When people say your environment can affect who you are, it doesn’t just apply to you as a person, but it also applies to your business. People often underestimate how important the look of their workplace is. Perhaps not the cleanliness aspect, but the overall aesthetic their workplace has. As an entrepreneur or business owner, it’s important you create an environment that will reflect the strongest part of your business: your brand. Yes, having clients and customers is important to keep your business running smoothly, but it’s ultimately your brand that lets people who you are.
And your work environment should reflect that.
A brand by any other name: Branded environments.
Your brand is a key component in determining how successful your business will be. How you develop and conceptualize your brand is up to you, but you should know that branding your work environment will be an asset in expressing what your brand is. Branded environments are a reflection of your business’s beliefs and actions, which are designed to connect you with your clients and employees. A branded environment is more than simply putting your business’s logo on a wall and calling it a day. Ultimately, you should consider whether the furniture, décor, and layout will complement your brand or detract from it.
What can a branded environment do for you?
Not everyone believes in the importance of a branded environment. In fact, a lot of corporations maintain a plain office space out of convenience. A branded environment costs money and not everyone is willing to pay for it. However, there are several benefits to having a branded environment.
- Company pride
No one wants to work in a boring white-walled office. The people you have hired are a part of your brand and should feel as though they play an important role in the success of your business. The right colour and proper décor can help bring a team together, promoting the sense of unity. They want to have a genuine connection to their workplace and having a branded environment can inspire your employees to work harder. If you work by yourself and your office is at home, set up your office with a colour that will influence productivity. You’ll want to feel comfortable and by designing a space you love, you’ll be able to accomplish every task efficiently.
- Stand out from competitors
Unless you’re running a business that relies on the appearance of your space, like a restaurant or furniture store, you may not think about what a branded space can do for you. If this is the case, you’re not alone. As mentioned earlier, large corporations tend to have rather boring office layouts which don’t instill a sense of pride in their employees, but this is where your business can truly stand out. While your competition maintains their lackluster atmosphere, you can shine by designing a space that will feel welcoming to clients. By getting rid of the generic white walls, you’ll create a space that feels much more personal and clients won’t dread coming by again.
- Tell your story
A branded environment can tell your business’s story in a creative and imaginative way. Instead of having to read about the growth and success of your business, visitors to your office will see it on the walls. Showcasing what your company has been up to is a fantastic way of connecting with current and potential clients, especially if your business is more people-driven than product-driven. People are often curious as to how a company began and seeing how the company was built may be the little bit of influence they need to invest with you.
Have you ever thought about having a branded work environment? If so, how do you represent your brand in your office? If you haven’t branded your environment, what’s stopping you? Branding your work environment can be a lot of work, but it can help with different aspects of your business. With a new environment, one that is inviting and inspiring, you’ll find your employees and clients will be more inclined to work with you.