You should never judge a book by its cover – but it’s hard to resist judging a business by its reception area.
Your business’ reception area may be the first thing a visitor to your premises sees. While they wait for their appointment, they’ll no doubt be forming an opinion of your company based on what’s in front of them. From mucky carpets and chaotic counters to lingering lunch smells, there are many oversights which could get your next meeting off on the wrong foot.
An inviting reception area helps ensure your business makes a positive first impression on visiting clients and contacts, as well as prospective employees and customers. If your reception interior is in need of some elbow grease, our office cleaning experts have come up with four ways to keep your reception area looking its best…
How to clean and maintain your reception space
1. Make space
A cluttered, crowded reception area will not put visitors at ease. Instead, a cramped space will reflect negatively on your business, indicating that your space is limited and your company may be disorganised. While few small and medium sized businesses have the budget for a large, elegant waiting area, there are some steps you can take to make your reception feel bigger:
- Tackle the clutter – If your reception area doubles as a space for files, stationery and other business paraphernalia, find an alternative location or concealed solution for this material.
- Minimise magazines – While a few business-appropriate publications show your company has its finger on the pulse (and provide diverting reading material), take care not to swamp your reception with magazines. A small, regularly refreshed collection will be ample.
- Cut the counter – If your space is too cramped for a reception desk, consider opting for a mounted tablet where guests can check in.
- Finetune furniture – Minimise and streamline furniture in your reception area. Hopefully, your guests won’t spend a great deal of time waiting for their appointment, so downsize reception furniture to a few sleek, simple chairs in order to maximise space.
2. Banish stale smells
If your premises is open plan, it’s inevitable that workplace smells such as coffee and tupperware lunches will reach reception. Wherever possible, reduce these smells in your reception area, as scents can heavily influence a visitor’s first impression of a business. Ban the consumption of food in the reception area and its vicinity, and consider using an essential oil burner, or reed scent diffusers to ensure your reception smells pleasant. A few simple screens may protect this entrance space, and provide a little more privacy for your staff.
3. Focus on flooring
Your reception will probably receive a high level of footfall (employees will likely pass through reception to and from their desks). This may mean that your reception carpet or flooring requires more frequent hoovering, sweeping or mopping. Ensure your install a bootscraper and effective doormat at the entrance of your premises to prevent mud and debris affecting your reception area, and consider more frequent floorcare in this space.
4. Add amenities
A small waste receptacle and a small recycling bin are an essential feature in a reception space. These extras will ensure visitors can dispose of rubbish conveniently – without leaving waste in your premises. To enhance comfort in your waiting area, you may also choose to install a water dispenser.
Set up a regular cleaning rota that gives your reception space special attention. The Abbey Cleaning Service have delivered exceptional office cleaning services across South Wales for over 40 years. Contact us today to learn more about what we do: 029 2067 9323.
