Starting a new office can be a challenging concept. You’ll likely be looking for an innovative office design company if you’ve got to this stage (hopefully we fit the bill). There will be several variables to take into account and it is also likely that you hope to have all tasks completed within a specific time frame.
The approach for an office design project is to appreciate the main areas of concern and how each can be addressed in a clear manner. To take the guesswork out of this equation, we have put together a concise checklist. Let’s take a look at some primary issues to keep in mind when deciding upon your office space.
Even if you’re not a startup, 2018 may just be the year to move to a new office. Rombourne recently put together some key insight into why moving office in 2018 is a good idea.
The Environment Itself: Space Planning
Before committing to any type of contract, always remember that there is much more than meets the eye than floor space or square metres alone. So, determine the answers to questions such as:
- What options do you have when arranging the layouts of desks and telephones?
- Are blinds or curtains present to increase privacy and reduce solar glare?
- Will the colour scheme or existing decor need to be completely modified?
Be sure that the space provided offers flexibility in the event that you may wish to modify the floor layout in the future. Is there a break area, a kitchen and a sufficiently large conference room? Not only will these “quiet zones” allow the office to feel less cramped, but they are essential in terms of comfort and when meetings need to take place.
Selecting Furniture
We should also recognise that the type of furniture chosen will have a direct reflection upon the office itself. So, spend a substantial amount of time looking at different motifs and design options. Consider the aesthetic appeal and determine how this can mirror your brand. Are you looking for sleek and stylised options or is your main concern comfort? A few other variables to examine are:
- Making certain that the dimensions of the furniture do not require too much space within a smaller environment.
- Choosing durable materials that can stand up to daily wear and tear.
- Seating that is comfortable for employees and visitors alike.
There can also be times when you are looking for bespoke designs or custom-made furniture to present your office in a specific light. If you have the budget, this could be a useful option to contemplate.
The Digitally Equipped Office
Communications within the office represent another very important variable. Older locations might not be equipped with VoIP sockets and wireless Internet connections. This could cost you a great deal of money in the event that such amenities need to be installed by a third-party provider. So, run through a short digital checklist which accounts for the presence of:
- An adequate number of telephone lines.
- Ethernet cables and access points.
- Broadband Internet.
- The correct number of electrical outlets.
- On-site routers to handle online communications.
Finally, check to see if your current provider will allow call forwarding from your old location to the new office. If not, it could be a good idea to compare new service plans to find the best deals.
Supplies and Other Essentials
There is nothing worse than opening up a new office only to realise that you have forgotten to purchase basic supplies. Toilet paper, cutlery, coffee mugs and a small microwave can be a few examples here. Some other must-have items include (but might not be limited to):
- Pens and pencils.
- Log books, binders and file folders.
- Standard A4 printer paper.
- Filing cabinets, desks and hands-free headsets.
It should also go without saying that other common electrical devices such as VoIP phones, faxes and audio-visual equipment will also normally fall within this category.
One Step at a Time
It is best to tackle this checklist in sections to avoid confusion. If possible, assign employees specific topics so that the entire process runs smoothly. Create a budget and a time frame to develop a clear “game plan” moving forward. With the help of this quick office start-up overview, you can handle even the most challenging of moves with professionalism and efficiency! Take a look at our Office Design page to see how we could help you simplify the process further.