Read again: Business signage: More than just getting from A to B

As the modern office becomes less static and increasingly changeable, businesses cannot underestimate the importance of non-verbal information. Opportunities exist for dealers who can meet demand for improved signage

Visual cues and direction are important in the workplace, particularly now that many businesses have adopted a hybrid working style, meaning staff may not be in the office regularly. Signage provides direction but also communicates information about branding and company identity.

Dealers have a role to play in assisting customers to achieve the correct sort of messaging in their signage. The types of colour, style and positioning used can have a significant impact on how visual aids are perceived. Steph Gentle, marketing director at Beaverswood, says “Visual communication (viscomm) plays an important role in the workplace. Signage is a great viscomm aid. Colour is a very powerful and effective visual cue, using coloured document frames and boards enable you to communicate important messages,

In an era where office layouts are constantly shifting, signage that can be repurposed for any number of uses can be of benefit to businesses. Dealers should look to provide versatility in their offerings – for example, using colourful self-adhesive and magnetic frames to house different signs makes them super-flexible.

The importance of signage when it comes to safety in the workplace cannot be understated. As businesses become more aware of the varying visual needs of staff and visitors, dealers can support customers to effectively communicate safety messages. Steph says, “Safety signs don’t have to exist purely in the form of a traditional sign; many workplaces make use of the floor to communicate powerful messages,” This might include directions to walkways, fire routes or to signify important information such as the location of first aid stations.

Ensuring signage is visible at all times remains a vital element, impacting customer choices. There are several ranges available that can be stuck to windows and, crucially, these leave no residue when they eventually need to be taken off. This is important for customers, says Rosie Brown, marketing assistant at Durable UK. “There are now a wide range of products available which are designed to attach to smooth indoor surfaces. “Signage has had to be versatile, and adaptable, due to important information changing so frequently. Signage that requires no drilling and can be easily attached in seconds in any environment, is very popular now.”

Peter Clayton of Spectrum believes that while the main purpose of signage is to communicate simple messages, it can do much more – more creatively – if you let it. “Signage such as custom-designed wall graphics is popular currently as this provides an easy and simple way to freshen up a space.”

The demand for colourful, attractive signage that can be easily re-used seems set to increase, given the frequency with which messages need to be changed these days. For dealers who can offer the versatility and flexibility needed by clients – whether that be in the office, schools or any other workplace – signage options can be an easy win.