This is an exciting moment for any company – looking for a New Office space! Staff have so much to look forward to, such as a better location and neighbourhood, better views, and more amenities.

Above all, there are many benefits of having an office space that’s beautifully designed and decorated according to your company’s vision and culture:

• Employees who enjoy their work environment will feel appreciated and be more engaged, happy, and healthy.
• A healthy office environment results in less sick leave, higher productivity and improves employee satisfaction.
• Employees that feel their workspace is badly designed with little personality will feel disengaged towards management and make less contributions to the company.

Surprisingly, a lot goes into finding the perfect spot. Keep in mind that employees need four key areas in the office where they can focus, collaborate, learn, and socialise.

In case, keep our new office space checklist at hand and let us help you kick off your search.

1. Location. Location.

For people going back to the office, travelling in heavy traffic could be a deal breaker.  It is now more important than before the pandemic to be located within a business district that is close to amenities such as retail, schools, coffee shops and gyms.

2. Calculate how much space you need

You need to have a clear work schedule of how many employees will be full time, remote, or hybrid. If you’re planning to grow your company and hire more employees, then you may be better off with an office space that’s bigger and more flexible in terms of layout and design.

3. Layout and Design 

Furthermore, work with a reputable design company to see how the space can fit your team’s needs. The design and layout of office space significantly impacts employee productivity and engagement. Today’s office design incorporates greenery, air quality, natural lighting, and proximity to green areas.

4. Start looking for that office space early

Rather start looking for a new office space at least six months before your lease expires or your anticipated move date. Leasing an office space is a major decision and bigger companies can start this process 18 months prior to the expiry date.

5. Sustainability

65% of workers are saying they would like to work for a company that has a strong sustainability policy in place. Environmentally sustainable office spaces are usually home to new kinds of technology that makes sustainability easy. These green initiatives take many forms – solar power, energy efficient lights, greener HVAC systems and smart glass installations.

6. Infrastructure

Fast internet is one of the most important factors for tenants when choosing office space.  Hence, when leasing a new office space, ensure reliable fibre is accessible in the office park or building. Contact other businesses in the park who can share their experiences with service providers and infrastructure.

7. Back-up power

With ongoing loadshedding across South Africa, generators can generally be found in most office buildings. Ensuring an office building remains connected to operate has become a priority for most businesses. As a result, buildings and office parks that don’t provide back-up power is a negative when looking for an office space.

8. The building

Are you leasing the building from a reputable landlord? Your partnership with a landlord will be for a minimum of three years, therefore you need to get along from the beginning. It is important to ensure the property is in a good condition, always receive an electrical compliance certificate before occupying the building.

Can you access the building after hours and is it safe to do so? Many staff members work late or over weekends and employers must ensure there is sufficient security in place.

9. Work with a broker

It is a time-consuming process to find and visit office spaces that will suit your needs if you try and do it yourself.

Working with a reputable broker will curate listings based on your criteria and will facilitate all aspects of the leasing process.

For the most part, your office environment plays a crucial role in your employees’ productivity, engagement and satisfaction. Your office space reflects your company culture. However, many companies neglect how office space can significantly contribute to a company’s growth and success.

Need help finding the perfect office space in Johannesburg?

Meanwhile at Paula Hardy Real Estate, we offer a variety of quality commercial properties for rent in Johannesburg. Therefore, whatever your needs and preferences, we’d be delighted to talk you through your options and help you find the ideal office space in the perfect location.

Please do contact us if you have any questions about renting an office for the first time, or you need any help or advice finding the perfect commercial office space in Johannesburg for a new or existing business.

Reach out to Paula for more information on office leasing.

PAULA HARDY
Director, PH Real Estate
C: 082 885 4502
E: paula@phrealestate.co.za