Your office space could be having a bigger impact on your business than you thought. Did you know that 90% of workers worldwide are dissatisfied with their workplace? This is a big problem as dissatisfied employees are likely to be less productive, less creative and less committed.
When it comes to office suites, needs can change very quickly. A space that worked brilliantly when it was put together can stop working in line with big changes in the workforce. This might be because the company has grown, because there has been a shift in the type of work that’s being done, or due to a change in management style.
Whatever the reason, it pays to keep track of how well your office is working for your company. Here are five signs your business might be outgrowing its current space:
1. Employees are lacking privacy
One of the key reasons employees feel unhappy with their physical workplace is because of a lack of privacy. This has been dubbed the ‘privacy crisis’ and has arisen in part as a response to the popularity of large, open plan offices.
If your employees struggle to find somewhere quiet within your office space, it may be time to question whether your office is still the right space. If employees aren’t able to maintain their own personal space, they may no longer be as productive.
2. Innovation has ground to a halt
We are all influenced by the space around us. Ideally, that space would be bright, welcoming and inspiring. The more inspiring your workplace environment, the more impressively your company is likely to perform. If you’ve found that your employees aren’t being as innovative or creative as they have done in the past, it may be beneficial to consider whether something has changed within your office space.
To promote innovation, look for offices that offer a bright and airy "third space" environment away from desks. This gives employees an opportunity to discuss ideas with colleagues and think more creatively.
3. Meetings are being held elsewhere
Where are most of your meetings being held? There are two reasons why it can be a warning sign if the majority of your meetings, both internal and with clients, are being held away from your office.
Firstly, it may be because there simply isn’t space anymore. If the space you used to hold meetings in is now being used primarily for storage, additional desk space, or even just back-to-back board room discussions, then it’s no surprise that many of your employees are heading for the nearest coffee shop instead.
Equally, if you’re not keen to welcome clients to your office, it may be because the space no longer represents who you are as a company.
4. The office is rarely tidy
An untidy office can be a sign of a workspace that’s just too small. A good office space isn’t just about having enough desks so that each employee has somewhere to sit: it’s also about being able to store all of the necessary tools, equipment, inventory, promotional items and paperwork.
If all of these things are overflowing your existing storage set up, it’s possibly time to consider booking some new office viewings.
5. Employee morale has gone downhill
Grumpy employees could be a sign of an office that is no longer meeting everyone’s needs! This could be because the main workspace is overcrowded and employees feel they are getting in each other’s way all the time. It could also be because a workspace that’s too small is unlikely to include any leisure or networking space.
Many office space providers simply meet the legal minimum for space per person or per desk, which can feel crowded. Be aware of this when you're comparing quotes, as higher quality serviced office space providers should go beyond the legal minimum to allow a more comfortable amount of space between and around desks.
It may sound counter-productive, but leisure space is a luxury that can pay big dividends. Employees who leave their desk to take a lunch break are likely to be more effective than those that don’t. A change of environment, as well as the opportunity to interact with colleagues, is likely to enhance morale and boost productivity.
Could it be time for a change for your company? If you’re looking to rent office space, we’d love to welcome you into our purpose built Leeds serviced office facility for a viewing.
