What Do You Really Need in a Workspace? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going on the Office Hunt!
There’s a lot that goes into the perfect workday: finding the right clients, the right hire, the right spot for your lunch break. And while there is always a new meal deal around the corner, sourcing something like the right office requires a little more planning.
The right workspace needs to meet your current needs while also aligning with your long-term goals to support you, your team, and your business for years to come. And then there are the extras. Do you need meeting space? What about location? How many desks should you plan for? Who has the company card for the milk run?
Don’t worry, while finding your next workspace is a big decision, we’ve put together five essential questions to consider that will help guide you along the path to your dream office. Time to focus on what truly matters, ensuring that your new workspace is the ideal environment to watch your business thrive!
1. What Are Your Hiring Plans?
Before hitting the office search engines, take a moment to think about your company's growth trajectory. Are you planning to expand rapidly, or is your team likely to remain stable for the foreseeable future? This is one of the most important factors to consider because it directly influences the size and type of space you need.
If you expect significant growth, you’ll need a flexible office that can scale with you. Conversely, if your team size isn’t expected to change much, you might prioritise a workspace that’s perfectly tailored to your current needs, with just a little wiggle room for future hires.
Remember, it’s easier to adapt when your office space has some flexibility built into it, and businesses that anticipate rapid growth should consider flexible workspaces with scalable options to avoid the hassle (and expense) of frequent relocations.
2. How Often Do You Host Clients?
Another important consideration is how often you host clients at your office. If your business model involves regular client meetings, you’ll want an office space that not only impresses but also provides a variety of spaces suitable for different types of interactions—from formal meeting rooms to casual lounges.
Many flexible or serviced offices will have dedicated spaces for hosting clients, but when it comes to meetings, it’s important to get down to the nitty gritty. Aesthetically, do you need a more traditional, professional setting? If you’re in a creative field, you may want a more open, interestingly designed space.
Likewise, if client meetings are a rare occurrence, then perhaps a smaller, more focused workspace with occasional access to meeting rooms will suffice.
3. What Kind of Work Do You Do in the Office?
Not all workspaces are created equal.
What might be a dream office for a design agency could be a nightmare for a software development team. Understanding the type of work your team does in the office is crucial in finding a space that enhances productivity rather than hampers it.
For example, if your team frequently collaborates on creative projects, you'll want an office with open spaces, whiteboards, and perhaps some breakout rooms for brainstorming sessions. On the other hand, if the work requires deep focus and concentration, consider an office with quiet zones or private offices where team members can work without distractions.
Before you begin your search, chat with your team. After all, they’ll be the ones utilising the space each day, so it’s a good idea to get their input before you sign a lease agreement.
4. Where Are Most of Your Employees Based?
Although hybrid working is becoming the norm, the location of your employees is still a crucial factor when selecting a new workspace.
Before you settle on an office location, consider where most of your employees are commuting from, and think about how they get to the office. Public transport? Driving? Cycling? A central, accessible location can make a huge difference in attracting and retaining talent, especially if your team is spread out across different areas.
If your workforce is predominantly remote, you might not need a large central office at all. Instead, you could opt for a smaller space that acts as a hub for occasional meetings and collaborations, with the majority of work happening remotely.
5. What Kind of Culture Do You Want to Foster?
Your workspace can be a powerful tool in shaping and reinforcing your company culture. Whether you’re aiming for a culture of innovation, collaboration, or independence, your workspace should reflect and support these values.
For instance, if collaboration is key to your culture, opt for an office with plenty of communal areas where employees can interact informally. If fostering a quiet, focused work environment is more important, private offices or designated quiet zones should be on your list.
At Grafter, we understand that your environment influences your work, which is why it’s so important to have an in-depth understanding of your business, your team, and the work you do before moving into a new space.
Choosing a new office space is a big decision, and it's easy to get lost in the sea of options. But by asking yourself these five essential questions, you can narrow down your choices and find a workspace that’s perfectly tailored to your business's needs. After all, the right office isn’t just a place to work—it’s a place to grow, innovate, and succeed.
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