So you figured a few desks and chairs, a broadband Internet connection, and a coffee maker are all you need to open a co-working center. However, you have zero return customers despite your coveted location and the few that do visit your establishment look miserable and uninspired.
Fortunately, you can still transform your space to attract more clients, inspire creativity and productivity, and get them to spread the word that your co-working space is the place where they can work and enjoy doing it.
THINK DESIGN
Today’s workforce is more mobile and thrives on collaboration and multitasking. One of the main reasons people flock to coworking spaces is for their open-plan work environment. If you’re still using traditional cubicles, you might be putting people off. Better yet, have a co-working space that offers designated spaces for particular purposes. Have an open office environment where people can collaborate and build meaningful business relationships, then have private spaces and meeting rooms for those who prefer to work in seclusion. Also include a space where your clients can relax and take a break from their work, mingle with other members, and perhaps have a few cups of coffee, tea, or even a pint of beer.
DESIGN, DESIGN, DESIGN
There is definitely nothing inspiring about four bare white walls and a room of gray cubicles. Some people have to put up with it in traditional office spaces as they have no other choice, so why should they in their co-working space? You don’t have to paint your walls bright, migraine-inducing colors, but breaking up the monotony of a white wall with artwork can help inspire your clients. Artwork doesn’t have to be expensive either, it just needs to be aesthetically inspiring so customers can “escape” into it from time to time.
Incorporating the colors red and blue can also increase creativity and productivity among your clients. A study conducted by the University of British Columbia finds that red is the most effective for improving our attention to detail, while blue is better for increasing our ability to think creatively. Imagine returning clients because why wouldn’t you go back to the same place where you were so inspired and focused, you’ve done a lot of tasks on your project?
MOTHER NATURE KNOWS BEST
Incorporating natural light and adding some plants to your interior decor greatly benefits your customers. Natural lighting is known to lift your mood and increase productivity. It can help combat sleepiness, and access to views can give your tired eyes a break from staring at your computer monitor for hours on end. According to the World Green Building Council, several studies have estimated productivity gains as a result of proximity to windows, and experts now think that views from windows are probably the most significant factor, particularly when the view offers a connection to nature. But what if the view is just another building across the street, you say? Large mirrors or large pieces of art can help achieve the same effect.
Decorating your space with natural plants can also benefit the health of your customers. Not only is adding plants to the workspace known to help foster creativity and increase productivity, plants help reduce stress and improve people’s overall well-being. In addition, plants help clean the air, reduce carbon dioxide levels, and filter chemicals like benzene, trichlorethylene, and formaldehyde from the air. So a few succulents here and there could only be a good thing for your establishment and your members.
These are just a few of the design enhancements you can implement to enhance the aesthetics of your coworking space for the benefit of your clients.