Boring Offices Should Be Banned
We’ve all worked in offices that were grey and boring, and not only did they look blah – but they felt dismal, too. (Honestly, just talking about it makes me shudder.)
Because that’s exactly what coming to work feels like, then. Boring. Lifeless. Depressing. Nobody wants to actually work, no sparks are firing…Tick tock…tick tock…is it 5 o’ clock yet? (Shudder again.)
A creative space is just as important as a strong business plan. Your company cannot function without your employees, and if you want your employees at peak performance, driven to work and loving the work they do – Create Office Spaces to Create In.
IMD’s office is purposely energetic, detail-oriented, and downright fun! My employees often remark how much they love coming to work – the space they come to each day encourages that.
Take a peek inside IMD, and get the creative juices flowing for (and in) your office space:
Think About It: Here, there and everywhere – our office is full of quotes, from vinyl on our walls to personal writings on our huge chalkboard wall. These words pull creativity out of us (and our visiting clients), while reminding us to “Work in silence. Let success be your noise.” and to “Make It Matter.” What do your employees see, daily, to produce thought?
Color Me Happy: Our IMD signature colors, turquoise and red, pop throughout our space! The office feels bright, lively and energetic from the color of the walls to the art on our walls. Color sets the stage for the feel of our office (and, consequently, how employees feel inside IMD). What does the color of your office promote?
DeLIGHTful: Yes, even lighting can be inspirational. Our lights were created by an artist who recycles objects into lighting. Red wire, industrial pipe, oxygen tanks tops that hang overhead – we often talk about our noticeable lighting with clients, and it acts as both a daily reminder of an artist’s creativity-at-work as well as functional lighting. Have you considered the lighting in your office?
Go With The Flow: IMD’s office has five signature zones that blend together easily into one Kick-Ass space. We considered carefully how the office would operate best – and set to work ensuring our Welcome Area/Entrance Desk flows easily into the Work Stations. Our Conference Area is situated conveniently next to our Organizational Area (with printers, files and storage easily at hand). And My Desk… is in the middle of it all, simply stated with large photos of my world adorning the wall. Does your office flow well?
Welcome To Wow: Clients are greeted to our IMD Welcome Area with a vibrant red couch and matching white chairs that pull people in visually, and welcome them with comfort to stay all day. This space is also an extension of Employee Workstations – anytime – because sometimes lounging about a comfy couch inspires creativity more than cramping at a desk. What do visitors see upon entering your office?
You. Just You: We have a sprinkling of one-of-a-kind pieces that solely represent IMD: Our letterpress table, created by myself and IMD employee Hanna (and constructed by my brother, Jake); our corkboard maps displaying IMD travels, created by my husband Jeremy; our chalkboard, always filled with fun, personal messages; and let’s not forget our Ms. Pac Man machine. (Does every office need an arcade machine? No. But, c’mon. It’s pretty sweet.)
Bottom Line: Regardless of the nature of the business, creating a space where creativity can flourish is essential. No office should feel dismal, boring, or lifeless – or the minds working there will be.
