If your business operates out of an office space, it can be very easy to complacently chug along without thinking about the benefits of an updated location. When, as a business owner, you have reached this level of comfort; it can be very difficult to consider uprooting your organization in search of a new home. What you may not realize though, are the far-reaching benefits of new office space. The correct space can be directly related to improvements in employee efficiency, recruitment and retention. If your office space is exhibiting any (or all) of the following signs, it’s time to think about moving to a new office.
Your Office needs a remodel
If things around your current office are starting to fall apart, obviously it’s best to call your landlord. If you have a good relationship with this individual then your maintenance requests may be responded to quickly, but if they are a regular occurrence it is no longer worth it. As a business owner, you understand the importance of growing and managing your business so dealing with office issues regularly is a waste of valuable time.
Beyond that, older offices are sometimes in desperate need of a full remodeling. If paint is coming off the walls, the roof is leaky, or the general appearance is a turn off to potential clients (or recruited employees) then it is time to move on.
You have outgrown your space
This is a very positive reason to be on the search for new office space. If your existing workspace is not enough room for all of your employees (and future ones) then it is obvious that a new office is in your future. It may be difficult to tell when exactly your current office has become out grown. A few key indicators include:
· You don’t have enough offices for executive employees
· You find yourself rearranging the office for each new hire
· You have received complaints about employees being uncomfortable
If you find your business is dealing with any of these issues then it is time to start planning for your company’s growth in the coming years. I recommend setting a goal for the number of total employees your company will have in the office 5 years from now, and looking for a workplace that meets these needs. With a 5-year lease this gives you the chance to fill the space before the lease is up and reevaluate at that time.
Your office doesn’t represent your company
The final sign to be discussed, which would designate a need for office relocation, is if your current office is not representing your company as well as it should. I understand that this aspect may seem more important in industries that entail regular meetings from clients (or other third party vendors) but this is not the case. In order for your business to be as successful as possible, recruiting top-notch candidates is essential. This is also a good time to weigh the pros and cons of replacing your furniture. I know this is costly but the interior parts of your office that you have control over also effect how these people view your office. If it is indeed time to modernize your furniture, try listing all of the current furniture for sale at below market price to get some money to invest in the new equipment. Anything that isn’t sold needs to be disposed of safely and properly by rubbish removal specialists.
Besides the need for your office to impress both employees and clients, it should also represent your company’s culture. If you have a highly collaborative culture between your departments, then having collaborative spaces for them to work would lead to more productivity. If everyone likes to get together in the break room during lunchtime, then the break room needs to be large enough to accommodate this. Every business will have different employee culture specific needs and business owners need to keep these things in mind.
