Setting up a company office is a rather straightforward task. Once you prepare the budget, you need to find the right spot according to your company's needs and create a perfect layout afterward. In this article, we'll share a step-by-step process of designing a perfect business office as well as the benefits of such a setup.
5 Steps for Creating a Perfect Office
These are the 5 things you must do to create an office of your dreams!
1. Set Up a Budget
Before making any moves, you need to set up a budget. As with any other form of budget planning, we always recommend that you overshoot your initial projects so you have leeway if you incur unexpected costs. These are some of the costs you should take into account:
- Office rent
- Workstations
- Computers and devices
- Storage
- Office supplies
- Software
- Utility bills
- Security
2. Find an Ideal Space
Depending on your business, location can be a very important factor. Ideally, you should be in a business zone with lots of amenities and proper support. You also need to decide whether you’re looking for office space for rent, office purchasing, or finding a full-service suite.
Among other things, you should take into consideration whether this office space is suitable for your team. Aside from cost and location, you must think about scalability, that is, if you’ll be able to add new staffers as your business grows.
3. Create a Floor Plan
When designing your business office, you must focus on efficiency. The main central area should be accessible for the entire team, with a storage area close nearby. You must also think about the placement of the meeting area; you don't want visitors to pass through the entire office floor and distract your employees.
Consider the placement of the rest area, as well as access to the windows. If you have a large team, you should probably consider allocating a dining area or even a canteen. Here's a short breakdown of all the rooms you'll potentially need:
- Reception area
- Main work area
- Break room
- Meeting room
- Dressing area
Use different tricks to change the floor layout. Office dividers, for example, are a simple solution that’s perfect for large teams, and they allow you to save money on renovation/building.
4. Create a Communication System
Given that modern companies rely on cloud-based software, having high-speed internet is paramount for a brand's productivity. As for the phone system, you can choose between VoIP (voice-over-internet protocol) and traditional landline.
Traditional landlines are much better for standard calls, although they're lacking in terms of internet quality. VoIP, on the other hand, gives you access to modern phone features, including call routing and analytics. We also suggest you introduce software, such as Slack and Skype, for your internal communication needs.
5. Purchase Furniture and Equipment
Once you settle in, it’s time to find the right furniture for your company. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t only think about practicality and comfort; you should also consider brand identity. Here’s everything you’ll need to buy for your company:
- Desks and chairs
- Storage cabinets
- Computers
- Other machines, devices, and equipment
If you want to optimize your layout while getting cheap, quality furniture, we suggest you hire a professional architect. Although some owners see this as an unnecessary expense, having a great office space is vital if you intend to stay in the same location for a while.
Benefits of a Perfect Office Space
Excellent office space will significantly boost your productivity. On top of that, it also shows how much you care about your staff and anyone else who comes around. Here’s a list of all the benefits that a fantastic design provides:
Enhance Team Productivity
As mentioned, a good office layout is vital for your productivity. Designers usually focus on the open space concept to give employees as much room as possible while improving team connectivity. Furthermore, each employee should feel comfortable and have enough personal space, even if you're using cubicles as separators.
Improve Engagement
When you focus on employees' needs and comfort, you get a much more satisfied, enthusiastic workforce. Using this approach will significantly reduce employee turnover and absenteeism while eliminating loitering.
Boost Employees’ Health
Having ergonomic furniture is vital for employees' health. Given that your staff will spend hours upon hours stuck behind the desk, you must ensure they have proper body support. You should also introduce a proper ventilation system and plants to boost air quality and reduce absence due to sickness.
Increase Credibility
Your office space tells a story about your brand. It shows your mission, values, and culture firsthand, which leaves a lasting impression (positive or negative) on visitors. Great layout, advanced office features, and comfortable furniture will increase your company's reputation, making it easier to onboard clients and work with other stakeholders.
Conclusion
Hire a veteran architect to design your office. Find someone who specializes in business design and who can create a proper layout for your particular needs. Having a perfect design will make things easier for your staff while also improving your business outlook.
