Reception areas are the first impression that potential clients and partners are going to have when entering your building. Even though they are likely to have prior experience with what your company does, this is often the very first time that they will experience what your organisation is all about, which is why creating a professional waiting area is important in making a positive initial impact. When people arrive, they will be expecting to find a clean space with a welcome desk clearly marked, but finding the balance between a white box with a desk in the middle and a genuinely inviting reception area can be a bit trickier.
Perfecting the design for a professional reception area will require an environment which is sustainable, comfortable and engaging. It is important to remember to allow the company’s identity to flow through into the reception area and this includes colour schemes, relevant magazines for browsing and even televisions if you have promotional content which you would like to show. Not only does this allow guests a detailed insight into your company, but it can also have a positive influence on their initial impressions.
Allow Natural Light to Flow Through:
Interior design can be quite tricky, but as any homeowner will know, there is no better light source than natural light. Now, I can appreciate that not every reception area is equipped with large glass panes or even a skylight, but that is no reason why natural light cannot be allowed in to brighten the mood. If you need to get the most from the small source of light that you have, then consider introducing Glazed Office Screens, which allow open spaces to be separated without compromising on natural light. Ultimately, at the minimum this will reduce the electricity bill as lights will not be required to be on 24/7.
Guests Like to Feel at Home:
While there is a fine line between a professional reception area and a lounge, there are lots of elements that can be taken to enhance the profile of your environment. For example, sofas can enhance not only the design of the area, but they may also come as a welcome relief for guests who have had to travel a long distance to visit you. Furthermore, plants are a simple yet effective way of adding detail to the environment without making it feel like the space is cluttered. They’ll also do their bit to help the environment outside of the office!
Take the Opportunity to Engage with Them:
Before you get the opportunity to sit down with guests, they will have already begun to formulate an opinion on your organisation before they even get into the meeting room. Even though they may only spend a few minutes in the waiting area, it is a great opportunity to occupy them with some of your promotional material or even demonstrate your knowledge of the industry that you work in. A great way of achieving this especially when you have promotional videos waiting to be used, is to introduce TV screens, providing a snapshot of the products and services that your organisation provides. Alternatively, laying out magazines (that are in date!) regarding industry news on a table gives off the signal that you understand the industry around you.
If you are looking into re-designing your reception area and think office screens could be the ideal way to make the most of your space, then please give us a call on 01733 394941 or send an e-mail to sales@rapind.com and our team of advisors will be able to advise on which will be the most effective in your space.
