Creating an Inspiring Learning Space

If you run a small business, you might appreciate how important learning and education is to your success. You’ll know that to do well you need to be open to learning about new ideas, discoveries and methods. You’ll know that your industry is sure to change and evolve, and to stay on top of your game, you can never let yourself think that you know it all. You might also understand how important it is for your team members to continue to learn and evolve. You’ll want to offer regular training and updates, and ideally, you’ll want a team that learn independently, that are keen to improve their skills and to learn more about both their jobs and the wider industry. The best teams are often those that enjoy learning that want to grow and develop and love improving their skills.

To encourage this kind of onward learning, you might want to consider your office design and decor. You’ll want to create a space that inspires your employees, that promotes learning, and that engages them. Here’s how to do it.

Keep it Bright

Dark spaces can hinder creativity. They make us feel tired and sluggish, and they don’t encourage independent thought. On the other hand, bright areas engage our brains. They help us to focus and feel more alert. Light walls and plenty of natural light can boost creativity, improve our memories and make it easier to learn. 

Add the Right Furniture

Look at school furniture. It’s not dull and uncomfortable. It’s colourful and comfortable. It inspires. The furniture helps to make the space bright and inviting, while also giving students comfortable spaces in which to learn. Individual offices should have comfortable desks and chairs that are ergonomic and promote good back health, as well as brightening the space.  

Make it Easier to Learn 

Your furniture should also allow you to give yourself, and your team everything that you need to learn. Bookshelves should be filled with informative books, notepads and pens. There should be plenty of easy to access storage, and you should take the time to ask your team members what they need to make learning easier and more interesting. 

Add a Communal Table

Learning isn’t always an individual endeavour. Often, we learn better as a group, or at least in a more relaxed atmosphere. Add a large communal table, surrounded by comfortable and supportive seats. Give this room a coffee machine and some necessary supplies, as well as bookshelves, pens, paper and anything else your team might need. Give them a space where they can come together and share ideas, where they are free to learn from each other and work together. Some people find that getting rid of individual offices all together works well. They use co-working spaces, shared desks and areas, and they get much more from their staff. 

And Some Private Learning Space

That said, sometimes people need quiet. They need to focus and concentrate and avoid distractions. Add some private learning areas, even if your main space is communal. 

Keep the Space Tidy

Clutter hinders learning too. It makes things difficult, distracts people and means that we can’t give our team what they need to learn. Keep things tidy, and your space will be more inspiring.