Chicago Office Space

Improve Work Productivity At Your Office

The best way to ensure that the work product produced at your office is top-notch in every way is to create an employee-approved environment. In other words, make sure that those who are a part of your company find your practices to be most optimal to their workday. You want the people who are most affected by the work environment to have their say in what procedures are in effect. Here are four easy ways to create an employee-approved work environment and ones which you’ll feel good about bringing up with your employees for their approval.Chicago Office Space

Create a Quiet Workspace

The best way to ensure employee productivity is to create a quiet workspace. With so many office distractions, it’s vital to create a workplace where your employees can concentrate and focus on their work. In this case, an open office space layout may not always be best. If it’s possible to set up noise-blocking cubicles or even seat employees in their own individual offices, you will find that productivity will be a given and your employees are sure to thank you for that feature.

Maintain a Welcoming Work Environment

In addition to creating a quiet workspace, you also want to ensure that the office environment is a welcoming one. Eye-catching wall art and plants will create a welcoming feel to the office space. It’s also helpful if your break room is stocked with coffee and the occasional breakfast treats, which will help your employees to be comfortable and happy being an employee within your company. It will often be the little things which make a world of a difference.

Arrange the Office Space So All Amenities Are Close By

Employees also appreciate an office space layout where amenities are situated close by. Copiers, fax machines and even restrooms which are in a semi-close environment will be advantageous to employees and make their work environment a more accessible one.

Ensure That Office Furniture Is Comfortable and Useful

It’s also important to select office furniture which will be comfortable for your employees. After all, many office employees are at work 8, 10, even 12 hours a day, so you want to be sure that you create a comfortable office space where the seating is inviting, the desk setup is convenient for your workers to access on a daily basis and more. An employee who has a proper office setup, which includes comfortable furnishings which are convenient and useful, is one who will be a productive worker and an asset to your company or corporation.

Employees not only want to be appreciated in the workplace but they also want to be provided with an office setup which will offer the most comfortable and useful features possible. If your employee has what they need in their individual office space on a daily basis, they will best be able to carry out their duties and produce a work product which you will be proud to offer to your clients. In addition, by making sure your employees are comfortable, you will be showing those individuals that you are dedicated to making the workplace a welcoming and productive one.

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Benefits Of Relocation vs. Renovating Your Office Space

tenant-representation-servicesThere are times in the business world when business owners who lease office space need to either move to a new office location or renovate their current one. This can be caused by having additional employees come in or simply wanting to rearrange the current setup of the office space. When this situation arises, the question then becomes, “Should we move or renovate?” Although the decision is based on the individual circumstances of the business owner and their company, it is often a better idea to relocate rather than renovate. Here’s why:

Renovations Can Be Distracting

When an office space is undergoing renovations, while the business is continuing daily operations, the end result is a distracting situation for the business owner and employees. When you move to a new location, your company can keep operating at the first location until the move-in date arrives and then relocate when the new office space is ready. It’s hard to complete one’s work on a daily basis with construction noise going on in close quarters.

It’s Often More Cost-Efficient to Relocate

You’ll also find that relocating can be more cost-efficient than renovating. Although it may seem as if the costs aren’t too different in the beginning, as the work progresses, you’ll often be hit with new and higher-than-expected bills along the way as construction costs need to be added on from time to time. When you relocate, the cost will be straightforward and you’ll know exactly what you are getting in the way of office space.

Relocation Can Be Accomplished More Quickly

It’s also important to note that renovation can be a timely venture. When an office space is renovated, this is not a one or two-day occurrence. Renovations, depending on the extent of such, can take weeks or months to accomplish. With a relocation, you can often do this in a few days and get back to business in no time at all.

Renovation Restrictions By Building Owner Often Apply

Since you are leasing the office space and not a commercial building owner, you will have to get permission to renovate the current office space. There will also likely be restrictions in place as to what you can do with regard to renovations and you will have to abide by these restrictions according to the building owner’s wishes. With a relocation, you will be moving into the office space usually as-is, and if you do plan on changing anything within the new office space, you’ll know what you’re able to do in the very beginning, based on the language of the lease.

The decision between relocation and renovation should be a carefully-considered one, as you want to be sure to have the best possible office space and not have to deal with extra costs or timely, distracting renovations. You want your daily business operations to continue as usual, so weigh all of the factors before deciding whether it is in your best interest, and the best interest of the company, to stay at the current location and renovate or move to a new spot with a new lease.

Shared Office

3 Great Benefits of Shared Office Space

Renting a shared office space is a great option for those who need a consistent place to work. The space is usually fully furnished and equipped for various business needs. They may even provide phone and email services as well. There are many great benefits of renting a shared office space for your business requirements.

1. Money Savings

Renting a shared office space is a great way to save money. These spaces are often much less expensive than renting a traditional office space. This is because when you rent a traditional space, you are required to pay for all additional needs and equipment such as lighting, Internet, custodial services, and even hiring a receptionist. With a shared office space, these items are included in the cost already.

2. Networking Capabilities

Another great added benefit of a shared office space is the great networking capabilities it provides. By sharing an office space, you are provided with instant access to other businesses. This makes it much easier to network and gives you great ideas that you may not have had otherwise. This can provide you with ways to expand your business.

3. Meeting Space

A shared office space usually comes with a dedicated meeting space. Sometimes it can be hard to meet with clients in places such as coffee shops or other public spaces. It may even seem unprofessional. With a shared office space automatically included, this takes the guess work out of where to meet clients and gives your business an edge up over others without these facilities.

A shared office space is a great option for a business that is just getting started. It provides you with automatic amenities so that you can focus on your business instead of worrying about the essentials. It also provides you with great networking opportunities to help expand and promote your business. You can find shared office space in Chicago for your business needs.

Shared Office

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Etiquette for International Business

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There are some customs that seem natural to us in the United States. However, when doing business with partners from all over the world, it can be possible to overlook the cultural differences. Consider a few of these helpful international business etiquette tips for your next international client.

  • Time – Being punctual to corporate meetings can have a different impact in certain areas of the world. For example, in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, it is critical to arrive on time or early for all appointments. Arriving late can give the impression of superiority or disrespect in these cultures.
  • Joking – Kidding, joking or adding humor into business transactions can be taken as disrespectful in some cultures. For example, in Germany and France, it can be misconstrued as arrogance when joking or adding humor into a serious business transaction.
  • Gifting – A custom in some countries, such as Japan, China and India, is gifting to your new clients or business associate. It can be rude to not present the other business with a wrapped gift to express a token of appreciation for their time. Not presenting a gift could instantly ruin your chances for further business deals.

When deciding to participate in international business ventures consider these customs when traveling or working abroad. Looking for office space planning near the Chicago area? Check out TenantAdvisors.com for local listings, today!

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Feng Shui Your Office Space

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Feng shui is the ancient Chinese way of arranging items in your life to promote positivity and good energy. When incorporating feng shui into your life, it is important to understand the basics of obtaining a positive feeling and motivational energy in the workplace. Here are a few tips when setting up your office space.

  • Clutter Free Feeling – When designing your office space, consider designing the desks to hold multiple organization units, such as filing space or an area for multiple binders or other organization systems. Keeping the office clutter-free is the first step to improving overall positive energy and productivity within your office.
  • Placement Screams Potential – Placement of your desks within the office is one of the most important aspects to positive feng shui within your space. This would include having your employees all face the door at an angle or from the side. Moving the desks to this placement will promote positive energy as a client walks in the door and makes the employees feel included when anyone enters the building, as you would if a person enters your home. It would give you the opportunity to welcome them, as well as control the situation at hand. Thus, making your employees feel powerful within their space.

When designing your office space keep some of these factors in mind to promote a positive energy for all who enter your work space. Looking for office space in Chicago? Check out TenantAdvisors.com, today, to learn more and look at local listings.