collaborative post // Getting the keys to your first office is a big milestone for your small business. It can make things feel more official, creating space for you and your employees to run your business and find opportunities to help it grow.
With a new office space, you’ve got a blank canvas to create the perfect work environment for your employees and your business. Here are seven things to think about to create the perfect office space for your small business.
1. Create a variety of spaces
Modern offices work well when they’re designed to meet a range of business needs. From private meeting spaces to collaborative areas, there are different ways you can make the most of your floor space. Think about what your business needs and design an office that can accommodate it.
While you may not have the budget of some of the world’s coolest offices, you can take inspiration from them to bring some interesting and exciting elements into your office.
2. Don’t forget about technology
In today’s business world, it’s essential to have a strong IT infrastructure in place to compete. Technology can help you run your office more efficiently, communicate with customers and clients more effectively, and store important data securely. However, setting up and maintaining a strong IT infrastructure can be a challenge for small businesses.
That’s where IT help desk support comes in. IT help desk service providers can help you select the right technology for your needs, set up your systems, and provide ongoing support and maintenance. As a result, you can focus on running your business, safely in the knowledge that your IT infrastructure is in good hands.
3. Get creative with your office design
Who said an office space has to be all white walls and dark floors? Your office space can be whatever you want it to be, so why not make it a true representation of your business and what you do?
Bring colour and life into your office space, with design features that will be sure to attract attention. From stand-out signage to a plant-filled office interior, you can use your creative style to build an office that people will love.
If you only have a limited budget for decor, why not check out some second-hand goods? You’ll be surprised at what you can find if you shop around, and you’ll be playing your part in helping to reduce waste.
4. Enable remote working
Even though you’re building your dream office space, you should still include remote working in your plans. You never know when you might need to run your business remotely, so it’s a good idea to put provisions in place. Enabling remote working will also give your employees some flexibility to work from home as needed, helping you attract top talent while also helping your employees enjoy a better work/life balance.
5. Make sustainability a priority
Sustainability should be an important consideration for any new business. A new office gives you the chance to focus on sustainability from the beginning. There are a lot of useful tips to help you go green with your office, including ditching single-use plastics like cups and cutlery and implementing some energy-saving methods.
Consult with your employees for further ideas to develop a sustainable workplace. With everyone on board, you’ll stand a better chance of making it happen.
6. Make it easy to manage
Your office should be easy to manage – it shouldn’t distract from running your business. There are things you can outsource to make running your business easier, including cleaning and maintenance. Even your print services can be managed! But what are managed print services? These are services that can take care of your office’s printing needs while keeping your costs down.
7. Encourage health and wellbeing
It’s essential to maintain a happy and healthy work environment. Having happy, healthy employees will help limit absences while helping to maintain their well-being. There are various things you can do to boost employee wellbeing, including bringing in some fitness challenges and making sure employees take proper breaks.
Getting together at lunchtime can be an effective way of bringing small teams closer, bringing many benefits to your business. Wellbeing days can be a fun way of getting everyone to take a break from work and focus on their health. They’re a great excuse to recharge and have everyone return with a fresh focus on work.
8. Keep it fun!
Lastly, your office should be fun! A fun office is somewhere where people will be happy to go to work, where they feel comfortable and at ease. There are lots of ways you can make your office fun, from having coffee and cake hours to early finishes on a Friday for a team lunch or drinks. Find ways to bring everyone in the office together to create a more relaxed atmosphere for your team.
A modern business deserves a modern office to help it thrive. From the way you decorate it to the atmosphere inside, there are a lot of different elements you can bring together to create your perfect office.
