Eighteenth century statesman Edmund Burke and my mother didn’t have much in common but that didn’t prevent them from sharing a philosophy that “Good order is the foundation of all things.”
“Everything in its place” was a familiar mantra within our diminutive ranch-style house. Organization was paramount. We had to ensure our parents could safely navigate around toy cities, dolls and bikes and be able to locate items efficiently. Grade school projects, dinner dishes and bill-paying paperwork had to find a “home” each night.
Organization is a component of good design. In my travels I’ve seen some serious offenders of my mother’s mantra. If you recognize any similarities in the following examples, all is not lost.
• A desk exhibiting “organized chaos” is not the best advertisement for the services you provide. A cluttered desk may cause concerns that special requests will be overlooked.
• Visitation rooms filled with a stockpile of random chairs indicate a decorating attitude of “that’s good enough.” “Good enough” is not how families wish to have their loved ones remembered.
• Literature (sales or educational) should not be strewn about or casually left on a console or coffee table. If it’s important, make sure it’s easily noticed.
• Crowded consultation rooms obstruct clear-thinking and good decision-making. Clutter can overwhelm and distract.
• Greeters are always appreciated however well-positioned signs work when employees aren’t available. Make navigation easy for all visitors.
Simple solutions will maintain organization and impress visitors with your efficiency and business sense. Subliminally, we “see” more than we verbally acknowledge. What we see affects our sense of comfort and security.
• Keep office neat and store papers appropriately in stacked trays or in organized drawers. Wall pocket storage and cabinets keep forms handy and out of the way.
• If funds aren’t available to replace chairs, use chapel chairs or arrange matching chairs in groups of 4 or 6. Multiple sets of two matching chairs in a large room look like left-overs – which they are.
• Think of literature as a silent salesman. Place attractive stands in the lobby, restrooms, hospitality rooms – areas of high traffic where it will be noticed.
• Consultations rooms should feel “friendly” and neat. A coffee station, TV screen, storage console plus simple merchandise displays keep the area uncluttered and help all stay “on task.”
• Signage directing guests to offices, visitation spaces and restrooms should be clear. Just because you know where everything is doesn’t mean your guests do.
It’s not only important to keep your business organized but there are easy ways to keep visitors organized – thus keeping your place in good order. These simple extras translate into very thoughtful hospitality. They are inexpensive ways to show families how well you care for them.
• Place cell phone charger stations or extra outlets in a hospitality space.
• Offer high chairs to accommodate “little ones.”
• Keep an easy-to-set-up pack n play for use by young parents or grandparents.
• Store a portable wheelchair or two near the entry. Emblazon the funeral home name across the back (advertising and theft prevention).
• Utilize standard size frames to accommodate personal photos for a memory wall. When not used as a memory wall, feature pictures of sunsets, forests, etc.
Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions. Blessedly, my mother’s sense of order and purpose remain with me still and continue to keep me mindful of the little things that are worth our attention. To take Edmund Burke’s statement a step farther – “Good order” is good business.