As workplace cultures and productivity models change, so too must their look and shape. Over the last ten years, several big corporate trends have changed the aesthetic of modern offices. One of the most influential is the growing preference for open plan environments and collaborative designs.
Yet, while the rise of coworking facilities is set to continue, they are not a suitable choice for all types of business. For instance, if you work with sensitive data, New Zealand law might even forbid you from using them. In this case, serviced offices provide the next best alternative. They are every bit as flexible as virtual workspaces, but they also offer privacy.
If you are planning to move into a new office in Auckland, Wellington, or one of the other big cities, keep reading for some clever design tips.
Do I Need a Redesign or a Relocation?
It is the first question you should ask after deciding that a change is overdue. While an internal redesign is always going to be more cost effective in the short term, it is worth reassessing your current situation. Does the office meet your key needs? Are the terms flexible?
Most importantly, could you make changes to your contract if the health of the business depended on it? With a serviced office, these things are possible. They are ideal for smaller companies because there is no lock in leases. Visit www.servcorp.co.nz/en/serviced-offices/ to browse the other features available.
Do I Want to Encourage Collaboration?
This is a big decision for businesses, particularly young companies with a limited amount of space. On the one hand, collaboration is proved to boost team morale, increase productivity, and broaden skill sets. On the other, there is the concern that open plan environments are distracting and unsuited to intensive tasks.
The solution is to incorporate a combination of work environments, as the providers of serviced offices do. These facilities rent out private suites to tenants, but they also include co-working spaces and communal areas in their buildings. That way, users can take advantage of networking opportunities and still feel like part of a broader, nurturing workplace culture.
How Much Space Do I Need?
It is worth noting that the average amount of office space afforded to employees has plummeted over the last two decades. There are several reasons for this, not least the fact that commercial real estate is more expensive than it used to be. Auckland has some of the highest rent costs in the world, so entrepreneurs are experimenting with different options.
Serviced offices range in size and can be as large and lavish as any of the conventional leases that you would see in Sydney, New York, or Hong Kong. The difference is that they offer completely flexible terms. Here, the tenant is in control, and there is no ‘landlord.’ Offices are available on a furnished basis as well, so you could choose to have the suite redesigned for you.
What Do I Want the Design to Say?
If you consider your office design in practical terms only, you are missing out on a very valuable corporate asset. It can help you to present your company mission and convey an image of professionalism, skill, and trust. It applies in particular to offices located in prestigious business districts like Lambton Quay in Wellington and the Vero Centre in Auckland.
It is also an excellent way to ensure that your employees have everything they need. They are the beating heart of the company, so any redesign or relocation must have their best interests in mind. If you are upping roots and moving into a new office, pick one that is close to transport links and (if possible) somewhat visible to shoppers. Your business address should say ‘success’ and make investors want to take a second look.
