Congruent Corporate Environments...Exercising Mission through the working environment

Although complex, design of the physical environment provides many opportunities for insuring a business successful relationship with customers and employees.

The following questions are pertinent to start businesses thinking about initiating change in the workplace environment.

The questions are basic, but all relate to functions of exercising mission, value and a holistic approach within the working environment.

Do customers have easy access to staff? Are they "invited in" to the facility?

Are traffic patterns between areas understandable to customers?

Do customers and staff mention they notice and appreciate the interior quality �of the facility?

Does the physical environment inspire �staff? Does it allow them to perform their tasks productively?

Do employees interact effectively with one another? Is information transferred between departments efficiently?

Are workstations updated to accommodate computers and other information systems?

Are furnishings, fabrics and finishes in quality condition? Are the furnishings comfortable and appropriate to customers and staff?

Will the memory of doing business with the firm linger with the customers long after they've left the facility? Will the memory be a positive one?

Much more than another catchy, eloquent phrase, a congruent working environment can become the cornerstone for truly living a corporate philosophy.

It can be the deciding factor when employees are looking to stay or go. It can mean getting precisely the customer demographic a company wants, rather than customers for which a business is neither prepared nor interested. Perhaps best of all, it provides a means by which a business can act upon the very integrity and philosophies by which it operates.

How refreshing to walk into the workplace each day, sensing the difference the environment makes to each party involved. How rewarding to know that all the planning, questioning and soul-searching has a pay-off that is appreciated and beneficial every working day of the year.

JUMP TO PAGE

BACK TO: MELISSA GRIMES IDEAS