Your Office Reflects Your Inner Self !

How your office looks can speak volumes about you. Here are a few ways to do it up

Your office is the first thing that your clients and other people who come in to meet you will notice, and, trust us, the way your office is done up, can tell a lot about you. Just a casual look around your office can reveal the kind of person you are and also the kind of business you are into. A cold and uninviting office will project the image of a business difficult to relate to. An office that is too warm and friendly appearing, will probably tear down any resistance to do business that a client may have.

Some offices are so cold (we are not talking about the temperature here) that you just want to bolt from there at the first chance you get. There is such a lack of 'personality' in some offices that you are left wondering about the owners personality (and probably the lack of it!). For an office, starting from the entry point to the lobby, decorating must be executed carefully.

You have to keep in mind that you never really get a second chance to make a first impression. A comfortable, welcoming office says 'successful' and that attracts more clients!. Also, your employees will perform far better if given comfortable surroundings.

You are welcome
The entrance to any office makes a huge impact. The reception and meeting areas have to reflect the philosophy and work ethics of the organisation in terms of design, graphics and colours. These are areas which will be most visible to clients and visitors.

Make the best use of space
Since the prices for commercial real estate are not getting any cheaper, and because many companies pay for office space by the square foot, they're looking to maximise the space they can afford. Whether you're stuffed inside a tiny cubicle or in a home where a walk-in closet is the only available space to convert to an office, there are ways to deal with small work spaces and make them livable and workable. Lot of space-saving accessories for furniture systems and offices have been invented such as literature wall racks, wire rack shelving, copy holders that attach to the side of a computer monitor rather a copy stand that takes up desk space, small drawer systems, and shelf accessories to hold small tools and supplies. Vertical space is important on shelves too. Adjustable shelves are great for using this wasted space, but you can also find accessories for fixed shelves that help accomplish the same goal.

Allow free movement
Separate workstations are the order of the day. If you have a lot of employees working for you, then you have to consider this. Work spaces/ workstations need to be well spaced out, to allow free movement, provide privacy and give the office.

Going modular is the idea
This kind of ready-made furniture that can be installed within a matter of a few hours has made setting up of an office a lot easier. Modular furniture not only works best but it also saves space and gives a very well-coordinated look. It can be customised to meet space, storage and colour scheme requirements of the organisation. Ergonomic chairs provide comfort for long use.

Colour code it to get the look
In terms of colour schemes, furniture can be in neutral colours with one or two highlight (bright) colours in the upholstery, curtains, soft boards etc.

The right light works best
Proper lighting is directly proportionate to productivity in an office. Lights are extremely important in every office and you should not neglect good lighting! Well-lit places are always more inviting and are a delight to work in. Overall lighting needs to be adequately bright. It is always best to make maximum use of natural daylight with additional focus lighting on work tops.

Be safe and sound always
Safety is important in all offices big or small, since there are a lot of people involved. If you have a large office with a considerable footfall every day then you need to extra careful about this. So, measures like emergency exits, automatic water sprays in case of fire accidents; fire extinguisher and alarms should be adopted in the designing stage of the building itself.

A hang-out zone is essential
Cafeterias, hang out spaces can be more informal and specifically created for the employees. If your office area is not spacious enough for a cafeteria, then a little kitchenette should be arranged for that has an electric kettle, a coffee dispenser, a microwave, a cold water dispenser etc. Potted plants, false or real, can be placed all around to make the area look appealing.

Go into the auto mode
These days it is important to save as much energy as possible. Automation in terms of motion sensors for lights and air-conditioning etc in various zones leads to conservation of energy.

Points to keep in mind
-Basic requirements: a computer workstation, an ergonomically correct desk chair, and both ambient and task lighting. -Flooring and walls should create an atmosphere of ease. -A potted plant here and there, should characterise the space. -There is always room for art and object d' arts. -Place photos on your desk to remind yourself of all the reasons you work so hard. -Windows should be draped with curtains or blinds. -Floors in offices should be no fuss marble and wooden floors make a lot of sense. -Everything you need should be within comfortable arm's reach. -Finally, don't forget to give your office a feeling of coziness.

An example
Your office need not always be all too official, at all. Pritish Nandy's Nariman Point office has no stereotypes, no fixed patterns, and Pritish agrees with an enigmatic smile, "My inconsistency is my strength, it makes me who I am." One entire wall in his office has been dedicated to the family cutouts of articles that have been published on him and his family. The wall is adorned with articles and pictures. "I love this wall," smiles the man who is a synonym for the word multifaceted writer, poet, painter, journalist, photographer, businessman. Nandy says, "I believe that a place of work should have an identity," and we have to agree on that his definitely has a very strong one.