reception

Often the first point of contact someone has with your organisation is the reception area.

Is your reception area appealing or is it a bland, sterile box?  Is it inviting and does it make the person entering the reception feel comfortable?

Importantly, does it show your message to your visitors?

Here are some ideas that can help to make your reception area work better for you:

  • Ensure that there are signs that clearly indicate where the entrance and the reception area is.
  • If you don’t have a receptionist then have a bell or buzzer that allows a member of staff to be notified that someone is in the reception area.
  • Try to avoid having furniture, indoor plants or pieces of equipment in the way that may cause people to trip over and fall.
  • Design the décor with colours that are inviting, comfortable and avoid those that are too strong.
  • Have chairs so people can sit if they are required to wait but importantly ensure they are suitable for the people attending your organisation.  For example, chairs that are very soft and low to the ground may not be suitable for some elderly people.
  • If you are likely to have children in the reception area then consider having a toy table or play area.
  • Have an area for people to access brochures about the range of services your organisations provides.
  • Have a notice board that includes relevant information of a previous event or activity that highlights your organisation as well as details any upcoming events.  Furthermore, make sure the information on it is current, up to date and avoid having too much clutter on it.
  • If practical to do, use a television with a DVD player that shows a relevant program that relates to the organisation or the services you provide.

While these are just some tips it is important that the reception area is also kept clean.

Every so often have a look from a client’s perspective and work out what other changes could be incorporated to make the reception area work better for you and your visitors.