Location
Location is an important factor for a number of reasons. You must consider what area suits you and your team best. If you live too far, consider renting an office space that is close to public transport like trains, metros, or bus stations. Consider urban areas that offer a lot of benefits, including increased productivity. Nearby facilities such as restaurants, cafés, markets, etc. are also key components to an optimal office space location. A combination makes the perfect balance for a modern workspace location.
Design
The design of the building where you choose to set up your office space says a lot about your company’s image. Aesthetics are important to your employer brand, because they offer a glimpse of what to expect from your company.
Current trends in office design are abandoning big private offices for larger, coworking spaces that optimize company collaboration and production at a reduced cost.
CIC, 42workspace, and other coworking spaces introduce green office spaces by having plants in the office. Plants have proven to increase productivity and concentration.
Always be mindful of functionality and accessibility when you look for an office space that appeases your aesthetic preferences. For example, your furniture may add to the aesthetic decor, but they might not be ergonomic for your and your team. Your office space must always accommodate the comfort and ease of access of your team members before anything else. You may consider designing your workspace yourself if you cannot find a good combination of functionality and aesthetics.
Facilities
Office buildings tend to offer plenty of facilities. When you search for an office space, look for the kinds of facilities that the office buildings provide for you based on your priorities. From meeting rooms to staff kitchens, consider what facilities matter most to you and your team.
Facilities vary between the same types of office spaces, depending on the coworking space you choose. For instance, if you get a premium desk at 42workspace, part of your coworking space membership is access to facilities such as the gym. Meanwhile, a coworking space at CIC, offers yoga, meditation, and massage.
Facilities can be shared, but they can also be privately owned. For example, traditional offices have total control over their own equipment, while coworking spaces share printers and scanners with other companies. However, in case of damages, shared facilities are taken care of, while privately owned equipment is primarily one’s own responsibility.
Shared meeting space
Shared meeting spaces are a great option to consider if you want to reduce rental costs. They also are a good alternative when you don’t know how much office space you and your team require for your company. There are options to use a space without having to rent it.
42workspace provides different meeting areas like Magrathea, a colorful and geeky space inspired by Douglas Adams’ novels, most suitable for brainstorming sessions. Further, some providers offer extra food services such as Spaces.
Room to grow
Alternatively, consider your business expansion and look for a flexible office space that can accommodate your growth. You can sign a shorter lease or a contract that allows you to end it whenever you wish.
If you rent an office space for 12 months with a fixed contract, that provides little to no flexibility, as well as insurance against the current pandemic. Offices in coworking spaces are more flexible, and have rooms starting from one table up until as many as you’d like.
Rotterdam’s current tech ecosystem is growing with more and more thriving tech startups, largely thanks to flexible office space solutions.
Price and contract flexibility
When you are looking to rent an office space, reasonable pricing matters. Make sure that you know what you are paying for, and all the provided facilities are available to you. Additionally, look for contract flexibility that doesn’t bind you to a lease that you cannot stop at any given moment. Always read your contract and raise questions about anything that is not clear.
Some office space providers like 42workspace, Spaces and CIC offer flexibility in their contracts, while other providers don’t. Be certain about your contract’s flexibility before you sign.
Community
When you work at a public office building, the people you surround yourself with have a direct impact on your work. Look for people living in the area and ask them about the community or the people who already work at the office building of your choosing. Before renting, you can consider building a community around your business by connecting with the people who work there.
Office space providers such as 42workspaces focus on building a tech community, and organises tech events and meetups to connect to other techies and talent . Hashtag Workmode is an all-women coworking community space. You can also learn more about the community from individual providers by looking at community events that they offer. CIC welcomes members to host corporate events, workshops, and more.
Your needs
Every point of consideration is directly influenced by your own needs which extend beyond looking for an office space. Think about any networking opportunities that you are striving for.
A benefit of a co-working space is that you might find yourself surrounded by companies, the products & services of which you actually need. This way, companies in such a community can support each other with complimentary products & services. One company can help you develop a website, while another one can set up your terms & conditions.
Consider which companies you need in your community that can help you address your needs. A few of such companies include:
- Legal Companies
- Web Development Companies
- Accountants
- Creative Agencies