First impressions are important. When you meet someone for the first time appearance matters. If they show up disheveled and not "put together" then you get a very different vibe versus if they show up with their hair combed and a nice outfit versus if they show up in something casual. Each appearance gives you a different vibe. The same feelings happen when employees walk into a workspace. If an employee walks into an office and all the walls are stark, everyone is in cubicles, and people are dressed suites and ties then the vibe might be boring, not innovative, and very conservative. Now imagine walking into a different workspace with an open floor plan, touch screens on the walls, and workers buzzing about actively engaging with each other. This typically gives off a vibe that is more about innovation, collaboration, and engagement.
If you were to think of your physical workspace as being a human being with a personality, a name, and a face then what would it look like? It might sound silly but thinking about your workspace like this might help you determine what kind of a workspace you want to create. This can also spark change and create a new energy inside your work environment. Many forward thinking organizations are looking at their physical space and taking into account the type of vibe and connection they want to build with their employees. The physical space should give off a great first (and hopefully) ongoing impression, just like going out on a first date!
I talk about this more in the video below. Leave a comment below and subscribe to the YouTube channel for more videos if interested.
Jacob Morgan is a keynote speaker, author, and futurist. To have Jacob speak at your event, see his videos, podcasts and articles, or to subscribe to his newsletter visit TheFutureOrganization.
