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How to find the perfect office for your needs

Find out how to find the perfect office space that meets your company's needs.

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Published on
December 13, 2024

Choosing the right office space

Selecting the ideal office space is essential to promoting your company's productivity and growth. In today's ever-evolving world of work, finding a space that meets your specific needs is important. Whether you are a start-up seeking flexibility or an established business prioritising professionalism, this guide will help you make informed decisions.

This article highlights the most important factors to consider when searching for an office: your business needs, your budget and your preferred location. We'll also highlight essential amenities that boost employee satisfaction and productivity, and lease terms that offer flexibility. By the end, you'll have the knowledge to select office space that not only meets your operational needs but also fits your company culture.

 

 

Assess your business needs

Selecting an office space starts with understanding your business needs. Begin by identifying the specific workspace requirements that are appropriate for your industry. For example, tech start-ups can benefit from open areas that encourage collaboration, while law firms typically require private offices to maintain confidentiality.
 

Consider what types of spaces are essential to your operations. If your focus is on client meetings and teamwork, prioritise collaboration areas, meeting rooms and lounges. On the other hand, if your work involves handling sensitive information, dedicated office areas for ensuring privacy are crucial.
 

Striking the right balance is essential. Research shows that 70% of employees prefer environments that combine teamwork with personal space. So choose office spaces that include open brainstorming areas as well as quiet zones or private offices for focused work.
 

Finally, consider your future space needs. Whether you are a fast-growing start-up or an established company planning to downsize, it is important that your office lease adapts to changes in headcount and strategy. Once you have clarified your requirements, the next step is to set your office space budget.

 

 

Set your budget

When selecting an office space, it is essential to create a comprehensive budget. When doing so, consider not only the monthly rent, but also utilities, maintenance and any hidden costs. It is important to take into account possible annual rent increases that could impact your financial performance.
 

Researching market prices in your desired locations will help you develop realistic expectations. Office space rent is typically higher in urban areas than in suburban areas. Understanding the market will help you identify competitive options that match your financial capabilities.
 

Think about how your rental costs will affect the overall health of your business. If you spend too much of your budget on rent, you may not be able to invest in growth opportunities. Try to keep your office rental costs below 30% of your company's turnover in the long term (this varies greatly depending on the company's activity).
 

Be aware that while initial costs may seem manageable, long-term expenses can quickly add up. Factor in costs such as insurance, property taxes and possible repairs when doing your financial planning. Making informed decisions about your office rental budget will improve your company's sustainability and growth prospects.
 

After you've determined your budget, consider the impact of location and accessibility. Placing your office in a strategic area can significantly impact talent attraction, customer relationships and daily operations.

 

 

Location and accessibility

Choosing the right office space depends heavily on location and accessibility, both of which are crucial for operations and employee satisfaction. A prime location not only facilitates access for customers and employees, but also increases employee productivity and retention.
 

Public transport links play a crucial role. Offices near tram or bus routes have a positive impact on employee morale, as a shorter commute is easier to manage. Statistics show that around 60% of employees consider commuting time to be a significant factor in their job satisfaction.
 

Additionally, proximity to amenities such as restaurants and coffee shops promotes a better work-life balance for employees. Easy access to these services provides convenient options for lunch and breaks. Ample parking is also crucial, especially in urban areas. Customers and commuters appreciate locations with accessible parking, which improves their overall experience.
 

Ultimately, a strategic location not only fosters a vibrant work environment, but also bolsters your company's reputation. After you've determined your budget, evaluate the necessary office features and amenities that align with your business objectives.

 

 

Features and amenities of office space

When searching for an office, it is crucial for boosting team productivity and satisfaction to be aware of the available features and upgrade options. High-speed internet is the top priority, as it is considered essential by 83% of employees. In addition, meeting rooms equipped with advanced technology significantly improve collaboration, especially in hybrid work environments.
 

Amenities play a crucial role in employee satisfaction. Rooms with open areas for meetings or quiet zones for focused work contribute to better employee morale and productivity. Research shows that modern amenities such as ergonomic furniture and recreation areas can increase employee engagement by up to 32%.
 

In addition, basic features such as security systems, cleaning services and kitchen facilities are important for smooth daily operations. A well-equipped kitchen not only supports employee needs but also promotes interaction between employees, thus contributing to a positive corporate culture. When evaluating your rental options for office space, be sure to align these features with your workplace strategy and your employees' preferences.
 

Ultimately, these amenities are essential for retaining talent and fostering a supportive work environment. Try to create office space that reflects your company values while promoting the well-being of your team. Once you are clear on the features and amenities you want, the next step is to evaluate your space and size requirements to ensure comfort and efficiency.

 

 

Space and size requirements

When choosing the right office space, size and layout need to be carefully considered. Start by evaluating your needs based on the number of employees and specific work requirements. As a general guideline, it is recommended that each employee be allocated 20 to 30 square metres, although this can vary depending on corporate culture and work tasks. For example, teams that value collaboration may require less space than teams that require individual offices.
 

It's also wise to consider future growth. Many companies miscalculate their space needs, resulting in overcrowding. To prevent this, review your headcount projections to ensure the office can accommodate both current and future employees. Look for flexible areas that can adapt as your team expands.
 

Making the most of space is vital. Understanding the layout of your rented office space can boost productivity. While open floor plans can encourage collaboration, they aren't ideal for every business. Consider the potential of underused areas and opt for multifunctional spaces that combine quiet work areas with collaborative environments.
 

Finally, prioritise the flow of movement within the space, proximity of collaborative and private areas. These considerations are key to renting efficient office space that meets your business needs and boosts productivity. When finalising your space requirements, be sure to review lease terms and flexibility, which are crucial in today's dynamic business environment.


 

Terms of lease and flexibility

Flexibility is especially important for businesses anticipating growth or change. Look for lease options that can adapt to scaling needs, such as shorter terms or early termination clauses. Coworking spaces offer a great alternative, enabling flexible arrangements without long-term commitments.
 

It's also important to clarify what's included in the lease. Be specific about who's responsible for repairs, maintenance, and utilities to avoid unforeseen costs that could impact your budget. Getting these details in advance can also help you avoid misunderstandings as your needs change.
 

Finally, you should consider how the office space fits with your company culture. A supportive environment not only improves operations but also reflects your company values, making it an essential aspect of your decision when renting office space.

 

 

Company culture and image

When choosing an office space, it is important to consider how the environment aligns with your company's culture and values. An appealing office design can significantly increase employee satisfaction and productivity. Research shows that well-designed workplaces can increase productivity by as much as 15%. In fact, over 70% of employees believe that their environment affects their mood and efficiency.
 

The location and aesthetics of your office also shape the perception of your customers and influence business relationships. A stylish office in an attractive area can enhance your brand image, as 80% of customers associate the appearance of an office with the quality of the service. Therefore, finding a space that reflects your brand is crucial to attracting and retaining customers.
 

Additionally, a workspace that embodies your company culture fosters employee engagement and loyalty. Companies that align their physical space with their company culture see a 30% higher employee satisfaction rate, which ultimately decreases turnover. Therefore, it is important to consider how office space can support your company image and culture.
 

 

Conclusion

Choosing the right office space is essential to the success of your business. Begin by evaluating the needs of your team to determine the ideal workplace. Setting a budget is crucial as it will narrow down your options and help you strike a balance between cost and facilities. Also, consider the importance of location and accessibility, as these factors will greatly influence the experiences of both employees and customers.
 

Next, evaluate the features and amenities that will boost productivity and comfort. Make sure the space you choose is designed for future growth and allows your business to evolve. It's also important to review the lease terms – a flexible lease can provide the stability needed in an ever-changing marketplace.
 

You should also consider how renting your office space reflects your company's culture and image, as this will influence employee morale and customer perception. Use the insights from this guide to refine your search. The right office can have a significant impact on your business, so approach this process with confidence.

 

 

About maison.work

maison.work specialises in the rental of commercial real estate and offers a wide range of office space, retail space and other commercial properties in Switzerland. Our innovative marketing solutions and focus make the search for commercial space effective and fast.