The pandemic has forced businesses to work remotely. However, as COVID risks are decreasing, more and more companies are going back to the office. Indeed, some traditional office environments managed to survive remotely. Yet, they thrive in a face-to-face environment, such as marketing agencies, finance and customer services, and industrial businesses. While some sectors prefer to retain their remote work environments, those going back to the office must focus on creating a positive and welcoming environment.
For employees, feeling safe in the office can require time and effort after spending the best part of two years at home.
Similarly, your visitors will also struggle to feel at ease. Many have not been able to attend in-person meetings since the start of 2020. Therefore, it’s essential to create a welcoming and inviting reception area that can soothe their fears and put them at ease. What are the most important additions and improvements you can make to the reception?
#1. Make it big
While COVID risks are low, there is no need to take unnecessary risks. Therefore, you want to ensure your visitors can safely social distance even inside your premises. Ideally, the reception area should provide plenty of space for people who didn’t come together to sit at least 2 to 4 feet apart. It may be a good idea to consider moving to new premises if you fear your reception area is unsuitable for safe distancing.
#2. Keep it entertaining
On average, visitors spend over 10 minutes in the reception area. It may not seem like a long time, but when the room lacks distraction, it can feel like an eternity. Therefore, it can be useful to consider smart additions such as a small table with the latest industry magazines or even a screen with loop.tv channels. Depending on your target audience, you can also adjust the entertainment zone. For example, in a math and logic sector, you can opt for 3D wooden or metal puzzles to keep things relevant.
#3. People like to take notes
The majority of people continue to take notes on paper rather than on their digital devices. Indeed, taking notes on paper can be more effective in more than one way. First of all, writing it by hand improves memorization, so people are less likely to forget. Additionally, most individuals can write faster than they type, which means they can take better quality notes. Unfortunately, few visitors remember to bring a notepad with them. So, you could set pens and paper for them in the reception area.
#4. Provide refreshments
On average, people commute between 30 minutes and 1 hour when they visit a local business. They may not be able to drink during that time. As a result, they could arrive feeling slightly dehydrated. The longer they wait, the worse it can get. Therefore, a water cooler can be the best way to make visitors feel cared for as soon as they arrive. They can quench their thirst as they await their meetings.
#5. Keep a hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizers have been an essential part of everyday life since the peak of the pandemic. For a lot of people, they can reduce the risk of germs and infections. While not everyone may choose to use hand sanitizer, providing a sanitizing gel can help your visitors feel reassured and safe.
It also ensures that visitors attending a meeting just after their lunch break can feel confident in shaking hands or holding documents without leaving greasy fingerprints!
#6. Have a coffee machine
Nothing makes people feel more welcome than drinking a hot coffee. It can be worth investing in a coffee machine for the reception area. If you have a manned reception desk, the machine can be operated by your staff.
If there is no reception desk, you can replace it with a coffee vending machine, letting visitors pick their favorite brew and enjoy it before their appointment.
#7. Colors set the mood
Which colors make people feel welcome and relaxed?
According to color psychology findings, neutral colors such as navy and gray are fantastic choices for a stylish B2B lobby area.
Creative businesses, however, can use bold and bright shades, such as green and yellow.
Ideally, you want to avoid clinic and sanitized hues such as white and cream that are often associated with hospitals. Stay away from high energy colors, such as red or orange, which may be stressful and exhausting to the eyes.
Are you ready to create a welcoming lobby area for your visitors? Your reception area is the first contact they have with your brand. Therefore, it is essential to design a space that is inviting, entertaining, caring, and inspiring.
