What Type of Office is Right for You and Your Team?
Long gone are the days when the workspace was defined by gray-scale color schemes, narrow cubicles, and fluorescent lighting. Today, even the biggest corporations in the world are moving their staff into beautifully designed modern offices in an attempt to instill a more open-minded company culture. Yet, even though trendy spaces, with inbuilt cafes and plenty of social spaces, are becoming increasingly commonplace, they aren’t the only option for companies that are looking for a change of pace.
Advancements in the digital age have given birth to a new generation of human-centric workspaces, ranging from coworking hubs and accelerators to hybrid workspace that reflects on the office of the past. For companies that are looking to innovate their company structure, changing your physical surroundings can be a great start, just make sure you explore all of your options before you make a final decision.
Accelerators and hubs
A mixture of workspace and learning center, accelerators are made specifically for companies that are still in their nascent stages. Typically geared towards startups, and small companies that are looking to expand in a short amount of time, joining an accelerator means changing a lot more than just your location. Not just a thriving community of experts, startup accelerators typically provide access to funding, legal support and in some cases accommodation and office space. Because of these major perks, companies typically have to go through a lengthy application process. While the accelerator model isn’t for everyone, it’s an invaluable opportunity for small companies looking to make the most impact in the shortest amount of time.
Coworking communities
Coworking spaces have gained serious traction in recent years. A harmonious mixture of community spirit and professional workspace, coworking spaces have gone from intimate hubs that were mostly utilized by freelancers, to vast flexible workspaces that now attract a wide variety of businesses. For many companies, renting out a dedicated office for their team can be cost-effective, as sharing space, utilities and resources can be a significant money saver. In addition to reducing overhead, coworking spaces also provide a thriving network of diverse professional, which can notably improve your professional network. While many spaces are open to coworkers from all walks of life, some focus on specific sectors, such as tech or social entrepreneurship. Thus, it’s vital that you pick the coworking space which will fit your business's specific needs.
Open plan offices
Inspired by the airy and flexible feeling of coworking spaces, there has been countless example of businesses transforming their offices into open plan spaces. Yet, before you bring in the construction crew and break down every wall in your workspace, be sure to communicate with your team to find out if a completely open plan works for everyone. As open space certainly facilitates communication and collaboration, not everyone can concentrate in this type of environment. To ensure that everyone gets what they need, businesses can also invest in data analysis to find what professional climate produces optimal employee satisfaction and productivity.
The hybrid office space
Much like the open office plan, hybrid offices incorporate flexible space and hot desking, while also dedicating space to private work areas. Due to the recent backlash against some companies expecting employees to thrive in the same environment, more and more employers are now considering the hybrid office space. For businesses that have the financial resources, creating mixed workspaces gives team members the option to chose where and how they want to work. This could mean keeping a few cubicles around for good measure for those who need a bit of privacy, while also incorporating breakout rooms for socializing and plenty of open plan hot desking for those who are defenders of the open plan office.
Whether you are in the process of moving to a new location or redesigning your office, actively communicating with your team is a key part of choosing the right space for you and your company’s needs.
Lisa Froelings is a business and productivity consultant with over 4 years of experience in human resources working for a major retailer in the country before she decided to build her own business. Her interests include technology, mindfulness as well as time management.
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