smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Investing in quirky office furnishings can help your business reap rewards in a number of ways.

Discount voucher company MyVoucherCodes has recently moved into a 10,000 sq ft space after being based in a serviced office, and the company decided to make the interior a little different from the norm.

‘To be more than just a good company, you need to provide a motivational, inspirational environment,’ says CEO Mark Pearson. ‘We found a lovely shell near London Bridge but we needed to transform it. We wanted to make it unusual and unique but practical and fun.’

The company opted for quirkiness, including a mini-garden and oasis, featuring real trees, plants and grass, green areas of carpet and hand-carved wooden seats. ‘When you walk into the room it’s calming and cool – ideal for HR when you have heated moments and troublesome issues that need ironing out,’ says Pearson.

A major theme for the interior was ‘internet mapping’. ‘We thrive on geekiness, techiness, wires and fibre-optics. Coming out of our lift shaft we’ve got wires painted up the wall – multicoloured cables; we wanted bright colours and to have different colour-themed rooms.’

The interior also reflects the aspirations of the company. ‘We’ve got images of London skylines and international skylines as one of our goals is to take the company international,’ says Pearson.

The overall effect is a morale-boost for staff. ‘Everyone’s asking if they can take their partners and friends around the office, which is a mark of pride in their workplace and can only be good long term. Also, potential candidates can visualise themselves working here. Office design can be the little thing that wins you some key staff.’

Architect and interior designer Yasmine Mahmoudieh says, ‘An office environment should enhance productivity for all users, which means the employees as well as company directors. At the same time, it also needs to represent the company in terms of its identity and spirit.’

She says that there are two main considerations for a successful office design: the image given externally, i.e. to clients and other visitors, and the satisfaction of the users, mainly employees.

‘The design helps to communicate the underlying values of the company, and any office that respects and enhances the workspace for employees also enhances productivity, the happiness of employees and the success for everyone.’

Cost can be a deterrent to funky designs. However, Mahmoudieh says, ‘If you design an office with the future in mind it will last longer, as well as improving work productivity and quality. Over time, this repays the additional cost.’

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