People don’t like waiting. It is a fact of modern life that most people do not enjoy waiting in lines, waiting for a restaurant table, or waiting to see the doctor. When it comes to waiting at a medical office of any sort, setting up a reception area can help make the wait far more bearable for your clients.
Important Tips on Setting up a Reception Area
If you are just opening your practice, expanding into a reception area, or simply looking for advice on how to improve your existing waiting room area, we have a few things you should keep in mind.
Seating and Tables
The most crucial element of setting up a reception area is the furniture. Waiting is hard enough without having to sit in uncomfortable chairs. While you may be more concerned with affordability, your clients are more concerned with comfort. The good news is there are many options available on the commercial furniture market that encompass both affordability and comfort. Another element to consider is durability. You want seating that will last for many years without needing replacement.
Many offices choose the common wood framed chairs with upholstered cushion seats because they are comfortable for clients and the wood frame makes them long-lasting. However, feel free to choose whatever style chair best suits your budget and preferences. You will also want to include tables in your reception area, both to store information pamphlets or reading materials and to give clients a place to put their purse, drink, or other personal items while waiting. End tables also add a nice cozy element to an otherwise stifled environment.
Elements of Décor
In addition to seating, you will need to consider other elements of decor when setting up a reception area for your business. Offices, especially medical offices, can quickly come across as cold and lifeless. You want to make your clients feel at ease from the moment they walk in the door for a better overall visit. Many offices choose to incorporate several décor items that are known for increasing coziness, such as potted plants, hanging artwork of soothing sceneries, and choosing paint colors that are not too bold and unnerving.
Entertainment
The final element of setting up a reception area is to provide some sort of entertainment for your clients while they wait. Many offices install televisions to keep clients pre-occupied, as well as the standard reading materials of different magazines. Make sure you include the entire scope of your clientele age range when planning entertainment. If you frequently have younger patients or parents accompanied by their child during the visit, include age-appropriate materials in your waiting room, such as children’s reading materials, coloring books, or other small toys to keep them entertained.
