Moving to a new office is an exciting time for your brand, as it is often a sign that a business is thriving and growing. However, it is also a huge financial commitment, and you must choose the right space and environment for your team and operations.
The wrong building in the wrong area could slow your business down, increase employee turnover, and cost a considerable sum to undo. To help you make the right decision, here are four factors to consider when moving to a new office.
- The Location and Commute
The right location could open the door to top talent, more suppliers, and many brand-new customers. When moving to a new office space, assess its access to public transportation, on-site parking, and even cycling facilities for staff and visitors.
Next, consider your existing employees. Identify whether all staff members can easily commute to the new address each day. Access to local amenities, such as restaurants, gyms, or childcare services, could help boost morale and support for the new office.
Learn more about the neighborhood’s reputation, too. A new office in a prestigious location could improve your brand’s credibility and trust with potential clients, customers, or partners.
2. Accessibility and Building Access
Never overlook the importance of accessibility and building access when choosing a new office. While you might find it easy to enter and exit the building each day, one or more employees might have mobility issues to consider.
Compare the number of commercial elevators to the building’s occupancy to ensure staff with mobility issues can easily access the office. They should also be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
If you are moving into an older or low-rise building, where an elevator can’t be installed, commercial accessibility lifts are a great alternative where permitted. These allow users to remain in a wheelchair and independently travel between floors.
3. The Layout and Business Growth
Once you have confirmed the office space has a great location and is mobility-friendly, turn your focus to its size and layout. Compare the square footage against your headcount, which you may want to adjust to reflect hybrid work.
The new workspace should provide room for the business to expand and feature meeting rooms, private offices, and quiet areas to support productivity.
4. Health, Safety, and Compliance
One factor you cannot afford to compromise on is health, safety, and compliance. For instance, your new office space should strictly follow occupancy limits and building codes, and it should meet local fire codes, offering systems such as smoke detectors, fire sprinklers, and fire extinguishers. It should also provide working fire alarms and clear emergency exit paths with illuminated exit signs to help employees and visitors escape if needed.
Before signing a lease, request information on the building’s HVAC maintenance history, which will help you gauge air quality throughout the working day. Also, consider your employees’ physical security and choose an office that provides 24/7 keycard access, surveillance, or an intercom system.
