Once your business has started to grow, you will likely hire employees to take on the extra load. Unless you run an online business where your employees can also work from home, this typically involves renting or buying a dedicated office space so that you can work together.

Alternatively, you may be moving back to working from your office after an extended period of time of homeworking. In any case, there are some things to consider when managing an office.

#1: Maintenance

Regardless of whether you’re returning to the office, you’ve just bought or rented out an office space, or you’ve been working with a team from your office for a while, you should never neglect building maintenance.

If something goes wrong with the building, then it will become very difficult or even dangerous to work effectively from your office. Without being checked out, a small problem may well become a major hazard, which could require far more money to deal with. Rather than letting things go too far, you should schedule regular maintenance and hire reputable contractors.

If you’re renting, you might not be responsible for most building maintenance, but it’s still in your best interests to look out for potential problems. For example, if you’ve noticed an increase in pests, you should hire a commercial pest control company to inspect the building and deal with any vermin or bugs.

#2: Services

While you’re making sure that the building and equipment are maintained properly, you should also regularly review the services you use. For example, your current internet service provider might not be the best deal out there. Many offices heavily rely on the internet, so getting the fastest service for the best value is vital to keep things running smoothly.

#3: Office Layout

The office layout can have a dramatic effect on the working environment, impacting both productivity and morale. More recently, many offices lean towards an open office layout, so employees don’t feel boxed into cubicles or small offices with no natural light.

A popular middle-ground option for office layout is to have an open layout, but with dividers for privacy. These dividers don’t have to completely box people in like cubicles would, but they might help workers to focus. You can arrange them to best suit your purposes.

Bear in mind your employee’s preferences, as some people require a measure of privacy, while others prefer being able to easily see and speak to their coworkers.

#4: Furniture & Decoration

Another thing to consider when setting up or renovating your office is furniture and decoration. A workspace should be functional and practical, but it doesn’t have to be unappealing. In fact, an environment that is both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing often results in increased productivity and improved morale.

Don’t be tempted to get the cheapest possible desk chairs, as office workers can spend upwards of 7-8 hours sat in these chairs, even when you count breaks. This can result in back pain and discomfort. Rather, ensure that the desk chair provides adequate back support.