How to Use the Reception Desk to Make an Impression

In any office, the reception desk is an important part of a customer’s first impression of the company and brand. What do you want your reception desk to say?

Questions to ask before choosing a reception desk

A receptionist with the right desk can be a great asset. This is especially true if you want to make a great first point of contact with a customer. Every part of the first few minutes spent engaging with your business should be tailored to send the right message. Before you begin browsing reception desks, or any office reception furniture, ask these questions:

What are my company’s values?

Company core values help educate customers about who the company is and what to expect from your business. Consumers who connect with a company’s core values are more likely to be customers. In fact, 70 percent of consumers surveyed from 25 countries said they want to buy products and services from companies that have a purpose that echoes their personal values and belief systems.¹ These core values should be expressed in 4-6 strong words.

How does my brand’s style reflect company values?

This task is a bit more difficult to put into concrete terms, but not impossible. Simply put, use your value words and decide how those can be expressed in a physical or stylistic way. For example, let’s say one of your brand’s core values is “ingenuity.” You would likely want to decorate your office building with furniture that’s sleek, modern, and reflective of your cutting-edge advantage. If one of your values is simplicity, you likely would want to keep your decor scaled back.

How can I incorporate this style into an office reception desk?

You have one more task — bring together these elements of your values in the form of a reception desk. When looking at a full range of reception desk options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But the right reception setup paired strategically with complementary office furniture can set you apart from your competition. This is especially true when it comes to first impressions.

Let’s take our above example, the word “ingenuity.” With this value expressed in a sleek, modern style, would you choose a vintage, solid oak desk with 4-5 drawers? Likely not. Ingenuity would imply that your business not only uses more modern materials but wisely uses every available space. It would follow that your company is capable of keeping all necessary records in an electronic system. There is no need for all those bulky drawers. A vintage, solid oak desk may be a more whimsical touch for a small, boutique wedding photography company.

What to look for when choosing a reception desk

Size

Not all companies require a huge reception desk. Let’s imagine that excellent customer service is a huge part of your company’s mission. In that case, a prominent reception desk would help the customer easily spot the receptionist and make that instant connection. In general, reception desks are from 152 cm to 183 cm long. While this is a standard option, it certainly isn’t a requirement. Feel free to measure and try out some different options to see what makes the most sense for your space.

Colour/materials

This will go back to your brand’s unique style. Office reception desks come in a comprehensive range of colours and materials, all with their own particular pros and cons. When looking at colours and materials, think about how they’ll be reflective of your company’s style. Will they be modern and industrial? Could they be dark and moody? What about bright and playful?

Shape

The chosen shape for your reception desk will likely depend on the setup of your reception area. A rectangular desk is most familiar, but often the smallest option. If your receptionist needs more desk space, consider an L-shaped or U-shaped desk. These can also help if the receptionist needs to easily switch between tasks like physical paperwork and computer work. You may also consider a height-adjustable desk so that your receptionist can easily transition between sitting and standing throughout the day.

Cost

Every company will have its own budget, and reception desks are a part of that. The cost of a desk can range anywhere from $600 to $7,100. When developing a budget breakdown of your reception area, consider every possible expense, big and small. At a minimum, you’ll need reception chairs or couches for your waiting guests and an ergonomic chair for your receptionist. Beyond that, make other considerations like artwork, carpets, accent rugs, laminate floors, window treatments, wall art, plants, and decorative accents.

The right reception desk will set the scene for customer success

When browsing all your reception desk options, consider the modern, stylish solutions offered at Sedus. No matter what your company’s style, Sedus has state-of-the-art reception desks that will make a great first impression on anyone. Contact a representative today to find out more about their wide range of office furniture solutions.

1 People prefer brands with aligned corporate purpose and values