Things to Consider When Setting Up Satellite Office Spaces

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When opening up a satellite office you need to ensure that you find and design a space that can adapt to the changing work environment. The traditional model of employees working 9-5 is not typical anymore. In order to recruit and retain employees companies should adopt more flextime and telecommuting options that allow the employees to spend more time with their families and be able to take care of personal matters.

If you are about to open a satellite office below are a few factors you should consider

1. How do your employees work? – Will your satellite office be a sales and marketing office? If so will they be traveling and gone all the time? Or will it be an engineering office where they will mostly be in the office 9am to 5pm? Also having flexible space allows workers to move about the space and not be chained to one seat. For example an architect might need to move from their desk to a larger table so they can roll out big drawings, then move to another common area work area to discuss drawings with another colleague
2. Think about renting office furniture – If you are not sure about a city however want to test the market with a satellite office you may opt for a shorter lease or sublease. If that is the case then renting office furniture would be ideal. No matter how long a company has been in business they all have to manage their cash flow. There is always going to be an element of uncertainty when making long range projections. Furniture rentals can help minimize this uncertainty and give you flexibility when your projections change. You also won’t have to pay to store or move unneeded furniture.
3. Rent collaborative & active furniture – For your mobile employees think about using huddle tables, teaming stations, etc that will let your employees be productive and active.
4. Lease term – If this is your first time having an office in a new city then you might want to focus on office buildings that will allow tenants to sign short term leases or look for office subleases. That way if things don’t work out you are not stuck with lease payments.
5. Think about your current and future growth needs – A company leader must constantly keep a pulse on the market to be able to make short and long range projections about the amount of office space is needed. Having a good tenant representative that keeps you updated and educated can save you a great deal of time. If you business is stable and the future is probably then find a building that can accommodate your space needs now but also negotiate the option to expand.
6. Consider your workforce when choosing a location – You want your satellite office to be successful so lease office space in an area where your ideal talent pool is. Look at demographics of certain areas and pick the ones where you will have no problem finding quality employees with great talents. The same goes for any existing employees. Make getting to and from work easy for them. Trust me, they will be much happier if you think about their needs.
7. Ensure the office buildings are equipped with technology – Not all buildings are created equal. Some are newer Class A office buildings with all the bells and whistles, while others are older class C buildings that don’t provide tenants the technology they need. Make sure to investigate each and ensure they have the services necessary to support your business.
8. Think about your culture and branding – You may want to maintain the same culture in your satellite office as your corporate office however keep in mind cultures can be different between regions. Things are not going to be exactly the same in California as they are in Austin, Tx. Maybe shoot for 75% to 85%. You want to keep the same company core values however don’t stress yourself trying to duplicate everything. Consistent branding is key however as you want your satellite office to be seen as an extension of the corporate office.

If you need help finding a satellite office in Austin, Tx or are planning on having one in the next 6-12 months give us a call.

The post Things to Consider When Setting Up Satellite Office Spaces appeared first on Austin Tenant Advisors.