Moving your business location is a massive undertaking, but it's also an ideal opportunity to set up more efficient office spaces that can help your team work better.
While you tackle the logistics of this process, think about some specific steps to create an uncluttered, energizing and efficient layout for yourself and your team. Here are some tips to consider.
1. Streamline and Consolidate Your Equipment
While you get rid of all your clutter and unused items — a standard step in any move — take a look at your furniture and office equipment, too. Consider replacing old items with more multifunctional options that can take up less room. For example, a combination printer, scanner and copier takes much less space than three separate pieces. Or, plan a lunch area that doubles as a meeting room with a large table and comfortable chairs.
Think outside the box as you look at your current furniture and other items, and you could find plenty of opportunities for this type of smart consolidation.
2. Consider Workflow to Create Efficient Office Spaces
Maximize efficiency by arranging work areas to align with your organization's workflow. If your business depends on collaborative teamwork to produce big projects, it may be most efficient to arrange desks or tables in one large workroom. If your business often involves individual, focused work or a need for privacy, you may prefer to introduce office partitions.
Within each space, plan furniture and item placement in light of typical workflow and traffic flow. Items used frequently should be easy to reach and find. High-traffic areas should be as open as possible.
3. Go Green (and Save on Overhead)
A new office allows a business to enjoy a new look and take advantage of the latest in office design, furniture and accessories. It's also an opportunity to maximize energy efficiency. Consider investing in items such as:
- Bi-level switches, dimmers and occupancy or daylight sensors to regulate office lighting
- Programmable thermostats
- Energy STAR-certified computer equipment and kitchen appliances in lunchrooms
Offices that require a half-wall to separate a reception area from an administrative work space could benefit from a green wall. These walls are made of various living plants and vines; they improve air quality naturally and bring a touch of the outdoors inside. As a Stanford University study showed, exposure to greenery can boost memory, allowing staff to work more efficiently.
4. Implement Efficient Storage Solutions
Arrange efficient storage solutions such as bins, drawer dividers and filing systems based on where and how often people need to access these items. Store frequently used items at the front of the drawers or cabinets, with seldom-used items placed farther back. Remember: Archived materials like files may not even need to be stored on-site. Consider digitizing them and storing them in the cloud with a service that has plans for small business, such as JustCloud or Carbonite.
Plan your new office space carefully on paper to maximize efficiency in your workplace before moving in. This will help you create uncluttered, well-lit and well-organized areas your team and customers will enjoy.
