Are you wondering how you will design the office for your new business startup? Nap rooms, dry cleaning, and free snacks are legendary for most startups, but an outstanding office design is even more impressive.
Many startup offices are introducing open environments for their businesses and using a lot of technology. What will you do for your startup office to be unique among other startups? Below are five ways that you can make your startup office stand out.
1- Flexible Workspace
The workplace of your startup businesses should have the ability to change within a short period. The design of the office should be flexible enough to accommodate change and growth when necessary. Instead of moving the operation to a bigger space when the company grows, it is better to design an office that can grow as the brand grows.
To design a flexible workspace in your office, analyze how the office areas are employed and how the employees work. If your employees respond and request multiple spaces, consider their opinions and add it to the design. Also, ask yourself whether the barn style doors and couches in your office are enough for each of them and make necessary adjustments.
If you have a mobile workspace, you can add very few desks and leave more space for amenities like the gym, cafeteria to make the office look lively and feel enjoyable.
2- Come up With Shared Spaces
Common spaces have to be taken into consideration when designing startup offices. Nowadays, shared spaces have replaced the traditional, boxed-in cubicles and have become the heart of many startup offices. A startup office should have a segment that promotes interaction and collaboration.
When building a shared space, ensure it has a sense of transparency and inclusion. Even if you have a narrow office design, spare some space where employees will meet for conferences or areas to work together.
However, remember always to ensure the space is free of distractions. You want your employees to be in a position to focus on the job. You can come up with probate rooms where employees can privately attend to their duties without distraction. Also, ensure the decoration you use is comfortable for them.
3- Unique Office Design
The design of your office should reflect your brand or company. It should help in contributing to the identity and culture of the company. First, come up with a logo that has colors that complement the company’s visual identity.
The color scheme also should reflect the logo. Ensure you use appropriate colors so that the office looks warm and welcoming. Involve your employees and let them come up with their art and objects.
Besides decorating, you can also add more equipment to your office to make it look more relaxed and outstanding. For example, you could include a foosball table in the coffee bar or cafeteria to enhance the office style.
4- Team Workspace
Some employees work best in quiet corners while others are most efficient in airy noisy places. The sales department team might be more comfortable in an optimized area, while the analyzing team might be more effective in a distraction-free place.
Therefore, when designing the office space, design with team departments. This will ensure you give all groups what is best for them instead of keeping them together in a lump.
Also, remember always to consult before following trends. Some trends might seem cool to try, but they might not match with your company and office. Always be smart when settling for trends and choose one that fits with your brand.
5- Don’t Build to Impress
While a swanky office might get you the attention you want, it will not increase your revenue nor sales. Do not invest so much in things that you feel are not necessary when starting. Don’t impress your investors through your office; let them see the services you offer and get impressed.
If you are not well off, you can start with a mobile office. Mobile offices are equally good since they leave room for flexibility. Also, you don’t have to start the business with fully staffed employees. You could start with a few, and as the company develops, you develop the brand and add more employees and even create a bigger office. This will save you money and also managing a smaller team when starting is easier.