Suite deal: how to make sure your next office has everything you need
COVID-19 has seen a complete overhaul of the modern workplace and the traditional office. Attitudes towards working from home have gone from being for the few to the vast majority of people expecting home working to form a significant part of the new normal. The convenience this offers is undeniable but does not necessarily herald the death of the office. Here we will look at the best ways to ensure your office has all it needs as more and more staff return to the workplace.
Check your office
Before looking at your new space it is worth evaluating the existing area to see what works and what needs work. Ask your staff for their feedback. They will be best equipped to tell you their needs for the new office. This prevents repeating past mistakes whilst also increasing a sense of value among your team.
Whilst working from home has its benefits it is not without fault. It is important to understand these inconveniences to ensure they can be rectified in the office. Commuting to the office is an inconvenience in of itself so minimizing any further issues is of prime importance. The most obvious is the problem of technical difficulties. Staff working from home have different internet providers and so resolving these issues is likely to take longer. The access employees have to equipment at home will also vary affecting consistency. Other areas for concern include distractions, be it household chores, answering the door, and so on. Also, loneliness has proved particularly problematic as a result of a lack of interaction with colleagues.
Positive steps
Initially, it may seem that these problems are individually determined, but there are still steps you can take with office design and setup to combat them. Firstly, ensure your tech is up to date to reduce the chance of IT problems. In addition to equipment, use the internet provider with the highest speeds available to you. Distractions are not limited to the home so design your office space with this in mind. Remove any unnecessary distractions, remembering to regularly check in with colleagues about what does and doesn’t work for them.
Tackling loneliness involves more organization of space than it does supplies. Designate areas for collaborative working and engagement. Another overlooked issue is that of clean facilities and refreshments. It may seem like a small matter but we’re all familiar with the need for good coffee during a long shift. Last but certainly not least is making sure your office meets all accessibility requirements. As an appreciation of a diverse team continues to grow it is of vital importance to embrace rather than merely accommodate accessibility needs.
Should cost be a concern or if the added logistical pressure of maintaining an office be out of the question, perhaps consider serviced offices. Serviced offices in Victoria allow for combining high spec buildings with a prime location.
By taking these tips and advice into consideration you will be in pole position when making your office meet all of your business’ and employees’ needs. Whether that be a new office or reconfiguring your current space, these ideas will help you to make the most of your environment.
