Every company is different, each with their own cultures and traditions – and their own preferences to the way that their employees work. And whilst some part of that culture may be enhanced though the choice of employees and habits in the office, the actual layout and interior design of the office can also be highly influential.

Research carried out by Zerella, Albrecht & Von Treuer suggests that office layout has a significant impact on employees’ perception of the organisation that they are working for, and this consequently has an effect on employee behaviour and productivity.

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Organisational  Culture Types

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According to OCAI, there are four main culture types in company offices. There’s no right or wrong: businesses just chooses or naturally fall into the one that works best for them.

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Clan Culture

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This kind of company is more like family than your actual family, and operate on a set of shared values. Leaders and managers are seen to be more like mentors than bosses, and teamwork and participation is the key to success. Care for clients and employees sits right at the core of their culture.

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Adhocracy Culture

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This tends to be seen in an innovative, creative and dynamic company, who pride themselves on their getting things done well and quickly. Employees are encouraged to throw ideas out there and managers are set on empowering employees, creating entrepreneurs, working in teams and collaboration to create a successful and high energy business. Perhaps best reflected in Facebook’s famous mantra ‘Move fast and break things.’

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Market Culture

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This is the ‘tough guy’ company, who’s ethic is centred completely on competition, results and getting things done. Having a reputation for being successful is the most important thing for their employees and managers – this is the archetypal dog-eat-dog world.

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Hierarchy Culture

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A company with a Hierarchy culture is based on tradition, procedure and defined roles. These companies are focused on having an efficient and well-organised workforce, based on authority and accountability.

What culture works for you? It is important, to ensure that your office layout and interior design is conducive to the kind of company culture that you want, and this is something that you should bear in mind if you are either refurbishing your existing space, or looking for a new office space.

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