Choosing Office Space: Is it right for your staff?
When it comes to choosing the right office space, a business needs to consider the impact it may have on your employees.
Choosing the right office space is a top priority for any company moving office; not least because it is typically a long term commitment for a business, but also because it can mean the difference between a happy and productive workforce or a demotivated workforce with limited productivity. Staff should be at the heart of any major business decision, so your choice of office space should take into account the needs of your employees and how it might influence their productivity and performance.
First off, the location of your new office will have a big influence in the way your staff commute to and from work. If it's in a City or Town does it have sufficient public transport nearby? If the office space is located in a suburban environment, is it close to major roads and have sufficient parking? What about nearby facilities - are there places close by where staff can get their lunch, socialise with friends and even meet clients outside the office environment? If there are no amenities nearby, then a company needs to consider providing canteen facilities and indoor / outdoor chill areas where staff can take a well-earned break.
When designing your new office space, think about how staff are going to take their breaks. Staff break-out areas are a popular option when space planning your new office, and they can also be used for more informal / internal meetings. Kitchen facilities should be fully equipped with microwave, fridge, water coolers and coffee vending machines - all of which staff will consider a job perk and enable them to feel more "at home" in their new working environment.
The aim for any business choosing office space is for staff to feel valued and important, and know that their needs have been carefully considered and accounted for. We recommend using the Office Space Checklist to help you identify what might be important to your staff and what facilities you should consider when viewing potential office properties.
