We’ve all heard the age old question of whether it was the chicken or the egg that came first. One of the reasons this question has held such significance over the years is that it can be applied to almost anything. People often make judgements on the first thing that appears to them – is it the office that is professional or is it the person behind the office?

Many people say that clothes or manners makes the man but the truth of the matter, in the business world, is that it is often the office and the company that makes the man. People are highly influenced by first impressions and when they enter your office they make a judgement about you and your company on first appearances. If your office is a mess, with files everywhere and half empty coffee mugs then this won’t portray a good business image. However, if your office design is bright and reasonably tidy with an obviously hard working team, then you will be judged as much more of a professional. While the office may not come before the man/woman, other people’s impression of it will.