Finding the right office space is essential for fostering an environment of productivity and happiness. This varies among different companies, making it important that you take the necessary steps to consider what your ideal office space would be.
This blog will explore 4 steps to follow when searching for the best office space.
1. Set a budget
Setting a budget is a great way to ensure you choose an office space you can afford. While it can be tempting to choose a cheaper office to help you save money, it’s important that you choose somewhere that meets all of your requirements. Similarly, you don’t want to opt for a more expensive choice if you won’t use all of the space or facilities.
Creating a realistic budget that meets your businesses needs will help you find the right office for your company.
2. Prioritise the location
Location is an essential factor when looking for the best office space. Research by Clutch shows that 49% of employees say being near their home is an important factor in an office’s location. Choosing an office that’s near the majority of where your employees live or is close to a variety of transport links will make it easier for staff to get to work. A shorter commute to work also creates happier, healthier and more productive employees, helping create better quality work.
Choosing an office close to a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars is also great as it gives your staff the opportunity to socialise during lunch breaks or after work, helping to create better working relationships. In fact research shows that when employees leave their desk for lunch they tend to be happier about their work. This showcases that having an office in a location that gives staff the opportunity to have their lunch break away from their desk has significant impacts on both them and your company.
3. Think about comfortability and spaciousness
We all know that employees spend most of their time at work, so prioritising comfortability and spaciousness is essential. This can encourage an environment of productivity, creativity and overall well being. Opting for a space that comes with ergonomic furniture and well designed workspaces can significantly enhance staff productivity while saving you money. Managed office spaces that come with their own furniture and facilities could be a great way to find the best office space for your company that’s within your budget.
Having a spacious office not only provides ample space for staff to work efficiently but also helps to create collaborative areas and breakout spaces that promote teamwork and innovation.
4. Ask staff what matters to them
One of the most important steps to take when you’re looking for the best office space is to ask your staff what matters to them. Understanding what your employees value will give you the confidence that you’ve found the right office space.
According to a study by Forbes, 87% of workers want their employer to provide healthier work space benefits, such as:
- Wellness rooms.
- Fitness benefits.
- Sit-stand desks.
- Healthy lunch options.
- Ergonomic seating.
You can ask staff for their top priorities through 1-2-1s, meetings or by distributing online surveys. Getting your staff involved in the process of looking for a new office makes them feel valued and heard. It also gives you the opportunity to understand what their ideal workspace looks like and what factors you need to consider. These could include::
- How long it takes to commute to the office.
- The top desired features.
- What type of office or layout staff want the most.
Opting for an office space at Millennium Point
Here at Millennium Point we have a range of office spaces available that could be perfect for you. Our office spaces reside in our landmark building in the centre of Birmingham where a community of educators, innovators, creators and forward thinkers thrive.
Our office spaces offer:
- Flexible ownership options.
- Affordable long-term plans.
- Constant support throughout your lease.
As a result of us being in the centre of Birmingham, we’re placed near a variety of transport links, making it easy for staff and clients to commute to the office. We’re also near a range of restaurants, bars and cafes that allow your staff to socialise during lunch breaks or after work. This can also be beneficial for client lunches and meetings, helping you create better professional relationships.
If you’re looking for a new office space, explore our range of available offices to see if they’re right for you.
Opting for a managed office space can significantly reduce the stress of owning or paying for a space you need to run and furnish yourself. When this is paired with being located in Birmingham you have the perfect opportunity to expand as a company and truly invest in your staff and customers.
This blog will explore the benefits of renting managed office space in Birmingham:
Greater flexibility and scalability
Managed office spaces often provide flexibility, such as short-term contracts or giving you the option to come out of your agreement early. This allows you to easily adapt to changes within your business.
Having greater flexibility also enhances your scalability, as shorter contracts allow companies to easily adapt to changing requirements by expanding or downsizing their office space. This is particularly effective during the current cost of living crisis as it helps businesses better navigate the current climate and their finances.
Equipped workspaces
One of the many benefits of managed office spaces is that they tend to come fully equipped. This can include things like desks, chairs, high-speed Wi-Fi and audio equipment. This can reduce costs as businesses won’t necessarily need to spend money on furnishing their office space.
Having a well-equipped space can also lead to higher productivity and improved employee motivation. For example, spaces with lots of natural light and comfort can improve productivity and wellbeing.
Cost effective
Managed offices are cost effective as they reduce the amount of things companies need to pay for. For example, traditional office spaces require payment of gas, electricity and water bills, as well as furniture and maintenance costs. However, when it comes to managed office spaces these costs are often included within your rent instalments. They also tend to include things like reception support and cleaning costs. This helps to reduce overhead costs and provides a much more cost effective option for office spaces that still offer an exceptional look and feel.
Excellent location
Birmingham is an excellent location for your next office space. There are a variety of successful businesses in the heart of Birmingham City centre providing the perfect opportunity for networking, helping companies form new relationships with potential clients, customers and employees.
Being placed in the centre of Birmingham also places businesses near a variety of transport links, whether staff, clients or customers want to travel by train, bus, car or even plane, the choice is theirs. This makes it much easier for people to attend meetings or get to work, making it more likely that you’ll get the most out of your new office space.
Being located near a variety of shops, activities, restaurants and bars also allows staff to explore the city personally or as a team, contributing toward a better work-life balance and fostering better professional relationships.
Enhanced work-life balance
With managed office spaces having added amenities, such as a kitchen area, breakout spaces or fitness facilities a greater work-life balance can be achieved for you and your staff. Providing different spaces for your employees to work and relax in can create a better work-life balance as it can give them time to incorporate movement and breaks within their working day.
Furthermore, research shows that people who work in spaces with natural features report 15% higher levels of overall wellbeing. This can include things like:
- Having collaborative spaces and areas to relax and de-stress.
- Adding greenery like potted plants, living walls or flower gardens to rooms.
- Incorporating outdoor spaces like rooftop patios or a staff garden.
Managed office spaces tend to take a holistic approach to people’s working lives, allowing staff to seamlessly transition between their professional and personal life.
Renting managed office space at Millennium Point
Here at Millennium Point we have a variety of office spaces that could be perfect for your business. We offer:
- Flexible ownership.
- Affordable long-term plans.
- Constant support throughout your time at Millennium Point.
We’re also located in Eastside in the centre of Birmingham, surrounded by a community of educators, innovators, creators and forward thinkers. As a result we are:
- A short walk from Birmingham City centre.
- Close to a major motorway and all city centre transport links.
- Close to Digbeth, Snowhill and the mailbox.
- Have an on-site multi-storey car park.
- On-site meeting rooms and event spaces.
- Located near a range of high-quality hotels.
We also have a range of benefits you can take advantage of, such as:
- Having a vibrant hub of activity all year round, including things like public events and exhibitions in public areas.
- We’re sustainability friendly.
- Having in-house meetings and events spaces like our giant screen auditorium.
- Spacious, flexible offices that include an on-site cafe, parking and cleaning.
- 24-hour security.
- Our commercial activity funds our Charitable Trust that invests over £4.9 million into improving STEM education in the West Midlands.
If you’re looking to rent a new office space for your business, explore our available properties today.
Your complete guide to serviced offices
Serviced office spaces offer greater flexibility, practicality and cost effectiveness, as they tend to be furnished and avoid the need to pay for electricity and water bills. They’re also growing in popularity, especially among startup and smaller businesses, as they tend to fit in better with their budget.
Their popularity is also rising due to the increase in flexible working, where as a result, in London alone there are over 1,200 serviced office spaces.
What are serviced office spaces?
Serviced office spaces allow you to move in and start working right away, giving you the opportunity to move in as soon as possible.
They can also be more cost effective than purchasing a building as you won’t need to pay for utility bills and they tend to come furnished, meaning you won’t need to buy any furniture for the office.
Monthly costs can be worked out in two different ways, such as:
- Paying per desk/workstation
- Paying a flat rate for the office space
The pricing option you choose is likely to be decided on the size of your company. For example, it might be more cost effective to pay per desk if you only have a small number of employees. Whereas if your company has a large number of employees you may be better off choosing a flat rate.
What’s the difference between a serviced and conventional office space?
Serviced and conventional office spaces are usually run differently. For example, serviced offices can be rented for as little as a couple of days to multiple years, offering greater flexibility than a conventional office.
Fixed rent prices also tend to be offered if you choose a serviced option, helping you budget your money better. In comparison conventional leases often tie you into a long term contract for a fixed amount of time, giving you little freedom to move around.
Serviced spaces also tend to be furnished, helping you save money on buying the essentials like desks and chairs. You may however need to provide laptops or computers for your staff.
Who are serviced offices aimed at?
Even though serviced offices are popular among smaller businesses, it doesn’t mean they’re only available to them. These types of spaces are also available for:
- Global businesses – Businesses with teams all over the world can benefit from using serviced office spaces as different location hubs.
- Large businesses – Serviced spaces can help businesses avoid paying for big overheads.
- Home businesses – Serviced offices offer a great opportunity for business expansion or providing a place to hold meetings and pitches.
- For those who need a temporary workspace – If you need to increase or decrease your workforce depending on season demand, or you need to relocate, a serviced office space could be the perfect option.
What are the benefits of choosing a serviced office space?
This type of office space can benefit your company in various ways, such as decreasing financial risk through reducing or completely removing costly overheads. Other benefits include:
- Short-term lease agreements – These agreements allow you to move around flexibly if the office space no longer works for you, helping reduce the need for large commitments to one space.
- Cost effective – Serviced office spaces reduce the need to purchase furniture, WIFI and pay for electricity and water bills.
- Great location – Being in a great location can do wonders for your brand reputation, as well as encouraging staff members to come into the office more often.
- Flexibility – You can commit to a serviced office space for as little or long as you want, giving you the ultimate freedom to decide what’s best for your company.
- Networking opportunities – Being in a serviced space often means you’ll be surrounded by other businesses, giving you the opportunity to network.
What amenities are offered in a serviced office?
Serviced offices can come with a variety of amenities such as:
- Onsite staff – These can help out with maintenance, cleaning, security and answering any questions you may have.
- Up to date equipment – This can include the latest kitchenware and high-tech security software.
- Communication – Serviced offices often have staff members that communicate with you regularly through in person events or emails. The building can also improve your communications through installing high-speed WIFI.
- Catering – On site catering may be offered depending on the property.
- Efficient administration – Your agreement should cover rent and any services and facilities you use, making it easier for you to cover administration tasks.
- Leisure and fitness facilities – Some spaces offer amenities like gym and shower facilities.
- Breakout and event space – These can be offered in some properties and are a great way to promote productivity and accommodate different staff members working preferences and needs.
Networking events – Some spaces hold networking events to help those in the building meet and build new connections.
Millennium Point has launched ‘Curzon View’, its new premium office space which is now available to rent. Situated on the fourth floor of the iconic Birmingham landmark, Curzon View overlooks the HS2 development on Curzon Street and offers a prime city-centre location for innovative businesses.
Curzon View already welcomes strong transport links being near New Street, Moor Street and Snow Hill stations, and having the Millennium Point car park on site. Situated in Birmingham’s thriving Knowledge Quarter, the offices neighbour Birmingham City University, Aston University and Birmingham’s science museum, Thinktank.
Curzon View offers 1,496m2 of flexible office space with numerous benefits such as natural daylight, air conditioning, AV equipment, LED lighting, and wi-fi. It is equipped for multiple uses to suit different business needs and includes a reception space, kitchen and shower room. Millennium Point also provides tenants with 24-hour security and an on-site support team.
Profits from the rental will support STEM education in the region through Millennium Point’s charitable trust. The trust has donated over £40 million to support schools and not-for-profit organisations.
The offices were previously used for filming of the first series of the BBC crime drama Line of Duty as the offices of the principal characters.
To enquire about Curzon View, call 0121 202 2200 or email [email protected].
It’s easy to assume that when you own a business you should purchase your commercial property, however renting is a great option too.
Renting has various benefits, such as providing more flexibility and reducing your responsibility of maintaining a property.
In this blog we’ll explore the benefits of renting a commercial property to help you decide whether this is the best option for you and your business.
So what are the benefits?
It provides flexibility
Renting provides more flexibility compared to buying a property, as short term contracts give you the opportunity to move into new buildings as your business grows and develops.
Along with the rising cost of living crisis and the impact that Covid-19 has had on businesses’ outlooks on running their company, renting has become a more popular option when it comes to commercial spaces. This is due to giving business owners the opportunity to move around when it suits them best, giving them the ability to navigate the current financial climate in a way that works for them.
It can have financial benefits
Renting is generally cheaper than buying a property, due to rent usually costing less than monthly mortgage payments. When renting you’re likely to pay a refundable deposit once the lease is signed and in some cases you may need to pay a premium to buy the lease. Even with these costs, it is likely that you will pay significantly less than if you were to purchase a property, giving you the financial freedom to use the money you’ve saved on other important parts of your business, like furnishing the property and paying for staff salaries.
Renting also means you’re not exposed to interest rates as much, but you may be subject to rent increases, making it important that you check how rent is reviewed before you sign your lease.
You won’t necessarily have any maintenance responsibilities
Depending on the terms in your rental agreement, you’re likely to have less maintenance responsibilities if you opt for renting. For example, as a tenant you may be responsible for making internal repairs, but external ones are left to the landlord to rectify.
You may also need to pay a service charge as a part of your agreement in relation to the maintenance of a shared property.
Reduced risk
Opting to rent a commercial property poses less risk in comparison to purchasing a building as you’re less likely to face certain financial risks. These can include things like an increase in mortgage payments due to a rise in interest rates.
Location
Renting could give you more of an opportunity to be in a prime location, as there may be more properties available if you choose to rent. This can help attract clients, customers and new employees, as our location will put you exactly where you need to be.
How can Millennium Point help you rent a commercial property?
Here at Millennium Point we have multiple spaces available that could be perfect for your next commercial property. Our spaces also come with various benefits such as ongoing support throughout your lease.
We’re also in a great location in the centre of Birmingham where you can easily access transport links like the motorway, multiple bus routes and all Birmingham train stations. This allows your staff, clients and customers to visit you with ease.
To discover more about the properties we have available and how they could work for you, get in touch with us today.
Whether you’re a start up or your business is well established, leasing a commercial property is a big decision and can help you expand and establish your company further.
While leasing a property has many benefits, it can be a complicated process, which is why this blog will explore everything you need to look for when leasing a commercial property.
For example, when looking at a building you should ask yourself questions like:
Where do I want to be located?
Location has a huge impact on the success of your business. So when you’re looking for a property you may want to search for something that’s easily accessible. This can be done through watching out for factors like whether it’s close to transport links, how close you are to your target market and whether there are adequate parking spaces.
You should also consider whether it’s near any other features like restaurants, shops and other businesses that could complement your own, as this will make your business more attractive.
How much space do I need?
When looking for a new property it’s important to consider how big of a space you need. This means you should look at whether the square footage will meet your requirements and if it has any of the features you need, such as:
- Storage areas
- Meeting rooms
- Toilets
Have I got my agreement or offer in writing?
When it comes to lease agreements it’s important that you get them in writing. This means you have proof of any promises made by the landlord, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and avoid any difficult situations.
You should also pay attention to your lease duration, rent escalation clauses and any renewal options included within your contract. This will help you understand what’s included within your agreement so that there are no surprises along the way.
How long is the lease agreement?
When looking for a commercial property, you’ll want to think about whether you want a long or short term agreement. Short term leases may be better if you’re unsure if you’ll need to be in the same location for a prolonged period of time or not.
We’ve also seen that Covid-19 has caused many businesses to opt for shorter agreements to give them the flexibility they need within these uncertain times, especially as the cost of living rises.
Can I end the lease early?
Having a break clause within your agreement can help you get out of your lease early. However, there are a few things that could prevent you from using your clause, such as not being up to date with your rent and having caused any damages to the building.
Are there any service charges?
When renting there are usually service charges included, but it could be useful to ask the landlord what service charges are included within the contract. You’ll also want to know if you’re required to make contributions or fully pay for things like:
- Long term repairs or replacements of structures
- Repairs of fabric
- Maintenance and repairs of machinery and equipment
Some contracts state that the occupier is required to put the building in better condition than it was previously in. If you’re looking for a simple, fuss free office space then this option isn’t recommended.
It’s also important to make note of any existing damages or marks within the property when you view it so that you don’t need to take responsibility for fixing them.
Is there potential to grow within the property?
This ultimately depends on the position your company is in and whether you’re looking to expand within this building.
The great thing about leasing is that it gives you room to find something else if you do need more room to grow, giving you the flexibility you need.
How can Millennium Point help you lease a commercial property?
Here at Millennium Point we have a variety of properties available that could be perfect for you.
Our properties come with a range of benefits like, flexible ownership and ongoing support throughout your lease.
They’re also close to Birmingham city centre, meaning you’ll be on the doorstep of many restaurants and businesses, giving you great opportunities to explore the city and network.
Being close to the city centre means you’ll also benefit from being close to motorway connections, bus routes and Moor Street, Snowhill and New Street station.
To learn more about the properties we have available, get in touch with us today.
The Covid-19 pandemic, mixed with rising interest rates and the cost of living crisis have acted as a catalyst for change where new trends and innovations have transformed the way offices appear and are used. The rise of remote work and an increased understanding of employee expectations has led to companies adapting or moving offices to best suit their company and staff’s needs.
During 2023 so far we’ve seen an increase in the use of:
- AI and Machine Learning to help offices run more efficiently
- Collaborative work spaces
- Greater Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (CSR)
- Resimercial designs
- Biofilia designs
So let’s explore the latest trends and innovations you could introduce to your office space.
The use of AI and Machine Learning
Machine learning and AI is becoming increasingly popular within offices as they can be used to automate tasks and increase efficiency. For example, there are AI-powered smart buildings that can monitor and control lighting, heating and ventilation. Machine learning can also be used to predict and prevent maintenance issues as well as to create personalised work environments that support and enhance employee productivity and comfortability.
People are looking for more open and collaborative workspaces
This style of workspace is becoming increasingly popular, as flexible layouts help to increase productivity and collaboration. They tend to have a mix of meeting rooms, breakout rooms and shared spaces where employees can go to different areas for a change of scenery, to focus on their work or to have their lunch away from their desk.
These types of workspaces also help create internal relationships, allowing businesses to build a strong company culture, as they put employees first by offering multiple working spaces that suit different people’s needs and preferences.
Companies are implementing greater Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (CSR)
This means that offices are focussing on including eco-friendly materials and products within the construction and decoration of their office spaces.
Businesses implementing CSR also introduce things like waste reduction and recycling programmes and sustainable practices, such as bike to work schemes that can improve the companies overall environmental impacts.
While CSR practices reduce their carbon footprint, it also helps to attract and retain environmentally conscious employees that may implement some of these processes into their home life, helping make a difference to the planet.
If you’re looking at increasing your Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, it’s a great way to help save the planet while boosting productivity and overall well being of your staff.
The rise of Resimercial design
With more and more people working hybrid we’re seeing a move toward balanced work and home environments. This essentially means that people are looking for the company’s office spaces to have the familiarity and comfort of being at home.
This can be achieved through designing spaces with industry furniture that has the cosiness that your home furniture would have. This therefore encourages employees to commute to the office regularly.
The move toward Biophilia designs
This trend focuses on the relationship between humans and nature, by introducing natural products and materials into spaces. You could introduce this to your office space by adding planters on top of desks and cabinets or through using freestanding dividers with plant shelves and moss panels.
Encouraging this within your company can improve air quality within rooms, boost moods and increase productivity.
Leasing office space with Millennium Point
Here at Millennium Point we have a range of both long term and short term office spaces available, centred in the heart of Birmingham.
With flexible ownership options and a friendly team of staff on site to help you with your every need, we’re sure that we’ve got a space perfect for you!
To discover more about our available properties and how they could suit your business’ needs, get in touch with us today!
Finding an office space can be difficult and committing to buying a property can be scary, especially in these uncertain times.
With the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, increased interest rates and the cost of living crisis many business owners are looking for new ways to navigate these uncertain times more comfortably.
This makes Millennium Point’s office spaces the perfect option as our flexible properties offer lease conditions and benefits that could be perfect for you! So let’s explore why our office spaces are an excellent option for the next step in your business.
Why Millennium Point?
Here at Millennium Point we don’t just provide office spaces. In fact you’ll be located within a business that centres charity work and amazing events at the heart of their values and services.
We provide excellent opportunities for you to attend public events where you can network and enjoy quality time with your clients and colleagues. Our services give us a unique edge compared to other offices around the Birmingham area, as we’re involved with the local community through offering STEM grants to schools around the West Midlands, as well as offering scholarships to students attending Birmingham City University, located only next door to us. We also work with local businesses to help them host the best, seamless, events and meetings that are absolutely fuss free.
We’re award winning
Recently Millennium Point has won multiple awards relating to events, hospitality and sustainability. We’re proud to have been awarded the ‘most versatile venue up to 1,000 theatre style’ as well as ‘Venue of the year – local award’.
We’ve also received our greengage silver certification, showing that we’ve taken extensive measures to embrace environmental sustainability throughout our company. We achieved 55% on our sustainability evaluation and will be taking the right steps to achieve the platinum greengage certification.
Location
We’re based in Birmingham’s Eastside, meaning we’re at the centre of a thriving community of educators, businesses and innovators. While you’ll be surrounded by incredible people and businesses, we have remained at the forefront of driving development and investment into the Eastside area, currently known as Birmingham’s Knowledge Quarter.
Choosing to locate your office space at Millennium Point will place you near motorway and bus links as well as being able to easily access New Street, Snow Hill and Moor Street Stations, making it easy for you, your staff and customers to access the office.
We’re also a short walk from Birmingham City centre, meaning you’ll have plenty of shopping and dining opportunities for both your staff and clients.
If you plan on holding any events or large meetings there’s also a range of hotels close by with both affordable and more expensive options for your staff and clients preferences.
Nearby hotels include:
What makes Millennium Point different?
Here at Millennium Point we’re proud of the range of excellent services we offer that makes every event attendee’s experience with us unique.
Some of the things that make us different include:
- Offering a vibrant hub of activity all year round that includes things like public events and exhibitions
- We have a range of in-house meeting and events spaces great for those looking to host in different and exciting spaces, such as our giant screen auditorium
- We have 24 hour security ensuring your office space and everything in it is protected day and night
- Our commercial activity funds the Millennium Point Charitable Trust, which invests over £4.9 million into improving STEM education in the West Midlands
What businesses are already here?
Being located in the centre of Birmingham means you’re surrounded by lots of exciting businesses, helping you build your network and client list. We already have three fantastic businesses leasing property, including:
- Birmingham City University
- Thinktank
- Mulino Birmingham
- Bader Media Entertainment CIC
Available spaces
We have a variety of spaces available for both short and long term leases, including:
Engine
Engine is located on the fourth floor overlooking the conservator, giving you a private and quiet office space away from the busy footfall of the lower floors.
The office space benefits from:
- A second office space and private board room perfect for team meetings and interviews
- A kitchen for your staff to take a break
- Natural daylight to help boost mood and productivity
- Short term lease
Station Studios
Station Studios has multiple sized rooms, suitable for dance groups, yoga classes and acting rehearsals and benefits from:
- Mirrored and non-mirrored rooms
- Secure storage rooms
- LED lighting
- WIFI
- Short term lease
Shuttle
Shuttle is located at the heart of Millennium Point, but still offers the peace and quiet you require. Key features in this space include:
- A smaller office that great for meetings or hosting guests
- A small stage, ideal for speaker sessions
- LED lighting
- WIFI
- Short term lease
Cab
Cab is situated on the third floor of Millennium Point and is away from the busyness of Millennium Point, giving you the peace and quiet you need. The space benefits from:
- Having a smaller office for meetings or hosting guests
- LED lighting
- WIFI
- It’s self-contained
- Short-term lease
Curzon view
Curzon view is suited for multiple uses, perfect for all of your businesses needs. It’s key features include:
- Incredible views of Eastside Park and the Development of the new Curzon Station
- Kitchen and reception areas
- LED lighting
- AV equipment
- Air conditioning
- Long-term lease
To discover more about our properties and how they could be right for you, get in touch with us today!
We all know that for every business productivity is an essential part of being successful. Optimising your office space can include restructuring its layout, investing in comfortable furniture and implementing better technology to help complete tasks efficiently.
Research shows that the average employee is only productive for 2 hours and 53 minutes a day. With those in the workplace being interrupted once every 8 minutes, each time taking roughly 5 mins of their time, it leads to a huge decrease in productivity. While we can’t remove interruptions completely and some disturbances can actually have positive effects on people’s work, there are a few things you can do to reduce distractions and increase work efficiency, such as:.
Don’t fixate on the physical layout of your office
The size of your office space isn’t the only aspect you need to think about when aiming to boost productivity. It’s what you do with the space and the atmosphere you create that makes a difference.
When you first start to improve performance in your office you’ll want to focus on your company culture. Ultimately productivity begins with your mindset and clearly defining your company’s culture to your employees can help inspire them to work hard without burning out.
A great way to promote high outputs is through creating flexible workspaces that allow your community to grow. You should also consider introducing breakout areas as well as meeting rooms to help employees get a change of scenery.
At the end of the day there’s no perfect way to optimise your office space for productivity, but as long as you make changes with your employees best interests at heart it should help create a better workplace culture and boost performance.
Consider where you can create movement
Introducing various ways to get movement within your staff’s day is a great way to boost efficiency as it can help get people out of a rut by encouraging them to change where in the office they work.
Jamie Fertsch, Director and Co-founder of Xdesk says that when he hits a productivity wall he takes small breaks to gain a new perspective on what he’s working on.
His company also focuses on better ways to incorporate movement through creating stand-to-sit desks allowing their customers to be in different working positions throughout the day.
While stand-to-sit desks are a great way to implement movement into your office, this isn’t a feasible product for all companies due to company size and pricing. But fear not, as there are other ways to get people to move around in the office and take a break when needed, such as:
- Putting the photocopier or printer on the other side of the room, away from the computers so that staff need to get up to use them.
- Placing a water cooler in the centre of the room
- Having a break room where staff can eat or prepare their lunch
As we already know, one of the most important ways to improve workplace efficiency is through a change in scenery. The easiest way to do this is by not eating lunch at your desk. Everyone spends the majority of their day at their desk, why not eat your lunch in a communal area or in the park to break up your day?
Another great thing to do is to get some fresh air as this can make a huge difference to someone’s overall wellbeing and mindset. As a company you could encourage going out for walks at lunch time or bike to work schemes to help get people in a positive mindset ready for the working day.
Keep your space clean
A huge aspect of working efficiently is having a tidy area or room. Usually when a room is messy it can hinder productivity as it can be quite distracting. After all, as the saying goes ‘tidy room, tidy mind’.
Keeping your space clean can be easily kept on top of by encouraging all staff members to wipe down and remove any unnecessary items from their desk before they go home each day. This means that when they come into the office the next day it’ll be ready for them to crack on with the day ahead.
You can also encourage employees to organise their to-do-lists so that they understand the tasks they need to complete by the end of the day or week, helping them to make the best use of their time possible.
Leasing office spaces with Millennium Point
Here at Millennium Point we have a range of office spaces available that could be just right for you.
Our fantastic spaces paired with our central location makes us the perfect place for you to grow your business while keeping your staff’s needs at heart.
Our office spaces offer flexible ownership and ongoing support throughout your lease, helping you make the most of your office space.
Our available spaces either come with a long or short-term lease, giving you the flexibility to choose a property based on your requirements and company goals.
Properties we have available include Engine, Station Studios, Shuttle and Cab, all of which are available for short term leases only. If you’re looking for a long-term lease, Curzon view is a great option.
To discover more about how these properties could work for you, get in touch with us today.
Finding the perfect commercial office space is crucial for the success of any business, as it promotes productivity and increases the wellbeing of staff members. It can also play a huge role in highlighting the image you want your company to represent, whether that’s showing that you’re friendly, welcoming or successful.
As a result, this blog will explore the steps you can take to find the perfect commercial office space for you.
These steps include:
Step 1: Define your budget and what you’re looking for
When it comes to looking for an office space, or any new property in fact, it’s important to figure out exactly what you’re looking for and what your budget is. Factors you should consider, include:
- The size of your team and how big of an office you’ll need
- Location
- Does the property need to be furnished before you move in or can you furnish it yourself? What’s your budget?
- How close do you want to be to transport links?
- Does your budget allow you to purchase a space or do you want to rent one?
Establishing a budget will allow you to properly organise your money and reduce the risk of financial strain.
You can also ask your staff what matters to them to give you a better idea of what the perfect space would look like for you and your employees. For example, Forbes found that 87% of workers want their employer to offer healthier workplace benefits, such as:
- Wellness rooms
- Company fitness benefits
- Healthy lunch options
Step 2: Research what’s available on the market
Conducting market research on the commercial office spaces available will give you a good idea of what’s out there and whether the properties in your budget meets your business’ needs.
You can use online real estate platforms, ask your network if there is anywhere they recommend or know is available and research local offices in the location you want to move to. While doing this research you can also make note of any common terms in lease agreements and any incentives that may benefit you when you make a purchase.
Step 3: Visit spaces
It’s essential when looking for an office space to view the property before paying. This gives you the opportunity to get a feel for the space and whether it would be the right environment for your business.
When viewing an office space you should also take note of:
- The layout
- Whether it has natural lighting
- Any repairs that need to be made before you move in?
Step 4: Think about where you want to be located
A key thing to consider is where you want to be located. Ultimately, it’s wise to aim to be located near employees, customers and clients, as well as transport links to make the office easily accessible. This will encourage people to come into the office more, helping you make the most of the space you’re paying for.
Step 5: Review the lease terms
Reviewing a building’s lease terms is an important step when looking for the perfect space as there may be policies that you don’t agree with. When looking at the agreement you should watch out for things like:
- Rent duration
- Rent escalations
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Additional fees and charges
To learn more about what to look out for when leasing a commercial property, read our blog.
Step 6: Consider whether you can grow within the office space
Another important step is to consider whether you need an office that will allow you and your business to grow. However, it’s important that you don’t lose sight of what needs you want the space to fulfil right away.
When trying to figure out whether a commercial office has room for growth you should ask yourself questions like:
- How much floor space is there?
- Is there any flexibility to modify the space?
- Is there an opportunity to expand the space, such as renting our building an extension or other office space?
Commercial office spaces at Millennium Point
Here at Millennium Point we have a variety of office spaces available to lease that could be perfect for you.
They also benefit from flexible ownership and having our friendly team on site to support you with any queries you may have.
If you’re looking for short-term office leases we have three properties, including:
If you’re looking for a long-term lease, Curzon view is available.
To discover more about how these properties could work for you, get in touch with us today.