Choosing an office is one of the most important decisions a business can make – but what drives that decision in the modern world of work?

We’ve gathered together some of the key factors that you need to consider when looking for a workspace that will help your team and yourbusiness perform.

Amenity, amenity, amenity!

Companies are now more aware than ever that an offic edoesn’t just have to be rows of desks and the most basic facilities.

Modern workspaces include so much more than that and employees want to work somewhere which has a range of great amenities that can enhance their day.

Options including gyms, cafés, content studios, additional meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, yoga spaces, cinema rooms, event spaces, bike racks, shower rooms and more are now commonplace.

If you want to get people back in the office you have to give them a reason to be there by creating an environment that encourages their return. That means giving them something they can’t get at home, and amenities play a big part in that.

Digital connectivity

A large majority of businesses rely on digital connectivity and you should make it an essential factor when deciding on a new workspace.

We’ve seen countless businesses in dispute with landlords about the quality of the WiFi in their building and know that this can be avoided by making the issue part of your due diligence from the start.

An easy way to check how good the connectivity is in a potential new office and save yourself this hassle is to look at building’s Wired Score. This prop-tech firm rates buildings from platinum through tobronze on their digital connectivity resilience, and looking up the score for a building you’re interested in can set your mind at ease.

Diverse and inclusive spaces

Positive changes are rippling through the property sector and office buildings are now designed to be diverse and inclusive in a way they never were before – although there is still a long way to go!

You need to have this as a key aspect of your decision making process when looking at your next workplace for the simple reason that finding an office which supports diversity and inclusivity is a great way to support your existing staff and new hires.

Businesses may have a range of requirements including disabled access, quiet spaces, neuro-diverse lighting, prayer rooms, a range of food selections and much more. Now, modern workplaces are adapting to offer all of that, and your business will be better off if you make such requirements part of your search.

Landlords and flex operator partnerships

Another important consideration is how the landlord or building operator interacts with tenants. Are they client facing and personable? Do they have a good track record of engaging with and supporting existing clients?

There are many landlords and operators who are really getting this right at the moment and providing buildings that are more than just a workspace. You can see that they care about the businesses in their buildings and support them with their wider service offering.

That can mean helping you expand when you grow, linking you in with other relevant businesses in your portfolio, offering assistance with a fit out when you move in, or simply being available to find solutions with you when problems arise.

Finding a landlord or building operator like that can be the difference that helps your business thrive!

Growth capacity

If you get everything right, you can plan for your business to grow. Lots of businesses are now looking for offices that can provide space which accommodates that growth so they can stay in one place for the long-term rather than having to find a new, bigger space in a year’s time.

For example, a tech business might go through multiple raises in a short space of time that see the company’s headcount expand rapidly. More people need more space, and many workspaces are now designed to offer that on a flexible basis when it is required so that you move somewhere without worrying how everyone will fit in a year’s time.

Finding a space like this and structuring the deal so that more desks and space can be added when you need it is a key factor in workplace decision making.

Sustainability and wellness

Finally, many businesses are now making value-based property decisions so that their workspace aligns with the company ethos. Likewise,employees are more aware than ever of sustainability and keen to work for companies which also take it seriously.

The sustainability of the building, efficient energy use, health and wellbeing initiatives and amenities which encourage environmentally friendly behaviour are just a few factors which are now very important.

Standards such as WELL certification, BREEAM assessment levels and a good EPC rating are some of the easiest ways to see how sustainable a building is. All three take into account factors like indoor air quality, water quality management, lighting measurements, thermal conditions, acoustic performance, environmental monitoring and occupant experience – vital sustainability factors and what employees want to see.

Additionally, choosing a more sustainable and energy efficient building is beneficial in a time when energy costs are high and proving to be a major problem for businesses. Prioritising an eco-friendly workspace will give your company an advantage.

Want to learn more about what a modern office space can giveyou? Get in touch with theteam today for advice.

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