Create good physical spaces
Eisenlau is the kind of guy whose friends have stopped inviting him over for get-togethers and parties.
“It always intrigues me how people live or how they want to live or they aspire to live,” he says. “Friends don’t invite me over anymore, because I’m a little outspoken usually about their homes. I’m the kind of guy that takes my physical environment pretty seriously and my work environment and so forth, but I think it really shapes you.”
He says it’s important as a leader to provide a good physical work space for your employees.
“The place is important and needs to be aligned with the goals of the company,” he says.
For example, as a design firm, employees should be connected to the community, and his employees don’t want to work in the suburbs, so it makes sense for their office to be in an urban location instead of on the outskirts.
You also need to look at the way your office is set up and arranged.
“Your conference rooms, your lobby, your work spaces, it needs to be fun, and it needs to be light-filled — there’s no question about it,” Eisenlau says. “People just respond better.”
Look carefully at your break area. Does it promote socialization or does it discourage such activity?
“I’m not talking about the old, dank coffee area,” he says. “It needs to be glass, with a nice view, possibly with a nice library with a lot of current periodicals nearby. Make it a stimulating space. And your lobby needs to be a reflection of what you do, too.”
HOK’s is slick, modern and has a very contemporary feel — all of which reflects the company’s vision of being on the forefront of design.
“When people come to the office, it leaves them with an impression, and it should be a reflection of your office — kind of like someone walking into your living room at home,” he says.
What you don’t want is disparity between who your company is and how you present yourself to others. For example, perhaps someone you work with is extremely traditional in their actions, their work approach and even in how they dress, but then you go to their home and it’s very modern and sleek — there’s a clear disconnect between who you thought they were and how they live.
“It just amazes me when you see someone’s physical environment that may be spot on to the way they behave or it could be completely different from what you would have expected,” Eisenlau says.
Don’t let anyone coming to your office be blown away by how you present yourself versus how you actually conduct yourself.
“Your physical environment is very important,” he says. “It says a lot about your company. It will contribute or it will negatively affect the productivity and the creativity of your team.”
How to reach: HOK Atlanta, (404) 439-9000 or www.hok.com
