Did you know that over three-fourths of office workers in the United States want to return to the office at some point? With people having to stay at home because of the coronavirus, it is more important than ever to bring your workers back into the office to establish a company culture.
If you are looking for modern office space, chances are that you need something that will fit all of your employees and work well with your company’s mission and goals. Here are a few tips for searching for a suitable office space that will work for everyone.
1. Make Sure It’s Accessible
Accessibility is extremely important when you are thinking about any office space selection because you need to accommodate all employees in your company. Make sure that all entrances, exits, and doorways are handicap-accessible.
If you have an office that is above the first floor, you need to make sure that it is also accessible by a working elevator. Employees or clients who have mobility issues need to be able to access your space as much as able-bodied people.
2. Look for Upgraded HVAC Systems
HVAC can be a common problem among offices if it is not updated properly. If you do not have an upgraded HVAC system, it can cause problems with overload. It may also increase your utility bill because usage will be higher.
Before you sign a lease on new office space, it may be a good idea to get an HVAC inspection done. You can bring in an outside company to check for issues such as mold.
To save yourself time, if you find an office space for rent, ask the leasing company about HVAC. If they tell you it has been updated recently, that is good news. You can expect lower utility costs and a state-of-the-art heating and cooling system.
3. Know How Much Space You’ll Need
With coronavirus causing most people to work remotely, it can be tricky to find out how much office space you will need. However, you should get a good estimate of workers that want to return to the office before your office space selection.
You also need to factor in flexible schedules with this accommodation. If you have more workers than space, you can implement a desk-sharing plan so you won’t have as many empty cubicles and offices.
4. Calculate Your Monthly Operating Cost
During the office space selection process, money is probably one of the main factors in your decision. Never spend more on a lease than what you can comfortably afford every month. You should also leave room for flexibility in case you need repairs or there is a rent increase.
Include rent, utilities, equipment, subscriptions, and other fixed costs that occur on a monthly basis. During the cooler and warmer months, you should also factor in extra money for your HVAC system. This way, your employees can stay comfortable without going over your budget.
5. Perks for Returning to the Office
Although working from home may seem like an attractive option for some of your workers, it can be detrimental if you want to make the most out of your fancy office space. Employees may quit and find a better opportunity if you force them to come back to the office with no flexibility.
You should try to find a middle ground that will incentivize people to return to the office, but not as a mandatory requirement. For instance, try to find an office space that has an upgraded kitchen, access to amenities like a gym, or other perks.
You may have more success getting employees to return to the office if you can meet their needs when they are on-site rather than working from home.
6. Secure Your Lease
Next, you need to make sure that you lock in your lease. Make sure to review the lease and read through it carefully before you sign anything on behalf of your company.
If the lease is complex or long, it may be in your best interest to bring in an attorney to help you with it. The extra cost could be worth it if they find something that could have gotten you into hot water later in.
Try to ensure that your rent price will be locked in for the designated time period. This is a good way to ensure that you will not get any surprise rent increases that you can’t afford before your lease is up.
7. A Productive Layout
Even if you have enough room in your new office space for your staff, you need to make sure that it encourages productivity. Consider the day-to-day operations of your company when designing your office space.
For instance, if you have a lot of people who talk on the phone, you may be better off with private offices where employees can close the door. This will help keep the noise level down and prevent interruptions to other workers.
8. Space for Potential Clients
If you are a client-oriented business, then you need to impress your clients and customers with your fancy office space. You need to consider the client experience as much, or if not more, than employee satisfaction.
A new office space is a great opportunity to upgrade your lobby or waiting room area. Try adding in refreshments or a snack cart that will keep them occupied while they wait to meet with your company.
You should also make sure that the offices and meeting rooms feel comfortable for your clients.
Find the Perfect Modern Office Space
If you want to find a new modern office space for your company, you should not have to stress about finding the perfect fit. With these tips, you can narrow down your choices and pick an office that will work best for your company’s needs.
Would you like to learn more about how you can design a suitable office space that helps your employees be more productive? Check out our site for more information on improving every aspect of your business.
