5 Tips for Choosing Suitable Office Space
Written by Tom Brialey // Also shared on Startups.co.
When you’re on the hunt for office space, the number of factors surrounding the search for a suitable working environment can actually make the process quite daunting. You need to satisfy your business’s current needs while also looking to the future, making sure that wherever you choose is cost-effective and good for team morale, as well as accurately reflecting your brand image.
If you’re beginning your search for the incubator your startup needs, here are five tips from locker and shelving manufacturer Action Storage that should help you make the right decision for your business.
CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION WISELY
The first thing you’ll need to think about is where your new office space is situated, as the last thing you’ll want is clients struggling to find the place. You’ll also want to make sure your space stands out in their mind for the right reasons, making attractive surroundings another factor which may feature heavily in your decision-making process — and that includes finding a space that lets in a lot of natural light. When it comes to your employee retention, it’s best to choose a location that employees can commute to easily — otherwise they may decide to seek out a job closer to home.
FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT
For many startups, the budget for physical office space won’t stretch particularly far. There are, however, many simple and effective methods you can use to make the most of the limited space available to you — such as installing lockers and shelving bays as a space-saving storage solution — but the top priority should, of course, be ensuring that your team have the room they need to work effectively.
If you’re upgrading to a new and improved office, size will no doubt be one of your key concerns — especially when it comes to giving your enterprise room to grow. Look ahead to the future of your business and opt for office space that can be adapted to accommodate a larger team or evolve over time, as your startup does.
CHECK THE PRICE TAG
A crucial question to ask yourself is whether or not the price is right for you and your business. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to feel confident that you aren’t stretching yourself too thin on the lease. Make sure that moving forward in terms of acquiring the office space you want doesn’t actually slow your business’s growth in other areas, due to the price tag attached.
Consider any hidden costs that may be attached to your new office space, such as parking, internet access or any other bills that could sneak up on you. To give yourself peace of mind that you’ve chosen a genuinely affordable option, your best bet is to straighten any and all additional costs out before you sign on the dotted line.
CONSIDER COMPANY CULTURE
Your office space will undoubtedly go a long way in terms of cultivating the office culture you’re trying to promote within your company and project within your industry. With this in mind, remember that your office should have the necessary space to accommodate breaks and any relevant team activities, while also creating a positive lasting impression with any clients who pay you a visit. Appearances may not be everything but, in the world of business, they often count for something.
INVESTIGATE ACCESSIBILITY
From nearby amenities to fast and affordable internet, it’s important to pay due consideration to what you’ll have access to at your new office space. Naturally, you’ll need to provide your employees with access to any basic welfare facilities, but there are other factors to bear in mind before you take the leap.
Having a sufficient number of parking spaces will be particularly important if you’ll invite clients to visit your HQ on a regular basis, and it may also be worth thinking about whether your office will need to be wheelchair accessible for the benefit of either your team or any visitors.
From size matters to company culture concerns, there’s a lot to think about before you invest in an office space for your startup — but by finding somewhere that checks all the boxes relevant to your business, you can rest assured you’ve given your new company the room it needs to grow.
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