Moving On Up: Choosing & Setting Up a New Office Space

When your workspace is a physical office, there are many elements to consider to make it a pleasant and professional place. Your goal is twofold: To make it conducive to productivity, efficiency and professionalism for employees while also imparting a lasting impression that speaks to your company’s reputability and desirability upon your clientele.

When setting up a new office space, you’ll want to plan and execute the operation according to some prudent practices so as to make the most of the undertaking for all concerned.

The features that matter when choosing and setting up a new office space include:

Location of the building - Where your business is situated matters to both customers and employees.

If yours is a business that relies heavily on foot traffic, you’ll want to be conveniently and easily located, have easy access, be situated in a highly-visible area where signage will draw in business and have ample, no-fuss parking available. This factor is slightly less important if your business hosts small, occasional meetings or consultations with clients; a less-prominent location can work well. It’s important to factor into the equation your employees’ commute to your office. How easy is it to get to from where they live? Are there direct routes? Easy access to public transportation?

Size and configuration of the space - It’s a good idea to plan for growth (unless you’re purposely downsizing).

Choose a facility that’s a bit larger than you need so that the addition of several employees or more equipment won’t automatically see you outgrowing your space too soon. It should appear uncluttered and have a sense of spaciousness and breathing room so employees don’t feel like they’re tripping over one another as they carry out their duties.

Has your business grown to the point that it needs more features like meeting or conference rooms? A reception area? A kitchen or break room? Private room(s) for changing clothes or lactation?

Configuration of workspace - The potential setup of the workspace is a critical consideration.

Shared equipment should be able to be centrally located for easy access, but kept out of the way so as not to block a natural traffic pattern through the space. Offices and meeting rooms should be situated near windows for natural light. You’ll want to consider how your employees work when configuring the workspace. Providing a variety of options in which employees can choose to work helps promote their engagement and productivity. Is there room to set up areas for collaboration? What about coworking? Is there adequate room for cubicles?

Furnishings and equipment - The new digs are a good opportunity to outfit your office with some upgrades on its furnishings and equipment.

Comfortable seating for everyone - from reception to desks makes a noticeable difference in the way the surroundings are experienced. Ergonomic equipment, like standing desks indicate that you care about the wellbeing of your employees.

Decor - A new office calls for - at the very least - fresh paint.

It’s said that calming colors, like green and blue, facilitate focus and productivity. Plants create a warmer, less institutional aura around the space. Art or murals humanize an otherwise generic environment.

Your business’ office space speaks volumes about the degree to which you value your employees and customers alike. When upgrading it then, taking care to make smart decisions about everything from location to layout to decor will help you make the most of the big move.

What would you prioritize in choosing a new location for your business’ office space?