The entrance area of your business, office or establishment where you receive and greet visitors and clients plays a much larger role in the success of your organisation than you might realise. In most cases, this is the first contact that a client or visitor will have with the physical space of your organisation and, as we all know, first impressions last. If this first impression is negative, it can adversely affect the performance of your business. On the other hand, a great impression can help to create a feeling of goodwill towards your venture. Reception desks generally have the biggest impact on how these spaces are perceived, which would imply that you have to carefully consider your choice of desk for the benefit of your organisation.
Luckily, reception desks are available in a large variety of styles, materials, shapes and sizes, ensuring that there is an ideal option for each and every requirement. Below are some of the considerations to keep in mind to help you choose the right option from this large selection of reception desks.
Space
Before you even consider different styles of reception desks, you have to take the available space into account. This does not only refer to whether the actual desk will fit or not, but how it will look within the allocated space.
If the desk is too large, it will make the space feel cramped, and it could make your office seem inadequate. Conversely, if the desk is too small, it could make the space seem too sparse and as if there is not enough budget to properly furnish the room. This could create an impression of failure to succeed.
Design
Reception desks are available in an endless array of different designs. It can be very tempting to choose an option that matches your personal style and preference. While this is not necessarily an issue – you should definitely like your own office space – you also have to realise that the furniture you choose is not intended to be a representation of you but of your organisation. Your choice of desk should match the impression you want to create.
If you run a doctor or lawyer’s office, you would want furniture that looks professional, rather than informal. If you run a financial service, you would prefer something that is of good quality, rather than a cheap hand-me-down. Or, if you run a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), you would probably not want to flaunt something expensive and over the top.
Functionality: For Visitors and Clients
The way reception desks look is not the only important factor when choosing the ideal option. You also have to consider its functionality. What type of experience do you want your visitors and clients to have? To support their comfort and convenience, you need to take into account what you want them to do once they arrive at your premises. Do they simply need to let the person behind the desk know that they are there? Do you require them to complete any forms? Does any form of payment happen at the desk? Make sure that the desk of choice allows for the necessary actions to take place in a practical and comfortable way. Good user experience will go a long way to make your guests feel welcome and to create a positive attitude towards your organisation.
Functionality: For Your Employees
We have saved the most important consideration for last to ensure that this point sticks with our readers: when choosing reception desks, consider the comfort and convenience of the people who will actually be working at this station. In fact, where possible, involve them in the decision-making process, as they will understand the requirements better than anyone.
Is there enough space for them to sit comfortably? Is there sufficient surface space for them to complete their work? And how about storage space for files and other necessary work-related items? If there is a counter, can they easily see over it? Does it provide them with proper privacy while seated behind the desk? They are often the face of your organisation. Keep them happy to keep your clients happy.
Where to Find a Wide Range of Top-Quality Reception Desks
For more information on reception desks and other office furniture, contact the leading office furniture supplier in South Africa: Quantum Office Furniture. We will gladly assist you in your search to find the perfect items to create your ideal workspace.