How to create the reception space of the future

Getting your reception area right is essential if you want to create that perfect first impression.

Think of it as the "shop window" of your business — the place to provide a warm welcome, showcase your goods or services and signpost visitors to where they need to go next.

The way we work is evolving all the time, and that includes how our offices are set up. Traditionally, reception areas would comprise a receptionist seated behind an old-fashioned desk.

This may not always be the case in modern times. Many offices are working with reduced staff, whether that's because they are working smarter or are encouraging more working from home.

But instead of this lack of personnel being a disadvantage, you can turn it around and use it as a chance to experiment with different ways of welcoming your visitors.

Nowadays, the options for creating a welcoming reception area are creative and endlessly imaginative. We're going to look at some of these and the future of the office reception in our latest blog. Read it and feel inspired to transform your office reception into the space of the future!

A space for your branding

For your company to be memorable, your branding needs to be seen. So make sure it's obvious as soon as your visitors step in the door.

This is even more essential when many companies no longer employ full-time receptionists. In the absence of a human confirming that you've arrived in the right place, you need a visual sign to tell you so.

So what does this look like in a reception space? Colour is one of the key elements of your branding, so make sure your company palette is reflected in your lobby.

This could be in the colour of the paint on the walls or the soft furnishings you choose for your reception space.

Have your company logo visible, too, as well as information about what you do. If you deal with tangible products, use your reception area as a space where you can showcase them.

For services, consider using information boards or interactive screens so your visitors can learn more about what you do.

A navigation hub

Think of your reception space from the point of view of your visitors. If you have a receptionist present who can direct people where to go next, that's awesome.

But if you are working with a slimmed-down staff, you'll need to think of other ways to receive your guests.

This is where tech comes in. A digital check-in, just like at the airport, is fitting for these times — and there are so many ways you can achieve this.

How about offering a QR code for visitors to scan as soon as they set foot in your building, linking them to all the info they need to navigate their visit?

Or you could set up an arrival booth which does everything from telling the host that their guest has arrived to printing out a visitor's pass with all the necessary details included.

And some places are already using friendly robots to perform the check-in task — it's really not as futuristic as it sounds!

Getting comfortable

So your guest has checked into your reception area... now it's time to get comfy! By now, they should have had a positive initial experience, so let them continue in the same vein by creating a welcoming area where they can wait for their appointment to begin.

This space should be comfortable and welcoming and should also be able to morph between a relaxing area and a space that allows for working too.

Your reception seating is going to be the make-or-break element here. To be comfortable, visitor seating needs to be ergonomic. This means it works in harmony with the human body, supporting where needed and allowing natural movement and reducing stress on the spine, neck and hips.

You could consider installing work booths so your guests can catch up on essential tasks while they wait. Choose ergonomic chairs to support and allow the user to adjust the height and tilt and height-adjustable desks so guests can change position and stand if desired. This means that you can cater for all guests, whatever their size or seating preferences.

You can also add a more comfortable space with soft seating so that your visitors feel relaxed and welcomed while they wait. It may be super comfy, but a more relaxed type of seating can be ergonomic, too, demonstrating that you take both the health and comfort of your guests seriously.

And some workplaces are even using their lobby or reception area to house their office café, creating a vibrant feel to this space. This is the perfect opportunity to create a really homely and welcoming environment for employees and guests alike, providing that thoughtful flourish.

Your reception-based café can also double as a co-working or hot-desking space for both office workers and visitors, providing a practical, usable area open to everyone.

The steps beyond reception

So you've nailed the warm and welcoming vibe of your point of entry... now think about where your visitor is heading next.

Getting the steps beyond reception right is essential. This area should be linked to all routes within your building, with signage and wayfinding that is easy to understand and flows seamlessly.

This can be achieved in a number of creative ways. Of course, you can always go for traditional signs on walls, but you can also use methods such as colour coding to make navigating a breeze.

Graphics are also a great way to signpost places. You can be as creative as you like — from neon signs to oversized lettering on walls, the only limit is your imagination!

Digital directories and information points located in your reception area and throughout your building will also make it easy for guests to feel welcomed and find their way.

Where do we go from here?

These days, it's all about thinking out of the box when it comes to creating that awesome reception space. And it's just as clear that our working spaces need to move with the times as much as we and our working practices do.

This includes the way you welcome visitors into your building and ease them on their journey through your organisation.

This shift in the way we do things is the perfect opportunity to inject some creativity and comfort into your reception space.

So let your imagination run riot and add some unexpected elements to your reception design — whether that's a welcoming robot, a nod to your branding or creating a multi-functional co-working and relaxation space.

Don't forget those practical elements like supportive seating and ergonomic chairs and desks. It's thoughtful touches like these that will make your company stand out from the crowd and show that you take values relating to health and wellbeing seriously.

Here at Ergonomics 101, providing a comfortable reception and office environment with your employees' and visitors' well-being at heart is what we're all about. Get in touch to learn more about creative and practical ergonomic solutions for the reception of the future and beyond.