There are many technical aspects of starting a business. It’s fun to talk about starting a company when you’re talking about profit margins and attention-grabbing marketing campaigns, but there are the less exciting aspects of building a startup. Factors such as logistics, choosing a headquarters, prompting sustainability in the office, and taxes are chief among them. If you’re having difficulty choosing an office space from which to build your startup, here are some considerations that could help you narrow your search.
Location and Ease of Access
In most business districts, traffic and a shortage of parking spaces can easily become a real problem. Having an office that’s located in an area that’s easily accessible can greatly contribute to the growth of your business. A space that’s near establishments such as malls, coffee shops, and bars can also help contribute to employee morale.
Rental Rate
The rental rates offered to your business have a direct impact on growth, as this is a major operating expense. Generally, you should choose only an office space that’s priced reasonably. Be wary of hidden charges such as parking and maintenance fees.
Company Size and Nature of the Business
Naturally, your company size will determine how much space you need. However, not all jobs required the same space. For example, call center workers don’t need a lot of desk space, while architects will require ample space to plan. It’s important to ensure that your employees have enough space not just for their comfort, but also for their health. This is especially important to consider at a time when physical distancing is strongly encouraged.
You have to tailor your office space needs to that of the people who will eventually occupy the space. It’s no secret that this is a painstaking process, which is why there are many services that handle this. Some groups operate for niches. For example, the Jeff Tabor Group works with law firms and helps them secure an office space that’s ideal for them.
Floor Layout
The floor layout of your office has a subtle but significant impact on employee productivity, engagement, and happiness (which also affects employee retention). When choosing an office space, it’s important to consider lighting, air quality, acoustics, and design. A floor layout will also contribute to the safety of your employees during an emergency. You want an office space that has enough space to allow for the evacuation of all your personnel when needed.
Bonus Tip: Always Have an Escape Route
This escape route is taken in the context of a contract. Even when you’ve secured the office space that you need, it’s important to prepare for contingencies. You never know when you might need to terminate your lease. Having an escape route includes having a lease cancellation clause in your contract as well as having a way to move your assets out of your office space safely.
There are many other factors to consider when choosing an office space, but these are by far the ones that have a direct and significant impact on the growth of your company. Always think ahead, and always plan your route carefully.
