7 ideas to create a cosy and welcoming office
Creating a cosy and welcoming office space isn’t just about adding a coffee machine and an artisanal coat rack. Just as your home is a reflection of you, your lifestyle and interests, so is your workspace a reflection of your organisational culture. If people visit your home you want them to feel comfortable and relaxed, so why wouldn’t you do the same for your work team? If you’re trying to inject some hygge, cwtch or just plain welcome into your workplace, these ideas will help you create a space so inviting even your office plants will thrive.
1. Plants and flowers
Adding some green, whether it’s succulents, traditional pot plants or even edible ones like chillies and herbs all contribute a calming nod to nature. If you don’t have anyone who fancies taking on watering duties, then companies such as Plant Plan will look after everything for you.
2. Lighting
A study conducting by US consultancy Future Workplace in 2019 found that access to natural light and views of the outdoors are the number one attribute of the workplace environment.
If you’re lucky enough to have natural light, then make sure everyone can make the most of it, especially in the darker months. A seating area near a window allows people to take a break and connect with outside, even if the weather is doing its UK best.
Add lamps so that individuals have a choice of lighting level too.
3. Scent
Smell has the power to evoke memories and change mood. Supermarkets pipe the smell of fresh bread from the bakery to the front of the store to entice you in, whilst some hotel chains such as Hilton Place and Yotel have developed a signature fragrance that has become part of the brand experience.
In the office, freshly brewed coffee, flowers and plants, and even the materials that make up your furniture all contribute to what Worktech Academy terms ‘smellscaping’. It can improve employee mood, alertness, performance and creativity.
4. Visual art
Create a visual identity for your space by using graphics, artwork and photographs. Just as you might display paintings, your logo and brand colours, or tranquil or city landscape, can be printed on a wall or acoustic panel.
The Journal of Biophillic Design has some amazing images of nature available in their library.
5. Storage
Whether in the home or the office, clutter can be distracting. Use integrated cupboards, hanging space and shelving to keep space clean and tidy.
If you no longer have assigned desks, you can also ensure that everyone has somewhere to call their own with secure lockers for bags, sports gear and shopping.
6. Privacy
Most homes have clear zones for relaxing, eating, sleeping etc. This can be more difficult to achieve in an office space where walls might not be where you want them, or in a large open plan space. You can use mobile screens and shelving to create more private or cosy areas, that can be reconfigured if you need to open the space out again.
7. Kitchen
The kitchen is often described as being at the heart of the home, probably because it’s a hub that all members of the household move through. In an office, a tea station, state of the art coffee machine or just a humble kettle offers space to bring people together for informal chats over their drink-making rituals to help forge a sense of community.
Conclusion
Incorporating elements such as plants, adjustable lighting, pleasant scents, and personalised visual art can significantly enhance the comfort and appeal of your office space. By thoughtfully integrating these aspects, you create an environment that reflects your organisation’s culture and promotes well-being among your team members. A cosy and welcoming office not only makes a positive impression on visitors but also fosters productivity and satisfaction within your workforce.
