By Richard Frankel
Gone are the days of traditional real estate offices filled with cubicles. Like most things in life, the office culture is ever changing, catering to a new generation of employees. Brokerages are opting to enhance their offices and create effective workspaces, not only to attract new agents, but also to keep top performing agents where they are.
Related: How to Have a More Modern Office: Alternative Work Arrangements
A modernized workspace shows agents and clients that your company not only evolves with the times, but invests in its employees.
Revamping spaces can increase functionality, but also improve office morale and create a welcoming atmosphere. Here are a few ways to create the perfect office culture:
Update the Workspace
Agents understand the importance of a clean, bright atmosphere when they're trying to sell a home. The same goes for the office that they work in. First impressions are key, and a dark, outdated space will detract clients and agents alike.
Large windows, clean sightlines and light paint colors promote a sense of cheeriness in the office. Modern furniture and decor can be an inexpensive way to reset the stage and ensure your agents feel comfortable bringing clients in.
Add Employee Spaces
Today's offices are more than just workspaces and a break room. Companies across the world are understanding the importance of tending to their employees' mental health and, as such, are opting to include spaces for decompressing and having fun.
While you may not have the space or budget to include a fully-equipped game room, offering an area that promotes relaxation can go along way in the overall productivity of your team.
Comfortable furniture, a TV or ping pong table can be a low-cost way to show your agents and staff that their happiness matters. Not only will it help blow off some steam, it will boost interoffice connections and office culture.
Invest in Your Agents
An agent that feels invested in and valued is one that will stick around. New agents can often feel the frustration of the learning curve and overshadowed by their senior counterparts. Focusing solely on your top performers is an excellent way to push new agents out the door.
Hosting a welcome and training day for new agents will show you care about their success and will be supporting them along the way. Also, teaming up more senior agents with new recruits will allow for hands-on experience and a mentor to turn to during difficult transactions.
Providing your agents and staff with ongoing training and learning opportunities is a sign that you're not only invested in them, but that you're also actively aiding in their success.
Pay it Forward to Your Community
One for the most effective ways to build up office culture and promote a sense of teamwork is to give back to your community. Providing a way for agents to establish connections while simultaneously making a difference is a win-win for all involved.
Hosting a food drive, collecting winter coats for the homeless or participating in a larger fundraising effort is a great way to provide for those in need while collectively working together, strengthening relationships among the office and community!
Richard Frankel, REALTOR® with Durham Region Property Search, helps you buy, sell or rent your home in the Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area. In his spare time he enjoys exploring new neighborhoods and finding great local restaurants. Looking to purchase a home in Western Pennsylvania? Frankel recommends Integrity Plus Realty.
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