The Top 3 Essential Factors to Consider When Choosing an Office for Your Business

How and where people work in 2023 has changed dramatically, and our Flex Space Specialist Anna Mears has continued to help businesses of all sizes find the office that best suits their changing requirements.

Upon working directly alongside our customers and analyzing trends from the past few years, Anna has an in-depth understanding of the top 3 factors which Australian businesses consider before choosing an office.

1. Location

The number 1 requirement that businesses are seeking is a convenient location that is close to public transport making it easily accessible for staff to come to work. Additionally, customers are wanting an office that is close to their clients and business associates. We're also seeing a rise in occupancy and interest for offices in the CBD. This is an interesting shift from previous 2021 trends where businesses were taking space in coworking offices outside of the CBD in suburbs closer to their homes.

2. Style of Office

The second most important office requirement is the fit-out of the space. Every company has unique needs when it comes to how they operate. For example, businesses may want a more traditional, corporate office as opposed to a vibrant coworking atmosphere with plenty of break-out space. In this case, we suggest specific Coworking Operators who would best suit their unique requirements.

3. Budget

Most companies aren’t really sure of what to expect when it comes to their budget, that's why Anna and the Rubberdesk team create bespoke shortlists for each customer. Our free shortlists provide a more holistic understanding of the market and will include a range of options including:

• Budget, Cost-Effective Offices: These are typically smaller internal spaces with filtered light.
• Mid-Range Offices: More space per person, may have natural light, access to premium amenities.
• Premium Serviced Offices: Premium amenities, prime locations, spacious offices.

In doing so the Rubberdesk team helps the customer better understand what offices actually cost and thus create a more realistic budget.

Q&A With Anna

How do you best assist businesses in finding their perfect office?

By understanding their ideal location, what their budget is, and what facilities they will appreciate I put together a shortlist of suitable options. We can then discuss the pros and cons of each, set up viewings either in person or virtually, and compare from there. I will be there every step of the way, from shortlisting options, arranging viewings, and taking them to suitable locations, to negotiating and assisting with the paperwork process.

What type of work arrangements are you seeing the most?

More companies are looking into a Hybrid work model, meaning they only pay for as much space as they need. Some companies may have 40 staff but they know only 20 people might be in on one day so they will take an office for 20 seats. All 40 staff will have access on different days. Once a month or perhaps once a quarter the company will hire a large meeting or training room for everyone to get together.

Businesses are focussing on how they can encourage staff to come into the office and make it worthwhile for them. We're seeing businesses search for offices that offer a fun environment but are also highly functional so their team is motivated to get their work done. Additionally, surveys are being conducted to see what their employees are wanting in terms of work arrangements and this plays into the style and size of the office they are after.

COVID has allowed for a global understanding that employees can work well under a more flexible schedule, however, having a physical office is important to break up the workweek.

Your best advice to businesses looking for office space

TOUR!

The best way to know if you're going to like an office is to see the space in person so I highly recommend seeing at least 3-4 different options before making a decision.

Compare the Best Australian Coworking and Serviced Office Operators