If you run a business, creating a positive and productive workplace should be high on your list of priorities. If you’re new to the game and you’re on the lookout for suitable premises, or you’re worried that your workplace may be holding you back, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect new office space.
Location and price
For some businesses, location is a lot more important than others, but it’s likely to play a role in the decision-making process regardless of the type of company you run. Sometimes, the zip code can enhance your reputation and give your company more of an exclusive feel. In other cases, location is important due to logistics and transport links. If you employ a large number of people or you host client meetings on a regular basis, for example, it’s a good idea to look for office spaces to rent that are within easy reach of a bus, train or metro station. If you only have a small team and your focus is getting products from A to B on time, proximity to major road and rail networks may be more important than being in the center of town. The location of an office can also affect the cost of renting an office. You’ll often find that being out of town can save you a lot of money, so weigh up the options, and make the decision based on what will benefit your business most.
Space
Space is a valuable commodity for many companies, especially those that are located within the business hubs of large cities. When you’re looking at potential options, make sure you know exactly how much space you need, and consider the layout. If you run a business where you offer flexible working arrangements and many people work from home 2 or 3 days a week, you won’t need as much space as you would if you had a large team that was on-site every day. The way you work can also dictate the kind of space you need. If you’re keen to support collaborative working and you like employees to work together, it’s worth looking for offices that have large communal areas and separate rooms for meetings and seminars, as well as space for individual stations.
Feel and aesthetics
The feel and look of an office can have a significant impact on productivity. Think about how you would feel if you had to work in that office before making a decision. Would you feel motivated, energized or inspired or would you find the space claustrophobic or drab? Look for offices that have large windows and plenty of natural light. Research shows that employees who are exposed to natural light are more productive than those who work in offices that don’t have windows. If you’ve got a blank canvas, you can make the space more visually appealing by adding potted plants and wall art.
Are you on the lookout for a new office for your business? If so, keep these pointers in mind, and hopefully, you’ll find a suitable space in no time.
Photo credit: Wikicommons
Investing wisely in the workplace, where people spend most of their time, after all, benefits costing as well as productivity. As mentioned, space, feel and aesthetics are key. However, recently we’ve found that the focus is very much on creating social or break out areas as these are very highly valued by staff but also improve productivity. We believe that the ideal balance is to create quiet break areas where people can take some time out for themselves (booths are very popular for this), as well as more social spaces where people can chat, play and collaborate.