The Most Annoying Co-workers

Annoying Co-Workers

Many companies and many independent professionals are changing their private offices to open spaces, co-working or shared offices. Some of the benefits are lowering your costs, being able to network and for companies, collaboration between their team increases significantly. 

Sharing space with a large group of people has proven to bring benefits, people tend to be more efficient, they work happier and it boosts their creativity. But being so close to other people can challenge our nerves and our patience; especially when the person right beside you makes weird noises the whole day, or likes to talk to loud on the phone and they end up distracting you. 

Here’s a list of the most annoying things in the office: 

• Noisy neighbor: When little things start happening every minute, it becomes a challenge to ignore them, even if you’re trying to isolate with your headphones. If you’ve ever had a person beside who clears their throat, sniffs or coughs every minute you’ll probably be identified. 

• I DON’T YELL! Sometimes people have listening problems or they get too excited during their calls and don’t realize their voice volume is starting to irritate and affect others. Especially when you’re on the phone and the other part can’t hear you but they hear your neighbor. 

• The artist: ah yes, the frustrated singer who think they can sing, but not really. This category includes those finger drummers who can’t stay still. The first songs are fun, but after 10 concerts you’ll be looking for a place to hide. 

• Anger management: Those who can’t control their temper can ruin your day. You might be in danger if that person has a bad day, if they lose their pen, if the sun isn’t shinning or if the internet is too slow. The best way to deal with “grumpy” is to fight back with a smile!

• Forgot something? There’s always that absent-minded person that leaves something everywhere they go. You’ll find their cell in the bathroom, their glasses in the kitchen and their coffee mug in the microwave. Remember that sandwich that has been in the fridge for 2 months? Guess who it belongs to! 

Every office is a world of its own. We’d like to hear from you, share with us the most annoying things in your office.

If you have not been able to deal with your neighbors annoying habits, give us a call at (866) 354-5478, we’ll help you find a private office rental or we’ll do our best to find a really fun office neighbor.

Unoccupied Office Space Brings new Opportunities for Businesses.

Rent office space at the Empire State building

America continues to show signs of recovery: in the real state market there has been a decreased foreclosure rate across the board and in the office space leasing industry increased occupancy rates.  It is an appropriate time for many businesses in America to get affordable office space.

A July 7 Wall Street Journal article discusses the occupancy situation and cites a study done by the real-estate research firm Reis Inc whose findings relate the still slow growth and adds that “The measured pace of growth in the office sector has only begun to chip away at the vast quantities of unfilled space across the country. Between January 2008 and September 2010, tenants emptied out of 138 million square feet, pushing the vacancy rate from 12.6% to 17.6%.” The growth of office occupancy is another piece of evidence of a slowly but steady healing economy.

The momentum seems right, for businesses on the recovering end of the recession, to take action and rent office space, since there are unoccupied spaces across America at desirable rates. New York sets the standard for office space being the bigger office suite market in America as well as the world and prices are again on the rise. Smart money says businesses can still get deals under the margin of the prerecession times which in 2008 marked a peak in office pricing.  

While the New York City office industry was evidently hit as prices plummeted due to the massive exodus out of its districts, since the beginning of this year pricing and occupancy have steadily risen. As an online broker, officelist.com has experienced a steady growth on the amount of leads in Manhattan since January. This trend further demonstrates the upward shifting for the industry. It is actually a favorable time to get space because when space was extremely cheap, people were massively leaving offices.

Furthermore, this economic upturn could bring about interesting opportunities for all size businesses to get office space in places like Manhattan and Chicago before they catch up with the prerecession era.  It is a good idea for many businesses to take advantage of the momentum and get the perks of premier office locations while the price allows it, locking the rates for the lease term they choose.

As America continues to show signs of recovery, many businesses are beginning to rent office space again at prices that are below the prerecession time. The momentum seems right, for businesses on the recovering end of the recession, to take action and rent office space, since there are unoccupied spaces across the country.

Sources:
Brown, Eliot "Employers Are Occupying More Space, but at a Slower Pace" online.wsj.com. July 7, 2011 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303982504576428142672445326.html?mod=residential_real_estate

How to Choose Executive Suites Based on Your Specific Needs

When running a company, business owners have a lot of tough decisions to make. This includes choosing the best office space to meet all of their needs. A lot of thought must go into this decision because there are so many factors to consider. Here are some tips for choosing the best executive suites based on the needs of the company. Hopefully these suggestions take the guesswork out of this process so business owners can focus on what's most important – growth.

1.       Rent or buy? It’s important to carefully consider both options because making the wrong decision could be a costly mistake. First, business owners need to determine how long they plan on staying in a given space – could the location of the home office change? Executive suites that are large enough now might be too small later on down the road if the company is expected to grow. Buying office space could be a good investment, but only when business owners are positive the place fits all of their needs now as well as in the future. To be on the safe side, many prefer to rent.

2.       "Location, location, location." There is a reason why this is the mantra of every realtor in the United States.  In the world of real estate, location is everything – including when it comes to executive suites. Some business owners hastily sign leases on office spaces without realizing how much the location of the company impacts the bottom line. Not only must it be easily accessible by customers and employees, but the office needs to be located in an area that makes sense. For example, a company that does business in a particular city should be located in the heart of that town – among the hustle and bustle of their current and prospective clientele.

3.       Functionality. The best executive suites are those that help a business function well. This means there must be space for every employee to flourish in their position. How can business owners tell if a suite is adequate for their needs? Here are a few helpful hints:

·         How many employees are there? Account for expected growth

·         Does your company thrive off an open layout or private offices?

·         How many private offices do you need, if any?

·         What other facilities do you need—i.e. bathrooms, break rooms, and storage?

Need a Place to Perform Your Work? Check Out these Innovative Office Space Solutions

In today's business environment, companies must be flexible if they want to survive. Competition is greater than ever, so it is important to always have an edge over the other guys. Part of being business savvy is coming up with innovative office space solutions to accommodate employees, provide a professional work environment, and ultimately grow the company. Here are three solutions to help modern business owners manage their ever-evolving operations.

Virtual Offices

People who wish to start their own business, or reduce the overhead costs of their existing business, might want to consider this non-traditional office space solution. Virtual offices allow people to work remotely while maintaining a sense of professionalism. A remote receptionist and a professional address are some of the communication solutions that provide the flexibility some businesses need. 

Executive Suites

Companies that need a more permanent office space solution should consider renting executive suites. This temporary office space solution gives business owners the flexibility to choose how much space and which amenities they need as their business grows. Executive offices provide a traditional business environment for the modern-day company – offering technology, communication, and other office services, as well as support services, as a total package.

Shared Office Space

Most business owners choose a shared office space when they look for innovative workplace solutions. A shared office space is fully furnished and includes some of the latest technologies, with the option of using available communication and office support services. These highly functional and professional facilities could be just what your business needs to succeed in such a competitive environment, as they create a sense of professionalism without the added stress and expenses of owning your own space. 

Small Businesses Share Office Space

Crowne Office Suites Atlanta

According to a recent article on ForsythNews.com, local small business owners are lowering their operating costs by sharing resources – including office space. Crowne Office Suites is a complex that uses a communal approach to bring down the expenses of owning a business. From sharing a receptionist to using the same break area, these companies represent the change in the traditional workplace that office suites have come to represent. This might not be the solution for everyone, but here are three instances where the communal office approach works:

                                                  

1.      Businesses that have recently re-located. Businesses that are new to an area might have a difficult time adjusting for a number of reasons. In the ForsythNews.com article, Jason Mock with the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce explains, "They can find a space that suits their needs without having to jump head-first into the water." A shared office space gives businesses a chance to ease their way into their new location.

2.       New businesses. Many people who have the drive to start a business don't always have the start-up capital to pay for operating costs and other expenses. In the past, these people have been forced to run their small businesses out of their homes, but communal offices change that completely. People starting their own businesses have a chance to work in a legitimate office space without all of the traditional overhead costs.

3.       Businesses that are looking to reduce costs. Companies all over the country are looking for ways to drive down costs hard and fast. Not only does it seem more expensive than ever to run a small business, but the state of the economy is making it difficult for them to stay above water. Business owners who are struggling with overhead costs should consider the concept of sharing executive suites, as long as it is a solution that makes sense for the company.

How an Office Space Creates Identity

Humans are creatures of habit. We crave familiarity, and we thrive off predictability. This is why, according to an article on SydneyMorningHerald.com, shrinking offices and shared work spaces diminish a company’s and its employees’ identity.  The concept of "hoteling" can crush employee morale. Having employees "check in" to secure a desk or office space does allow companies to cut back on overhead costs but at what price? The lack of a designated work space can negatively impact productivity and job satisfaction, which ultimately affects the bottom line. Here are ways to help employees create a sense of comfort and familiarity in the workplace.

·         Give each employee a designated work space. Even in a shared office space, giving each person his or her own desk can raise their productivity significantly. As the SydneyMorningHerald.com article points out, "the human urge to put a personal stamp on the immediate environment is insurmountable," so even if the practice of hoteling makes the most economic sense, it doesn't necessarily benefit employees. Happy workers work more efficiently, so it is important to meet their needs by supplying them with a space that is their own.

·         Don’t move them around too frequently. Humans are also social creatures, thriving off the chance to socialize with others. Sitting in the same part of the office creates a sense of belonging, and being surrounded by familiar faces gives employees a chance to be social with people they recognize on a regular basis. These levels of predictability, according to psychologists, have a positive impact on the company's staff. Sometimes office managers need to move employees around for any number of reasons, but they should try to limit these changes in the office space.

·         Encourage them to personalize their desk/office space. Employees should be encouraged to surround themselves with personal belongings that show off the personalities. Not only does this promote interaction between staff members, but it also helps them create a space that feels comfortable and familiar to them. The article states that people working in offices that use the hoteling method have been known to deliberately leave behind personal items in areas that are not assigned to them – a clear sign that they crave a sense of identity within their office space. Giving each employee a secured space that they can make their own will satisfy their urge to personalize their environment so they can better focus on their tasks.

Is it time to make the switch from my home office to an office suite?

The first step you need to take is realizing that your business has grown enough for you to be able to move out of your house. Here’s where the catch 22 comes in: how am I going to grow if I don’t leave my home and how will the additional expense affect my company’s growth? Depending on your business and location you need to question your current situation, make a decision and take a leap of faith.

Is it time already? If your answer is blurry, try performing a SWOT analysis to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of both having a home office versus renting office space.  You should compare the two SWOT charts. Upon doing that, you will find yourself either content about the fact that you’ve decided to stay home aware that your business growth does not currently allow you to get shared office space, or satisfied because you discovered that it is time to move out. Whatever decision you make it is always wise to check with your accountant regarding tax implications and impact on your bottom line. 

Remember your first apartment. You were probably very young, your mother cried, gave you a clothes’ hamper and a tin can full of quarters as teary eyed she advised you to fold the laundry while it was still warm.  Those teenage years are long gone and hopefully your diet will never be Ramen Noodles again. Remember that getting office space for lease means more productivity, a better location, better networking opportunities, and more importantly a space designed for business.  At the end of the day your spouse/kids/TV/ will be waiting for you at home, a place designed for living and resting. Having and office brings balance to your life and clear divisions between work and home. At this point the decision should be easier.  

Whether or not you are afraid of commitment, you should think about the lease terms of the office space you’re quoting. You believe in your business otherwise you’d still be working for that guy who calls you “sport” or “kid”. However, things may change, you may miss home or you may see that your business does not work as well as you thought and need to cut expenses to keep afloat. Therefore, you should go for a flexible lease as opposed to the 3 year lease most traditional offices require.

Executive Office Suites not only provide you with the flexibility of shorter leases, but also with extra space for meetings with added perks such as IT support, dedicated bandwidth, firewalls and all the coffee and tea you can drink. The fact that you only pay for what you use gives you a lot more control over your expenses. However, if the move seems way out of your budget, be sure to check out additional options such as virtual offices.

If the time is right, give us a call and we’ll help you find the right office space for your business until you get to own your own floor or building. 

Signing Your Office Space Lease

Many people choose to lease office space instead of buying right off the bat.  The ins and outs of signing the lease, however, can be tricky and difficult to understand if you have never rented this kind of space before.  Many people do not know how long of a lease they should sign for, and wind up committing themselves, and their business, to a longer amount of time than they wanted.  There are many things to consider when you begin to figure out how long you would like your leasing term to be. 

First, landlords like longer leases because they have mortgages that they are continually refinancing.  When it comes time to refinance their buildings, they look for people and companies who have established stability in the building. This means the longer the leases are the better the terms a landlord can reap.  Because of this, landlords generally require a three-year minimum lease.  You will rarely see a one to two year lease available. 

You must be aware that the length of your lease can drastically impact your business in the long run, as an office lease is, most of the time, one of the biggest expenses a business has after the payroll.  If your company has matured and doesn’t plan on expanding the employee base, signing a long-term lease may be a good idea.  However, if you are anticipating a good deal of growth, negotiating your leasing terms may be of high importance to you and your company. 

Despite what some people think, office spaces for lease are not hard to come by.  If you are interested in renting or leasing an office, look into all the specifics before you make your decision.  The success of your company could depend on it.    

When And Why You Should Consider Renting Office Space

There’s a lot to consider when shopping for office space. Some people buy. Some people rent. Granted there are pros and cons with buying and renting; however, renting has become a very popular route to take when looking to settle your company down in a new location. But at what point do you move your business from your home to an office?
There are some prevalent signs that should tell you your business is ready to move out of your home. Some of these include:
• Frequent face-to-face interactions with clients
• If you have local employees that you need to work with often
• If your home poses a lot of distractions and you have a difficult time completing your work
• If your business is doing well and you can afford the expense of an office
Even though it’s convenient to work from home and it cuts down on startup costs, there are many benefits to having an external office. Some of these benefits include:
• A physical location for your business provides clients with an image of stability,
• Sharing office space with other professionals allows you to socialize and brainstorm with others
• Sharing expenses may enable you to afford other things
• And, it gets you out of the house!
Renting shared office space may not be for everyone, but it certainly provides you with more opportunities and free range to do more with your business.
If you are thinking of either moving your company to a new location or are just trying to expand your business from the confines of your home, look into renting an office space and see just what it can do for you. It may be just what you need to help your business succeed and skyrocket to bigger and better outlets.