How to sell more toothpaste
Posted On: 21/02/2017 | In the Category: News, Office design
There is an old story, possibly apocryphal, about the toothpaste manufacturer in the 1950’s who was approached by a member of the shop floor, who claimed that he could increase the company’s sales of toothpaste virtually overnight.
He wanted to agree some form of recompense which the company was initially not inclined to provide and they continued other efforts to improve sales. But as pressure mounted eventually they relented, agreed a contract with their employee and asked him for his big idea.
It’s simple, he said – increase the diameter of the toothpaste tube by 25% and you will increase your sales by the same amount – people use toothpaste by length not width.
Whether true or not, it is a good example of the knowledge and wisdom that resides on those that work in a business at the ‘coal face’ and face the same pressures every day.
Which is why we like to talk to as many of the people working in the offices we are re-designing as possible, to get a proper understanding of how that particular office ‘ticks’.
We try and find out what they currently like about their office and what really winds them up. What would they miss if it was taken away – if anything? Where do the problems lie at the moment, is it proximity to others, is it noise, is it space, is it a lack of natural light or draughts? Are desks too small – or too big?
Is there enough storage; are there aspects of the office that sap time or energy? Is there close access to relevant files and equipment? Is the level of hospitality for guests appropriate and of a high enough standard, whether this is meeting areas, toilet arrangements or the availability of a much needed cuppa?
It’s only by asking these types of questions that we can really understand the mood of the work force and what will really make them happier and work at full efficiency.
Great staff deserve a great place to work!
How does anyone get any work done in here?
Often it is the little things that get mentioned that can be a real clue to how people feel and how we can make a difference, things that often the project committee would not immediately consider without appropriate feedback.
Ultimately offices revolve around people and not infrastructure and by giving them a platform businesses can benefit when those plans come to fruition. If people feel involved in the planning they will not feel shoe horned into a new environment but will take equal pride in what has been developed with their help.
It might not always be as quirky as the toothpaste solution but it can generate significant buy-in as you develop your office space.
Why not talk to Whitespace today – we’re sure to squeeze you in.
