So, you’re thinking of moving to a new office space. There are many reasons you might be looking to relocate. Perhaps you need to be closer to the central business district, or find a more convenient location for you and your staff to get to work. Maybe you are expanding, and your current premises can no longer accommodate the growing number of people in your team.
Whatever your reasons, finding a new office space can be a real challenge. There are so many factors to think about and people to consider when making the decision. You want to pick the premises that are best for your business while also ensuring that your employees are happy with the change too.
But once you have made the move your business will benefit from the improved location, increased space, and change of scenery. You will experience increased productivity and staff wellbeing as a result.
So, how can you pick the perfect office while minimizing any disruption and loss of profits caused by the move? Here are a few key factors to consider when searching for a new commercial premises.
Budget
Money is a big part of the decision-making process. Even though you may be upgrading to a bigger and more expensive office in a more desirable location, you need to be sure that you can afford it. It’s important to set a budget for the move, working out exactly how much in rent you can afford to spend each month. Make sure you only search for offices that are within your chosen budget. It’s important to note that you also need to factor in the cost of the move itself, as there will be all kinds of expenses including the removal firm, packing supplies, and any new furniture and equipment your premises will require.
Location
The area in which your office is located is key. Do you want to be in the heart of the city, or are you happy being located in a more scenic business park out of town? Offices located in the central business district of a city will be more expensive, but you will benefit from improved accessibility, networking opportunities, and local amenities. A more remote office may be cheaper and less crowded, but it may be harder to schedule face-to-face meetings with partners and clients. Consider your preferences and need to work out which location is best for you.
Accessibility for your workforce is also a major draw. Some members of the team may prefer to drive into work, so consider how easy it is to get to the office by road. Is there a lot of traffic in the morning? Is there free parking on site? For those who take public transport, consider the ease of getting into work by bus or train. If it is a thirty minute walk from the nearest station, it may be too far for many people.
Size
You need your office to be large enough to easily accommodate your existing team and equipment. It shouldn’t be a squeeze, with people crammed into tiny desks and jostling past each other for space. In fact, if your business is likely to grow in the future you should factor this into your decision. The last thing you want is to have to move again in a year’s time when you add several more employees to your workforce.
Lease Agreement
When renting an office space, it’s important to review the lease agreement and come to an arrangement you are happy with. Do you want an extended 12-month contract or are you happy to go with a rolling month-by-month contract. Opting for a longer term may be cheaper in the long run, and you will be less affected by price changes. However, a shorter rolling contract gives you a little more flexibility if you do decide to move again.
Logistics
There is a lot to think about when getting set up in a new office, but you want to ensure your business can get up and running right away. If your staff are still figuring out the logistics of their new surroundings, it may take some time for productivity to increase. Your employees will no doubt want to know about information like parking facilities, public transport, local amenities, office infrastructure, internet, and more. Will you need to get new local phone numbers, or can you simply transfer your old number to your new location? All of these logistical factors play a huge part in the decision-making process and will ultimately determine whether or not a particular premises is the right choice for your business.
Aesthetics
An office of course needs to be functional, but it should also be aesthetically pleasing too. Your staff spend a significant portion of their waking lives in the office, so it should be an environment that makes them feel happy and positive. They don’t want to work in a dreary, gray, miserable environment. So, when looking at potential new locations, make sure you consider the visual appeal of the place. Is it brightly coloured? Does it get plenty of sunlight in the day? Is there lots of space to move around or is it cramped and stifling? Put yourself in the mindset of your employees and decide whether or not you would be happy working here every single day.
It’s important to note that the office doesn’t have to be visually perfect right away, as long as there are opportunities to decorate the interior. Check the lease agreement to see whether or not you have permission to paint the walls and make major design changes. By adding a splash of color or hanging up some attractive artworks, you can turn any office into a positive and happy environment.
In conclusion, these are just a few of the important factors you will have to take into account when choosing your new office space. Of course, very few locations are 100% perfect so you will have to make compromises to keep everyone as happy as possible. Good luck finding your new location!
