While more businesses than ever are operating on a fully remote model, there are still many types that need to be grounded in the material world. If that applies to your small business, remember that choosing the right space and setting it up efficiently will be a key part of how your business functions.
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Up ahead, we’ll take a look at eight of the top considerations to keep in mind when you’re selecting and equipping your small business space. By keeping your business’s future in mind and choosing the right small business solutions, you can smooth out the process of creating a space that your business will thrive in.
- Decide if using your home as a business space makes sense for you.
Many entrepreneurs save money and effort by using their homes as business spaces. It can be a smart way to save on utilities, rent, furnishings, and other expenses of having a second space when you’re just starting out. Some businesses will want to move into a dedicated office once they grow steadily. Others, particularly remote-friendly professional services like CPAs and consultants, can happily work from a home office for years. However, note that you should check any relevant rules from your HOA or landlord first and acquire any licenses and permits you need to run a home-based business.
- Budget carefully and pay attention to financial details.
Choosing a space you can’t afford can get your business in financial hot water quickly. Thus, before you sign any contracts, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand what you can expect to pay for the space, including (depending on your circumstances) rent, utilities, fees, property taxes, cost of modifications, and any other relevant numbers. On top of that, you should have a basic idea of your day-to-day operating costs such as office supplies, even if it’s just a ballpark estimate. These factors will help ensure your new space is compatible with your business’s financial goals.
- Stay alert for potential safety hazards and work to eliminate them.
Any office can be a source of safety hazards, and some can be present from day one, so it’s crucial to keep a vigilant eye out. Some common problems that pop up in small business offices can include:
- Overloaded electrical outlets
- Poorly lit areas
- Walkways with “slip and trip” hazards like cords and loose rugs
- Lack of fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and fire exits
- Exposed and/or outdated wiring
- Workspace designs that could lead to repetitive strain injuries
If your employees point out hazards, don’t wait to address them. Staying on top of these issues now will help prevent accidents and injuries later.
- Consider co-working spaces as an option.
Co-working spaces offer a potentially convenient and cost-effective way to rent space on demand for your business. They come with lots of amenities — from must-haves like fast broadband internet to fringe perks like free coffee or game room lounges. What’s more, a co-working space allows you to avoid the expense of furnishing a whole office with basic supplies like chairs and desks. Schedule some tours of your local spaces and see if there’s one that strikes your fancy.
- Design your work areas with comfort and productivity in mind.
The way you set up your employees’ working spaces can have a big effect on their morale and productivity. Give them a space with plenty of natural light if possible, and provide ergonomic furniture that will keep employees comfy when they’re putting in long days. (Office liquidation sales are a great place to look for high-quality ergo furniture at reasonable prices.) If you’re planning to use an open office floor plan, make sure your employees have quiet spaces to work and take phone calls. Perhaps most importantly of all, solicit feedback from your employees to make sure their workstations suit their everyday needs.
- Choose a space that gives your business room to grow.
When you’re starting out and watching every dollar, it’s understandable to look for the bare minimum of space. However, if you can, renting a space that gives your business some wiggle room is a great idea. Moving is a laborious task for most businesses, especially if you have inventory or lots of specialized equipment, and the added expenses and uncertainty can be a nightmare. Choosing a space that provides a little extra room can make your growth process more comfortable since you can focus on business goals without having to plan for another move every few years.
- Have a plan for deploying key tech tools in your office.
Just about every office these days needs tech basics like WiFi and Ethernet, along with easy access to office tech tools like printers, shredders, and fax machines. Pay attention to where the space’s phone, Ethernet, and coaxial jacks are located, and note if you’ll need to have your service providers install additional equipment. Figure out what kind of workspaces you’ll provide to your employees and what technological needs that will create. Will they all work at desks the majority of the time, or will they need strong WiFi so they can take their laptops all over the building? These are the big factors that it will pay off to consider.
- Make security a priority from the start.
Even if your business is very small, don’t wait to come up with a robust security plan. First, of course, there’s office cybersecurity, which is especially critical now that almost every small business handles personal information such as credit card details. Look into SMB tech must-haves such as firewalls for small businesses to keep your network and devices secure. However, physical security is also always worth thinking about, especially if you keep lots of cash or goods on hand. Today’s smart alarm systems include features such as cloud-connected security cameras to give you an always-on connection to everything that’s happening at your business.
Running a small business office is half about thinking long-term and half taking it one step at a time. Mastering the balance of the two is certainly a challenge — but the reward is a productive workspace where your business and employees can learn and grow!