When it comes to making a great first impression with potential clients and new hires, the design of your reception area plays a major role. As the entrance to your office space and the area guests will spend the first minutes of their visit in, it’s vital that it’s optimized for professionalism and functionality. Still, knowing where to start in the design process isn’t easy. So, we’ve compiled a list of key considerations for designing an effective reception area for you to keep in mind. Here’s what you need to know moving forward.
Professional Branding and Style
One of the very first things visitors should notice when walking in your office door is your branding and overall company professionalism. Clients want to know that they’re working with a capable team and one that’s going to treat them with care and respect. Appropriate branding can demonstrate these things by presenting your workplace as clean and orderly while giving off a warm or inviting atmosphere. As such, make sure you remember these aspects when looking to pick your style, color scheme, and branded signage.
Overall Furniture Layout
You’ll also want to pay particular attention to furniture layout. While reception areas would have ample space for seating and storage in a perfect world, it’s important to realize that many don’t. You might find yourself working with a less than ideal amount of floor space and struggling to ensure your pieces fit. This is where choosing the right layout for your furniture can be a significant help. By arranging things just so and opting for compact solutions over larger items, you can conserve space and make the room larger for your visitors.
Safe Social Distancing
Likewise, make sure you consider the proper social distancing guidelines. Though the pandemic is on the downturn, social distancing is still a wonderful way to avoid passing around other illnesses and keep guests comfortable. There are several effective tricks to maintaining a socially distant waiting room, each suited for optimal safety and peace of mind.
Clear Flow of Traffic
Another crucial consideration for designing an effective reception area is to create a clear flow of traffic for your visitors. Since many waiting areas have limited floor space, having a designated path for visitors to walk is essential. Directing traffic to the check-in desk and along the available seating can help reduce congestion on busy days and ensure everyone is comfortable.
Comfortable Seating
Above all, you’ll want to furnish this space with some comfortable and stylish seating pieces. When your appointments start backing up, there’s no telling how long some visitors could wait. Try to do what you can to elevate any discomfort during that time. Supplying comfortable and supportive seating can help reduce back fatigue and strain, ensuring a more positive experience.
Don’t settle for just any type of reception area for your office. Make it one you can be proud of with help from this list of top considerations.
