Congratulations on setting up your first business office!
There’s a lot to think about when going from working at home, or in coffee shops to having a space of your own. From location to decoration and of course choosing the right commercial office furniture…
Tbh it can be pretty stressful.
But don’t worry.
With enough planning and know-how it can actually be relatively simple and cheap to set up your business office. You could even have fun doing it!
So without further ado, let’s take a look at…
Contents:
- Why Office Setup Is Important
- The Furniture Essentials
- Budgeting Smart
- Planning The Layout
- Planning For Technology Integration
- Mistakes To Avoid
Why Office Setup Is Important
When you think about it office setup is important for a number of reasons.
Sure, you want your business to look professional when clients visit. But did you know how office setup can impact employee productivity?
Employees who work in an office that has been well thought out and set up correctly are:
- Happier
- More Comfortable
- More Productive
…the list goes on.
Companies that invest in ergonomic office furniture specifically see an average uplift in productivity by 15% according to the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.
That’s a huge increase just by selling employees the right chairs!
Remember, happy employees = better work. Better work = happier clients. Happier clients = more money.
It all starts with the correct office setup. Finding affordable office furniture that doesn’t sacrifice quality is the foundation of any successful commercial office furniture strategy. So let’s begin by taking a look at the essentials.
The Furniture Essentials
Okay, before we dive into the different types of office furniture you’ll need. There are a couple of things to remember when buying any furniture for your business.
First. Every business has different furniture needs.
Just because your web developer friend has eighteen drawers in their desk doesn’t mean you do.
Secondly. Office Furniture is an investment, not an expense.
Cheaper desk may be cheap now. But if they break within a year and you have to buy replacements. They won’t be cheap anymore.
So what furniture is essential when starting a new office?
Well. For starters. Every employee will need somewhere to work.
This means:
- Desk
- Ergonomic office chair
- Storage (drawers/filing cabinets/shelves)
Of course, there are other furniture options that would be considered important depending on your business. Meeting Tables, Reception Desks and even Break Area Furniture are all crucial pieces of furniture.
But the above 3 things are what every worker will need to do their job.
NerdWallet found that the average cost of office furniture is around £1,200- £1,600 per worker. For ‘mid-level quality’ furniture.
Plan wisely.
Budgeting Smart
Another thing that can make setting up your first business office stressful is money.
Truth is when you’re running a business every penny counts.
You spend too much in one area. Then you have to cut costs on something more important.
Easier said than done right?
If you know exactly how much money you can spend on each section of your business office setup. Then you won’t have to worry about wasting money.
The tricky part is knowing how to spread your budget across the different areas.
The biggest costs with setting up office will be;
- Furniture
- Technology
- Office Supplies/Decor
- Technology Set Up
- Utilities
Of course. How much you spend on each depends on the budget you have available.
But a good rule of thumb is to prioritise the things your employees will use every day.
Don’t buy cheap desks and chairs just because you can. Because your employees will use these items every single day.
Buy quality furniture that will last. Then once you’ve got desks covered look at what your office is missing.
If you have money leftover go get that cool fluffy rug you’ve been eyeing up.
Just remember, don’t get sucked into buying pricey stuff at fancy furniture showroom. A lot of companies will sell you the same stuff for double the price.
Plan wisely, buy quality.
Planning The Layout
One of the best things about office setups is how different every office can look.
An office with an open plan layout will look and feel completely different to a traditional row of desks.
And both of those will feel entirely different to say… A classroom style setup.
When planning the layout of your office there are a few things you should consider.
Ok, people will need to easily walk around the office.
Whether that be to each other’s desks, to the kitchen. Allocate enough space for people to move around without bumping into furniture.
Natural light is key.
Where possible position desks close to windows. Natural lighting helps keep energy levels high.
Create quiet zones.
If your office doesn’t allow for empty desks or offices. Identify which areas are going to be considered “quiet zones”.
Its also useful to have collaboration areas.
These are spaces where teams can meet to discuss projects. Provide these areas with tables and chairs that allow for groups to comfortably sit and work.
Planning For Technology Integration
These days it isn’t possible to run a business without technology.
Computers, phones, printers. We’re practically attached to these things at work.
When setting up your office technology should be high on the priority list.
Granted, technology won’t affect where you place your desks and chairs. But things like power sockets and internet connection should be considered when planning your office layout.
Here are a few things to consider when it comes to technology integration during office setup;
- Having enough power sockets at each workstation
- Having cable management facilities to hide cables under desks
- Strong enough wifi that reaches every corner of the office
- Adequate lightning. Sounds stupid but important.
Luckily for you. Many desk now come with cable management systems and power charging ports built into the desks.
Which is great for keeping workspaces tidy.
Mistakes To Avoid
Walking into a new office space and seeing what other businesses decide to do with their setup can be eye-opening.
Ever walk into an office and think ‘what were they thinking?!’.
We’ve all been there.
Here are some common mistakes business owners make when setting up offices.
Buying cheap office furniture.
Cheap stuff breaks. And when it breaks you’ll have spend even more money replacing it.
Not investing in ergonomic furniture.
Uncomfortable furniture = unhappy employees.
Employees who are stuck at their desks all day won’t be happy sitting in chairs and on desks that aren’t comfortable.
Cluttering the office too much.
Less is more.
If you stuff your office full of furniture so every inch of wall has something hanging on it. And there’s no space for employees to spread out at their desks.
It’s going to feel overwhelming and stressful being in that office.
Not allowing for growth.
Whatever size office you’re setting up.
Make sure you leave room to expand in the future.
You never know your business could explode!
Skipping the planning stage.
This point cannot be stressed enough.
Some people wanna jump straight into buying furniture as soon as they get an office space.
Then they realise they’ve spent hundreds on furniture that doesn’t fit. Or isn’t what they wanted.
Take your time during the planning stage.
Measure your space, write down what you need. Set a budget and then go from there.
Wrapping Things Up
The setup of your business office is important.
How you arrange your commercial office furniture can affect how your employees work.
Not only that but it’s also the first thing clients will see when they visit.
You want to make a good impression and also provide a space where your employees can be productive and happy.
Let’s go over everything we talked about.
- Invest in quality furniture that will last. Employees will be using these pieces every day.
- Budget wisely. Don’t overspend on furniture then realise you have no money for technology.
- Plan your layout. Consider how your employees will use the space and what will make them most comfortable.
- Consider technology integration. Are there enough power outlets? Where will you place printers?
- Avoid the mistakes above.
Take your time with office setup.
Don’t rush into buying furniture.
Planning your first business office should be fun.
You’re setting up the home your employees will spend most of their week. So make it a space they’ll enjoy spending time in.
