Whether you’ve just purchased a commercial building in Milwaukee or are looking at office space for rent in Melbourne, a well-designed and functional space is essential for productivity, employee satisfaction, and your own peace of mind. To help you make the most of your fresh start, we’ve developed this step-by-step guide to setting up your new office space efficiently.
1. Know Your Needs and Your Budget
Before diving into the process of designing your new office space, it’s essential to define your needs and budget. For the “needs” side of the equation, consider the size of your team, the nature of your work, and any specific requirements you may have. This will help you accurately calculate the amount of space you need, the type of furniture and equipment you require, and other relevant specifications.
From here, you can work out a budget. Unless money is no object, it’s a good idea to create two versions of your budget – one where you spare no expense, and one where you reign in the spending. This way, you’ll have a range to work with, giving you an overview of where you can afford to spend and where you need to cut costs.
2. List Your Non-Negotiable Features
Once your needs and budget are down on paper, it’s time to plan your office layout. At this stage, you’ll want to consider such factors as natural light, soundproofing, and accessibility.
You should also create designated spaces for different functions – think workstations, meeting rooms of varying sizes, and common areas. This will ensure your office space is organized, multifunctional, and conducive to productivity and collaboration.
3. Audit and Update Your Equipment
Moving to a new office is the perfect opportunity to audit your equipment and update anything that’s no longer optimal. This may include computers, printers, telephones, and specialized equipment.
If you’re not an IT expert and don’t have an in-house team, it’s worth hiring an IT outsourcing company to help you audit your equipment and then install everything at your new site. That way, you’ll know for sure that everything is properly installed and functioning correctly before your team arrives for work.
4. Opt for Ergonomic Office Furniture
Since you’re updating your space and your equipment, why not treat your team to new ergonomic furniture too? This is an excellent way to welcome your team to the new space as ergonomic office furniture can do wonders for their health and well-being.
From chairs and adjustable standing desks to table-top equipment, these upgrades can help prevent musculoskeletal disorders and improve your team’s overall comfort. Be sure to give them input into the furniture you select, and you’ll be rewarded with a healthier, happier, more productive work environment.
5. Make the Space Welcoming for Your Team
A welcoming environment can significantly impact employee morale and productivity. So make your space inviting by bringing in decor elements like plant life, art, and comfortable seating areas. Personalize the space with your company’s branding to foster a sense of identity and community.
6. Troubleshoot the Final Details as You Go
Once you’re all set up, it’s easy to assume the hard work is done. While this is true to a certain extent, you should still have your eyes open scanning for aspects of the environment that may need improvement. From the lighting levels to network connectivity there are many elements that may require some adjustments. So troubleshoot as you go, and be sure to act on feedback from your team.
Follow this simple six-step guide, and you can create an office environment that promotes productivity, collaboration, and employee well-being.
