Creating an office space that works for your operations, employees and goals can feel like an impossible task, especially if you’ve never attempted it before. This handy guide takes you through the key considerations, so you can have confidence that you’ve covered all bases and created a functional set-up that will go the distance as you grow your business.
1. Choosing the right workspace model
Companies have vastly different ways of working these days beyond the traditional office-based 9-5. Before you sign a lease, consider your proposed working model and decide what kind of space would suit it best.
If most employees will be remote, a flexible coworking arrangement might be more cost-effective than an exclusive office. Conversely, if you need somewhere to host clients, you’ll benefit from a permanent address, even if a significant percentage of employees are on hybrid contracts or work from home.
Remember to think ahead and choose somewhere which gives you room to grow. The last thing you want is to establish the perfect office and then have to up-sticks after only a few months.
2. Finding a good location
Location is a key motivator behind how often people come to the office. If it’s conveniently situated by transport links, employees will be more likely to come in during the week as travel times are manageable. Dedicated parking spaces are a bonus too, especially if you’ll be hosting clients coming from further afield.
A lively district with shops and cafés offering diverse lunch options and fitness centres running daytime classes encourages staff to step away from their desks and return refreshed.
3. Ensuring attractive amenities
Amenities can make the difference between an office feeling clinical or like a warm and welcoming place to be. Practical facilities like toilets, heating and air-con and reliable Wi-Fi are a given but thinking beyond these essentials will really entice your staff and create a collaborative atmosphere that impresses visitors.
Small touches that support employee wellbeing will always be well-received. For example, a professional coffee machine and quality coffee beans are bound to bring joy and create a natural gathering point where staff can bond. Comfortable seating in communal areas also encourages communication. You could also consider changing rooms with showers so employees can opt to travel by bike or on foot but still look and feel fresh for the day ahead.
4. Designing the layout
Your layout should reflect how your teams work. Perhaps some are on constant calls while others need silence, demanding a hybrid design that splits the office in two. Open areas encourage collaboration, but too many rows of desks can make the space feel cramped and noisy. Meeting rooms are a must, and should be all shapes and sizes to accommodate different needs without wasting space.
Remember to prioritise lighting as well. Natural light lifts mood and reduces reliance on harsh overheads, while adjustable task lamps give individuals more control over their environment. Automatic lighting operating on sensors can optimise use and contribute to lower energy bills.
5. Providing practical essentials
The real test of an office is how smoothly it supports daily tasks. Put practical essentials such as ergonomics first, ensuring a safe set-up for working with display screen equipment and furniture that supports musculoskeletal health. Comfort is key to productivity and establishing company loyalty in employees.
Beyond safety essentials, concentrate on making processes as efficient as possible. This could be as simple as getting a printer that actually works, setting up recycling waste points by desks and keeping a stock of basic stationery. You don’t need to spend lavishly – just anticipate needs and update your design accordingly.
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