A company’s office space can have a far larger impact on the overall success of the business than many people realize. Business owners need to dedicate a significant amount of time and research to find a space that will suit their needs well. Finding the perfect office space is sometimes easier said than done, however. There are many different factors you will need to consider in order to ensure the space is as functional as possible and will not only suit your current needs but can adapt to suit your changing needs over the years.
Selecting the perfect space, therefore, may take a bit of trial and error. When armed with a comprehensive list of things to consider when choosing an office space, however, the process can progress much more smoothly. This brief guide provides a deeper insight into what to consider and includes several tips to help you assess your business’s needs in regard to a potential office space.
Location
The location of your office space can be instrumental in your company’s upward growth over the years. It’s best to position your office in an area that will be easily accessible by your most loyal clients. This is particularly important if you operate in an industry where it is common to have regular onsite meetings with clients, vendors, and other corporate partners. This will help you make and solidify stronger connections with important people in your area and industry. It’s also important to consider how the location of your office space will affect your employees. If you are moving from one office space to another, be sure to consider how this move will affect your employees’ daily commute. Some employees may not be willing to alter their commute, especially if it adds a significant amount of drive time to an already tedious commute. It’s often in your best interest to select a new office space that’s somewhat close to your original location. This will allow you to maintain your original workforce while also putting you in a better spot to meet and interact with clients, both literally and figuratively.
Opportunities for growth
As we’ve stated, it’s important that your office space not only suits your company’s current needs but also will accommodate your changing needs in the future. With any luck, your business will grow and change significantly over the years. Your office space should be able to handle such growth easily. Allowing a little extra room to grow will keep your employees from bumping elbows as the company expands, helping everyone breathe a bit easier as the company shifts and changes. Factoring in the opportunities for growth will also reduce the number of times your company will need to relocate over the years.
Tech capabilities
Technology has become an increasingly important part of most businesses in recent years, whether the company operates on a digital plane or not. Because technology is used so often to conduct business and maintain internal operations, your new office space should possess the necessary accommodations for said technology. Make sure that all conference and meeting spaces possess the necessary capabilities to accommodate televisions, phones, computers, and any other forms of technology you will need to run your company efficiently.
Functionality
Functionality is perhaps the most important consideration when shopping for a new office space. The office space must reflect your company’s daily operations and should make it easy to pursue these operations efficiently. In this respect, it’s often best to choose a bare-bones office space. Doing so will allow you the freedom to renovate and create a space that will accurately reflect your company’s workflow. Be sure to consider how desks and individual offices may be arranged when looking at potential spaces. If your company holds large meetings on a regular basis or conducts projects where collaboration is key, you must factor this into the overall functionality of a space as well. The more care and consideration you afford to functionality, the more efficient your company will be and the more successful it will become as a result.
Accessibility
In addition to functionality, you will also need to consider how accessible the space is for all people, including those with disabilities. Your office space should be easily accessible by everyone who may come through the door, whether they are employees, clients, or customers. Accessible doors, ramps, elevators, and parking spaces are all necessary to ensure your space is as inclusive as possible. You should also consider accessibility as it pertains to transportation to and from the space. Not everyone who visits your office will arrive by car. As such, it’s a good idea to select a space that is easily accessible via public transportation. The more inclusive your space is, the faster it will be able to grow.
Price
Finding the perfect space without blowing your budget is not always an easy task, but it’s essential when considering what office space to choose. Depending on the size and location of a space, the cost to buy or lease may be quite significant. It’s best to create a rough budgetary outline before you even begin hunting for a new office space. When crafting this budget, it can be helpful to conduct a cost analysis to assess your company’s annual profits. Breaking down monthly expenses will also give you a good idea of how much you can budget for your lease. Be sure to also take extra charges into consideration, including the cost of Wi-Fi, utilities, and waste management for each potential property.
Amenities
Some office spaces may even come equipped with perks. If the office is located within a larger building or business park, your employees may benefit from certain onsite amenities. These amenities may include an onsite gym, cafeteria, or free indoor parking. While these amenities may be nice, they shouldn’t sway your entire decision. View them as an added bonus. Considering the functional aspects of the space first and the amenities second will ensure that your business can maintain its professionalism with a few added perks.
To view various office spaces for lease in Florida, contact our team at Demetree Real Estate Services today.
