Finding the perfect office space can be challenging for any business – and every business is looking for something different in a place to work. Before you help a new client begin the hunt for office space, you need to understand the company’s unique needs.
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Does your client need office space that has privacy and is free of distractions, or an open floor plan that encourages collaboration and group discussion? Does he or she prefer a sublease or a long term lease?
While everybody has unique requirements, there are some necessities that every business owner should consider when setting up a new office space. Below, we’ve put together a list of 5 things that every business needs – and that every realtor should help them find – to create an efficient, productive and comfortable workplace:
1. Space for their team
It’s important that a business’s staff is comfortable and able to stay focused, so they stay productive. The easiest way to ensure that? Make sure they have enough room to work. Nothing kills productivity faster than feeling cramped or stuffed into an office that’s too small. Do some simple calculations to figure out how much space your client will need for their team (these basic rules of thumb can help). And when in doubt, always round up – it’s always better to have too much space than too little.
2. Natural and overhead light
Your client will need a well-lit office to ensure his or her staff is performing at their best. Studies show that natural light is good for productivity and health, so try to find an office with lots of windows and a good view. Also make sure that there’s sufficient overhead lighting, and that your client won’t have to invest a lot to update existing wiring or light fixtures.
3. The right character
An office contributes to the character of a workplace and a team, so help your client choose his or her office space carefully. Ask your client to consider their team and their company culture, and try to find offices that reflect their answers. Does their company pride itself on being young and tech-savvy? Look for an office in a hip, up-and-coming neighborhood. Is their team open and collaborative? Search for an open floor plan. Every office has distinctive features, so find the one that best fits each company’s unique character.
4. A mix of public and private space
More and more offices are gravitating toward open offices, and that’s not a bad thing. However, there are times when private rooms or quiet work areas are still required – whether it’s for one-on-one meetings or solo brainstorming time. Make sure the office spaces you show your client have a good mix of both open, collaborative spaces and places for quiet, private work – their employees will appreciate having both options.
5. Amenities
When it comes to offices, workspace isn’t the only thing that matters. Consider things like parking spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, recreational areas and more. Does your client want a full kitchen or just an area with a microwave and coffee maker? What about a break room with a pool table? Is the area somewhere your client is comfortable spending a lot of time – or asking his or her employees to spend a lot of time? Ask your client to consider the amenities of each office space they see. Do they meet the needs of his or her team – and will they continue to meet the needs of the team as they grow?
Finding your business clients the right office space can go a long way toward ensuring their – and your – success. Consider these 5 things as you seek out office locations for your clients, and you’ll be on the right track.
About the author: Abby Perkins is Editor in Chief at Talent Tribune, a Software Providers blog dedicated to jobs, workplace culture, and HR solutions