The premises communicate the company’s values and culture in a way that is difficult to replicate by other means. Therefore, it is worth considering what the current space conveys and what you hope it will convey.
What does the space concretely communicate?
The overall appearance, brightness, and orderliness of the space say a lot. An open-plan area where everyone sits with identical screens reflects efficiency and individual work. It may not necessarily be a negative message, but it is a message.
An office with diverse working areas, spaces for meetings, good lighting, and thoughtfully designed interiors conveys a message: investment has been made here, employee well-being matters, and this is an organisation employees want to belong to.
The same applies to cleanliness, organisation, and how staff behave in the premises. An office continuously sends a lively message about the company culture.
Recruitment and employee engagement
A job applicant forms an impression of a company even before the interview, and the office environment is a significant part of the recruitment experience. A pleasant, functional, and thoughtfully designed space signals that the company values employee wellbeing. It does not determine recruitment outcomes entirely, but it has an impact.
For current employees, the office is an integral part of the employer experience. A space that has been invested in communicates that the staff are valued. Conversely, a space lacking investment sends the opposite message, regardless of what the personnel strategy states.
Space and Culture
A company's values are discussed in many contexts, but the premises tell their own story. Is there a space where one can think peacefully? Does the space facilitate spontaneous meetings? Is there literally room made for teamwork? These are practical questions, but their answers shape the culture.
A space either supports or hinders the culture an organisation seeks to cultivate. A company aiming to promote collaboration benefits from premises where cooperation comes naturally. A company wishing to attract creative professionals benefits from an environment that fosters creativity. The choice of commercial premises is more than a logistical decision.
