requirement to grow the patient roster, shift towards the delivery of more profitable dental solutions, and ultimately boost the bottom-line.
For several years, business leaders and executives have been told that “the Millennials are coming”, and they should be ready to adjust to this unprecedented demographic shift. Well, the messaging has changed, because the Millennials are no longer coming: they are already here!
“Company culture” is an all-encompassing term that captures the essence of an organization’s values, principles, ethos, vision, and mission. It also provides the framework – formally and informally, directly and indirectly – for accepted norms and standards. Indeed, everything from the general noise/volume level in a workplace to the degree of staff diversity plays a role in shaping, and in turn being shaped by, company culture.
When it comes to making your organization more efficient, productive and profitable, you naturally focus on key aspects like technology, personnel, systems, processes, and so on.
However, there is another piece of the puzzle that is just as important, and yet is often overlooked when it comes to optimizing a work environment: space planning. Below, we highlight what this concept is, and why it matters to your business.
Refreshing, re-designing or re-inventing an office environment is supposed to be an exciting and positive experience; one that invigorates your employees, impresses your customers, and signals to your marketplace (and competitors!) that the best days for your business are ahead, not behind.
However, despite the fact that this should be a “good news” story, the fact is that many businesses undertaking an office renovation endure everything from major schedule and budget overruns, quality control issues, obstacles and issues related to permits and approvals, and the list goes on.
Today’s most productive and efficient corporate workspaces are not run-of-the-mill, generic environments that are heavy on function, but limited when it comes style, sophistication and stimulation. Rather, as noted by the UK’s Guardian newspaper, “the smart modern office is an all-round sensory experience designed to make people feel good and more creative”.
In light of this vision, here are 5 best practices for corporate office design that you may want to incorporate into your refresh, redesign, or re-invention plan:
While an office redesign or re-invention may be in your mind or on the horizon, there is no need to let budget constraints force you to wait months or even years to start reaping the rewards of a more productive and pleasing environment. According to Inc. Magazine contributor Jessica Stillman “There’s no need to spend a fortune to make your company’s space impressive.”
“What’s in a design?”
Well, if the topic is dental practice design, then there’s plenty to talk about – and much at stake, as well. Indeed, today’s patients have much higher expectations for comfort and care than previous generations; which helps explain why many dental practices look and feel more like high-end day spas than conventional health centers!
At Key Interiors, one of the most frequent – and also the most important – questions we receive is: do we need an architect for our office renovation, do we need an interior designer, or do we need both?
For starters, this is one of those questions that has an “it all depends…” answer, because every office renovation project (just as every organization) is different, and there is no one-size-fits all answer.
As noted by Forbes, creativity in the workplace is not optional, nor is it the exclusive domain of firms in “creative industries” like entertainment, arts, music, and so on. On the contrary, creative is absolutely critical for all businesses in every industry – including and in some cases especially conventional industries like insurance, banking, government and more — and directly impacts everything from turnover to profit.
A common myth that many business owners and executives believe is that an office redesign is a significantly – and as such prohibitively – costly project.
Yes, while it is true that some major office redesigns can cost hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars, this is by no means the “entry fee”. It is entirely possible to create a fresh new look and feel for as little as $10,000 (or in some cases, even less). This not only gives your employees a much-improved work environment, but as noted by Business Insider, it can also boost your bottom-line; which ultimately means that the office renovation will pay for itself, and then start generating ROI.
While all dentists know that the look and feel of their waiting room is important, many are surprised to discover just how influential it is to keeping – or in some cases – losing a profitable patient (and all of their profitable referrals!).
An office redesign is an exciting opportunity to start a new chapter of your business’s unique story. However, in order to ensure that this story is positive and continues delivering rewards long into the future, it is important that you make decisions that help – rather than hinder – your work environment. Here are 4 tips to help you achieve this key objective:
While it is true that an increasing number of consumers are spending time online to learn about new and used cars, this does not mean by any stretch of the imagination that car dealerships are redundant, or on their way to extinction. As noted by the automotive sector for TNS Global, which is the world’s leading provider of automotive marketing and insight:
While there are many aspects and elements of a successful office renovation, among the most important will be your overall office renovation plan.
This plan – which is typically comprised of several supporting documents, appendices and so on – captures scope, workflows, personnel, materials, budget, risk management, and more.
The Human Spaces global study of 7,600 office workers in 16 countries has confirmed what had long since been suspected by anyone who has ever set foot in (or been liberated from an undersized, poorly-lit cubicle: office design and employee productivity are linked, for better and at times, for worse.
Hopefully, your current office design is not undermining productivity or driving turnover. However, even if it is not working against your business, it is not necessarily working for it. That is, you may not be optimizing all of your available space, fully supporting your employees, or completely elevating your brand.
Businesses invest in everything from training to technology in order to reduce costs and improve productivity. However, despite these significant investments and best efforts, there is an element that may be pushing in the opposite direction by adding costs and reducing productivity. This aspect, surprisingly, could be the office design itself!
Below, we highlight the 3 ways that office design works against employees, instead of supports their performance and results:
Finding ways to make your employees happier isn’t just good manners – it’s also good strategy! Indeed, as reported by Fast Company, happier workers are 12 percent more productive than their (unhappy) counterparts. And a study by researchers at Kansas State University concluded that: “When employees have high levels of psychological well-being and job satisfaction, they perform better and are less likely to leave their job — making happiness a valuable tool for maximizing organizational outcomes.”
Just as dentists would never even think of advising their patients to perform “self-dentistry”, when it comes to reimagining their practice, it is important to get advice from interior solutions specialists. With this in mind, here are 5 dental office design best practices and tips from the experts that all dentists should keep in mind when it comes time to renovate, refresh or re-invent their space:
In the past, the primary consideration for workplace design was functionality. That is, as long as the space was secure and people had enough space (however barely in some cases!) to get their work done, then spending time and resources on design was seen as purely an esthetic exercise. My, how times have changed!
As revealed in a survey by Dental Products Report, 69 percent of dentists believe that patients see office design as a reflection of their dentist’s competence, and their patient’s confidence in the practice as a whole.
With this in mind, below we present 4 dental office design tips that make the right impression and send the right messages, and ultimately help lead to more satisfied and loyal patients:
While having an executive office is a lofty perk, it is also a well-earned one as well. Indeed, a study by Harvard Business Review found that 60 percent of executives have an average workweek of 72-hours, which is a far cry from the average workweek of 34.4 hours.
As such, it is definitely in your organization’s best interest – along with your roster of executives – to ensure that their work environment is productive, efficient and optimized for success. To help make this happen, here are 5 executive office design tips that can make a transformative difference:
While medicine and health care have changed dramatically over the number of years and especially the last few decades, medical office design thinking certainly has not been left behind – at least not in today’s most profitable and thriving practices.
Gone are the days when patients were clustered in cramped waiting rooms, and staff were expected to function in an environment that was built for anything but operational efficiency. Instead, both patients and staff alike are benefiting from the following medical office design best practices:
A handful of years ago, many organizations – Google being the most notable among them – implemented what has now become known as an “open office design.” As the term suggests, this layout minimizes or eliminates cubicles and other traditional barriers between employees and teams, in favor of large, singular space that promotes interaction, communication and collaboration.
Like many businesses, a new office design may have been on your agenda – or at least, in the back of your mind — for several months, or perhaps even years. And finally, after all of that thinking and discussing (and yet more thinking and discussing), you and your team ready to move ahead and refresh or re-invent your space.
However, before your interior solutions firm brings blueprints, plans and renderings to life, you will need to define the type of office design that is going to support your current operations and future direction.
All dentists know that a professional image plays a key role in attracting and keeping profitable patients. To that end, dentists invest in advanced equipment and technologies, hire experienced and competent hygienists, administrators and other staff, and take a personal interest in the happiness and satisfaction of every patient on their roster.
Naturally, these commitments go a long way to establishing the right image. But there is another piece of the puzzle that is often overlooked, yet can substantially increase profits; or unfortunately in some cases, diminish them: dental office design.
When it comes to office design, viewpoints can vary on everything from how space should be used, to wall covering materials and colors, to open vs. closed workspaces, and the list goes on. This divergence of opinion is positive and should be encouraged, and can be one of the most interesting aspects of the entire office design process.
As noted by Entrepreneur.com, the work environment is rapidly evolving, and that means office design must shift as well. Below, we highlight the key reasons how an office space plan sets up a redesign for success:
When it comes to your office renovation, naturally you want the reap the rewards and benefits of your investment, such as greater staff efficiency, higher customer satisfaction, an enhanced brand and image, and so on. Yet while end results are important, you cannot afford to overlook the process or project management. And that is where design-build firms are part of the puzzle.
There are many factors that combine to make an office design project successful. However, one of the most important factors – and yet also one that many office design firms do not offer – is value engineering.
We will discuss why offering value engineering is not standard across all firms in a moment. First, let us briefly explain what value engineering is in the context of an office design project.
While some days are better than others, and wearing multiple hats is the norm instead of the exception, being part of the startup experience is unique and exhilarating. Each day is different, the possibilities are inspiring, and the sky is the limit.
Naturally, there are many factors that drive and determine startup success, including marketplace demand, timing, competitive advantage, availability of capital (and access to more capital when — not if – it is needed!), a talented and hard working team, and of course, a big dose of good luck never hurts.
An office redesign is one of those exciting “out with the old, in with the new” experiences – except for one important detail: you are likely to wind up with used office furniture that you no longer want or need.
Naturally, storing these excess items on-site is not a welcome idea, since they will just take up space and add clutter. And moving them to a warehouse or storage facility does not make sense either since as noted, these are items that you no longer have use for.
As noted by Dental Economics: “When patients have a positive experience in your practice, they will not only be more inclined to accept recommended treatment and return for ongoing care, but also refer friends and family.”
While there are many ways for dentists to improve patient experience — such as adding new services, enhancing the practice’s website, offering financing options and so on — among the most low-cost, high-impact strategies is to upgrade your dental office design.
Executives and managers who believe that creative office design is merely an optional “nice-to-haves” should think again – because creative workspaces can reduce absenteeism and turnover, drive retention and efficiency, boost performance and productivity, and increase revenues and customer satisfaction. In other words, creative office design is great for the bottom line!
For many years, boosting employee engagement was viewed as an important, yet not essential objective; at least not as far as increasing productivity, profitability and the bottom-line was concerned.
When it comes to developing your office design plan, obviously you need to focus on aspects such as budgets, scheduling, logistics (e.g. maintaining operations during the renovation/construction or temporary re-allocating work to another site), permits and approvals (typically required for any project involving architectural changes), and the list goes on.
n today’s relentlessly competitive business landscape, finding smarter ways to increase employee productivity is not just a best practice. In the long run it makes the difference between success and survival.
However, one aspect that is often overlooked by managers and decision makers – but certainly NOT neglected by employees who must deal with it on a daily basis – is how office design impacts productivity. Here are the key factors that matter most, either positive or negatively.
While the fundamental principles of office design remain stable year after year — such as the importance of proper space planning, using value engineering to reduce costs, balancing functionality with esthetics, and so on — there are always an emerging set of styles, preferences, approaches and ideas that shape the discussion, and set the tone. With this in mind, here are 4 key and influential office design trends for 2017:
A critical – and yet often overlooked – aspect of successful office design is space planning, which is about far more than just deploying equipment, furniture and people. That’s because the operative word in space planning isn’t SPACE; it’s PLANNING. As such, businesses need to work with their interior solutions team to answer key questions well in advance of their office design project. These questions include:
As you ponder, plan and prepare for a new office design, naturally you will focus on aspects such as space utilization, lighting and HVAC, traffic flows, and so on. However, there is another critically important piece of the puzzle that is just as important: choosing the right office furniture.
To help point you in the right direction, here are 5 tips to keep in mind:
Whether you are developing the layout for a new location or re-inventing your current environment, one of the most important pieces of your office design puzzle is the conference room. Below, we highlight 3 best practices to help point you in the right direction:
One of the most innovative office design ideas in recent years is known as “hot desking.” No, this doesn’t involve desks mysteriously disappearing from one day to the next and showing up for sale on Craigslist. And for shivering employees who work in cold offices: sorry, this has nothing to do with temperature, either.
Rather, hot desking is when employees do not have assigned workstations or cubicles, and can therefore work anywhere they wish –– provided, of course, that space is available. As you might expect or have experienced, there are some pros and cons associated with this office design, and we highlight some of these below.
Developing an office design plan – either for your current location or a new one – is an ideal opportunity to evaluate priorities, refine strategies, and make smart decisions that will turn the cost from an expense into an investment. To that end, here are 5 questions to ask:
A growing number of organizations of all sizes – from small businesses to large enterprises – have implemented, or are thinking/planning of implementing, an open office design. This is a layout in which employees are co-located in a shared space and environment.
Of all elements, aspects, and features of the office-design world, perhaps no single discussion point triggers as intense a reaction than when the topic turns to cubicles. Indeed, people seem to be divided into two distinct camps: those who like cubicles and see their advantages, and those who dislike (if not hate!) cubicles, and view them as a plague on workplace landscape.
On today’s highly competitive and constantly changing business landscape, many companies – especially startups – are recognizing that the smartest way to get big is to stay small; office space-wise, that is.
If your company has decided (at least for now) that the best route to long-term success and profitability is to maintain a smaller workplace, here are three office design strategies to help your relatively small space look, feel and function BIG:
Progressive and forward-looking business leaders are always looking for innovative ways to improve their workplace; both because it is good for employees, and because it is good for the bottom-line. And over the last few years, one of the most effective and exciting introductions to the office furniture roster are sit-to-stand desks.
According to a Dental Products Report survey, 69 percent of dentists believe that patients view dental office design as a reflection of their competence as a dentist and their practice as a whole.
In other words: dental office design does not just serve a functional purpose of giving patients a place to wait and receive treatment. It also plays a key role in influencing patient experience and perception, which translates into satisfaction, loyalty, and referrals. Indeed, sound dental office design is not just beneficial for aesthetics — it’s also good business strategy!
In the past, lighting in office design was not necessarily considered as something that should, or even could be optimized. This is not to suggest that business owners and other decision-makers were indifferent or uninterested when it came to lighting-related choices. Rather, the primary focus was to ensure that there was “enough light to allow people to work.” Indeed, this explains why even today in offices that have notably different design approaches, the lighting is basically the same and rooted in a “if it’s bright enough for people to see and work, then it’s fine and we can focus on other elements” philosophy.
BlueBlue is often viewed as calming and soothing. It is also a color that many people associate with trustworthiness and intelligence (which is why many attorneys and public relations consultants advise their clients to weak blue blouses, suits or ties when they want to cast a trustworthy image!).
It’s well known that letting natural sunlight flow into an office environment boosts employee health and increases employee productivity. And those factors are important for everything from recruitment and retention, to revenue and profits.
However, the fact remains that not every office can reap the benefits of natural sunlight. Some offices don’t have windows, and installation may prove too costly. If this is the case with your current situation, then then we heave good news for you and your employees. Here are five practical and cost-effective ways to brighten up your windowless office design:
Whether you often find yourself on the giving or receiving end of a persuasive argument – or sometimes an emphatic plea – regarding space planning decisions at home, you know that the discussion (or argument!) is often subjective, and based on personal preferences, tastes and styles. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this. As the old saying goes, your home is your castle.
While it was not necessarily an afterthought or a secondary consideration, at in the past choosing furniture for dental office design was more of an administrative than an analytical process. That is, dentists (along with their team members) typically opted for standard, conventional and generic selections.
When some businesses want to refresh their work environment so that it is more modern, ergonomic, employee-friendly, customer-centric, productive and efficient, they can focus their efforts (or more typically, direct the efforts of their interior solutions partner) on making key changes that make a big difference, but do not require any fundamental construction or reconstruction.
Open offices might be the most polarizing concept in the office design world. Some businesses love the approach and point to numerous advantages. However, some other businesses are left scratching their heads wondering where all of the benefits are and what the hype was all about.
While effective and efficient employee communication and collaboration has always been important, on today’s relentlessly fast-changing business landscape, it’s more vital than ever. Indeed, today’s robust game plan often becomes tomorrow’s agile workaround, and the only thing that all project managers know for certain before an initiative kicks off is “to expect the unexpected.”
Every office design project is unique, and each one is based on a complex set of factors, variables, details, preferences, materials, resources, and so on. However, just as there are some established principles and best practices to adopt, there are some mistakes and pitfalls to avoid. Here are four of the most common:
While it may not be as “high profile” as the corporate boardroom, the fact remains that a functional and employee-friendly bathroom is not just an important piece of the office design puzzle: it is pivotal!
If you are planning to include a break room in your office design, then be assured that this is a smart decision. Indeed, far more than just “nice-to-haves,” break rooms are strategic investments that have been shown to improve employee productivity, quality, performance, engagement, and even recruitment and retention.
Choosing ergonomic office furniture for your environment can significantly improve worker health, safety, productivity and performance. What’s more, it can also help make you an “employer of choice” when it comes to recruitment and retention, which is particularly valuable in marketplaces where the battle for top talent can be even more intense than it is for customers!
In ancient times — so we are talking before the 1990s or so — break rooms were standard office design features. True, some were better and bigger than others, but it was rare to work at or visit an office and not encounter a designated break room, usually stocked with a couple of gigantic vending machines, some plants, and of course, everyone’s least favorite break room element: “the unlabeled lunch bag in the refrigerator that someone forgot.”
Millennial-friendly office design is an approach that reflects and enhances the workplace values that are important to the group of workers that fall into the Millennial cohort (generally viewed as those born from the early 1980s to the early 2000s), and which now represents the largest demographic in the labor market. According to an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data by Pew Research Center, there are nearly 54 million Millennials in the workforce, and the numbers continue to climb.
On today’s business landscape, it is common to hear businesses of all sizes — from small startups to large enterprises — emphasize their commitment to “authenticity.” For example, they tout their systems, practices, protocol and policies that support transparency, visibility, fairness, ethics, employee engagement, environmental responsibility, and giving back to the community.
An increasing number of businesses in all sectors and industries are choosing glass wall systems instead of cubicles or walls for their office design configuration. In this article, we will focus on some of the benefits and limitations of this option for office design.
For previous generations, the executive office was hallowed ground characterized by heavy (and expensive) furniture and, to evoke the words of Will Ferrell’s hilarious portrayal of anchorman Ron Burgundy: “a smell of rich mahogany and many leather-bound books.”
However, these days it is not uncommon for executives to work in the same environment as basically everyone else, including the intern that started last week. Often, the only real difference is some extra square footage, but even that is often occupied by files, boxes, exhibit equipment (that massive banner display has to be stored somewhere), and so on.
When it comes to refreshing, renovating or re-inventing your work environment, there are many best practices and smart strategies. And one of the most vital — yet often overlooked — elements is rooted in office space planning. Here are three costly misconceptions that quickly turn what should be a successful project into a stressful scenario:
At Key Interiors, we have been an established part of the interior solutions industry for more than 30 years. And throughout this journey, we have seen some exciting and innovative office interior design concepts emerge, such as hot desking, benching, open offices, sit-to-stand desks, and the list goes on. Indeed, the best thing about this industry is that there are always great new developments and ideas on the horizon.
In the world of sports, “benching” happens when a player earns the ire of his or her coach and is told to take a seat vs. get in the game. Fortunately, things are a lot less confrontational and controversial in the office design world!
While customers and cash flow are said to be the “lifeblood of business success,” it goes without saying that effective employee communication is not far behind. Indeed, everything from productivity, performance, customer service, quality assurance and brand reputation trace back to strong internal communication — or in some unfortunate cases, the lack thereof.
Is your office design a liability instead of an asset? Unfortunately, that is the case if it is triggering any of these three major — and common — problems:
Office design is not just about making an existing space functional and appealing. In the big picture, it is also about ensuring that space — which of course is a major expense — is utilized effectively and optimally.
Workspace is not just one of the costliest business expenses — especially in certain parts of the country like the Chicagoland area — but it is also among her riskiest. This is because unlike other costs such as telecommunications systems or computer networks, workspace is not scalable: businesses that sign a lease (or pay a commercial mortgage) for a fixed number of square feet must pay the agreed upon amount each month. The price is fixed, whether the space is optimized or not.
Whether the right word to describe it is lame, cringe-worthy or just plain embarrassing, the fact remains that most prognosticators who imagine what life will be like 100 years from now get things very, very wrong.
For example (and if your doctor has advised you to avoid lame, cringe-worthy and just plan embarrassing things you should probably stop reading!), here are some bold predictions from the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris:
Whether it’s McDonald’s choosing yellow and green for its restaurants, Intel adding the signature “ding” tone to the end of its commercials, or countless companies using celebrities to represent their products and brand, the psychological roots of business run very deep. In fact, there are several branches of applied social science that explore (and frankly, exploit!) the fact that what goes on between our ears has a direct impact on the buying decisions we make.
You may have been mulling it over for months — or perhaps even years — and now, at last, you are ready to move forward and make your dental office renovation vision a reality. To help make the experience successful and rewarding, here are three best practices to keep in mind:
As noted by DentalEconomics.com, by the year 2020 pediatric dentists are expected to comprise the second-largest group of practicing dentists — which means that competition for family loyalty and referrals will grow even more intense than it is now.
Of course, families will ultimately choose (or in some cases, change) their pediatric dentist based on a variety of key factors, such as what solutions and services are offered, billing policies, local proximity, and so on.
When it comes to residential design, it’s perfectly fine — and in fact, usually preferred — for decisions to generate qualitative benefits and outcomes. For example, adding a bay window can make a living room brighter and more welcoming, while installing decorative wall coverings can make a den (or man cave) cozier.
However, when the scene shifts to the workplace, executives typically need to justify or authorize office decisions based on their quantitative connection to ROI. To that end, here are 5 ways that modern office design impacts the bottom-line:
There is nothing wrong with having a fondness for the classics. For example, some of the greatest music, literature and art that many people around the world enjoy today was created centuries ago. And in a somewhat more practical and down-to-earth way, a number of organizations are embracing a more conventional or classic approach to things like workplace attire (i.e. “business casual” is tilting more towards business, and less towards casual).
On today’s business landscape, long-term success — and in many cases, short-term survival — isn’t just driven by sufficient cash flow and profitable customers. There’s another “C” in the mix that can be more valuable, and also rarer, than both: creatives!
Now, before you start imagining folks wearing frocks and mixing paint on a palette: today’s creatives are the skilled professionals who work across all fields and industries, and who are tasked with coming up with everything from a standing ovation-worthy speech for the CEO at the next employee retreat, to a killer marketing campaign that drives brand visibility and attracts new customers, to a training program that boosts employee engagement and productivity — and the list goes on.
Regardless of whether they conduct operations from a stylish and trendy loft or the top floors of a downtown skyscraper, all businesses need to get optimal value from their space — so that it’s an asset that drives productivity and profitability, instead of a liability that contributes to inefficiency and waste.
To help your business get the most ROI from your environment, here are 5 essential design tips from office space planners. These are experienced and knowledgeable professionals who know that “time is money” isn’t the only axiom on the business landscape — because “space is money”, too.
A design build approach is typically associated with new construction projects, such as building a new warehouse facility, commercial space or residential home. However, design build also applies to office renovations, where it delivers several important advantages.
Before answering the question “what does design build mean in office renovations?”, it is helpful to take a step back and look at the traditional project delivery model(often referred to as design-bid-build), and highlight where it falls short.
When it comes to refreshing — or in some cases, re-inventing — their work environment, many businesses need to answer important questions about their (soon-to-be-new) space, such as:
Every dentist, whether they have just started their journey in the field, or are thinking about life-after-dentistry, knows that dental office interior design plays a key role in both practice success and patient satisfaction.
What’s more, most dentists have translated their awareness of dental office interior design into significant improvements and investments. Indeed, gone are the days when waiting areas and treatment rooms were suitably clinical, functional, and sterile, but devoid of any “humanizing” factors such as plants, artwork, or soft carpeting. Some pediatric practices even have aquariums to soothe and engage anxious kids (and give their parents a break too).
When it comes to running a successful and patient-focused practice, all doctors regardless of their area of specialization would agree that the “5 C’s” they need to demonstrate every single day — and sometimes well into the night — are competence, communication, compassion, confidentiality and consistency.
One of the key “anxiety triggers” for people who are reluctant to see the dentist is the clinical look and feel of dental environments. Uncomfortable plastic chairs in the waiting room, buzzing fluorescent lights, PEOPLE Magazines, –– these factors can all contribute to a negative experience at a dental practice. Indeed, just thinking about it is enough to convince many patients to put off going to the dentist.
Fortunately, while this may have been the norm in the past, it certainly doesn’t need to be now and going forward — which is particularly good news for dentists who want to increase their scalability. And what dentist wouldn’t want happy, relaxed patients who look forward to their visit instead of dreading it? To that end, here are three creative dentist office design ideas that can turn dread into delight:
When exploring options for refreshing, renovating or perhaps re-inventing your work environment, you’ll likely come across the terms “contemporary” and “modern” used interchangeably in various articles, books, videos, discussion forums and websites.
However, while contemporary and modern are synonyms in everyday communication, in an office design context they refer to distinct concepts. Below, we summarize the key differences:
For decades, employees were obligated to “fit” into their office environment — which typically meant facing a daily grind of sitting in painful chairs, working at awkward desks, straining to reach inconvenient cabinets, and the miserable list goes on.
Unlike residential design space planning which is largely a matter of personal preference — for example, some people like wall-to-wall furniture, others lean towards “less is more” concept — office design space planning is a strategic function, because it impacts everything from real estate costs to worker productivity.
If you’re thinking of refreshing, renovating or re-inventing your environment, here are five best practices to steer you in the right direction:
Modern offices take the shape of a company’s needs. Plain and simple, the idea of a workspace being a square-shaped grid with matching cubicles of equal size is not only outdated, but unfeasible in many cases. That’s because plenty of companies occupy spaces that weren’t designed for them. Instead, modern businesses will often repurpose buildings and spaces that were once used for other functions –– like manufacturing, residence, or even commercial sales. As such, unconventional workplace design has become more important in the past few years. Fortunately, there are ways you can mold your workspace into a thriving office environment –– no matter how strange a space it might appear at first.
The holiday season may seem a long time ago already, but the New Year has only just begun. And with it comes the opportunity to better yourself, develop healthy habits, and re-prioritize what’s important to you. The good news is, you can take that New Year’s optimism and channel it in any number of ways –– including redesigning your office. So if you’re feeling especially creative, or if you’ve been putting off reconfiguring your office for some time, here are five creative office design tips to help get you started in 2018:
In the modern corporate world, there are a number of executives who eschew a private office and instead set up shop alongside their employees. While this spirit might be commendable, in practice it presents a myriad of problems for the contemporary CEO –– from a lack of privacy, to a decrease in status and even productivity. So how do you strike the right balance between the stuffy, off-limits offices of yesteryear, and forgoing an essential workspace entirely in your office layout? The good news is, there are measures you can take to ensure that your CEO office design creates a room that is both private enough to allow for quality work, and still inviting and open at the same time. Here’s how:
We can’t all be blessed with the type of wide open spaces or eye-catching views we’d like at work. Nor can every business afford a costly expansion and renovation to suit their needs. However, there are measures you can take to maximize a small office space. Indeed, with a little creativity and a little elbow grease, you can transform a cramped workspace into a thriving mecca for your team members. So, here are four of the best office design practices for small office spaces:
There’s a common misconception in the design world that a larger canvas allows for greater creativity; that if you’re saddled with tight quarters you’ll just have to make do with your surroundings. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Indeed, anyone can make the most of a studio office design –– provided they keep an open mind and apply sound design elements to their space. Here’s how you can get started revamping your studio office:
Modern entrepreneurs are finding innovative ways to create new products and new business models previously unheard of in the corporate world. So it should come as no surprise that many small business owners are applying that same innovative methodology to their workspaces as well. Indeed, more and more businesses are exploring unconventional office spaces, and warehouses –– in addition to factories, apartment complexes, and any other unoccupied building –– provide companies with the space and freedom they need to carve out a professional identity. Warehouse office design doesn’t just enable a business room to house their employees, but it can also allow a business owner the opportunity to mold their space in a way few others can.
As anyone who’s worked in sales can attest, location matters a great deal when it comes to closing a deal. People react differently given the different situations they find themselves in; it’s only natural. You don’t comport yourself in a church they same way you would at the gym, after all. That’s why it’s essential when designing a car dealership that you create an atmosphere where your customers feel comfortable. The more at ease your customers are, the better chances you have at making a sale. To that end, today we’ll discuss several common problems in car dealership design, and how you can correct them:
Cramped. Confined. Cornered. Claustrophobic.
Professionals in the healthcare industry strive to provide the best service they possibly can to their patients. Yet, too often their good work is undermined by a daunting, Orwellian waiting room. Indeed, it’s only natural that many people are nervous about seeing a doctor –– which is why your healthcare waiting room is so vital. It’s there you’ll either make a vibrant first impression, or else set your patient on-edge. To that end, here are five signs your healthcare waiting room is letting you down –– and how to make it right instead:
“Perception is reality.” It’s a phrase lawyers –– perhaps more than professionals in any other field –– understand intimately. Because whether you’re presenting a case in court, or entertaining guests at a house party, the way you present yourself to the world matters. Indeed, the same can also be said for office design as well. And when it comes to law office design, there’s a delicate balance to strike between form and functionality. The good news is, you can transform your law office into a dynamic space that works both for you –– and your clients.
In the past going to the car dealership was a delightful day out. After all, what could be more exciting than purchasing your own car? Unfortunately, though, too often modern-day customers don’t experience that same “wow factor” consumers in the past felt for automobiles and car dealerships. So how can you recapture some of that spirit and impress your customers at the same time? The answer is down to innovative car dealership design. And you can begin revamping your car dealership by following these five simple steps:
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It’s natural that most business owners would have a vision in mind when they picture their ideal workspace. After all, part of the fun of owning a small business is dreaming about the possibilities of growth, expansion, and improvement. However, there’s often quite the disparity between how people would like their offices to look, and how they actually are. Indeed, more and more companies are having to make do with offices and workspaces that weren’t designed for their needs. In fact, some businesses occupy buildings that weren’t even meant for their line of work. With that in mind, today we’re going to examine several repurposed office design best practices, and show you how you can make any office environment feel like a thriving workspace.
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Innovative, modern workspaces are often expressions of the forward-thinking companies behind them. After all, successful entrepreneurs recognize the value of a cutting-edge, high tech office and will take whatever measures necessary to ensure that their team is fully equipped with everything they need to gain an advantage over the competition. Many companies face problems when dealing with high tech office renovation because they just don’t know where to start! Indeed, it can be daunting to try and completely reimagine a state-of-the-art, modern workspace from scratch; luckily, Key Interiors is here to make the process easy by providing a solid blueprint for all business owners to follow!
Today, we’re sharing 3 high tech office design ideas for workplaces of all sizes. Keep reading to learn more about creating the modern workspace of your dreams!
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Some companies never consider the possibility of an open office design because they feel it wouldn’t suit their business. Professionals in certain industries have ignored this potentially beneficial office upgrade, in large part because it’s considered “untraditional,” or they fear the shake-up would cause more harm than good. The truth is though, open office design can work for just about every business –– in every industry. And while we can’t cover every single profession in this blog post, today we’ll highlight five open office design ideas that can improve any workspace:
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Orthodontists and dentists occupy a unique section of the medical industry. As a result, they face a different set of office design issues as opposed to other medical professionals and other businesses in general. Indeed, it can prove difficult to strike a balance between developing a welcoming environment for patients, while also creating a workspace that functions smoothly for your employees. Situations like these call for a little innovation; and with that in mind, here are five creative solutions to common orthodontic office design problems:
An office at its best is more than just a set of rooms, desks, tables, and chairs. Instead, the best workplaces don’t feel like offices at all. They inspire people to create and perform better than they could anywhere else. So the question then becomes, how do you create a truly dynamic office? What about the way an office is designed allows for greater productivity and collaboration from your employees? Today we’re going to take a look at several factors that influence workspace design psychology –– and how you can use it to your advantage.
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Many times in business and in life, the process is just as important as the end result: the destination as vital as the journey; the effort as integral as the outcome. If you’re a believer in doing things the right way, then know that office design projects are no exception to that rule. And with Building Information Modeling (BIM), businesses of all sizes can now renovate and redesign their offices with greater confidence, time-efficiency, and cost-savings opportunities than ever before. Don’t know how building information modeling works? Then don’t worry –– we’ll explain everything you need to know here:
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You don’t have to be a linguist to figure out that the word “facade” derives from the French word for “face.” This is hardly breaking news. Nevertheless, plenty of businesses do neglect the literal “face” they present to the outside world –– their building’s facade. An uninspiring facade will not only affect companies that rely on foot-traffic to survive, but B2B and client-based businesses may also suffer due to a poor exterior appearance. Indeed, you could be losing money as a result of improper facade maintenance! So don’t put it off any longer –– here are five signs your company needs commercial building facade renovations ASAP:
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The times, they are indeed changing. According to a study from the Pew Research Center, Millennials are already the largest generation in the American workforce. And that number is going to rise in the near future. As such, businesses across all industries need to adapt in a number of ways to accommodate this new wave of professionals. In particular, companies should reconsider their office design in relation to Millennial workers. Reconfiguring your commercial office design for Millennials might sound like a drastic step, but in reality it isn’t; it’s merely a natural progression. Still, in order to help your business make this transition as smoothly as possible, here are three things to look out for when renovating your office for the next generation:
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Who says work can’t be fun? Progressive businesses have realized over the past few years that the way their employees think about their workspaces –– and their jobs –– varies greatly from professionals in the past. As such, a modern office needs to provide more than just functional solutions; indeed, the best companies to work for tend to offer their employees a workspace where they can explore their creative impulses, collaborate with others, and –– of course –– unwind. The break room is no longer a luxury for companies that want to attract, and hold onto, top talent in their field. With that in mind, today we’re going to examine five innovative (and cost-effective!) break room renovations that your employees will love:
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Professionals in the medical field often face an uphill battle when designing their workspace. That’s because unlike other businesses that can focus solely on creating offices that maximize productivity, medical facilities need to take more factors into account. For one, medical offices need to accommodate any number of patients, as well as other visitors to the facility. Additionally, medical facilities have to provide an intuitive layout and boast certain creature comforts that have become the norm in our modern society. And of course, good medical office design should boost employee engagement and productivity levels. In short, it takes a lot of planning, foresight, and experience to strike the right balance in a medical workspace renovation. Today then, we’re going to take a look at a specific facet of the medical field, and focus on chiropractic office design. Here are four tips to help any chiropractor (or any medical pro) get started on their office redesign:
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It’s natural to assume that given the rise of digital media over the past twenty years people would value online interactions more than face-to-face meetings. However, that assumption is incorrect. Rather, most customers prefer interacting with a human being –– especially when making a big decision. This is one reason why car dealerships continue to thrive, despite the abundance of online intel relating to cars and car ownership. Deep down, people want to “talk it out” in person. As such, the physical layout of your dealership is an important aspect of your business’s performance. After all, if your dealership design is letting you down, you could be losing out on any number of sales as a result. To that end, here are three car dealership renovation best practices –– to help you court more customers and focus on closing more deals than ever before!
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Let’s get logistical, baby. Transforming an office from what it currently is into what you want it to be can be a complicated process, involving numerous moving parts, contractors, and revisions along the way. Indeed, the task can prove so daunting that many companies desperately in need of a renovation put it off because they feel they don’t have the time, energy, or resources to complete one successfully. Fortunately, we can help with that. Here’s how to master an office redesign in 4 simple steps:
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For many, (around ten percent of the population) the thought of going to any dental office is a terrifying one. Indeed, dental phobia is real, and medical professionals in the dentistry field need to recognize this if they’re going to overcome stereotypes and negative connotations. The good news is, the way your practice is laid out and organized can have an alleviating effect on nervous patients. Conversely though, a poor dental office design could compound your patients’ fears, and irritate your other visitors as well. On that note, today we’re going to examine the worst case scenario in dental office design. Here’s a few nightmarish design elements to avoid like the plague at your office:
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Let no one ever underestimate the power a good meal has to restore and invigorate a stressed-out employee. Indeed, whether we realize it or not, the way we choose to take our meals can have a big effect on our health, mood, and productivity. Given those facts, it’s easy to see why many forward-thinking companies take their lunchroom renovations seriously. Wondering what you can do to give your cafeteria or lunchroom an update? Here are three design ideas to help you get started tackling common business lunchroom issues:
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All business owners have an obligation to themselves and their staff to manage their finances responsibly. It’s not always fun forming a company budget, but it’s an essential element to generating a sound business strategy. Unfortunately, budgetary restrictions sometimes prohibit a business owner from doing everything they’d like to accomplish under ideal circumstances. And far too often, management chooses to forgo a much-needed office renovation to cover other areas of need. The good news is, you don’t have to break the bank to achieve a stunning office redesign. Indeed, here are four office remodeling examples you can emulate at your workspace. Simply click on the links in the blog to see the work for yourself!
Every business owner wants to promote growth; that much is obvious. However, when a company actually manages to achieve growth, business owners often have to deal with new set of (unexpected) challenges and obstacles. Unfortunately, a growing company’s current workspace can actually hamper its progress. Indeed, operating out of an office that doesn’t suit the needs of your business as it grows and develops will undoubtedly cause frustration among your ranks. To prevent that from happening, you should consider implementing any one of these four office layout ideas at your location. Check them out here:
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Where does the time go? Though many of us already in professional environments may be loathe to consider it, huge numbers of young people within Generation Z are poised to enter the workforce. Indeed, the oldest members of Gen Z are about to graduate from college, and as such, business owners need to adapt and adjust to this new breed of employee. With that in mind, today we’re going to focus on how companies can make their office spaces more inviting to young people. Consider this your ultimate guide to commercial office design for Gen Z:
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The food industry is massive and nuanced. In fact, the sheer amount of businesses involved in the growing, processing, and distribution of food makes it difficult to account for just how much the industry contributes to the national or global economy. (Regardless, it’s still the biggest industry on earth.) With that in mind, it’s not surprising that many food-based companies perform multiple functions within the industry itself, such as processing, researching, marketing, and developing food products. Others, meanwhile, focus on one particular aspect of food-based commerce. Regardless, the fact remains that thousands of businesses populate the food industry –– and each has its own unique challenges to overcome. Office design shouldn’t be one of them. Here then are three food industry office design tips for professionals looking to boost employee productivity and revamp their workspace.
Car salespeople understand the importance of making a good impression with a customer. Making a good impression, however, is about more than some dealerships seem to realize. Indeed, the way your space is arranged, and the amenities you have to offer your visitors can have a massive impact on your sales team’s performance. To that end, here are a few examples of sound car dealership design ideas brought to life. We bet you’ll see some design elements you can implement at your location!
Every business should strive to deliver the best possible customer experience for their patrons. That’s especially true of dentists and other medical professionals. Indeed, in order to retain and attract new clients, dentists need to create an office atmosphere where their patients feel relaxed and at ease. Unfortunately, that’s not always a straightforward project. At Key Interiors we’ve worked closely with dental professionals for years to find solutions for their workspace problems. Below, you’ll find a few examples of how we’ve brought dental office renovation ideas to life. Check them out for yourself!
At Key Interiors, we know how tough it can be to start an office redesign from scratch. Fortunately, one of the best way to get the creative juices flowing is by seeing how other companies have handled renovation projects. You can learn a lot about your office –– and good office layout practice in general –– by taking a look at some professional examples. So if you’ve been struggling to come up with a few modern office design ideas for your company, make sure to check out this gallery of some of our previous work:
At Key Interiors, we believe workspaces should be designed to maximize productivity and eliminate distraction. Sustainable office design, then, is a practice we love since it offers business owners and employees many substantial advantages. Sustainable office design is a practice of creating commercial workspaces by eliminating waste, using recycled material, and adhering to environmentally conscious standards. (You can think of it as “green” office design.) However, we understand why some business owners may be hesitant to implement a sustainable office design at their location. That’s why we’re here to explain how sustainable offices can work for companies across industries.
Even the most industrious employees experience profound lethargy from time to time. However, there’s a difference between the occasional dip in productivity and a continual, office-wide morale problem. Furthermore, the way your office is laid out can have an adverse effect on your employees’ activity levels. As luck would have it though, you can always change your office design and renovate aspects that need updating. With that in mind, we’re here to share a few tips on how you can redesign your office to energize your employees:
It’s difficult to overstate how important customer service is to the viability of a modern business. After all, how your current customers perceive your operation won’t just determine your immediate success but can also affect your ability to attract new consumers too. And dentists in particular need to be aware of this fact. A few negative reviews from unsatisfied patients can tarnish even the most prestigious practice. With that in mind, we’re here to provide a few solutions to one of the biggest pain points in the dentist-patient relationship: the waiting room. Here are five ways you can completely revamp your dental office waiting room –– and delight rather than irritate your patients:
The tech industry is constantly evolving. Technology is never static, and, unsurprisingly, tech companies themselves also undergo change at a rapid rate. What’s more, the way tech startups think about their office design is often unique and exciting. These are businesses looking to push the envelope and their workspaces typically reflect that fact. The good news is, all businesses can benefit from elements of tech office design –– regardless of their area of expertise.
Effective office design typically combines both classic and contemporary stylistic elements. When a workplace design skews too “old school” it can miss out on key benefits modern advancements provide; alternatively, an office built with only modern trends in mind could quickly become dated after only a few years. Indeed, not every design innovation will stand the test of time. Considering how important office design is to the overall effectiveness of a clinic or facility, it’s critical for professionals to strike the right balance between modish and timeless design choices. That’s why we’ve decided to focus on three medical office design trends that can improve your workplace environment for patients and staff members alike:
Previously on our blog, we’ve written about how business owners can maximize a small office space. And we’ve also covered how to improve the look and feel of a waiting room. But we’ve never tackled how to optimize a small waiting room design –– until now. Indeed, it can be difficult to come up with solutions to small waiting room problems, since so many design upgrades rely on having lots of space –– or money. Don’t worry, though. We’re here to provide you with four small waiting room ideas that will enhance customer experience without busting your budget:
Dental offices are some of the most varied workspaces in any industry. On one hand, dental offices need to be warm and accommodating for visitors of all ages and backgrounds; however, they should also support employees and ensure high levels of productivity. As such, everything about a dentist’s office –– from the color scheme, to the layout, to the very furniture –– can affect a practice’s bottom line. With that in mind, today we’re here to provide a few helpful hints about an often overlooked design element, namely, dental office furniture. Check out these three best practices before you make any impulse buys!
Exceptional professionals have the uncanny ability to work in horrible conditions. You could send them to a lunar rover or a submarine 10,000 leagues under the sea and they’d still find a way to get the job done. However, for the rest of us, environment matters a lot. Whether or not we realize it, office design and layout can and does have a major effect on productivity. Unfortunately, business owners and interior decorators alike often make bad office design choices. Though they might seem like good ideas at the time, these five measures will actively prevent your team from reaching full potential. Learn about them now so you can avoid them later:
In terms of interior design choices, modern business owners have an overwhelming amount of options at their disposal. One one hand, this is obviously a good thing. But it also raises a lot of questions and concerns about how to best create a workspace. Is an ideal office setup trendy or classic? High-tech or old-school? Creative or comfortable? The reality is, only you know which design style is best for your business because your company is unique. Indeed, perhaps the biggest mistake entrepreneurs can make in regard to interior design is accepting a boilerplate concept for their office space. Rather than settling for one of a number of cookie-cutter workspace layout plans, check out these four engaging modern office interior design concepts that will be sure to excite your team:
Professionals in the medical field have some of the most stressful jobs on the planet. Their workspace design shouldn’t contribute to it, though. Unfortunately, many medical facilities aren’t designed to optimize employee performance and visitor experience. Indeed, satisfying both of these criteria presents a unique challenge to interior designers and it’s difficult to strike the right balance between them. However, note here that you can achieve a harmonious medical clinic design that improves both employee productivity and patient satisfaction. And you can start by checking out these four effective, real-life solutions:
Modern employees don’t usually have much in common with each other. They may come from different cities, hold different interests, practice different religions, work on different projects, and think about the world in vastly different ways. A big challenge then for many business owners is figuring out how to ensure their team members get along and collaborate effectively. And any professional with a little experience in management will already know that you can’t “force” collaboration. Rather, business collaboration is something that either naturally occurs in an office or, alternatively, doesn’t. Nevertheless, there are a few ways to create collaboration spaces that will encourage your staff to work together more often –– and more effectively. Check them out here:
A busy, bustling office is a productive one, right? Well, not necessarily. The reality is that business owners need to be able to recognize when their employees are distracted from their work –– as well as what they can do to prevent such distractions from occurring. Remember, business leaders are responsible for ensuring their team members have everything they need to perform at their best, and an unfit office design could lead to a glut of distractions that inhibit productivity. Here then are three ways that business owners can address office distractions and eliminate them once and for all:
It’s entirely possible for professionals to spend more time at their desk than in their own living room during the course of a regular work week. Still, the harsh truth is few modern workstations boast the amenities, tools, and tech that employees need to operate at their best. Indeed, a poor desk setup can have a major negative impact on your mood and productivity. To combat some office workstation woes, make sure to check out these five awesome ideas to improve your desk situation ASAP:
An office redesign is a big project –– no matter your industry or budget. Indeed, choosing to renovate your current workspace is one of the most important decisions any business owner could make. And because redesigns are such large undertakings, many professionals are turning to modular office walls as an alternative to traditional construction methods. But are modular walls a good idea for your operation? Here are five reasons you should at least consider them for your office redesign:
It’s difficult to put a price on the power of art. After all, how can you quantify the emotional response a compelling painting produces? What is clear though, is that people love engaging with murals and art related to businesses. In fact, business murals offer major benefits to companies that utilize them both inside and outside of their offices. Here are four reasons why you should consider integrating murals within your office design:
The value of a good first impression can’t be overstated. And that’s especially true for medical practices, hospitals, and testing facilities. A medical office design can either inspire confidence and relax nervous patients, or exacerbate their concerns. Given that fact, medical professionals can’t take any risks when it comes to their design choices. Here then are four amazing ideas for medical office designs of all shapes, sizes, and budgets:
In an ideal world, open office designs should boost collaboration, productivity, and improve the way your business functions. In practice, though, getting all of your team members on the same page –– in the same space –– can be more difficult than it first seems. While business owners want their team members to feel comfortable with each other, it’s not a wise play to opt for an open office design without also implementing some rules for decorum. To that end, here are four simple guidelines that will help your team maintain good open office etiquette:
A noisy office isn’t always an indication of great productivity. Indeed, while business owners certainly want their employees to feel comfortable collaborating with each other on important projects, research indicates that ambient noise in the workplace not only affects professionals’ ability to concentrate, but could also lead to increased stress, strain, and health risks. Another problem for business leaders is that distracting noises can come in a variety of forms. In order to help you and your team stay focused and energized in a noisy workplace, then, make sure to check out these five helpful tips:
Coming to terms with the limitations of your office can be a difficult thing to do. After all, no business owner wants to admit that their workspace isn’t up to standard or that it’s lacking in anyway. Yet, many offices are indeed somber, messy, cluttered, dated, and/or boring. The silver lining is that it’s possible to beautify an ugly office quickly and efficiently. Here are four options worth exploring today:
When most business professionals talk about increasing workplace productivity, they focus on abstract concepts. Unfortunately, business owners can’t purchase “positive-management techniques,” or “self-accountability,” for their team members. And while it’s possible to change a company’s culture strictly through attitude adjustment, altering the physical layout of a space is often a much more effective way to boost morale and performance. Given that fact, make sure to check out these five interior design factors that increase productivity:
For some professionals, going to work is like entering an Orwellian nightmare. The cubicles are small and uniform. The lights fluorescent and harsh. The color scheme is drab and gray. There’s little-to-no artwork, and the break room –– if there even is one –– is criminally understocked. In short, they work in a boring office. And, unsurprisingly, most people fail to reach their full potential when placed in an environment that’s not conducive to creativity. In fact, rather than cutting down on distractions, boring, outdated workspaces are more likely to cause employees’ minds to wander. To alleviate some common office woes, consider implementing any one of these six tactics:
In the world of interior business design, there’s probably no more hotly-contested topic than whether to install cubicles or to adopt an open-office plan. Indeed, the cubicle vs office debate has plenty of detractors –– on both sides. Certain studies suggest that open office designs decrease productivity, while psychologists argue that cubicles make people miserable at work. So how should a business owner lay out their ideal workplace? Today we’ll explain the pros and cons associated with these different design choices and help you make an informed decision that will benefit your company:
Considering that many professionals spend 40, 50, or even 60 hours in the workplace every week, it only makes sense for modern offices to boast many supportive amenities. Indeed, an office really should be a home away from home for employees. And it’s no surprise that when professionals feel comfortable in their surroundings, they’re more productive and happier as a result. Given all of those facts, today we’re going to explore five cozy office ideas that you can implement at your HQ today:
For many business owners, getting their employees to collaborate with each other more often is at the top of their to-do list. Given the increasingly specialized nature of many positions, it’s of particular importance to ensure that everyone on your team stays on the same page. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. And creating an office collaboration space that actually improves employee communication can be quite challenging. That’s where we come in. Below, we’ll list everything you need to design a workplace that brings your team together:
Creating a positive work environment is a two-part process. How well employees get along, collaborate, and, in general, work together depends on 1) the culture of a given company, and 2) the actual physical environment employees inhabit. It’s unwise to overlook the role interior design plays in developing a functional office atmosphere. To further the point, here we’ll focus on six positive work environment ideas business owners can implement to great effect:
When it comes to interior office design, size can matter a great deal. However, it is possible to build a functional workplace in a small office, even if you’ve struggled with a lack of space in the past. The key to maximizing a work area is, unsurprisingly, organization. It’s imperative that your team is able to make use of all of the space available to them. Fortunately, if they do, improved performance is almost certain to follow. With that in mind, today we’re going to explore five office organization hacks that provide serious benefits to small workplaces:
For some, entering a dental operatory is like stepping into a nightmare. Indeed, almost three in four American adults experience some trepidation about the dentist’s office, and between five and ten percent have full-blown dental phobia. That’s the bad news. The good news is that dentists can combat this stigma in a number of ways. One of the most effective methods for putting your patients’ minds at ease is to create a dental operatory design that is both modern and welcoming. Here are five best practices that will help you achieve that ideal balance:
First impressions matter a great deal. For better or worse, snap judgements color our perceptions of people, places, and products. In the business sense, most professionals first encounter a company through its office reception area. Indeed, this space can either set up positive expectations or potentially disorient and disappoint a new visitor. Obviously this can have big consequences. If your business entertains guests, clients, job applicants, or visitors of any sort, then your reception area needs to be on point. Thankfully, today we’ll share six ways you can make this space more welcoming and pleasant:
Modern offices are diverse places. Most contain multiple workstations, open areas, break rooms, conference spaces, and other rooms designed for specific functions. Naturally, office design as a whole will encompass all of those elements. However, as one would expect, different design best practices apply to different parts of the office. Designing a CEO’s office presents an entirely separate challenge to renovating a lunch room, for instance. With that in mind, today we’ll share five tips for improving individual workstation design so that you and your employees can start working more effectively today:
It’s difficult to overstate how beneficial a new, vibrant office can be for a growing business. Compelling workplaces help boost productivity, attract top talent, impress clients, and promote your business’s brand. However, as with any other industry, interior design is constantly changing. As such, it’s important for forward-thinking business owners to recognize the latest trends in business office remodeling to ensure that their workspace is firing on all cylinders. Here we’ll outline five trends from this year that have real staying power:
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It’s no surprise that modern professionals spend a lot of time at work. In fact, the average person will spend around 90,000 hours (over ten years) of their life at the office. Given that fact, it’s wise for business owners to create office environments that are welcoming and comfortable. One of the best ways to make employees feel at home (while at work) is to create a vibrant workplace kitchen area. Here are six tips that will help business owners achieve that goal:
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No one should ever underestimate the power of a few small positive changes. Little alterations for the better can still be very meaningful. And that’s true in regard to office design as well. In fact, pulling off a successful work office makeover can boost morale, help employees focus, and make a space more welcoming to visitors. Today, we’re going to share six tips professionals can use to spruce up their workspaces right away:
Sometimes a perceived advantage is just as good as a real one. After all, if your customer base thinks your company is more advanced than your competition, then you might as well be. However, when it comes to office design, businesses can’t afford to invest solely in “perceived” benefits. Rather, they need an office renovation to provide tangible results. That’s why we’re going to take a close look at open office concept pros and cons today. Open office concepts are popular –– and they can be highly effective –– but it’s still important for business owners to know what they’re getting when they sign up for an open design.
Odds are, most business leaders don’t think about their office layout and design on a daily basis. However, even if you don’t realize it, office design nevertheless has a big impact on your productivity and morale. Given that fact, contemporary office design tends to focus on the subtle aspects of a space that dictate employee experience. Defining contemporary office design is straightforward; contemporary design encompasses the styles interior designers are currently creating for workspaces. Today, though, we’ll go one step further and explain several key characteristics of contemporary office design. Check them out here:
Productive meetings are key to business success. This might sound obvious, but plenty of companies hold lackluster, ineffective meetings that serve only to waste their employees’ valuable time and limit progress. Unfortunately, some small businesses struggle to find adequate space to hold meaningful meetings. Conference rooms that are too small or are in other ways deficient will make it difficult to run meetings in an efficient manner. Fortunately, today we’ll outline three meeting room design ideas for small businesses operating with a limited space or budget:
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When tackling a big assignment, it’s always best to break it down into smaller components. This way, you can focus on individual aspects one at a time and work more effectively. The same principle holds true for carrying out an office redesign or renovation. Unfortunately, plenty of business owners don’t know where to begin with this task. If you’ve never renovated an office space before, it can be very difficult to learn everything there is to know about the process in a short space of time. With that in mind, today we’re going to share our ultimate office renovation checklist. Following these eight steps will help you form a plan that works for your business:
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As with any major decision, it’s important for business leaders to research different office design templates before they make a final choice. Informing yourself on a subject will enable you to make sensible decisions. Thankfully, business owners have a number of options at their disposal when it comes to renovating their office. Today, we’ll highlight five different, but effective, types of office layouts. Check them out here:
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Distractions in the workplace can come in a variety of forms. Noises from traffic outside, smells emanating from the kitchen, an impromptu call for a meeting –– all of these things can break an employee’s focus. However, some offices are so silent, so devoid of distraction that even the smallest disturbance can become a big issue. This leads us to the seemingly paradoxical question: is a quiet office good for productivity? Yes and no. The key to developing a positive workspace environment is about finding balance. Loud, noisy offices aren’t ideal, but neither are cathedral-quiet workspaces that make people feel self conscious.
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Your business’s reception area is the place where visitors form an initial opinion of your operation. As most professionals already know, a first impression matters a great deal. The nature and layout of a reception area may serve to delight and intrigue visitors, or leave them feeling confused or disappointed. It may seem odd to focus so much on one facet of office design, but the reception area –– and in particular reception desk designs –– may have a direct effect on a company’s ability to draw in clients and/or attract talented employees. Given that fact, today we’re going to share four tips for creating the perfect reception desk design –– regardless of your industry or area of expertise.
At every level of business, appearance matters. And the higher you move up the corporate ladder, the more important it is to make a good impression with prospective partners, clients, and team members. However, executive offices must offer professionals a space that prioritizes appearance and productivity in equal measure. After all, what’s the benefit of an office that looks good, but doesn’t suit a professional’s needs? With that in mind, today we’ll take a look at four highly effective executive office layout ideas. Check them out here:
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Have you ever rearranged the furniture in your living room? If you have, then you know that just a few key layout changes can entirely alter the way that a space looks and feels. In the same vein, changing the makeup of a medical facility can have a big effect on patient satisfaction and employee productivity. With that in mind, today we’ll look at five tips that you can use to create the ideal medical office layout for your clinic. Check them out here:
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Professionals employed in office environments typically either 1) work in a private office or 2) work in an open layout model. There are pros and cons associated with each strategy, but the ultimate success (or lack thereof) of an office design choice depends most on the execution of the plan. At the end of the day, creating an effective office layout is a matter of getting the best out of the space available. To that end, today we’ll focus on private office layout, and explain how business leaders can optimize these areas.
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Patience may be a virtue, but the reality is that many people lack it. According to a recent survey, 85% of patients have to wait between 10-30 minutes after their scheduled appointment to see a doctor. These wait times are hardly unreasonable, but they’re also the “worst part” of a trip to the doctor’s –– according to 63% of those surveyed. People just hate waiting, and waiting rooms have been known to spike anxiety and nerves. This is certainly a problem for professionals in the medical field, like dentists and doctors, but a lackluster waiting room can affect any business negatively. Today, we’ll highlight five waiting room entertainment ideas that professionals can implement to keep their patients, visitors, or customers comfortable and relaxed. Check them out here:
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Little things matter a great deal in interior design. Nowhere is this concept more apparent than in medical clinic design. Small choices like the artwork on display in a waiting room, or the layout of an exam room can have big effects on patient satisfaction and employee productivity. Clinics are unique workspaces in that they must address the needs of both patients and medical professionals. And finding design solutions that achieve both criteria can be difficult. With that in mind, today we’ll focus on five key medical clinic design best practices. Check them out here:
At Key Interiors, a question that we’re often asked is: “do I need to hire an architect for my next office renovation?” This is a very important question. There are two answers to this question: yes, and no. Let’s start with the yes.
Like many businesses across all sectors and in both the B2B and B2C space, you may have decided that enabling more efficient and effective collaboration among employees is a top priority.
Corporate Showroom & Design Center
1072 N. Garfield St.
Lombard, IL 60148
877.288.9919
Hours: 8 am – 5 pm
Columbus Studio
81 Mill Street
Gahanna, OH 43230
866.755.9230
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Corporate Showroom 1072 N. Garfield St.
Lombard, IL 60148
Ohio Showroom 81 Mill Street
Gahanna, OH 43230
