Moving into a new office space can be a daunting experience if you have never done it before. There are many factors to consider (both internally and externally to the office environment) which will impact on the suitability of the space and the most optimum use of it for your business. This article provides information on the 5 most important factors to consider once you have confirmed your new office location.
1. Segment the office space using office plans to scale
Before moving into the office space, ensure that you have correctly analyzed the space for existing staff and furniture as well as any anticipated growth over the occupancy period. Once you have understood your space requirements for the entire occupancy period, you can then create office plans which accommodate for your immediate and long term needs.
2. Install office partitions within open plan spaces
If you are going to create segmented areas within an open plan office, install glass partitions. Glass partitions help to increase natural light within partitioned spaces and are also cost effective to install and remove as you require. Glass partitions also provide a higher level of professionalism to an open plan office, making the office look more accommodating to staff and visitors. Office partitioning requires some advanced planning but with external advisors the implementation can be simple and cost effective.
3. Do not compromise on value add areas such as staff break out areas
The biggest downfall with open plan offices is an underestimation of a business’s growth. Ensure that the space you are committing to is viable to accommodate your business regardless of changes in operational size. Compromising on break out space for extra desk space will be detrimental to the morale of the staff.
4. Ensure sufficient lighting is available in all areas
Having natural light within an office space is a crucial element to keep staff motivated and productive at all times. Ensure that your office layout takes lighting into consideration and that any office partitions or storage furniture does not block natural light out.
5. Invest in the advice of office refurbishment specialists
If you have a large open plan office that needs to accommodate a large number of staff, invest in specialists for office refurbishment. London based refurbishment specialists can advise, design and build office layouts to suit the requirements of businesses of any size.