For previous generations, the executive office was hallowed ground characterized by heavy (and expensive) furniture and, to evoke the words of Will Ferrell’s hilarious portrayal of anchorman Ron Burgundy: “a smell of rich mahogany and many leather-bound books.”
However, these days it is not uncommon for executives to work in the same environment as basically everyone else, including the intern that started last week. Often, the only real difference is some extra square footage, but even that is often occupied by files, boxes, exhibit equipment (that massive banner display has to be stored somewhere), and so on.
With this in mind, there inevitably comes a time in the lifespan of every successful business — and on today’s landscape, it can happen much faster than in years past — where investing in executive office design is not a nice-to-have luxury, but frankly, it is a pragmatic requirement to continue growing. Here are 3 signs that indicate your business has reached this inflexion in its maturity:
1. Executives cannot conveniently or efficiently hold confidential discussions.
One of the defining characteristics of an executive — and what often separates them from managers and supervisors — is that they have the authority and accountability to make critical and sensitive decisions (or at least significantly contribute to such decisions) regarding hiring, promotions, demotions, terminations, resource and budget allocations, and so on. If executives do not have an adequate and functional office space to discuss these private matters, then they either must go off-site, or commandeer a larger-than-necessary meeting room. Neither of these options are convenient or efficient, and the larger the organization grows, the bigger of a problem this will become.
2. Your image is taking a hit.
If executives do not have suitable offices that befit their role and title, then word can spread in the marketplace that the reason for this is the unwillingness of decision-makers to spend money on key people. And while it may not be remotely the case, once a business is branded as “cheap” then it can be extremely difficult to get out from under this label. Before long, customers, suppliers and vendors can be questioning whether a business is struggling to make ends meet, or that it’s best days may be behind rather than ahead.
3. You’re struggling to recruit and retain executive talent.
As noted, many of today’s executives are focused on accomplishments and career development — and the size and style of their office (and its scene of rich mahogany) are not top-of-mind. However, this does not mean that executive office design does not matter: because for some current and future executives, it is indeed part of the package, and factors into their decision to sign-on and/or stay with an organization.
Learn More
At Key Interiors, we work with businesses in all sectors and industries to design executive offices that are functional, sophisticated, impressive and modern — but without costing a small fortune (after all, not everyone can spend like Ron Burgundy!).
To learn more, contact our team today. Your consultation with us is free.
For more information on office renovations and how to stay on schedule and on budget, download our FREE eBook:
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