How To Find The Perfect Office
One of the biggest first steps that any entrepreneur will take in regards to business growth is purchasing an office. Moving your business into an office is a sign that things are heading in the right direction and will continue to improve. However, just like moving home, moving into an office can be a stressful time; there are lots of decisions to be made. Where is the best location? Can employees get there easily? How much will it cost? With a lot of pressure looming over finding the perfect office, knowledge is key. Read on to discover the different types of offices that budding entrepreneurs can choose from and learn how to make it the perfect place for any business.
Consider The Size
The reason that you are probably in need of a new office is because your company is growing. Is it going to carry on expanding? How many employees do you have? Do you want a spacious layout? These are all things to consider as the size of your office is extremely important. Remember to think ahead as it is highly unlikely that you will want to keep moving offices every time your business gains a member; this will end up being both money and time consuming. Offices come in lots of shapes and sizes and usually state how many people they can cater for. Pay close attention to this. Your office should be a place that you want to stay in for as long as possible.
Location
The price of an office is usually very dependant on it’s location. If the office is in a central location and near public transport, then the chances of it being slightly more expensive are very high. However, you do get what you pay for, and a good location is key when looking for the perfect office. Luckily, there is plenty of help out there which can point you in the right direction (literally). If you want your business to have a recognisable address, then there are plenty of virtual offices in Liverpool Street that may be your best bet. Virtual offices are a great way for businesses to enjoy the benefits of a strong address without the costs associated with a full time office. These are perfect for businesses who may not need the expansion of an office or are just starting up.
Take note of where your current employees live and map out their journeys to work. If the office is easy to access, then employees are far less likely to be late and will turn up feeling more motivated to start the day as they didn’t need to have a long and stressful journey. Happy employees are the backbone of a successful business; listen to their suggestions. Of course, it can be hard to keep everyone happy, but if you ensure that the office is near transport and food outlets, then two major factors are covered. Draw up a rough draft of the offices interior and ensure that each employee will have enough space to get work done peacefully. A cramped office is not a positive place!
Think About The Business
Understanding what your business wants and needs is very important. Your office will essentially be the business ‘home’ and therefor needs to be a place where work gets done and clients can visit if need be. An office says a lot about a business and will do wonders for your brand reputation. Keep the office a flexible space for growth and planning.
Finding a new office should be an exciting experience for everyone involved and is an overall positive venture that proves businesses success. Ensure that you give yourself plenty of time and do not rush the whole situation as an office space can make or break your business structure. Once you are all moved in, remember to set some ground rules in order to keep the office a pleasant environment. Take a look at this infographic to discover some top office etiquette tips.