Space hopper Friday? Just say no.

Picture the scene: it’s the mid-90s, you work in a large office and you want to demonstrate to your colleagues that you have a fun side. That you are a humorous guy who would be well worth getting to know on a personal level.

For many, the only option was to wear some sort of wacky tie. Garish patterns and colours or, if you really are the life and soul of the party, one with a cartoon character on it. Bugs Bunny or Betty Boop. Hilarious.

Of course, they were hideous and quickly became known as the sartorial choice of needy try-hards. I haven’t worn mine for weeks now.

However, it seems certain creative agencies may be falling into the same trap, especially some of those that featured in an article about ‘trendy’ offices this week on the BBC website that looked at the weirdest office receptions and working environments.

Scroll down that article and you’ll see an office with swings in it. Actual swings. For adults, at work. Give me strength.

You’ll also see grotesque plastic sculptures, uncomfortable-looking chairs, in funky colours, of course, and a boat.

There’s a creative agency not too far from here, based in a lovely shared office complex with big windows. And every time you walk past – and I mean every time – they are playing table tennis.

I’m all for having a bit of fun at work. You can’t concentrate for seven and a half hours a day solidly (or at least I can’t) and you need a solid, sociable relationship with your colleagues.

But if I brought a client in to an office and we had a ball pit in reception, I’d be embarrassed. Or what if you’ve got a table tennis table in the corner but a piece of work is, through no fault of your own, delivered late. Does the client believe your legitimate reasons, or do they or suspect you were playing ping pong all afternoon?

When these wacky firms submit a new business tender, does the prospective client flick through your proposal and think: “Well, their ideas, strategies and reporting methods are a bit dodgy, but hey, it says here that every third Friday is Space Hopper Day! Give them the contract!”

If this makes me sound miserable, then fair enough, I’d rather we stood out in the marketplace for offering good value, great service and unquestionable results than because we’re allowed to write on the walls.

You’re welcome to visit the BIM Creative office any time. You’ll have to sit on a normal chair and drink from a regular sized mug, and we have stairs, not a slide… but all that means we’re ready to concentrate on raising your business’ profile. Give us a call on 0191 233 6397 or come in for a hot drink and a chat about SEO.