When was the last time you redesigned your office space? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time for a change. Not only can a new design help refresh your workspace, but it can also lead to increased productivity, say sales training companies.
One study by Steelcase found that employees in well-designed offices were 15% more productive. Another by Harvard University found that it could lead to a 26% increase in revenue.
This article shares different ways your office design can boost sales for your business.
Make a solid first impression
Most people admit to making snap judgments about others and physical spaces. According to work done by psychologists at Princeton, it only takes one-tenth of a second. Once formed, these first impressions are hard to shake off.
Your reception area sets the tone for the rest of your office. A welcoming and professional space encourages customers to do business with you.
To create a warm and inviting reception area:
- choose a reception desk that fits the space and your company’s image
- plant a friendly face at the desk that exudes professionalism
- make sure there’s adequate lighting
- have comfortable seating for guests
- add some fresh flowers and pot plants
Boost mood
The workplace environment has a tremendous impact on your mood. A study led by the University of Arizona found that salespeople in a great mood sold 37% more than those who were in a foul one.
Here are a few things you can do to uplift your team’s mood:
- Let in some natural light. According to the American Society of Interior Designers, natural light can “lift spirits, increase productivity, and promote health.”
- Add some color. Color has been shown to affect mood, with certain colors having different effects. For example, blue is known to be calming while yellow can create a feeling of happiness.
- Place greenery around the office. Plants have been shown to boost mood and even cognitive function.
Spark creativity
Creativity is another important sales tool. When salespeople are creative, they’re better able to come up with new ideas and think outside the box. Data collected by IBM showed that 91% of sales leaders believe creativity is important for sales success.
Sales training companies say you could get your team’s creative juices flowing by:
- injecting some personality into the space with fun, vibrant decor
- hang artwork that salespeople can enjoy
- encourage salespeople to personalize their work areas
- create a fun coffee break zone where salespeople can relax, chat and recharge
Encourage collaboration
Collaboration is key to sales success. When salespeople work together, they can come up with fresh ideas and solve complex problems more quickly. Larger deals are also often the result of a team effort. Studies by the Harvard Business Review have highlighted that collaboration can lead to a 20% increase in sales.
Collaboration can also boost job satisfaction and employee retention, both of which are key characteristics of high-performing sales teams.
To encourage collaboration, create a space that supports it. For example, you could:
- Put up whiteboards or chalkboards throughout. These are great for brainstorming sessions and easy sharing of ideas.
- Invest in comfortable furniture that promotes relaxation and open communication.
- Add comfortable furniture that encourages people to stay and work together.
- Have different areas that allow for both individual and group work.
Sharpen concentration
A noisy and cluttered workspace can drive salespeople crazy and make it hard to concentrate. Not to mention increase the risk of making careless mistakes. A study by scientists at the University of California found that even moderate amounts of background noise can lead to mistakes and missed details.
Here are a few things you can do to create a more focused work environment:
- use sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise
- designate specific areas for collaboration and noisy activities
- encourage salespeople to use headphones when they need to concentrate
- make sure the space is free of clutter
In closing
A well-designed office can turbocharge your sales team’s performance. Don’t have the budget for a complete overhaul? No problem – even minor changes like adding some color or a few plants can make a big difference. Not sure where to start? You could reach out to top sales training companies for pointers.
