Workplace Design

When you want to reinvent the way your organization operates, take a look at the way you work -- and your workspace. That is the message in a recent Fast Company article. I agree.

When was the last time you looked at your office? I have been in many ED offices across the country and think there is some room for reinvention.

Here are a few observations, one for each of the seven days of the week:

1. Too much clutter, especially paper in many offices. It's a turn-off to business prospects who sense you aren't very organized.

2. Too little conference space and open space for people to meet and interact both formally and informally.

3. Poor lighting in many offices, which could impair your organization's ability to become "visionary."

4. Inconsistent decor and furnishing styles. Many ED organizations represent a hodge podge of furniture and equipment. A lot of the stuff doesn't even work any more.

5. Not enough privacy, especially with everyone talking on the phone at the same time. Just plain too much noise pollution.

6. Misinformed and unreceptive receptionists, who really are not set-up to help callers and visitors.

7. No space for "teamwork" and collaboration to take place. It's one thing to talk about working in teams, and its another to create an integrated environment for people to function as teams.