Six Things to Consider When Leasing Office Space
1. Consult your Staff: Survey the staff as to the location of the space and what type of features they would like. They will most likely point out things management has not considered and it could help to get an initial buy-in from the staff to move to new space.
2. Employee Amenities: Work near where you live to avoid long commutes. Consider space that is close to food, shopping, parking, outdoor spaces, parks, kitchens and gathering areas.
3. Layout: An optimal layout looks very different depending on type of company. Consider the flow of meeting areas, private offices, open spaces, windows and work areas.
4. Accessibility: You should consider not only the regulations outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act but also how the workforce and customers may feel in the space. Is it the appropriate image for the business? Is it easy to find? Is it convenient and professional?
5. Check out Management: Check out management can be a major factor in the selection and should not be overlooked. Are the other tenants of the space happy? Is the property well maintained? What type of response can you expect when a problem arises?
6. Security: Security can be an issue in many areas of a town or city. Bright lighting in parking lots and walkways are a must. Cameras and minimal landscape should also be considered. All decisions should be based upon your needs and wants and company buy-in. A qualified Commercial Broker is a great place to start sorting through the process.