There is plenty of office space on the market for bosses to consider when they are looking for new premises in which to base their operations. Before committing to any particular premises, it is vital that managers ensure they meet all of the necessary requirements. As well as being in the right location and featuring suitable furniture and equipment, it is important that the design of offices chimes with the people who will use them.
Start-up firms are especially renowned for their offices designs, with many up and coming companies opting for unusual office space. Highlighting this phenomenon, Mashable recently drew attention to a number of newly formed organisations that are taking advantage of eccentric working environments.
The news source remarked: “Start-up culture became known for several things over the years: hoodies, ping pong, beer consumption and really awesome offices. Amazing offices became a perk of start-up life, perhaps thanks to the litany of amenities at the Googleplex.”
One of the firms identified by Mashable was Quirky. The organisation’s head office is the vision of its founder Ben Kaufman and it sports a number of unusual features. For example, the reception desk is a locker flipped on its side. Indeed, re-use is a theme that runs throughout the premises. The space is decorated with repurposed and reused objects from schools, gyms and public parks. The desks are even made from bowling alley lanes and a conference table is built on pallets.
Another unusual working space is occupied by the firm Outbrain. This has an “inspiring and creative yet relaxed environment for its 115 employees”, Mashable stated. It added: “The crisp, white walls are peppered with bright colours, and cubicles rock a punchy cyan hue beneath brightly coloured light fixtures. The centrepiece of the office is a colourful mural by Puerto Rican artist Sofia Maldonado, who’s known for colourful, organic forms.” Meanwhile, after working, the office space doubles up as a venue for happy hours, meetings and panels, while the sofa areas are designed to inspire low-key ‘chill sessions’.
Another business that is making use of an unusual working area is Squarespace. Its office is “simple, minimal and clean”, featuring mainly black and white decor. Mashable went on to suggest that it is “a place of inspiration, especially the library on the fifth floor that brims with books and magazines that cover topics from programming to design”. The premises are located above a yoga studio, to which employees have free membership. Also on the theme of health, the office contains a bike rack and pumps for any employees who cycle into work and the kitchen is stocked with fresh fruit, nuts, crisps and other snacks.
Selecting the right office space to rent can help to boost morale and productivity among personnel, so it is no surprise that bosses are putting so much effort into creating the ideal environments. By spending a little time and effort when it comes to this aspect of their businesses, managers can boost their chances of achieving long-term success.
