Many of your course participants will not have had the experience of working in a professional office environment. In order to help participants grow accustomed to and comfortable with such an environment, the Stride Center model endeavors to mirror in every way possible a professional business environment. While our furniture and equipment is largely donated goods, we place a high priority on the overall visual effect of the office environment.
Here are a few quick tips to help spruce up your training spaces:
1) Paint – This is the most inexpensive improvement you can make and it makes a world of difference. It will provide your facilities with a fresh, clean look that shows that you care rather than a haphazard space you just pulled together. I would recommend a color other than the typical sterile white. Having professional painters handle the project for you is the most efficient, but if funds are really tight, rallying some student volunteers can create a similar outcome.
2) Clean or Replace Carpets – In line with paint, dingy, dirty carpets are not representative of a professional space. Hire professional carpet cleaners to do a deep cleaning but if all else fails, get the carpets replaced. Shop for carpet remnants for a better deal and remember, these are going to high traffic areas, so commercial carpet is the way to go.
3) Declutter – take a peek around your training rooms…is it a catchall for all your extra stuff? There should not be anything in these spaces that are not directly related to the class. As difficult as it may be, it’s time to box up all the extraneous things and move them to another area.
4) Upgrade Your Furniture – your furniture may be donated goods as well, but that doesn’t mean they have to look like an eclectic mix of garage sale finds. Seek out companies that are downsizing for deals on office furniture, check craigslist and other office furniture liquidators. A uniform look is the best to achieve a more professional environment.
5) Ensure that all Computer Equipment is Working – having equipment that is not functioning defeats the purpose, especially when you are offering computer repair training courses. If you have equipment that needs a little TLC, get them repaired immediately. If you have former students, here’s your chance to tap into their skills.
