Your office is an important place. Meetings take place, agreements are made, interesting projects are completed, key presentations are presented, and office banter ensues. It’s a place where employees should feel comfortable to focus on their work without distraction.
If you have decided on office renovation, you have the opportunity to tick all the boxes and ensure that your new workspace is an absolute delight to be in. However, much thought is required for this. So, where do you start? We have compiled a list of several measures that will lead you to the workplace of your dreams.
Set Your Goals
Renovating your office is similar to any other business project in that you need to plan it out, identify possibilities, and set clear goals. You are in the greatest position to prepare for minimal downtime, maximum efficiency, and maximum results because you know your company better than anybody else.
To kick off your renovation, make a list of all the things you wish to change about the office. Negative public perception of the business, excessive energy and electricity costs, outdated technology, and poor working conditions for employees are all examples of potential issues. Remembering this could help you focus on what matters most instead of becoming diverted by quick remedies that don’t address the underlying cause.
Consider Functional Requirements
While aesthetics are important, remember that form follows function. The way your team works should dictate the design and layout of the office. Evaluate your current setup; what parts are working well, and which ones aren’t? Analyze how the team currently uses the space and identify crucial areas for improvement. Consider ergonomics as well: you can improve health and well-being with an effective workspace. Do your research deeply, whether you are looking for office furniture in Kent or any other location, and choose the furniture and layout that promote healthy posture and comfort. This will reduce absenteeism and increase engagement.
Consider Office Amenities
A wide variety of sectors now provide their employees with workplace amenities. Staff morale and productivity may both benefit from amenity spending, as workers are more likely to remain on-site and have positive associations with their workplace. A few common workplace amenities include the ability to work remotely, free snacks and lunches, casual Fridays, happy hour events, and team events.
Just as your office space should reflect your company’s values, so too should its amenities. A software startup could love a fridge full of beer, ping-pong tables, and sleep pods, but a legal firm would be silly to have such a setup. To have a better idea of which amenities are ideal for your company and employees, include them in the discussion on this question.
Create a Design Plan With the Right Team
The high stakes, short timelines, and tight budgets that are typical of office renovation projects make them famously difficult. A business owner would be wise to think about working with a professional interior design company or individual. You’ll benefit much from collaborating with these professionals, but the outcome is entirely dependent on their expertise.
Many times, designers working in the business world will be juggling many, comparable projects. Their fresh perspective and knowledge of modern trends in business interior design are vital to transforming the present area into something aesthetically pleasing and practically useful. The “wow” factor that draws in new customers and delights existing ones may be yours when you work with a commercial design agency to bring your ideas to life. Not only will the result be more visually pleasing, but also the materials used will be of the highest quality imaginable.
Hire Contractors
Do your homework ahead of time to choose the best service providers for your renovation project; a good team is essential to a successful renovation. You should check if their pricing is reasonable and that you will receive a good return on your investment.
If you want to be sure the people on your shortlist have the skills and experience you’re after, you should examine their references, reviews, and any mentions in the media. Conduct interviews with potential candidates when you’ve narrowed your field down to a few strong candidates. If they have experience with projects comparable to yours, and if their specialty is what you’re seeking, then you should hire them. Also, make sure you ask about their problem-solving process. Any questions and worries you may have will be gladly answered by a trustworthy and well-informed contractor.
Be Flexible With Your Budget
The trouble with renovations, in general, is that you never know when you can run into hidden or unexpected expenses. At first glance, your office space might look modern, and it doesn’t need much maintenance and repairs, but once the contractor gets into the weeds, it all changes. Difficulties such as electrical and plumbing issues, structural issues, window replacements, etc., are annoying, but they must be handled to stop accidents or other problems from happening. This is why, even after meeting with your office renovation contractor and getting a quote from them, you should be mentally and financially ready to spend extra.
Be Noisy
This doesn’t mean bombarding the contractors and project manager with questions, but rather staying in touch with them. Whenever possible, take the initiative, be constructive, check in often, and oversee. After you’ve finished all the planning, it’s tempting to sit back and relax, but keeping a close check on the project will guarantee that it’s finished effectively and to your standards. Maintaining minimal disturbance and keeping your staff updated about the project’s progress is essential. Your employees will appreciate your transparency.
Obtain Necessary Permissions
Planning permission from the relevant authorities may be required for the renovation, depending on the scope. Before beginning any work, be sure you work closely with the team to get all required permissions. To keep delays and legal trouble at bay, it’s important to follow all rules and regulations.
These days, most people’s lives revolve around their offices; in fact, many even consider their workplaces a second home. As a company owner, you should prioritize the design and functioning of the office space to ensure that your employees are engaged and productive while they are there. An office renovation is in order if you see that workers’ health and productivity are suffering as a result of the workplace’s poor ability to foster teamwork and innovation. But before doing so, the steps described above are the important ones you should take.
