How To Design Your First Startup Office

Launching a startup business is not for the faint of heart — nobody has to tell you that most entrepreneurs work long, hard hours, just trying to get their companies off the ground. With all that time spent in the office, talking on the phone and working on computers, it’s all too common to start feeling the effects of a thrown-together work environment that puts heavy strain on your neck and back, discourages collaboration and squelches creativity. That’s why, if you want to avoid burning out before your business even starts, you’ve got to put a little thought into your office design.

Just what goes into a savvy-startup office layout? What kind of equipment is important and worth investing in? How can you ensure your office is a place where you’re empowered to succeed? To help answer these questions, here’s a look at top tips for designing the kind of startup space you’ll still love as your business starts taking shape:

1. People Like an Open Work Environment. In terms of fostering creativity and making employees comfortable, open and inviting are the words to keep in mind. “You may find that lots of employees love working remotely due to the coziness of their home office,” says Jamie Tolentino at The Next Web. “Designing a space that feels like home is key to making people feel comfortable collaborating at the office.” Whether your space is tight and cramped or huge and empty, try to design the layout to foster small clusters of collaboration. Be mindful of seating areas for a handful of employees, areas to work independently as well as areas to work as a team, creativity boosting whiteboards and so on. Likewise, allow your team members to bring personal mementos or photos so they can feel more at home while they work.
2. Zones Can Define Purposes. Even in a small office space, you can create different zones for different purposes. The kitchen can have everything food related, from snacks you want on hand for staff to ingredients you use to make a team meal once a week. The desks can be another zone, a collaborative area with lounge chairs or sofas, and a large table or desk where meetings can occur can be another. By visually defining different zones, you encourage different tasks and facilitate greater efficiency in the office.
3. Chairs Are Worth Spending Money on. Even the leanest startup business is going to need to think strategically about where you sit. “While your desk holds your computer (and maybe some paper?), your chair supports a far more valuable resource, you,” says Oren Shatken at Verge. That’s why, even when you’re looking to cut costs, it’s smart to “spend the money on comfortable, ergonomic chairs.” What are the hallmarks of a good ergonomic design? Look for adjustable armrests, seat height and backrests, as well as a comfortable cushion and the ability to swivel in your seat. 
4. Your Design Is Never Fully Done. Once you’re using your space on a regular basis, be prepared to adjust supplies/furniture based on usage. Is nobody making coffee in the premium machine you purchased, for example? Do the couches at the front of the office sit unused day after day? Keep adjusting layout and design until your office is as functional and useful as possible.
5. Go a Little Green. Believe it or not, bringing the outdoors in is one of the best ways to improve your office space, whether that means sweeping window views or greenery in the work environment. “Adding plants, as well as natural materials and light, is another small change that pays big dividends,” says Inc. Magazine. Likewise, “studies show that natural light has beneficial health effects, and can boost creativity.”

There’s no doubt that launching a new business takes a lot of time and energy, not to mention hard work — and that’s why strategy is so crucial. Before you can thrive professionally, you need the tools that equip you to work smarter as you grow. With that in mind, use the tips above to make the most of your startup office and set yourself up for greater success.