The Most Common Mistakes Made in the Process of Finding a New Workspace – Officio

Finding a new workspace is not something many people do too often – usually once a year if that. Therefore it is totally understandable when people trip up at certain points throughout the process. Luckily for you however, that’s where Officio comes in.

Having helped businesses find their perfect workspace for around 15 years, we have picked up on many common mistakes. And we’re here to make sure you don’t do the same.

From going out to view potential workspaces and feeding back to the team, to making that final decision, we’re here to guide you through it all.

Choose One Man for the Job

Before even leaving your workspace to begin the hunt for a new one, assign one person – your personal Client Advisor in the case of Officio – to lead your search. Having multiple brokers on the job will simply complicate matters more than necessary. Viewing through many different brokers is hard to keep track of. Only to be made more confusing at the proposals stage.

It’s also worthwhile taking a few minutes to look over different websites, reviews and testimonials before deciding on which brokering service to use. At Officio we take the time to qualify all our enquiries. This means we listen to you from the start. Our aim is to cut out the timewasting, fluff and nonsense and find you exactly what you’re looking for.

Work with a Professional

Now we know this may sound like a bias tip but, going direct to a workspace provider can be limiting. Firstly, you don’t get to see the whole market. While we only work with the best providers in the field, there are so many differing atmospheres, interiors and approaches to modern workspace, it can be difficult to know which is right for your business without talking to a professional.

Officio has access to a huge range of workspaces that our expert Advisors can instantly narrow into a shortlist of perfect solutions for your business. Then there’s the competition we create. This helps us ensure you get a great deal. Meanwhile, our partner relationships allow us to negotiate you the ideal set up. Going direct to a provider means all this hard work is down to you.

Be Smart when Out to View

When travelling between buildings on your viewing schedule, our key piece of advice would be, not to bother with taxis. Although in distance it may seem more efficient, with all the traffic, one way systems and pedestrians in London it is usually quicker just to walk. Or of course, take the tube.

Kings Cross East Side Exterior

Trying to catch a cab from building to building could end up costing you a lot more time and money than simply using your feet. What’s more, using public transport creates the perfect trial run of a potential commute.

Give Alternate Locations a Chance

While we’re on the subject of travel, another way businesses often fall down in their workspace search is by ruling out certain locations without seeing what they can offer. Sometimes, our Client Advisors will present a workspace slightly outside of an original search area. But, this will only be because it is a phenomenal space, perfect for a client’s needs.

iHub Office Manchester Braekout Space

It would be such a shame to rule out an amazing workspace for the sake of just a couple of stops on the tube. Test out the journey, visit the workspace and then make up your mind – we find that employees would be happy to add 10 minutes onto their commute if it meant working in nicer surroundings.

Always Keep the Team in Mind

Underestimating the affect a workspace can have on the team is often a business’ biggest mistake when moving somewhere new. Not only are location and surroundings important but the setting itself has a huge impact on the way people perform and feel at work.

Considering wellbeing features such as onsite gyms, wellness classes, biophillic design and natural light is important when searching for a new workspace. After all, you and your team spend an average of eight hours a day in the space.

Horseferry Road Lounge

What’s more, the level of breakout space, colour and social interaction that a workspace offers can seriously impact the productivity, focus and energy of the team. Want to know more? Take a look at our blog article, Workspaces for the Wellness and Eco-friendly Generation.

Understand what Info You Need Pre-Viewings

Being organised before viewing workspace options will minimise the time spent in limbo after you have chosen the best solutions. Sometimes, the board will ask for a presentation of the options – they may ask to see cost savings or growth opportunities for example. Whatever it may be, it is always helpful to discover this before going out to view. This way, if the information isn’t immediately obvious, you can be sure to ask for it along the way.

However, it’s not just about the board. Remember to keep the team in the loop too. Before you begin the viewing process ask the team what aspects of the search are important to them. Then, feedback on what you discover people are interested in.

Conference Room

In summary, it is important to make sure the team are happy with the workspace and that they are well informed about the process as you go. Ensure you know what’s needed to get the sign off and utilise experts in the field. Follow these tips and your workspace search should run a little more smoothly.

Considering a workspace move? Call Officio on 020 3053 3882