Your startup’s office is one of the most important elements of your business. It’s a productivity hub for your team, a center for networking with investors, and a calling card to present to clients.

Keeping your office’s appearance up to scratch is crucial.

It fundamentally impacts how investors and clients perceive your brand, and how happy and productive your team is.

Tips for Refurbishing Your Startup’s Office

As many offices are reopening in the wake of the pandemic, it might be time to spruce up yours. Giving the place a makeover will help you kick off the new year with a blank slate, and with newfound energy.

Convinced yet? If you’re thinking about deep-cleaning, refurbishing, or renovating your office, here are five tips to make the process as smooth as possible.

1- Make a Budget

First off, draw up a budget for your project. As 2020 draws to a close, your finances might be tight. Totally understandable. Luckily, there’s a range of inexpensive ways to polish up your office’s appearance.

But no matter whether you’re planning a paint job, or a complete tear-out-everything renovation, be sure to calculate costs carefully in advance – and stick to your limits.

2- Determine What Goes

Next up: Decluttering. Chances are, there’s a heap of things in your office that you never really use. From old furniture to binders filled with ancient bills, these things take up space that could be used productively. Before moving ahead with refurbishing, get rid of things you no longer need. Sort through everything, categorize, and then either bin, donate, sell, or recycle things that go.

If you have any heavy items, or large volumes of stuff to dispose of, consider hiring an office removal company.

Heads up: If you’re getting rid of tech, be sure to wipe it carefully first to prevent sensitive information from getting out there.

3- Measure Up

As a next step, measure your space and draw up a layout. Share this layout with your team and ask for input. Involving people in creating their new office space will help them appreciate it all the more. They’ll also be able to point out requirements to maximize their own productivity.

A working layout also makes it easier to optimize your space.

4- Consider Branding

Throughout your refurbishment, you should keep branding in mind. You’ll be welcoming investors and clients into your office – and it will serve as a reflection of your business. Ask yourself questions about which colors to use, and where to incorporate your logo.

Is your brand identity best represented by open spaces and lots of greenery? Or sleek stainless steel and wood furnishings?

Consider how many visitors you will have, and how to accommodate them comfortably.

5- Keep Health and Productivity in Mind

Finally, always keep the health and productivity of your staff in mind. When picking furniture, make sure it’s ergonomic. Consider adding plants and improving lighting to create a bright, open space.

Similarly, think about heating, cooling, and ventilation, to make sure that the temperature in your office can be adjusted for maximum comfort, and that there’s always enough fresh air and oxygen.

To create a calming office, also let people personalize their space, and consider adding art, or extra features like aromatherapy dispensers.

The Bottom Line

Giving your office a makeover is an excellent way to wrap up the year and prepare for new challenges ahead. By creating a budget, decluttering, brainstorming on a layout, and considering branding and the health of your team members, you can optimize the process. At the end of the day, refurbishing will help you polish up your brand – and boost your team’s productivity.

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