3 Flexible Office Space Alternatives to Conventional Office Space

Looking for flexible office space alternatives? Don’t want a conventional office space? Considering your alternatives for a workspace? If you are starting of new business, considering a new base of operation or need a physical office space, here are some modern alternatives that can save you money on your rent costs; Coworking Space, Executive Suites and Virtual Office.

Coworking Space

Have you heard about “coworking space”? Unlike the typical office setup, a Coworking Space allows you to work in a casual and relaxed work environment that will suit your style and requirements. This is a facility that you will share workplaces by different professionals, different industries and mostly freelancers. Coworking Space promotes collaboration, creativity, best practices sharing, networking, socializing and creating new business opportunities. This is great for freelancers and independent professionals because of its flexibility allowing you to expand or contract as needed, with no long-term contracts. Coworking spaces are generally less expensive than Executive Suites, which you will find out more information about next. More…

Executive Suites

Now if you need more privacy and confidentiality, you should investigate an Executive Suite. Executive Suites are essentially shared offices with services provided by a management firm. They are also known as an Office Business Center or serviced offices. The disadvantage of this privacy is that you will miss some of the networking and collaboration available in coworking spaces. However, this is also great for small businesses and startups. You get the same benefits or services of having own facility at lower cost and with no long-term commitments. It is a great way to have project a good brand and identity to your client as they your office located in impressive business centers. More…

Virtual Office

Home based jobs, running or starting up small businesses from your home are very rampant nowadays. This is because of the available technologies and internet access can provide, nothing is impossible in running your business wherever and whenever you want. Almost everything can run virtually in the cloud. However, we must accept that frequently clients and customers are looking for assurance the and one way to give them that is to provide an established office address. A Virtual Office rental is one of the solutions. Having an established and prestigious business address will make your clients or customer more feel secured and confident in doing business with you. In Virtual Office, you’ll get to enjoy the same convenience of having your own business address such as having a local number, mail box, admirative support and very presentable meeting rooms at low cost. You can continue working comfortably of your choice, from home or other location while you keep your virtual office as your official business address. More…

All these flexible office space alternatives offer benefits to small entrepreneurs or working from home businesses and freelancers. It will simply give you the office-feel environment, yet you still have the benefit of flexibility.  Some of the common advantages of getting these types of office set are that you will be more effective; especially if you are working from home. It is a much better replacement if you sometimes use cafes or restaurants to work or meet clients. They also will help you avoid distractions.  Working in these types of workplaces will help you avoid loneliness and burning out. You will be surrounded by other passionate entrepreneurs who will help energize with their energy in striving for success. Most importantly is the flexibility, it allows you to rent a space shorter or longer, bigger or smaller space, it’s very flexible allowing you to work your style and within your budget.

Whether it is a virtual office, Coworking Space and Executive Suites, we hope we helped you to get a better idea of your office space options.

OfficeFinder is ready to assist you in your search for flexible office space alternatives at no cost to you!

OfficeFinder, LLC is a leading web-based office space referral and information network with highly qualified local office space leasing and sales professionals throughout the US and Canada. OfficeFinder collaborates and continuously exerts effort to connect with large, small and well known commercial real estate companies.  Professionals from OfficeFinder are great partners who can help you to locate and find the right business space that suits both your needs and style. Simply contact us and provide a few details for us to be able to assist you. There is no obligation and there is no cost to you. You get assistance and options you need in finding the best workspace for you and your company!

Mistakes to Avoid When Leasing Office Space

You have located an exciting new office building. It features flexible workspaces, makes a great first impression on visiting clients and has all the creature comforts and amenities that make this the right office space for your employees. Before you go full steam ahead, learn how to avoid mistakes when leasing office space even some less seasoned brokersin the industry make.

  1. Leasing for today. Unless you specifically go after a short-term lease, look beyond the company’s needs of today. The size of the space that meets your needs right now may not be the right size in six months when you add on a new division and need more staff members. Pending mergers, new product lines, added service menus and market expansions might have you bursting at the seams well in advance of your lease’s expiration.
  2. Pinching pennies. While you cannot afford to tie up too much money in rental expenses, be careful not be penny-wise but pound-foolish. Verify that the rental rate is competitive in the area for the space you are investigating. Next, check out the added amenities the leasing company proposes. Some add parking spaces and access to shared conference rooms. Others do not. A potential deal breaker could be the amount of the tenant build-out allowance.
  3. Going it alone. Granted, you have already located the ideal space. That said, how do you know that there is not another one just like it around the corner? It may not be openly advertised, but an office space expert with industry insider knowledge and connections can point you in the direction of this space. Before you make financial concessions for a great space, when you could come out ahead by opting for a similar office in a nearby building, work with a group of professionals who assist you with locating an office that suits all your needs and delivers on plenty of wants, too.

When you avoid mistakes when leasing office space, you position your company well in a competitive market place. Contact us today to learn more about your options.

Why Coworking is Cool: Understanding the Reasons Behind Its Popularity

In recent years, coworking has been popular, especially among freelancers and small business owners who do not have the luxury of financial resources to afford their own office. That being said, the rest of this post will quickly tackle some of the reasons why coworking is cool and why it will continue to be hot even in the years to come.

It Is Economical

 The practical cost of coworking is one of the reasons why it’s cool. With the rising costs of real estate, renting or building a big office is no longer feasible, especially for entrepreneurs who are just getting started. With this, a coworking space is the perfect alternative since you will be able to enjoy affordable rates. They have different packages that will suit varying needs and preferences. Also, because of the tight competition, a lot of providers are driving their prices down.

If you are looking for shared Dallas office rental that is affordable, one option that you should not miss is thecommondesk.com.

It Is Versatile

 Another reason why coworking is cool is its flexibility. You will have different packages to choose from depending on what is it that you need. For instance, at The Common Desk, you can rent shared desks or private offices. Many coworking spaces have packages that are available on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. You do not need to be tied to a long-term lease.

It Creates a Community

 In an article from Time about why coworking works, it has been noted that it is a space where members are encouraged to explore their shared interests. It is where you can meet like-minded individuals. It fosters collaboration and networking. It will also allow members to get out of their comfort zone. You will surely find new friends, as well as potential employers and employees. There are workshops and other events that will provide opportunities for growth. Being part of a community is surely better compared to working by yourself at home, especially for freelancers.

It Gives You More Control

 In a post from the Harvard Business Review that tackles the reasons why people thrive in a coworking space, one of the reasons cited is that it provides more control of your job. Many of these places are accessible round-the-clock. You can work at your own time and decide how long your breaks will be. You will not be tied to a strict company policy. You will have more freedom to be yourself. The autonomy that results from coworking in such a place will definitely have a huge impact on your productivity, and in turn, the quality of your outputs.

From the discussions above, we hope that you had an understanding of why coworking spaces are surfacing left and right. The trend is expected to continue through the years as more and more people look for economical alternatives to have a productive workspace without the need to spend a fortune.

How Coworking Office Space Boost Professional Success

The advantages that coworking office space has over traditional office spaces for employees or home offices for the self-employed far outweigh countless other options. But why is that? In this post, we will explore a few reasons why coworking office spaces boost professional success and help both individuals and teams thrive in their work.

  1. Greater Networking Opportunities: When a professional occupies a co-working space with other professionals from various industries, it immediately increases their network and their opportunity to make important contacts. For freelancers who spend the bulk of their time working from home or at the local cafe, they have far fewer chances of networking with new people on a daily basis. Coworking spaces have a built-in network of different professionals all ready to meet and grow new alliances and start new projects.
  2. Coworking Boosts Greater Productivity: There was a study done that showed that people who worked out with other people or in public at the gym as opposed to in their home performed much better physically and enjoyed an overall better workout. The same could be said about coworking. When a professional chooses a coworking space over their own home, they immediately minimize distractions such as the temptation to wander over to the fridge every half hour or have the TV playing in the background. When a freelancer is working among other freelancers, they will experience higher levels of focus and productivity.

Want to learn more about the ways that coworking office space boosts professional success? Don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Flexible Workplaces: Just What the Entrepreneur Needs

Starting your own business is a bit like “leaving the path during a hike and creating a new trail through the woods,” explained Gearmunk founder and CEO, Erik Boles. “You might come up on an oasis” or you might find a cliff. According to a report in the Colorado Springs Business Journal, Boles is one of about 15 startups and 25 small businesses that has benefitted from the help of Epicentral Coworking, a flexible workplaces company that not only offers investment money to new businesses but also a downtown coworking space in which the company can take root. About seventy percent of new businesses fail, the report notes, and Epicentral’s aim is to give as many new businesses a leg up as possible.

Money isn’t the only issue that startups face, the report explains. Beyond that, it’s a lonely venture in which founders are in urgent need of community support. And that support is what flexible workplaces like coworking space or executive suites can provide. The CEO of Epicentral notes that many of the people working there will contract the services of others there, or even hire them as employees. Five major projects have resulted in the ability of the coworking startups to lend their expertise to each other.

In addition to the help from a community of other small businesses and startups, companies in coworking spaces or executive suites find flexibility in leasing — renting a desk or office space for a few hours a day or for weeks at a time instead of being tied to a long term lease such as a traditional office space would provide. And for some entrepreneurs, that’s just the kind of help that can make the difference between blooming and bombing.

Would you like to know more about flexible workplaces like coworking spaces or executive suites and the impact they can have for new businesses? Contact us.

Going Green: Key Features of an Eco-Friendly Office Space

Whether currently searching for new office space or seeking climate-friendly renovations for your current property, “green”  eco-friendly office space provides innovative solutions for greater productivity and employee well-being.  Although many companies and representatives may give the impression of being “earth-friendly” not every building automatically fits the strict parameters for a “green” office. Unlike traditional offices, “green” offices take full responsibility for their waste and environmental effect. These office also actively seek to minimize their carbon “footprint.”  As you seek a healthier, eco-smart workplace, consider these key features in green offices.

LEED-Certification 

For an office to be truly “green,” it must carry strict certifications from organizations such as The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.  This independent organization carefully grades buildings based on their infrastructure, resource efficiency, pollution output, and overall employee health.  Investing in an LEED-certified building provides a safe, sustainable environment to maximize workplace efficiency.

“Living” Infrastructure

Green offices are built with far more than simple wood and metal.  Sustainable offices recognize the value or bringing the “outdoors” inside with innovative features such as “living walls” and indoor gardens. Office plants and greenery provide natural air filtration, boosting employee health and well-being while also creating a more restful, natural atmosphere.

Rejuvenating Work Space

Green offices often stray from the traditional office “cubby”design.  Employees in green offices enjoy open office space with minimal segregation and walls.  These open offices allow greater use of natural light and air filtration without necessary walls and cramped work spaces.  Green offices such as  The American Society of Interior Designers employ “human-centric” floor plans that improve natural employee collaboration, creativity, and workplace moral.

Ecodistrict

Although green office space can be created nearly anywhere, these healthier, earth-friendly havens are often found in “ecodistricts,” designated areas that actively push sustainable energy and “green” principles.  Many cities, particularly in Washington, Colorado, and California are passionately supporting the creation of more ecodistricts with greater emphasis on clean public transportation and electric energy use. If looking for new office space, start your search in a clean, ecodistrict first.

Although creating a completely “green” office may appear challenging, creating a climate-friendly work space begins with small but meaningful changes anyone can make. Going green begins with managing your office’s power, water, and carbon output.

For information on finding a new, eco-friendly office space opportunity, please contact us today.

How to Help Your Team Comfortably Transition to Standing Desks (Part 2)

Welcome back to the second half of this two-part series on introducing standing desks into your office to improve both productivity and employee health. Last time, we covered why standing desks are the ideal solution to the myriad of health problems that tend to plague office employees and how to slowly introduce standing desks as your team adapts to the new physical norm. However, the standing desk policy doesn’t require participants to stand all the time so today we’ll start with interesting chair alternatives for sitting, resting, and working out.

Consider Chair Alternatives

Every now and then, something we thought was permanent about the world will be changed suddenly by a new idea. In this case, standing desks have introduced the idea that offices don’t need office chairs. In fact, employees can sit on whatever makes them comfortable and productive. No one should stand 100% of the work day so transitions will happen and you can make them easier by helping your staff choose how they want to sit when they sit. Some standing desk users prefer a tall stool to rest on from time to time, others like a nice big exercise ball for their sitting time which is also great for desk workouts. Others will keep a desk chair or folding camp chair nearby for lumbar support when they rest.

Find a Posture Coach

One of the reasons some people have a terrible time adapting to standing desks is because they don’t know how to stand. Many people slouch, lock their knees, or simply never learned to line their spine and shoulders above the hips and stand in ‘parade rest’ for long periods of time. If you want standing desks to be a hit, make sure your team knows how to stand comfortably. A posture coach can be a training video, a demonstration, an employee assigned to help others, or a professional brought in from the outside.

Dynamic and Anti-Fatigue Standing

Finally, even with good posture no one stands in the same position for hours comfortably. Standing desk professionals have begun to explore interesting alternatives like a wobble board, foam tubes, step stools, and mini-elliptical machines for enjoyable standing that doesn’t leave you stiff. Of course, no matter how you mix it up, fatigue mats are an undeniable necessity as they turn the hard, unyielding floor into a conforming, supportive surface for your feet.

Whether your team is three people or fifty, introducing standing desks is a great way to promote employee health and break up the monotony of everyone sitting quietly without activity or movement for many hours at a stretch. Just make sure when updating the office to standing desks that you do so in a way that is workable and comfortable for everyone.

Your Business Profits: Investing In Markets Vs. Back Into Your Business

Business is never in black and white. There are endless different ways to make your annual profits; however a very contemporary debate within the world of business concerns whether it’s more profitable to invest in emerging and current stock markets, or whether you should consider investing some of what you earn back into your business. With a front to back investment management platform available on the market, you’re able to properly analyse your profit efforts, but which technique should you opt for?

Investing Business Profits In Markets

More Chances To Grow Your Money

While stock markets are renowned for their volatility, there’s no denying the growth potential when investing in upcoming markets. Usually, the stock market tends to rise in value over time, so you’re almost guaranteed an increase in profit if you invest wisely. Having said that, the prices of singular stocks are even more volatile, and can appreciate one day and depreciate the next, so investing in markets can be quite a high risk for all businesses. It is possible to stay safe when investing in markets, as some are undeniably more stable than others, so there is a high potential to build your wealth when making this decision.

Dividend Income

Furthermore, there are some stocks on the market that provide income in the form of a dividend, although it’s worth noting that this doesn’t apply for all markets. Essentially, this means that the payments will arrive and make you a profit even if the stock has decreased in value. Particularly for individuals looking to fund a retirement or budget for further investments in the future, dividend income can be highly useful.

Investing Back Into Your Business

Guarantees Business Growth

As we’ve already explored, you can grow your profits via market investments regarding that you make the correct choice, however reinvesting in your business provides you with opportunities to grow your company as a whole. Failure to reinvest money into your business will limit the amount of growth that you’re able to experience. Naturally, one of your main business goals will be to slowly increase the amount of money that you’re earning each year; however, you’ll find this figure staying stationary if you fail to invest back into your business. Due to the ample opportunities that come with reinvesting into your business, it’s something that you’ll want to enforce from day one.

Opens Room For Further Support

Particularly for small start-up businesses, it can be a challenge to accomplish every single one of your business goals on your own or with a limited team. In order to improve the professionalism and efficiency of your business, you’ll want to hire a range of different job roles, with freelancers and contractors just being the beginning until you’re able to hire more full-time staff. Initially, this can be a scary investment to make for your business as you’re losing a considerable amount of revenue, but regarding that you’re wise with your investments, it should inevitably lead you to success.

To summarise, we’d recommend investing back into your business before you take the leap into investing in stock markets. While this can provide you with much larger profits, the volatility of stock markets pose as a larger risk than benefit, whereas reinvesting in your business is a stable way to ensure that you slowly increase your ROI value over time.

As you grow and reinvest in your business, we can help with your office space needs. Contact us today if you are in need of office space.

How to Help Your Team Comfortably Transition to Standing Desks (Part 1)

Transition to Standing Desks

Good employers have always done their best to promote health and well-being in their workers and not just because a healthy worker is energetic, has a better attitude, and needs to take less time off. Many companies are genuinely dedicated to being part of ‘the solution’ rather than ‘the problem’ and in light of recent studies, there’s no denying that sitting all day at work has become a major health problem. Companies have tried in-office gyms or gym membership vouchers, inviting landscaping with jogging paths, catering healthy lunches, and hosting employee sporting events. However, with heart disease, cancer, and waistlines still on the rise, it’s no wonder businesses are trying something new.

Standing Desks: Solution to Employee Health?

Standing desks address the age-old problem of leading a horse to water. You can make company gyms available and implement reward programs for using them, but you can’t actually force a steadily less healthy workforce to actually use the workout machines. Implementing standing desks, on the other hand, gets everyone up, on their feet, and their blood moving at a quick, healthy rate all within the usual work hours. In many ways, implementing a standing desk policy in your office can help to reverse some of the damage caused to your employees by years of sitting still and working for hours. While you may meet some resistance from your team about the change, the key to a successful standing desk transition is to do it gradually with the right posture, timing, and equipment.

Introduce Standing Desks Over Time

It’s important to understand when switching to a standing desk office that standing for long periods of time requires a number of posture and stability muscles that most people haven’t worked on, especially if eight hours of their day or more are spent sitting and working. This means that a full 100% transition is likely to see a lot of hurting feet, legs, and lower backs, not to mention the drop in productivity as fatigue sets in. Instead, it’s best to introduce standing slowly over time, adding an hour or two of standing per day each week with the help of soft fatigue mats for adapting feet.

This means that you don’t want single-height standing desks. While you can work with two desks at separate heights, the best solution is an easily height-adjustable standing desk that can transition depending on whether your employees need to be standing or sitting. This also allows you to make personalized adjustments to achieve the optimal standing desk height for each employee’s personal size.

Standing desks are one of the best things that has ever happened to office and employee health but introducing them to the team is only the beginning. Join us next time for the second half of this two-part series where we’ll talk about chair alternatives, posture, and new ways to think about standing.

If you are looking for office space, contact us today!

What Millennials Appreciate About Coworking Spaces

Coworking spaces can be very socially engaging, educational and informative if we choose the right environment. Millennials are looking for work environments that engage them at all these levels with little or no cost to them. Historically, as a group, millennials are the generation to have emerged from college with the greatest debt to date. So let’s talk about what millennials want their work environment to look like.

Social Engagement

Millennials are prepared to work, work hard, and they want to be engaged at work. This doesn’t mean that every minute of the day needs to be a new learning experience but feeling connected to what they do. Often that connection comes in the form of external engagement like taking part in local, national or global responsibility projects. This is hard to do if you have a small company but coworking spaces offer the ability to connect with others in your work space to feel the sense of community and connection. These type of social action programs are often offered by the managers of the coworking space or maybe by one of the companies working there. So look for a space or ask about if this is a priority for the space you are considering.

Ongoing Education

Millennials are lifelong learners. Whether it is online through places like Udemy or in the office through continuing education programs, coworking spaces can offer small companies the ability to ban together to gain greater access to educational resources they may not get alone. In some cases, the coworking spaces may provide the opportunity for its tenants for a discounted fee or free of charge depending on the seminar.

Staying Informed

Staying aware and informed of changes in the economy, your field or maybe a field that the millennial is considering entering. Coworking spaces bring engaging speakers and presenters to the office to create a more aware workforce of the changes happening. This is such an important part of one’s desire to grow and learn. Ask if the coworking space you are considering brings in local speakers or if it provides a platform to learn from office mates.

Coworking spaces offer millennials the chance to stay or become engaged in social action issues, keep up their education for little to no cost and remain informed about their knowledge space. Providing these benefits help millennials feel fulfilled and coworking spaces can offer these benefits.

Contact us for more information on finding the right office space for your business.