The Case for Space: Survey Suggests Office Ambiance Influences On-the-Job

Innovation

MENLO PARK, Calif., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Mood lighting may
influence more than one's romantic mindset; it can impact an
employee's creative quotient as well, a new survey suggests. More than
half (55 percent) of advertising and marketing executives polled said
office environments -- including layout, decor and lighting -- greatly
affect on-the-job innovation. Another 38 percent of respondents
reported one's workplace impacts staff creativity at least somewhat.

The survey was developed by The Creative Group, a specialized staffing
service that provides marketing, advertising, creative and web
professionals on a project basis. It was conducted by an independent
research firm and includes 250 responses -- 125 from advertising
executives with the nation's 1,000 largest advertising agencies and
125 from senior marketing executives with the nation's 1,000 largest
companies.

Advertising and marketing executives were asked, "In your opinion, to
what extent, if any, does a company's office environment, including
layout, décor and lighting, affect creative output?" Their responses:

Greatly 55%

Somewhat 38%

Not very much 5%

Not at all 2%

100%

"Physical surroundings can heavily influence an employee's ability to
concentrate and perform well," said Tracey Fuller, executive director
of The Creative Group. "Companies can encourage productivity and
innovation by providing staff members with comfortable, attractive
areas for team meetings, as well as individual work stations that can
be tailored to personal needs and preferences."

The Creative Group offered the following tips for developing a
productive and stimulating office environment:

-- Construct "creativity" zones. Designate a few office areas where

informal meetings or spontaneous brainstorming sessions can occur.

Equip each room with industry publications and a white board to jot

down ideas.

-- Offer private sanctuaries. While open floor plans can increase

collaboration and communication among employees, some projects require

greater concentration and solitude. Provide stations where employees

can work without distraction. These spaces also can be used for

teleconferences.

-- Let there be light. Maximize opportunities to benefit from natural

daylight; position desks near windows so workers can have external

views. In locations where this is not possible, ensure sufficient

ambient and task lighting are in place.

-- Install an idea wall. Transform the walls of a communal area -- the

lounge or cafeteria, for example -- into a blank canvas for spontaneous

scribbling. Cover flat surfaces and tabletops with colorful paper and

keep a jar of markers close by for people to post ideas.

-- Venture into the unknown. Hold staff or team meetings in unusual

places -- a nearby courtyard, park or cafe, for example. A change of

scenery is sometimes all it takes to spark the imagination.

The Creative Group has offices in major markets across the United
States and in Canada, and offers online job search services at
www.creativegroup.com. SOURCE The Creative Group

-0- 11/18/2005

/CONTACT: Julie Ann Sims, of The Creative Group, +1-650-234-6104, or
julie.sims@creativegroup.com/

/Web site: http://www.creativegroup.com /

(RHI)