My office before & after: does it matter?

I’m of the belief that where we work has a significant impact on how well we can potentially work. Whether it’s a workstation or an office, it’s crucial to be in an environment that’s inviting, conducive to productivity and uniquely your own. So, here is my latest practical experience with this concept.

The office is about 45 square meters (485 sq ft) and it had all the components one needs to conduct daily work activities. The only element that would have been great to add is a meeting table large enough to fit 10 people or so, as I tend to have numerous physical group meetings. However, I opted for a couch setting instead, and I’ll share more on why that was below.

Here's what the office looked like before

I then set about gradually transforming the office following the 8 principles below:

Why it matters to make your office your own

1. It is where 1/3 of time is spent: There are many days where I spent more time in my office than I did in my own home. Like or not, the question is, wouldn't you rather spend time in a place that's comfortable, productive and uniquely yours? A place where you're surrounded with elements that fuel you with joy and inspiration. The answer to me is a straight yes.
2. It is a window into who we are: It's countless how many times someone walks into my office and says "I like this book, painting, rug, etc." The ice is immediately broken. Sometimes we forget that at the core of every 'business' we do, there is a person to person relation. That one link and that one conversation may pave the way for business to actually be done.

Why couches are better than meeting tables

1. Meeting table forms hierarchy: People tend to orient themselves according to organizational hierarchy at a meeting table. Someone's expected to sit at the top of the table, and the rest follow. This instantly makes the more junior members more reserved in contributing to the conversation where they may well be the ones to be listened to. Break the barriers.
2. It helps to lose some formality: While hierarchy and formal settings have their place, you'd want less of them when the nature of most meetings is collaborative such as solving a problem, thinking of a creative approach, building on each other's ideas, integrating with other teams, etc. People need to feel comfortable, at ease and that their voice is equally heard.

What elements are key to enhance an office

1. Natural appeal of green plants: There is nothing that adds life to a space more than green nature. Inside an office, plants have the power to transform the look and feel to a more tranquil state. They're also master teachers on responsibility and growth. Their livelihood is dependent on your care and their growth is a reflection of your own journey within that space.
2. Unique beauty of arts & crafts: There is something inherently magical about items that a person spends days, months or years creating out of a pure form of skill, creativity and expression. Their presence in a space enhances its charm, their stories add to its interest and their uniqueness extends its significance. If you have art in your home, why not at your office?

How large spaces can be effectively utilized

1. A zone for every state of mind: Similar to how we have different rooms in our homes for different purposes, i.e. sleeping, dining, living, etc., it helps to create different zones in your office if you have the space. A place where you think, another where you read, another where you write , etc. This prompts your brain for the optimal setting for the activity at hand.
2. A set-up for all working needs: An optimal office space is the one designed to accommodate multiple work purposes whether it's a team huddle, brainstorming session, 1:1 meeting, project review, formal presentation, or any other type of interaction. The more the office is equipped to effectively accommodate, the more productive your working day becomes.

Here is what the office looked like after

I hope this's been inspirational at the least. If you have thoughts on the topic or experiences of your own, please feel free to share them.