It’s a new year, and you may be feeling the need for a fresh start!
A new office space can give your company the step up it needs to build momentum in the new year. A fresh start can look like many things. This can be moving to a new space or even just upgrading the one you are in now.
If you’ve been contemplating shifting office spaces, chances are you are running into some issues that have put a damper on your productivity. It’s a big decision to change your environment, and you have to be sure it’s the right time.
This article will explain some early signs that it is time to move into a new office space!
Sign #1 – Overall Growth
Overall business growth can be an early indicator that a workplace change is in your companies’ future.
A small business might be operating out of a home office for their initial years, but productivity can only go so far when making makeshift workstations in the corner. If the valuable office space you have is stretched thin, it might be time for you to move into a larger, more accommodating space.
Growth can look like new team members. It sounds obvious, but the more people you have physically working in an office, the more physical space you need.
Ask for feedback from your team, and keep an ear out for signs they are feeling cramped. If their workstations are tight and not conducive for good work, this is essential feedback to know. Using modular and flexible furniture can be a good short-term solution for rapid growth, but there will come a time, when space simply runs out.
If your organization has recently adopted new technology, that can mean a different space is needed to facilitate that change.
New technology will take up new resources like power or space. Depending on what this new technology is, it may require an updated office to accommodate it. This can mean larger workstations are needed for your team members or different configurations, and a fresh space that you can customize will be ideal. If your organization’s direction has slightly changed and you now have new machinery or tools, this could also require an updated space.
An example would be a company that creates screenprinting products. In the beginning, they may only have the resources for one screen printing machine, but as business and demand grow, additional machines are needed. These additional machines don’t only need additional space but also will consume more power and bandwidth. Their ideal working space has changed, and now they need an area that can accommodate more people, power and machinery.
Another growth indicator is if different storage or warehouse opportunities are needed. With the world rapidly changing, some companies have had a surplus of materials and no room to store them. Having additional storage and warehouse space is a way to be prepared for current demand and demand in the future.
Storage and warehouse space can be expensive, so if monetary issues arise, look at short-term local solutions like shared facilities or multiple smaller spaces.
Sign #2 – Financial Changes
This may also seem like an obvious indicator that a change is on the horizon for your organization. However, by keeping your bottom line at the top of your mind, you will be able to make swift changes to your space before they become necessary.
Examine what portion of your profit goes to keeping your space up and running. Look at the different options of obtaining a space and see if there is a different avenue you can explore to save money in the long term.
Organizations can buy, build or lease new office space. However, no matter what you chose to do, each option has different short-term and long-term costs.
Renting an office space means that you have no major upfront costs, but it can be a volatile market and finding the ideal space might not be possible. If you have the budget, building your own space will mean it’s completely customizable, but this clearly has large upfront costs.
If you are trying to save money, a new office space can help achieve that without sacrificing other things. Perhaps look at moving to a different area of the city where rent may be less expensive, and you can keep the same size space you require.
Another financial change is maybe a new space will be more expensive and a little out of reach, but it will actually increase your income in the long term. A good example of this is storefronts, where moving a block over to a busier street might result in higher rent and more foot traffic.
By examining your projected income and overhead costs, any financial changes to your company are a sign that it could be time to change your office space.
Sign #3 – Culture Shift
The space you operate in plays a major role in the culture of your organization. Your office culture will thrive in the right workspace, and the wrong space can be detrimental to productivity.
Look around your space and take inventory of how it’s being used and if that can be optimized. Some things to consider include looking at your collaborative spaces versus your individual workspaces. You must have a layout that can make your employees feel comfortable working and a space where they feel safe. There should be ample room to provide space for various different kinds of work.
A new space could be just the revamp that your organization shift the culture in a positive direction.
For a variety of reasons, workers are shifting to working remotely. You may be tempted to go completely remote and get rid of physical office space. This can work for many companies but be careful, throwing away all your real estate.
Having a collaborative and innovative space for employees to work in will be critical over the next few years. Instead, maybe shift to a new office space that works alongside the emerging new work culture. Learn more about hybrid workspaces in our 2021 office trends article!
If you feel stuck in the past and your space seems outdated, this could be a sign that it’s time to move into a more modern space. A change of aesthetics can be exactly what your team needs.
Look for a building that follows the trends while still allowing productive work. Modern-day workspaces are flexible and allow for configurations for today and whatever the future brings.
If you are looking at your options for outfitting a new office space, our team at Office Interiors is happy to answer any questions you might have!
Emily Adams
Digital Content Specialist
Office Interiors
