In earlier blogs, we’ve explored how to manage workspace effectively and adapt layouts to suit evolving ways of working.
If your current lease is coming to an end, this could be the perfect moment to reassess your setup, so, what should you be thinking about?
Your office environment says a lot about your business.
It reflects your company’s values and culture, and it’s often the first impression visitors, clients and potential recruits will have of your organisation.
It can speak volumes about your professionalism, priorities and overall success.
Location, Location, Location
Begin by evaluating your current location.
Ask yourself:
Where are your key team members based?
How many actually need to return to a physical office and how will they get there?
Consider whether your business address plays a crucial role in your success. Is it vital for client perception, networking or local presence?
Or, could your services and products be just as effectively delivered from a different location or even through more virtual, flexible channels?
Company Size
Where’s the business going in the next 3–5 years?
Even if you're expecting team growth, do you actually need more desks? Or are you planning a hybrid setup with 2–3 days working from home?
You might not need extra seating but you could need more meeting rooms.
Growth doesn’t always mean more desks; it means smarter space.
Layout & Design
One of the biggest shifts in modern working life is the balance between work and home.
The traditional five-day office week is fading fast and while fully remote work appeals to some, research shows most people don’t want to work from home every single day either.
The new norm is likely to be a hybrid model so two or three days in the office, the rest remote with flexibility around core hours.
That said, it won’t be one-size-fits-all. Some employees may choose to be in the office every day due to personal preference or circumstances, while others, especially those living further afield, might work more remotely.
Either way, there will be a different emphasis put on the office and its use, whilst still keeping to its core functions.
Activity Based – Connect – Conference – Co-Working – Concentrate
Desk sharing will take place, personal storage will be needed and particular attention needs to be paid to the conference and meeting space.
In addition to this you must remember square footage is not always square and some spaces do not lend themselves to a conducive layout. At BGF&I we are able to assist you with the space planning and design.
Technology & Infrastructure
Companies that had a strong IT infrastructure going into the pandemic have proved more resilient during it allowing for staff to work remotely.
Planning is key, installing fibre optic lines can take up to 8 weeks from BT so it is critical you have this in place before commencing a move.
Take a good look at the building structure, is there a raised floor access or are you going to have to wall mount power and data.
It is also an opportunity to review whether a cloud based system might work best for your business going forward.
Know Your Budget
It is imperative that you know your budget, not only what the costs of the lease are but any additional or add on costs that might come further down the line.
You also need to factor in any fit-out work, additional or new furniture and a re-location cost.
If you are engaging with an agent have a good idea as to what the limits are so you do not waste time and effort on unaffordable projects.
Contingency Plan
This can fall under a number of areas, starting with the building, is it best to have two options on the table just in case one falls by the wayside?
Can you get a lease with a 3 year break clause to allow for expansion or reduction giving you maximum flexibility?
What are the options on the IT, with working remotely are more of your staff going to be connected over the next 6 to 12 months.
Finally do you have a reserve when it comes to a budget, being spent out when the move takes place is not a good place to be.
The BGF&I team are ideally positioned to assist you with these changes in your business. We can take you through the process from planning to delivery of an office and the re-location of the team.
Drop us an email on sales@bgfi.co.uk or call 01865 920220
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