The office you choose can have a big impact on the success of your business. After all, your workplace affects everything from productivity to staff morale, brand image, accessibility and the sort of applicants you can attract.
To ensure that you choose the best place for your company, there’s a long list of things to consider. Here are some of the most important factors to think about when it comes to finding an office for your enterprise…
Age
When it comes to choosing office space, the age of the building you locate your company in is something that deserves careful consideration. Older builders can add a lot of character and a sense of history, individuality and prestige. However, modern buildings usually come with far fewer maintenance issues, are less likely to carry building restrictions and help to create a contemporary image. Be sure to weigh up the pros and cons, and bear these in mind when you’re making your final selection.
Building Manager
If you’re going to be renting your office space, it’s important to find out who manages day-to-day operations, security and building maintenance. If it’s a firm, take a look on Google to see what comes up; people often share any horror stories they might have. If nothing comes up, make sure that you ask the existing tenants how they’ve found the service they’ve received.
Building Regulations
If you’re buying a property, or you’re going to be responsible for any maintenance costs, it’s important to make sure that any offices you’re considering meet current building regulations. If you find that any work needs doing, such as replacing the lighting or heating, factor this cost into your decision-making.
Disabled Access
In line with the Disability Discrimination Act, all offices must meet certain regulations. Make absolutely certain that your proposed space meets these, or could be easily updated to come in line with them, before signing on the dotted line.
Eating
Your staff members are going to need to eat – and eat well – in order to stay happy at work. Thus, when you’re looking for the perfect building, take into account the eating facilities. Is there a good canteen on-site? If not, are there suitable places to buy or eat food close by?
Exterior
Appearances count. No matter how good your office looks on the inside, a dilapidated exterior will bring down staff morale, and make taking clients back to your office out of the question.
Facilities
When you’re looking at a property, take into account what facilities are available to you and what you need. Some businesses may need only a basic set-up; others will require something much more extravagant. For truly high-end enterprises, serviced offices like those offered by LEO, with their swanky meeting rooms and extravagant interiors, may be the best option for creating a refined brand image. Others will need no more than a kitchen, central office space and toilets.
Growth
Is your business likely to grow in the near future? If it is, will you be looking to employ more staff members, or need more space for any other reason? There is little point in signing a tenancy agreement for a building that will only suit your business needs for half a year before you have to move again. If expansion seems likely, then make sure that you have room for it.
Parking
Many of your employees will drive to work. For some, walking won’t be an option and public transport is something they simply won’t consider. These people are going to need somewhere to park, or else you’re going to lose them. This doesn’t mean that offices without car parks should instantly be ruled out, however: if there is sufficient free or cheap parking close by this will probably suffice.
Find a property that ticks all of your criteria and you’ll have discovered the ideal office for your business.
