The way we work has changed a lot in the last 18 months. Data released by the UK’s Office for National Statistics in April 2020 showed 49.2% of adults in employment were working from home.
With the ease of Covid-related restrictions, more and more companies are choosing to return to the office, and with good reason. While home working has been shown to be a valid option, face-to-face interactions and the opportunity to brainstorm as a team can’t be replaced.
What’s more, many serviced offices offer benefits that make running the company easier and can provide extra perks to staff (like a cafe space, games, free food, and networking events).
If you’re thinking it might be time to start fresh in new premises, here are a few signs it’s time to make the move.
1. Your lease is up
Loyalty is not always rewarded when it comes to business. If your lease is about to expire, it might be worth looking around to see if a different office group or building can offer you a better deal.
Whether you decide to take them up on their offer or just use the lower quotes to re-negotiate your lease, it will be information worth having.
2. Your business needs to change
Whether you’re a pre-seed start-up or a large corporation, change happens. Your company could be expanding rapidly, restructuring, or going through a period of growth. Whatever it is, your office space needs to keep up with the times.
You might need a bigger space, a smaller one, a new location, more storage space or a different layout. With the wealth of office spaces around the country, you’re sure to find one to suit your needs.
3. Morale is down
If you notice your staff seems unhappy in their environment, or that productivity is down, your office space could be a contributing factor. It might be down to overcrowding, lack of facilities, location, or simply a bad vibe. Whatever the issue, moving to new premises could help to fix it.
You might want to consult your team about what they’d like from a new office and, within reason, where they’d like it to be. While table tennis and a roof balcony are no replacements for good company culture, they can help employees de-stress and positively impact their work.
4. Your space is looking tired
When it comes to business, appearances do matter. This is especially true if you occasionally host clients at your office. If your space is looking out of date or unkempt, it can affect the way your company is perceived by both existing and potential customers. Moving to a modern and sleek office doesn’t just improve the atmosphere, but can actually help you get more business.
Whatever reason you have to change your premises, make sure you shop around and compare different spaces for cost and amenities. Your team, and your bottom line, will thank you for it.
