Whilst you could be forgiven for assuming this post is directed at discussing the effect painting your walls blue has on your well being, there are more important business reasons to prioritise choosing the correct office style.
The most important consideration is productivity. Getting feedback from your staff is the key to achieving this. Of course, if you can afford it, it is worth considering having professional planning done.
These are some of the questions you need to consider:
- Does a modern or period style better reflect your company?
- Do you need to be on the first floor?
- Do you require a self contained building?
- Do you require air conditioning, or is central heating sufficient?
- Must you have a commissionaire?
- Do your offices need to be prestigious, utilitarian, or perhaps funky?
Of course the reality is that many put keeping the cost low ahead of all of these factors. However, an office is an investment. If your premises is to be client facing, you might want to choose a more prestigious area due to the effect it will have on the perceived value of your business. Consider that if your product or service is high value, the difference of very few leads generated through this decision could more than make up for the cost.
If you may generate leads or customers from passers by, getting a ground floor location could make a dramatic difference.
On the other hand, if your London offices are not to be client facing, choosing a different district can make a dramatic difference in terms of price. Be sure to check the London office prices guide if you want an up to date approximation of current prices for office space in London.
The other questions raised here all have one thing in common. Can you guess what it might be?
That’s right, they all affect productivity. Research done on employee thoughts on their workspace revealed over 90% consider their office space as being important for their productivity level.
Also, consider growth, it might save you a headache later down the line.
I will be posting more about this research so stay tuned.
For more essential tips and advice, have a look at The Knowledge - and for answers to your questions about London office space, check out our FAQs.
Ian Kitchener
Ian has advised Central London office occupiers for over 20 years - fighting their corner and making sure they get a great office on the best terms. He has a diverse client following, often working with creative companies.
