The first thing customers see when they visit a business is the reception area. Many businesses take the importance of making the right first impression very seriously – but not all…

First impressions do count - the often-used line ‘You never get a second chance to make a good first impression’ which came from Will Rogers, an American actor and social commentator still retains a lot of truth to date. Various studies have been conducted over the years to confirm that first impressions do count. Interactions in the future are filtered through assumptions generated by that original impression. Therefore, the importance of your business’s reception area creates the correct impression about your company. It’s not just about impressing your clients; the entry area is of extreme importance for any business and needs to be a space that is welcoming. All your visitors, valued customers, potential clients, or someone coming for an interview needs to feel at ease.

The reception area is also where the day starts for employees, and it should be an inspiring space where they are happy to begin their day in the office or workplace and be proud of where they work. Depending on what size of the reception area your business has, depends on what you can feature, for example, if you have the space then having a feature reception desk as the first point of call will show the personality of your business. Eye-catching furnishings such as soft seating or lounge-type chairs will create an inviting space and somewhere comfortable for your visitors to sit. Additional tables with built-in power supply offer convenience as a charging station for your visitors while they wait.

Setting the standard for your visitors can make all the difference in ongoing relationships and developing new business. This should also extend into other areas of your workplace. If your front of the house is dated and not well kept, then it’s bound to influence your visitors ‘first impression’ of your business. As well as sitting in your reception, this also extends to who is the first person your visitors are greeted by. The overall appearance of the reception area also needs to be considered, as well as the right furniture, including wall decoration, such as custom graphics, wall art, company information and certificates all contribute to the overall look. 

As more company employees are returning to the office or participating in hybrid working, post-pandemic, businesses are making their premises more appealing and are taking a greater approach to employee wellbeing and making their workplaces work.
As companies face further competition to acquire new clients, reception areas will additionally need to be presented as a showcase or even a showroom to promote your business’s services and products.

Aston & James are specialists in space planning and workspace design, so if you’re looking for something spectacular to create the ultimate ‘WOW’ factor, we can work with you to create a fully customised and unique workspace. Our in-house experts are here to provide you with simply the best possible advice.

If you are thinking about revamping your workspace, or you just want to update it, we would love the opportunity to discuss your requirements. Get in touch and let us know how we can help. Alternatively, why not come along to our Oxford office furniture showroom in Witney and have a look at some of our products first-hand?