Three Reasons Renting Coworking Office Space Might be For You

Coworking is a growing trend. According to a recent article for small business CEOs, an estimated 3.8 million people will be using coworking spaces by 2020. While the numbers are not quite that high yet, there are many reasons that people decide to use coworking spaces rather than renting more traditional office space.

1. The Flexibility

When renting a traditional office space, you are locked into a contract. You have to rent the space for a specific amount of time, whether it is six months, a year, or something else. With coworking, you can rent the space for as long or as short as you need. Even if you only need the space for a day or if you need the space randomly throughout the month, you do not need to pay for it when you are not using it. Plus, you can get the space that you need. Whether you simply need a desk in the corner, or you need a larger office area, you can rent the space that you need. As you need more space, you can rent a larger area.

2. The Details

When it comes to renting a traditional office space, you need to worry about supplies for the office, paying for the Internet, and other office-related details. When renting a coworking space, you simply bring your laptop and other supplies that you will need for the day, and you work. Then you can go home at the end of the day, allowing someone else to worry about the other details of the office.

3. Productivity

Coworking spaces are great places to network and connect with others who are in a similar situation. According to a study conducted earlier this year, one-third of people reported increased income since they started coworking, and over 60 percent anticipate increased income. Seventy-four percent said they were more productive. Eighty-six percent said they have a larger business network, and 93 percent reported a bigger social network.

If you are interested in learning more about coworking, contact us. We can help you find an office space to fit your needs.

Millennials In The Workplace: Majority Rules!

Millennials are becoming a force to be reckoned with in all aspects of our society. Numbering 92 million, these 20 to 36-year-olds will, literally, change our economy over the next decade by means of their purchasing power. It’s finally happened! The Baby Boomers reign no more.

This generation is making itself known and there is no looking back! What does that mean in terms of Millennials in  the workplace? Good things.

  • The Tenacity To Endure – Millennials have survived much in their young lives. We can start with the shock and loss our country endured on 911. The effects were felt world-wide. Add to that a failing economy, rising costs, major crashes in the housing market… The list could go on. They remained steadfast in the pursuit of obtaining a college education racking up exorbitant amounts in student loans only to graduate to minimum wage jobs forcing many home to live with their parents. But, despite it all, the majority remain optimistic that, eventually, everything is going to turn out okay.
  • A Degree Is No Guarantee – This generation has learned that the traditional path from college to profession of choice is no longer the normal way of things. They are adaptable and at the ready to learn new skills. Accepting challenges in the workplace is something to thrive on, they know the information they need to succeed is, literally, at their fingertips.
  • They Have Embraced The Ever Changing World Of Technology – This generation has barely known a time without the internet. They have grown up navigating the information highway and the ever-changing devices to access it.
  • Freelancing Is The Preferred Means To Their End – Although they realize the many advantages of freelancing in their areas of expertise, nearly two-thirds of Millennials prefer having full-time employment.

All of the above points are excellent reasons for hiring Millennials as a part of your team, but what do Millennials want from you? According to the 2017 Deloitte Millennial Report:

  •  Job Security is more in the forefront of their minds after a turbulent 2016, but the bartering power brought to the table with the knowledge of their dream to freelance is well worth pondering. It could prove an invaluable resource in a very competitive business market over the next few years.
  • Whether Freelance or Full Time, Millennials are looking for certainty in their jobs; but, again, offering flexibility in the workplace is a huge plus when considering job opportunities.
  • Millennials want to work for companies that are bringing positive change to the world.
  • Looking Ahead, this generation is looking forward to working with Generation Z.

The Millennials in the workplace have arrived! Be prepared to embrace the wind of change that brings!

Change is essential to remain competitive in the business world. Do you need to consider upgrading to a new office space? Or downsizing, perhaps, to become more streamlined? Contact us. We can help!

Green Office Space: Healthier Employees and Healthier Planet

Every day you see news of large businesses going green in big ways. Anheuser-Busch is switching to 100% renewable energy. Home Depot is putting solar panels on top of some of their stores. There are many motivations behind this trend. While doing something good for the planet is possibly among them, these giants are also improving their public image and saving big money. How can you, as a small business owner, do your part while showing employees and customers you care.

  1. Green Transportation. Encourage employees to carpool, or subsidize bus passes to reduce greenhouse gases from the daily commute. Provide a plug-in station for those first electric car owners, and create a space for bikers to safely store their bikes.
  2. Green Power. There are a lot of ways to reduce your power usage. Be sure computers, equipment, and lights are off at the end of the day. Use as many compact fluorescents and LED lights as possible. Install motion sensors for lights in less frequently used areas. Arrange office furniture in a way that maximizes the natural light you get. Open windows instead of turning on the air conditioning when possible. Solar power is also still sometimes an option when renting an office space. Contact the utility company about buying the solar they produce. Some communities also have very innovative solar power sharing initiatives for renters.
  3. Green Air. Indoor air pollution is bad for the environment and employee health. When painting the walls or replacing carpet, look for more natural, low VOC options. Look for office furniture made from real wood, as opposed to particle board. Use non toxic cleaning supplies, and ensure your cleaning service knows this is your preference.
  4. Green Supplies. Paper is obvious, but it’s worth saying again because many offices still use a lot of it. Go digital as much as possible. Use projector screens for meetings and encourage your staff to make notes on a digital device instead of paper. Avoid printing whenever possible. When you must use paper, buy recycled with the maximum post-consumer content you can find and look for chlorine free. Print on both sides, and use misprints for notepads. Of course always recycle, and make it very easy for your employees to do the same by placing bins in convenient spots. There are also less toxic options for printer cartridges, including recycled ones.
  5. Green Lunch. Providing a fridge and a microwave will go a long way in encouraging employees to skip going out. It reduces car emissions and waste from takeout containers. It’s also almost always healthier. Install water filters to discourage plastic water bottles. Provide a compost bin for food waste. It’s a major source of methane if it goes to the landfill, and most cities now have companies that come pick it up and turn it to rich compost.

Many of these initiatives will save you money. They also result in happier employees and a better image for your brand. Contact us, and we will help you find the perfect green office space.

Boosting Workplace Inclusion with Human-Centric Design Strategies

Unlike many traditional office strategies, “human-centric” Workplace Inclusion Principles prioritize the unique needs of employees and offer empathetic ways to meet them.

Although human-centric office strategies often clash with archaic assumptions that the “management is always right,” human-centric principles provide innovative ways to unify entire work forces and foster inclusive atmospheres where every employee feels valued. Human-centric strategies actively combat pressing workplace issues such as:

  • Low employee retention rates
  • Declining workplace moral
  • Bullying and interpersonal conflicts
  • Lack of employee growth and promotion

Creating a human-centric office atmosphere is easier than many think.  By implementing key steps, we can quickly transform our office climate for the better.

Look for Common Issues

If one employee is struggling with a particular issue, at least several others are as well.  By actively observing employees and departments for similar employee challenges, we can identify worrisome patterns before they grow. Employee health, personality conflicts, and uncomfortable work spaces are among the most common office challenges. Gather information and discuss recurring issues with Human Resources.  The first step to resolving office issues is to quickly and thoroughly identify them. Above all, we must always share our concerns with our employees and colleagues; regularly ask for their input and opinion regarding what challenges they face each day at work.

Invite Brainstorming Sessions and Collaboration

After gathering information and outlining your office’s most pressing issues, invite your work force to “brainstorming sessions.” Host small-scale ones for each department or invite your employees in small, designated groups to ensure organization and minimize the possibility of drama or bullying.  Encourage everyone to take part in these sessions and set clear discussion parameters.  Discuss the issue thoroughly and welcome possible solutions from each attendee.  Although not every potential solution will be used, these problem-solving hubs ensure that employees feels their opinions and needs are valued.  Even after immediate issues are solved, continue the principle of these employee “town halls.” Regularly scheduled meetings keep everyone abreast of developing issues and ensure no one is neglected.

Invest in “Human-Friendly” Office Designs and Renovation

In addition to office communication and group problem-solving, take a close look at office lay-out and catalog the pros and cons associated with the furniture, aesthetic, and equipment.  What environment do  your employees work in?  Do they feel comfortable in their work space?  What office renovations would encourage greater productivity?  Does my office compromise work place health or employee morale in any way?  By asking these important questions, we can accurately judge how beneficial our office choices are for our staff.

If looking to make necessary improvements, always invest in ergonomic solutions that prioritize employee health and comfort.  Also, consider transforming your office lay-out with modern, “human-friendly” solutions such as communal office space, indoor greenery, movable walls, and natural lighting. By regularly updating office design to meet employee needs, we keep our work space atmosphere fresh and healthy for the future.

Although not every office implements human-centric principles, more and more corporate leaders are recognizing the benefits of this revolutionary office strategy. By proactively creating a more “employee-friendly” work atmosphere, businesses are inadvertently boosting their company’s productivity, moral, and long-range goals.

If you need office space to implement Workplace Inclusion Strategies, contact us today.

What Makes or Breaks a Coworking Space?

What is considered the work environment has changed dramatically over the last decade. What used to be an image of dark cubicles and office spaces has gone through a lot of changes in order to help employees become happier, more productive, and to grant them more flexibility. In recent years, there has been a variety of new approaches developed in companies and their office spaces. Things like open spaces, brainstorming rooms, games rooms, and community kitchens have all been adopted as a means to make the office a more enjoyable place.

One of the more recent contributions to more modern office spaces is that of Coworking Spaces. These buildings, rooms, and offices serve to provide employees with spacious, open areas to work, often without any employees of the same company. It is essentially a style of work that invites employees from all different businesses to share a working space outside of their home or office base.

Benefits of a Coworking Space

 Networking

Coworking Spaces are an ideal location to grow an employee’s network, both professionally and personally. Not only is it easy to meet like-minded people in Coworking Spaces, but you also get to meet people who are in a wide variety of different industries.

This can mean making very valuable connections for both parties, who might be seeking out other services or who are interested in expanding their knowledge of other industries. Networking is often the key to a company’s success, and Coworking Spaces are an ideal place to expand your connections and grow your business.

Brainstorming

Although not everyone utilizes Coworking Spaces to connect, one of the great benefits of these locations is that you can bounce ideas off of all kinds of different people. Although it may seem counter-productive, it can be quite helpful to get some ideas and feedback from people who are in other sectors or businesses.

One worker may see other sides of an idea or concept that you never considered before, simply because they work in a different field. It can be really helpful to get non-biased, helpful feedback from those who are looking for the same.

New Clientele

Coworking Spaces are not job fairs, but it is common for workers to find and hire or be hired by others for their services. The aspect of meeting people in person in a Coworking Space is often what makes this kind of connection so plausible; individuals looking for specific skill sets may just find exactly what they’re looking for in someone who appears to have all of the tools they need in the same space.

Motivating Space

Working from the same office space every day can be dull, and working from home can sometimes mean a lot of procrastination. Taking your efforts to a Coworking Space can often give you a new, refreshing space to recapture your productivity and create new ideas.

These spaces are often filled with like-minded individuals who are also on deadlines, working on projects, or looking for some motivation. It can often be very beneficial to surround yourself with other individuals like yourself who want to push themselves to work harder and to make a difference in their respective fields.

What Makes a good Coworking Space?

A Decided Market

Opening your doors to anyone and everyone can become a problem very quickly. When individuals come looking for a Coworking Space, they likely have specific values, goals, and preferences that will need to be met before they choose a space. Opening a space without any direction, culture, or common goals can often make the space confusing and more of a free-for-all.

Not everyone is interested in a loud office space, while others need constant brainstorming, motivation, and music. Deciding what your space will offer and who you are marketing to will help all of these workers decide whether your space is right for them. Make your market clear and consider reviewing applications if the interest is high.

A Great Location

Setting up shop in the middle of nowhere isn’t going to benefit anyone. Coworking Spaces need to be extremely accessible, considering people will be traveling from various locations on different days of the week. Figure out what kind of market you’re catering to, and then make a location decision based on that.

Is it easy to find? Is there parking for out-of-town commuters? Is your building wheelchair accessible both inside and out? Is it right off the highway or far into town? Consider accessibility in all of its forms for a successful Coworking Space.

Offering the Basics

For some workers, having an office space that offers all of the basic tools for work can be very enticing. While a simple space might look great in terms of design, it’s also important to decide what kinds of tools you will offer your workers.

Will free Wi-Fi be included? High-quality printers and inkjet cartridges? A kitchenette for making meals? Projectors and meeting rooms? There are all kinds of items that you’ll need to consider.

Here is how coworking spaces decide how much you they will be charging monthly for the use of the space.

Sense of Community

The main difference between a regular open office and a Coworking Space is the sense of community. There is a shared sense of common values and goals, and relationships are usually built and last within the walls of an effective Coworking Space.

How Can Coworking Spaces Improve?

Coworking Spaces that are struggling could be experiencing problems for a number of reasons. If the worker doesn’t feel a sense of community or welcome, chances are they’ll prefer just to work from home.

Creating a unique space that is inviting will include some possible amenities, music, various working spaces, and opportunities for individuals to collaborate. It’s also a great idea to consider your payment plans, and the options people have based on their needs. Having flexibility when it comes to the services they receive is a great way to reach a wide span of workers who have great intentions for your space.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking about joining a Coworking Space, be sure to do your research ahead of time. There are all kinds of options available, and what one office provides may not meet your exact needs in comparison to another. Take a visit to each and get a tour of the Coworking Space; you’ll likely connect with some spaces more than others and choose the best one for you.

If you need help finding a coworking space, contact us. We’d be happy to help.

Exciting New York Office Space Next to Grand Central Station

New York Office Space Update

One Vanderbilt New York office space 2020

New York office space has always led the country in design. One Vanderbilt  is the next generation of New York office space. Grand Central Station in New York is still the largest transit hub in the US which makes the real estate around it extremely valuable. Recently, the land across the street on Vanderbilt Avenue was purchased and the existing building demolished. It will make way for a stunning new $3.1 billion office tower called One Vanderbilt. This property will be an innovative new landmark property in the center of the city that remakes the New York skyline. It’s 2020 completion will see a rush of new tenants seeking to enter this exclusive property.

The tower is highlighted by its pointed top that is similar to the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building. The iconic shape will be visible for miles around that will be considered a new landmark with its 1,401 foot height with 1.7 million square feet of interior column free office space.

The building will be highlighted by its column free floor plate and floor to ceiling windows. Those will provide a tremendous feeling of openness and light in the building. Interior company offices will have the options of staircases to travel from floor to floor, providing even a greater feeling of expansiveness. Additionally, those offices will be able to get 360 degree views.

The building will include access to a large, cutting edge auditorium and a 30 seat boardroom among a 30,000 square foot amenity floor. There will be an outdoor terrace and social space for as well. Additionally, the building will feature world class restaurants dedicated to existing tenants.

OfficeFinder is a premium provider of office space referral information and data. Top brokers and real estate professionals are available to assist you in New York City  and1550 other markets.  For more information, please contact us.

Millennials in the Workplace: How the New Majority of Workers Will Change Your Culture

Millennials in the Workplace means your office culture is about to change – dramatically. Today’s companies must prepare their office cultures for this influx of young workers. But how?

At one time, the baby boomer generation (born 1940s to 1960s) dominated the workplace, creating a culture of workers who stayed at the same company for decades. They worked hard, asked for little and sacrificed a lot to climb the ladder.

That was then. But this is now: The millennials or generation Y (born 1980s to 2000s) now represent a majority of the American workforce.

What Millennials in the Workplace Want

A new Gallup report reveals that most workers, many of whom are millennials, want their work to have meaning and purpose. This is especially true for gen Y. Despite their student loan debt, millennials are motivated by meaning as much as they are by money.

This means that to attract and retain millennials, it will become increasingly important for companies to show they care through community involvement and sponsorship of charitable causes.

Be a Company That Cares

Involve employees in charitable causes and ask them to volunteer for outreach programs. Partner with a cause that reflects your corporate values and let employees make charitable contributions through payroll deductions.

You can also find local opportunities for community service such as soup kitchens. Consider offering Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to employees who volunteer during work hours. Even if you only allow several hours a month, millennials will respond enthusiastically, engendering loyalty.

As you hire more millennials, you will find that their fresh perspective elevates the conversation inside your office culture, causing older workers and managers to rethink their own sense of meaning.

If you would like to find office space that can prepare your company for the new wave of Millennials in the Workplace, or if you have thoughts to share, contact us. We would love to hear from you.

Coworking office space: best solution for independent people

By 2020, if things continue as they are, 40 percent of the workforce in the U.S. will be freelancers, temporary workers, independent contractors and solo-entrepreneurs. Almost all of them will be working in coworking office space. Coworking office space refers to shared space where people who work there are most often working for different organizations, or for themselves, but creating synergy between each other.

Benefits of Coworking Office Space:

A recent survey found:

Among these independent workers,

  • 70 percent feel healthier than they did when working in a conventional office.
  • 68 percent said they were able to focus better.
  • 64 percent are better able to complete tasks on time.
  • 60 percent are more relaxed at home since coworking.
  •  92 percent were satisfied with their coworking space.
  • 91 percent enjoyed better interactions with others.
  • 50 percent report higher incomes.

Harvard Business Review reports that people who work this way, in coworking environments thrive more in their work than those in conventional office environments. What makes coworking spaces work so well? The answers may have important implications for conventional office philosophy and design.

The factors that go into success for the coworking environment may provide important metrics for the assessment of a successful office environment. The HBR survey of several hundred workers in coworking spaces around the U.S. revealed important factors that predict “thriving.”

Key Metrics:

The key business metrics for coworking office space are measures that predict “thriving” and positive impacts of coworking spaces on productivity and satisfaction.

  • People who use coworking office space see their work as meaningful. Those who work in coworking environments are free to choose the projects they care about. They can “bring their whole selves to work.”
  • Coworking spaces are filled with members who work for a range of companies, ventures, or projects. There is no direct competition or internal politics. There is no need for a false work persona.
  • Coworking has become something of a culture that has been developing a social mission. An online document called the “Coworking Manifesto” is signed by members from 1,700 working spaces. An annual “Global Coworking Unconference” (GCU) (pronounced “juicy,” held in 5 location around the world) brings a sense of identity, participation and mission to the coworker.
  • Coworking spaces are normally available on demand 24/7. People have nearly absolute power to decide when they work and how long. They can choose to work in collaborative spaces or private spaces. They can even work from home. However, the coworking environment provides a community and a specific location for work, that provides a sense of structure and discipline hat motivates the workers.
  • Feeling part of a community is a chief reason why people pay to work in a community space rather than in isolation or at home.

If you were to measure the power of coworking space, use measures that assess:

  • Workers’ attitudes toward the meaningfulness of their work.
  • Feelings of competitiveness among co-workers.
  • Involvement in the “culture of coworking.
  • Use of office space in off hours and irregular ways.
  • Feeling that the office space provides a motivating sense of community, structure and discipline.

Increasing numbers of employees of larger companies are choosing to work in coworker environment, rather than telecommuting from home or working in the corporate offices. Employees of Visa, large financial institutions, and journalists from newspapers like the Chicago Tribune are among them. The innovation team from Richo worked out of coworking space for several months to explore some new products, including their “Smart Presenter,” paperless meeting solution. Some companies, like Menlo Innovations in Ann Arbor, Michigan have actually enlarged their offices so that start-up companies and early-stage entrepreneurs can work alongside their staff.

Coworking Methods Applied to Corporate Environments:

The lessons of coworking spaces can be applied to corporate offices.

  • Encouraging flexibility and support for a mobile workforce.
  • Creating the right kind of social work environment inside corporate office walls.
  • Enable people to craft their own work environment in ways that give them purpose and meaning.
  • Establish a balance of desk seats and shared settings for collaborative work and quiet work.
  • Enable people to make connections and build working communities beyond formal meetings.

Please contact us to learn more about coworking office space.

Here is a look at a coworking office space in Seattle Washington:


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Rethinking Preconceived Notions About Millennials in the Workplace

The Reality of Generational Issues in the Workplace

The issues associated with Millennials in the workplace can no longer be ignored. It’s true that Millennials now dominate the workforce. However, in an era where Baby Boomers are very reluctant to retire and where the neglected members of Generation X are still well within their prime years of employment, generational conflict is something that all employers have to consider. Employers will be more effective at resolving these issues if they are able to confront existing stereotypes about Millennials in particular.

Millennials in the Workplace and Career Advancement

It’s widely believed that Millennials are largely uninterested in putting in the time and effort that it takes to excel in a career. Some people attribute this to the idea that Millennials prioritize their family members over their jobs, in spite of the fact that Millennials are less likely to get married and have children than members of previous generations. Other people attribute this to generational differences in work ethic. Some people believe that Millennials have overly high expectations for their workplace environments.

In reality, Millennials have often been unable to start career paths of any kind. The entry-level job of old has been replaced by the unpaid internship. Millennials crushed under student loan debt have been forced to work for free. Unpaid internships have frequently not led to real jobs, and they have sometimes made Millennials less employable down the line. The Great Recession is over, but it was largely older workers that benefited from the subsequent improvements to the economy. The research has also failed to produce evidence that Millennials are different from anyone else in terms of work ethic.

Meeting the Expectations of Millennial Employees

If anything, the employers who are able to provide Millennials with benefits and consistent and adequate salaries will usually get workers who are extremely motivated. Millennials do not take any of this for granted, since they typically started their working lives without benefits of any kind or even modest salaries. Employers often don’t have to go out of their way to accommodate Millennial employees. They just have to make sure that Millennials get what previous generations took for granted.

In addition to coping with record-breaking levels of student loan debt, Millennials are dealing with higher living costs than previous generations. A salary that might have stretched far when the Baby Boomers or Generation X members were in their twenties and thirties might be insufficient in a world where even the cost of food is higher. Underemployment is a crisis for the Millennial generation, and employers who go against this trend will get eager Millennial candidates right away.

Generational Conflict and Sensitivity

Millennials are very aware of how they are perceived by some members of the Baby Boom and Generation X cohorts. Some employees from these cohorts are happy to share these views publicly in workplaces. Employers need to recognize that this is a source of workplace conflict. In some workplaces, sensitivity training regarding ageism might be necessary. Getting an office environment set up for Millennial workers in a world where they are the majority partly means understanding the realities of this generation’s struggles. It also means finding ways to avoiding escalating the generational conflicts that have been going on for years.

If you are looking for an office to accommodate all generations including Millennials in the Workplace, Contact us. We can Help!

What is so Great About Office Space Virtual Tours?

Leasing a new office is a big step. Yet, this means you are moving up in your career and ready to for a new place. Finding just the right office is a challenging goal. However, with the help of office space virtual tours, the task is made simpler. Here are 3 reasons why office space virtual tours are beneficial when you are looking to find office space.

Saves you time

Time is precious and no one seems to have enough to spare. Searching for offices to lease takes time. Driving to each and every one could prove tiresome. Taking a virtual tour of your prospective new office gives you a realistic view of everything you need to see. You can save all the time you would have spent driving to the location by simply touring the office at home on your computer.

Helps you narrow down your prospects

There may be several office spaces for lease. After reading the description of each one you may have a difficult time deciding which one are worth pursuing. When you take virtual tours of the places, you can quickly determine which ones are satisfactory to you.

Works with your schedule

Everyone is on a tight schedule. The times you are available to see an office space for lease may be the times the owner is not available. You may want to preview a place during your lunch hour, late at night, or on a holiday. Taking a virtual tour means you can take a tour anytime your schedule allows.

In today’s world, finding an office space for lease is more convenient than ever. For more information about virtual tours for offices, contact OfficeFinder today!

Here is a good example of and office space virtual tour of Safeco Plaza office space in Downtown Seattle: