Category Archives: Office Space

When Is It A Good Idea To Use Storage Containers For Your Business?

Storage containers exterior Running a business means making a lot of decisions every day. One of those many overlook is whether to make use of storage containers, especially if you’re renting your office space and paying rent for space in your office that you are using as storage space. Typically, storage is one of the essential things you might overlook until you’re obliged by necessity or rent hikes to take advantage of that option.

If you’d like to consider whether using storage containers is something that could help you, keep reading to learn when it’s a good idea to have them for your business.

When There’s A Natural Disaster Coming

If you’re only leasing out an office space and it’s located in a flood- and hurricane-prone area, then, using durable storage containers from reputable providers, like Safestore Containers, can be an excellent idea. Just like other unfortunate events, harsh weather conditions are inevitable and can happen anytime. Thus, to prepare your business for extreme weather conditions, you should have a storage unit in place to keep your office belongings safe from floods.

Generally, most storage containers are made from durable raw materials, which is why they can withstand natural elements, like rain and strong winds. By putting your essential files and merchandise in the containers, you can rest, knowing that all the items are safe and secure throughout the duration of the natural disaster.

Instead of renting a warehouse or another space, which is more costly, these containers can be a great alternative storage solution in times of emergencies due to their security features. For example, some storage containers are equipped with CCTV cameras that allow you to have virtual access to everything inside the unit. This means that even if you can’t go to personally check the location because of heavy rain, flood, or strong winds, you can still know what’s happening to your office belongings by reviewing the CCTV footage.

When Your Office Space Is Full

If you’re renting office space, more often than not, there won’t be enough room for all of your work essentials least of all storage. Because of this, it’s a good idea to consider using containers for storage purposes. With these in place, you can temporarily store all your storage items until you obtain a larger space. Not only that, but using them can keep your storage items safe and sound. That’s because most storage containers come with security features, such as 24-hour CCTV cameras and 24-hour security personnel, sufficient lighting, and electric sockets. These features are made to ensure that all your office possessions will be secure once you leave the site.

When You Want To Organize Your Inventory

If you have no office space to call your own, organizing your inventory of products can be a challenging task. This is even worse if you have no warehouse to store your items before they’re sold to the customers. You might not be able to manage your orders properly because everything is disorganized.

This is where a storage container comes to the rescue. It can help keep your inventory organized, making it easy for you to meet the customers’ demands. For example, if you have lots of orders coming in, using a storage container allows you to overstock and avoid putting items on backorder. Meaning, with the help of this storage solution, you don’t have to worry about getting more orders or running out of stocks while staying organized.

When You Execute A Business Relocation

Usually, if you’ve found and picked a new perfect office location, you can’t expect to move everything in just a single day. This is especially true if you have to bring bulky items, such as office furniture, tools, and many more.

Thankfully, there’s a solution to that problem. Storage containers are also useful during business relocations. You can store any of your office belongings throughout the moving process. Instead of moving them directly to your new location, you can keep some of them there while finalizing your office layout. Consequently, you don’t need to squeeze everything in your new office once you arrive.

The biggest advantage of these storage containers is that they’re undeniably portable, which means that you can load everything up and transport them to your new business office without hassle.

When You Plan For An Expansion

If you’ve found an office space for rent for your business expansion, having a storage container can be a great idea, especially when the location of your branch office is miles away from your main office. It can help protect your essential files and office equipment while the construction is ongoing.

Moreover, by packing all your office stuff in a storage unit, there’s no need to worry because you have a temporary home for all of them. And, once everything is ready for your business expansion, all you have to do is retrieve your things from the container and place them in your new office. This storage strategy can save you a lot of money because it allows you to have a smoother expansion by keeping all your things safe during the construction.

When You Need A Flexible Shop For Your Products

If you’re into a retail business and you think that renting a space to turn into a shop is less convenient, storage containers can be your best bet. In today’s modern world, many business owners realize the benefit of setting up shops or exhibits inside a storage container. Not only will it give you a customized space for your products and tools, but it’ll also free up some space in your own office.

Instead of utilizing a space in your office for your product exhibit, you can rent a storage unit and transform it into a shop for your products. This kind of setup is more flexible and convenient because you can transport it to different locations, thereby allowing you to hold exhibits or retail shops in more than one place.

Bottom Line

Storage containers interior There are many reasons to use storage containers for your business, especially if you have limited office space. Although you’re not really concerned about their mobility, storage solutions can go a long way in keeping your items safe and secure during a variety of situations.

If your business is dealing with any of the situations mentioned above, don’t hesitate to try using containers for your storage requirements.

And if you need storage because you have outgrown your office space, let us help you find office space that fits your needs. Contact us today to get started.

Office Relocation Planning Guide: Selecting a Moving Company

Office relocation Businesses usually relocate because of growth. Often, businesses will move to another location in order to cater to new target audience or welcome more employees. A mom or pop shop that has grown in the previous years will also move to another location to create a more significant brand or image in the market. Remember, the location and size of your business will speak volumes about your position in the market. How can you convince your customers that you are a household name if your office is in the middle of nowhere?

Once you have found the office space you will be relocating to the next big part of an office relocation is the actual move itself. The way you handle the move can significantly affect the morale of your employees and the condition of all your valuables. The duration of your move can also affect your operations – the longer your move is, the more profits you will likely lose.

For you to come up with a business relocation checklist and ensure that all the tasks are ticked off ahead of time, consider working with a moving company. Professional movers have the necessary experience and skills to help your business relocate and start its operations as soon as possible. With a moving company, you won’t have to worry about your move, allowing you to continue overseeing your business’s daily operations.

However, with the number of moving companies operating today, it’s important that you carefully choose which to hire. You don’t want to end up paying for a moving company that will only cause stress to your business relocation, right?

Here are a few suggestions on how to go about selecting a moving company.

1) Research all the contact information for the company including name, physical address (no PO Boxes), and any other names they do business under. If you find more than one firm at the same address, that is a definite red flag.

2) Determine how long the company has been in business. Many corporate movers have been doing business for many years so it’s a good idea to work with companies that have been around for at least five years. Knowing that you are paying for experts, working with a moving company who has been in the industry for years will give you peace of mind. These individuals have likely experienced different moving woes in the past and came up with effective solutions to surpass all of these.

It also doesn’t hurt to find out how long they’ve been operating under the current ownership and management structure.

3) Check to see the company is properly licensed. Properly licensed interstate moving companies will have both a DOT number and a MC number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can verify these numbers yourself, for free, at SaferSys.org. Intrastate movers aren’t subject to the same regulations, but most states have their own licensing requirements you should check.

4) Inquire about the company’s insurance coverage – what’s covered and for how much. They should carry insurance that covers your materials while in transit, as well as any damage the movers cause to your old or new properties. While all movers are required to have basic insurance, be sure to check into the limits on their coverage and consider paying extra for additional insurance if you think you need it. Also make sure they carry current workers’ compensation coverage because if they don’t, you may be liable for any injuries their workers receive.

5) Get reliable recommendations – You MUST check out potential movers through objective sources like the BBB or your state’s Department of Transportation. A reputable commercial moving company will be listed with both these agencies.

Note: You can also call FMCSA’s Safety Violation and Consumer Complaints hotline at (888) 368-7238. It’s free, available 24/7 and you can check the complaint history of any interstate mover.

6) Don’t just jump at the lowest price! You need to investigate the estimate to find out if it’s realistic. As they say, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Get at least three estimates from commercial movers. This will allow you to make a fair, objective comparison.

Compare apples to apples. Break down each mover’s estimate into parts and compare them to estimates from other commercial moving services. Consider factors like the amount of time and the amount of materials estimated.

Expect estimates to fall within a reasonable range of each other. A good estimate should be no higher – or lower – than 10 percent of the final cost of the move.

If we can help you find office space…. let us know

5 Ways to Minimize Distractions in Your Office

Minimize distractions

Would you like to find useful ways to ensure a peaceful workplace and minimize distractions, but don’t know where to start? Noise and other distractions can hinder productivity and frustrate employees. Here are 5 ways that can help minimize distractions to help maximize productivity.

#1: Bring in Sound Absorbing Materials

If you are looking to reduce the noise distraction in your office workspace, then you need to bring in sound-absorbing materials without even sacrificing on the office design. The noise absorbing materials are quite required for contact working spaces or call centers. Typically, modern materials, such as acoustic cotton batts, wall panels, cubicle partitions, noise-friendly flooring, and noise-canceling workstations are used in offices to cut down on the noise distraction. However, if you want natural options, you can plant trees along outdoor hallways or place beautiful indoor plants to absorb noise.

#2: Install Soundproof Fans

We should also mention fans, They are an effective ways to control the temperature in your office. Many can be noisy and can cause a distraction. If excessive fan noise is hindering you from working peacefully in your office room, then it is better to change regular fan with a soundproof or a a quieter fan. Currently, a lot of reliable fan options are available in the market to keep your office space cool without causing any noise. You must check them online.

#3: Limit Technological Distractions

Next, if you aim to maintain the focus of your employees on the work, you need to set boundaries for technological distractions. You should devise clear policies around how frequently the employees are allowed to use their smartphones or personal devices during the working hours. Technological distractions can significantly impact the entire workforce. For instance, if one employee is on the call, he is disturbing his team members and colleagues as well. Constant emails, text messages, and social media notifications are equally annoying for co-workers.

#4: Display Inspiration

Even if you have a team full of motivated and enthusiastic employees, you still need to make them feel excited and inspired regularly. It is one of the key solutions to limit the distractions in the office, and positively stimulate your workforce. You can hang motivational quotes and intriguing pictures on the office walls. You can also surround your office space with a small library. These visual attempts are a sudden push to inspire your employees. This will help them feel motivated to finish projects before due dates.

#5: Improve Work Setting

Lastly, you need to work on the overall office setting to provide a comfortable environment for your employees. It is an imperative factor to ramp up your workforce productivity while having reasonable control over distractions. Your employees spend the major part of their day sitting in your office and working for your company. Therefore, you need to ensure a positive environment so that your employees feel happy and deliver 100% focus & attention. You must provide dedicated rooms, bring in fresh air & natural lighting, install comfortable workstations, and equip recreational areas. Besides, you need to treat employees equally, employ open-door policy, and create a transparent setting to enhance the working environment and limit the distractions.

If you are looking for an office that will meet your needs, we can help. Our service is free. Contact us today.

How to Fund Your COVID-19 Office Improvements

Office Improvements

Figuring out what to do to protect your employees as they come back to work from time off due to COVID-19 health risks is a challenge every business owner has to deal with. It is not going to be cheap. So how do you fund your COVID-19 office improvements?

Many business owners have applied for SBA disaster relief loans, but what if you are one of the many whose loans don’t come through or don’t come through soon enough to get the office improvements done in time for the return of employees? How do you fill the gap?

Different Loan Options for Office Improvements

Office improvements are expensive and costly, and using your business cash flow to fund the improvements may not be an option. Applying for a loan is the next best option that you have. There are different loan options that you can use to finance your office improvements. Check the following list below and see what loan option best fits you.

Traditional Term loan

The traditional term loan is what you think it is. You apply for a lump sum of cash, and once approved, you will receive the amount in full. It is under the condition that you need to repay the whole amount together with the total interest and fees included over a specific period. Your repayment schedule condition depends on the lender, but you can choose to have it done on a weekly or monthly basis.

To qualify for a traditional term loan, you need to have a good credit score, outstanding business transaction records, and an increasing business revenue over the years. However, if this seems to be overwhelming, there are still other options, like short-term loans, that you can apply for.

Short-term loan

Many lenders offer short-term loans to startup business owners that are looking for additional funds in handling their business expenses. One of these expenses includes renting an office space for their business operations including office improvements.

Short-term loans don’t need many requirements to get approved. Having a fair to good credit score should get you the approval you need. Also, short-term loans work best for startup business owners as they are still getting the hang of running their business. Handling the repayments for a short-term loan wouldn’t be too much of a burden to a recovering business.

A business line of credit

Any business can apply for a business line of credit. The good thing about having a business line of credit is that you can have a higher credit limit compared to other loan options. If you have excellent business revenue, a clean credit history, and other essential factors, you can avail of a high credit limit that you can use for your office improvements.

Another notable distinction of getting a business line of credit as a loan option is that it offers flexible payment options. Funds can also be used for different business-related purposes, and borrowers have access to cash on demand. Handling the payment for a business line of credit is much like paying for a credit card. You only need to pay for the interest of the funds you used.

Credit Card

It is very seldom that business owners rely on the use of their personal credit cards to finance any business-related expenses. The truth is, utilizing your credit card is a good financial option to fund your business. If the ideal, rentable office space you found can be settled by paying through your credit card, then you have a good deal.

However, make sure that you don’t overspend your credit limit. You don’t want to be burdened with monthly repayments and interest accumulation.

Pro-tip: In any business, it is inevitable to have a slow period during the COVID-19 crisis. The slow period might be one of the reasons why many business owners struggle to pay off their debts on time. If caught on a tight end in repaying your loan, you can do a balance transfer loan. A balance transfer loan can give you leeway as it allows you to transfer or move your debt to a different financial institution that has a zero or lower interest.

Before you perform a balance transfer loan, make sure to check the company’s terms of service. Credit card companies offer different terms, and some of them might not appeal to your preference. Find one with a very low-interest rate, no balance transfer fee, high credit limit to cover previous balances, and a long introductory period before proceeding to have a transfer done.

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6 Best Practices When You Reopen Your Office

In most cases, a crisis acts as a transitioning period, which requires one to adapt accordingly. At the moment, most businesses, like yours, are focusing on how to reopen your office and resuming office operations at some point in the coming days. For that reason, most business owners are now working on the best formula for returning to day-to-day office engagements while keeping their employees safe.

The general expectation is that employees will be more cautious as they consider going back to the office. The implication, in this case, is that employers should prioritize making the office environment safe for their workers before normal operations resume.

Additionally, it is a fact that daily office activities will not take off at once, but gradually, depending on various factors affecting the operations of each office. As such, business owners should shift their attention to the best practices they should adopt as part of their return to the office strategy. Here are some of the measures you should consider putting in place before reopening your office.

1. Identify The Employees Who Should Resume Office Operations

Every employer will need to exercise extra caution when recalling workers to resume their office duties. Starting with a full office as operations resume will not be advisable. Additionally, authorities will also have guidelines on a workable return to office formula, and you need to consider that as well.

Once you have details about the return to office guidelines from the government, you can blend the same with what will work best for your organization. Some of the questions to ask in this case will include;

What employees perform critical functions?
What tasks can workers attend to only from the office?
Is the return to office plan for employees who perform critical functions mandatory or not?

You can also consider using anonymous surveys to establish the concerns and willingness of your workers to resume office operations.

2. Perform Enhanced and Routine Office Cleaning

Cleanliness will indeed become the focal point for most offices as they reopen in the days to come. So, before opening your premises, you should prioritize enhanced cleaning to ensure the environment is clean and safe for everyone.

Routine cleaning of workspaces that individuals touch frequently will also be necessary going forward. It is also true that the demand for cleaning services will also be high as offices reopen, so contacting providers of such services in advance will be a wise idea.

3. Erect Barriers Where Possible

If you have an open-plan office, you need to look for ways of safeguarding the health of your employees who will be using such spaces. It is important to note that workers will be a bit reluctant to return to the office if they discover that the environment is posing health risks.

Erecting barriers in open office spaces is one of the ways you can create cubicle-like separation between one worker and the next within your establishment. Where possible, you should create barriers in your office before resuming operations.

4. Stock Your Office with Adequate Supplies

Personal hygiene and maintaining a clean environment will become buzzwords as offices reopen. That means that providing your workers with hand sanitizers, tissue, and no-touch disposal receptacles will be necessary. Even face masks should be available for both employee and customer use. Placing these essential supplies strategically within your office, including posters next to such items, will promote good hygiene habits in-house.

Since personal hygiene supplies and toiletries may be in high demand by the time you reopen your office. In that case, placing orders for necessary office supplies in advance will be prudent.

5. Reorganize Meal Times

Open common spaces can cause overcrowding, which is why you need to rethink meal times as office activities resume. If a company run cafeteria is available within your entity, you can control the opening hours and limit the number of people accessing the facility at any one time.

Opting for pre-packaged foods and marking your office cafeteria’s floor with lanes and quadrants to keep your employees safe is worth considering too. Alternatively, you can plan for food catering or delivery to prevent workers from frequenting public eating outlets during meal times when your office reopens.

Also, encourage as many employees as possible to carry food from home. Staggering office meal breaks as a way of minimizing physical contact between employees may be necessary too.

6. Determine what Is Best for Your Organization

Covering for any losses and reviewing set targets may be a priority as you return to the office, but that should not be at the expense of the wellbeing of your workers. Remember that your employees are an essential resource, and protecting them is part of your responsibilities. So, even as you consider how you will recover lost time when you reopen your office, you need to involve your employees too.

Ask your workers how you can improve the workplace environment to enhance their productivity. The input of your employees and implementing the same will affect your bottom line. The reason is that your workers are part of the determinants of what is best for your enterprise as you reopen your office.

Conclusion

Now is not the time to get into the rush of reopening your office, but planning how you will go about this process with extra caution. The future of your office operations depends on the decisions you make now and the impact they will have on your employees. Also, before implementing your return to the office strategy, you will need to review all relevant factors that will inform your decision-making process.

The desire of every individual right now is for normal operations to resume as soon as possible, including the reopening of various offices. However, that will not be possible if you do not take the necessary precautions from the onset. The best practices above can help you develop a workable return to office strategy, which addresses both your needs and those of your workers.

Currently, it may not be clear how long it will take for businesses to recover, but you can fast track that process if you adopt the best practices above.

If you need office space or help with your current lease, contact us today! We offer advice from our network of over 450 local tenant reps for free!

Effect of the Coronavirus On the Office Market

The United uncertainty inthe office market States CDC has reported over 3,600 fatalities from the coronavirus, but it has impacted nearly 1 million people worldwide. The coronavirus is spread from person-to-person and can remain on surface objects for days. More importantly, a state of emergency over the coronavirus has had an effect on the traditional office setting. Most employees are being asked to work from home or choosing to work from home as a self-quarantine measure. What does this mean for the office market?

What Is the Coronavirus?

Most everyone know that the actual pathogen behind the Coronavirus impacting society is known as COVID-19. Unfortunately, the virus can spread fast and can have a serious impact on older adults or individuals with a compromised immune system. Symptoms of the coronavirus include:

coughing
fever
shortness of breath
runny nose
sore throat

More severe cases of COVID-19 include pneumonia or difficulties breathing. Individuals with asthma or heart disease are more likely to experience severe symptoms.

Has The Coronavirus Impacted The Office?

State officials have declared a state of emergency with California and New York leading the forefront. The real estate market has stalled, Americans are being quarantined, the stock market is falling, and there’s no definitive answer on how the virus will have an impact on society.

For the office market, there’s a deep sense of uncertainty permeating the industry. The office setting has felt the impact of the coronavirus in real-time. To limit the spread of the virus, many offices are reducing the number of employees by requiring their staff to work from home. Limiting the use of office space, reduces a gathering of people that can initiate the spread of the virus. Limited use of the office has had a direct negative impact on the office market.

In fact, a travel ban has made it nearly impossible for real estate professionals to close on an office deal. Most buyers want to see the office space before they sign on the dotted line, but the coronavirus is placing restraints on buyers and sellers with international travelers buying U.S. real estate taking a hit. In fact, a reluctance to travel is also hindering the office market.

As An Office Realtor, Should I Be Alarmed?

Real estate is a tangible asset and a very hands-on industry. Smart realtors should be aware of the impact the coronavirus can have on their office real estate, but it’s certainly not a time to throw in the towel. Making use of modern technology, like virtual tours, can help in keeping your business moving forward.

How To Stay Ahead Despite The Coronavirus

Our members have told us that quite a few office deals have managed to follow through despite the coronavirus. However, if your business wants to stay ahead, it’s imperative to stay connected with buyers and tenants who maybe interested in doing business once the coronavirus stabilizes. A sense of urgency to close on a deal is the worst strategy a real estate professional can use during a pandemic.

Follow-up with potential real estate clients as the news of the virus starts to develop. Try following up with your clients in a few weeks to reassure them the deal is still available. For instance, send an update on the virus to show empathy for the state of emergency and as an update on the area of real estate your client is interested in.

As an ally, let technology work for you. For example, offer your clients a high end virtual tour of your property, like the ones we have on OfficeFinder. A virtual tour allows your clients to see your property without meeting face-to-face from anywhere in the world using a PC, tablet, or smartphone, which reduces the threat of the spread of the coronavirus. Encourage a virtual tour as a way to combat the virus, but also as a strategy to keep your office space top-of-the-mind.

What The Experts Are Saying About The Office Market Industry

There’s no guarantee on the impact of the coronavirus on the office market specifically and the real estate market in general. The experts are saying; “it’s to early to predict the impact the virus will have on real estate.”

However, investors are predicting international buyers like China will seek to invest in real estate in the United States as their real estate and foreign market starts to falter due to the coronavirus. The United States real estate market will be attractive to foreign investors because the virus has had very little impact on the American people.

Realistically, if the United States is hit hard by the coronavirus, the commercial real estate market will take a hard hit. Thus, being prepared for a worse case scenario is wise, but there’s no need for the real estate industry to panic.

How Can Professional Assistance Help

Our professional have experience with the local and international office market. You can expect an expert to have knowledge of the latest real estate news to save your business time and money. In fact, during the uncertainty of the office market, a professional can help you spruce up your real estate portfolio or fine tune your lease in preparation for the stabilization of the virus. The coronavirus doesn’t have to cripple your real estate business.

For more details or if you just need some professonal advice for free related to the impact of the coronavirus on your business, contact us at OfficeFinder for more details. We are happey to help however we can.

US Senate Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act

Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act

We are all trying to figure out which way is up and where to get the information we need to get help. The US Senate has published a great resource outlining the various relief programs available to Small Businesses in US.

This is the best summary I’ve found to date. Please take the time to read it.

Here are some of the highlights:

If you are struggling to get started, here are a few good places to start. The following questions might help point you in the right direction.

Do you need:

Capital to cover the cost of retaining employees? Then the Paycheck Protection Program might be right for you.

A quick infusion of a smaller amount of cash to cover you right now? You might want to look into an Emergency Economic Injury Grant.

To ease your fears about keeping up with payments on your current or potential SBA loan? The Small Business Debt Relief Program could help.

Just some quality, free counseling to help you navigate this uncertain economic time? The resource partners might be your best bet.

At OfficeFinder we can help, too. We provide advice to help businesses struggling financially with real estate strategies to assist them in avoiding bigger problems in the future. Contact us and choose “Rental Advice” to have a top broker in your market contact you to discuss your options. It is a free service. It is the least we can do!

6 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring An Office Cleaning Service

Cleaning Service

It is essential to provide your employees with a conducive working environment. This can be helpful in improving their quality of work and productivity. While many tenants with full service leases may not have the responsiblity for office cleaning, those that do need to know what to look for.

Finding the right office cleaning services can be quite tricky, and you usually won’t be getting it right the first few times. There will be instances when you’ll be hiring a provider that doesn’t live up to your expectations, which can be a total waste of money.

So, if you are planning on hiring the services of an office cleaning provider, take note of these mistakes that you should avoid:

Being Misinformed Of Their Specialty

Every cleaning company provides a specialty service. Some specialize in cleaning offices or commercial spaces, while some focus on cleaning houses or warehouses. Knowing what cleaning service providers specialize in will be helpful in choosing the best one for your office, particularly one that fits the cleaning needs of your company.

Choosing The Cheapest

When searching for a cleaning service provider, choosing one that fits your budget is always an essential part of the process. However, it does not mean that you should choose the cheapest option available to you. Although settling for the least expensive one may seem like you are saving some cash, the service they provide might not be up to par with your expectations.

That is not to say that cleaning companies who offer affordable prices are not that good. The same can be said for cleaning companies that have expensive price tags. Thus, it is important to also do your research on the cleaning service company you plan on hiring in order to see their track record before you could finalize your decision.

Remember to always try to strike a balance between affordability and high-quality cleaning service.

Hiring Without Checking For Liability Insurance

It is very important to check for a cleaning company’s liability insurance before hiring them. Without it, you cannot easily charge them if they cause damage to your properties during the process. Because the workplace houses expensive office equipment, liability insurance is a must.

A legitimate cleaning service provider should have no qualms showing you the details of their insurance, so never forget to ask them for it. If the contractor you’re talking to doesn’t have insurance, better start looking for another one.

Hiring Without Doing Your Research

Doing some research on the office cleaning contractor you’ve shortlisted is a must before hiring them. Confirm with their previous clients if they are good at what they do. Were they professional in executing their tasks? Were they thorough? Were they clumsy and damaged some equipment?

These days, having a website or, at the very least, a social media presence is very common. These platforms often have reviews and comments written there, so it would be best to check those, as well. They can be very helpful in determining whether or not a specific office cleaning contractor really offers high-quality services.

Not Looking For Certifications And Licenses

Certifications and licenses are very important for cleaning service providers to have. These reflect their dedication to their craft and the amount of time they have spent in developing their skills, therefore elevating the workmanship of their respective cleaning companies.

Although some cleaning service companies might have great reviews on their websites and social media channels, certificates and licenses legitimize that their cleaning skills are really topnotch and that they know what they are doing.

Not Fully Reading And Comprehending Service Agreement Or Contract

Once you have picked an office cleaning contractor, you need to discuss with them the types of services that they offer, as well as everything you expect from them. In doing so, you and the other party will have an idea of what the contract will look like.

However, it is not enough for you to assume that everything that was discussed during such talk will be reflected on the contract or the service agreement. Thus, you should read the contract in full. If there are terms or conditions that are not clear to you, ask before you sign anything.

Conclusion

Sometimes, it’s so easy to hire the first office cleaning company you see or hear about. However, it is imperative that you choose a cleaning service provider that offers professional and top-quality cleaning services.

Before choosing which cleaning company to hire, try to avoid making the mistakes mentioned above. Do your due diligence and think carefully. Whoever cleans your office can make a positive or negative effect on your employees, so take your pick wisely.

7 Simple Ways to Make Your Office More Productive

Helpful tips for office productivity A more productive office can result in more profitable business. In this article, we’ll show you 7 simple ways to improve productivity in the workplace. Doing these things will positively impact the performance of the employees, and consequently, the performance of the business.

Manage Odor Effectively

Whether it is from humans, machines, raw materials, or other sources, it is crucial to have a robust approach to odor management. Businesses should invest in odor control systems to make the office more productive. From misting bars to mechanical ventilation, there should be appropriate measures in place to fight unwanted smells. Otherwise, this will make it difficult for employees to work.

(If you are looking for effective odor control solutions, check out how Bosstek can help.)

Provide a Game Room or Area

One of the unconventional ways to boost productivity in the office is through gaming. Build a dedicated space for a game room. This is where employees can take a break, providing them with the opportunity to destress. This can also be key in promoting harmonious relationships. It will allow employees to take micro-breaks, which can be beneficial in their productivity.

Choose the Right Color

Picking the color palette for the office is also important in productivity. The colors around the office will affect the mood of the employees, and hence, will also influence how their brain functions. Blue is one of the best colors believed to have a positive effect on productivity.

Using Colors to Create a Feng Shui Office

Light It Up

Lighting will have a crucial role when it comes to building inviting and productive offices. When the room is poorly lit, it can be difficult to work. This can also cause eyestrain and headache. In turn, the productivity of the employees will decline. If possible, bring in natural light, which is also a great way for the business to become eco-friendly.

Add Plants

Speaking of bringing nature in, it will also help to add plants to the office. A green office is a productive space. It results in better concentration and increased employee satisfaction, which will have a favorable impact on their job outcomes. Plus, depending on the plants that you will have in the office, they can also be effective in filtering indoor air.

Allow Personalization

Allows the employees to personalize their tables or work areas. This can be effective in increasing their emotional connection with their work, which can also make them more productive.

Get Rid of the Clutter

This is one of the simplest ways to improve office productivity. Less is more. This means that employees can achieve more by having less in the office. Get rid of the unessential furniture. Invest in cable organizers. Provide plenty of cabinets for storage. When the office is cleaner, people can think clearer.

From controlling odor to adding plants, this article talked about some of the best ways to make the office more productive. By doing these things, you can unlock the full potential of the employees and make them instrumental in business success.

Tips To Keep Your Business Up To Date With Advancing Technology

Every business owner has to keep up to date with advancing technology. It’s true even for those who don’t run technology businesses and it can be overwhelming!

IT advancing at Work

IT seems to be always changing. Computers and networks, security systems, phone systems, and office productivity software are all products of technology and continually advancing. How can you keep up? Technology helps businesses in many ways. These can include systems for customer relationship management, software for tracking daily purchases, network linking the different members of the organization, or keeping the IT aspect of a business up to date. There is help from Information Technology (IT) support providers like Orlando IT support provider Data Cube Systems who will ensure you don’t fall behind. There’s no doubt that technology brings many benefits to the table.

However, technology evolves at a rate that can be daunting for business owners. At times, it seems that it’s too fast, leaving companies struggling to keep up and adopt. Nevertheless, technology helps businesses to function effectively and efficiently.

Below are a few tips to keep your business up to date with advancing technology:

Identify Your Needs

Take some time to think and determine what’s relevant to you and your business. For example, if your company focuses on sales, you likely have a sales team that reaches out to clients that are, most of the time, out of the office. That means that you need useful tools for quick and easy communication between you and your team members.

What you can do is to start making a list of the things that your business needs. So, your employees stay connected with clients and with one another. Your hardware needs are likely to be mobile phones, tablets, or laptops in addition to the computer network and phone system in your office.

Then make a separate list of the things that your whole team needs to make the most out of those technologies. It could be the ability to start and participate in conference calls. Or maybe you and your staff need to obtain access to the same document or spreadsheet file anytime and anywhere to update or input data.

It’s essential to know what you need, and it’s the first step that your business can take to identify the most appropriate technology and implement it right away.

Strengthen Customer Service Practices In Your Business

As a business owner, you know so well how essential it is to provide excellent service to your clients. Putting customer service at the top of your priority list is another way to ensure that your business keeps up with technological advancements. Excellent customer service requires your systems to run as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

You have to find ways to improve your website, especially if your customers are making payments or interacting with you through it. Your website should deliver a seamless experience to your clients, avoiding inconveniences as much as possible.

If you want your customer service practices to become of the bests and help you retain your customer base, you have to keep an eye on tech trends. One excellent technological product to help you with building and maintaining relationships with your clients is CRM software.

Define Your IT Strategy

Your business needs a defined IT strategy. It’s essential to note that defining an IT strategy is another way for your company to keep up to date with advancing technology. Assess your needs and evaluate whatever resources are available to you at the moment.

The IT strategy of your business should help you narrow down the kinds of technologies that you need for your business to run efficiently. Once you’ve already come up with an IT strategy and identified the technological products that you need from software, hardware, electronics, to equipment, it’s time to ensure that your office space can handle everything comfortably. If you’re planning to rent an office space, make sure it has the features that support the technological resources of your business.

Nothing Beats Planning Ahead

The best way to keep your business up to date with advancing technology is to plan ahead. Always remember not to become reactive when new technology trends come out. Use the buzz around new technology getting scheduled for unveiling to your advantage. And have your third-party Orlando IT support provider analyze upcoming technologies and ask them to assess whether or not these technologies suit the IT strategy and needs of your business and the current office setup you have.

Final Thoughts

You have to stay current with the ever-changing trends in technology if you want your business to remain relevant and competitive in the modern business world. It will help your business maximize its existing technological resources and invest in the right technologies moving forward.