Do you own an up-and-coming business? Maybe you’ve been established for a while, working out of your living room and are starting to gain momentum. Or you could have experienced some notable success from the get go.
Regardless, the early stages of developing a business can be both exciting and nervewracking. If you feel confident that you’re ready to start hiring more employees and moving into an in-person office environment to yield even stronger results, there are several ways you can make the process more affordable.
Continue on to explore some of the ways to set up an operating work space while using cost savvy methods.
Source Refurbished Technological Equipment
As the owner of a company, you probably already know this, but don’t skimp on quality.
This isn’t us telling you to invest in an old Toshiba model that’s on its last legs, but try and source good quality second hand technological equipment.
For example, if your company is on the rise, investing in a faster hard drive with more storage than the previous one could prove beneficial.
It doesn’t need to be brand new, you can find a range of high-performing and reliable refurbished hard drives.
Hard drives help you work more efficiently by reliably storing your documents and general data and providing quick access to them.
Purchase Ergonomic Chairs
Did you know that ergonomic chairs can boost employee productivity by up to 40% and reduce error rates by up to 56%?
Finding comfortable seating can have a massive impact on employee satisfaction and performance, which is key if you’re aiming to reach the top of your field.
New ergonomic chairs can cost in excess of £250. However, if you keep an eye on second hand furniture websites, you may find a much cheaper option that still guarantees quality.
Once again, you can find yourself a bargain that works, enabling you to create a functioning office space on a budget.
Consider How Much Space You Need
In England, the cost of office space ranges between £20-£150 per sq ft per year. The higher end of that range is usually applicable for London locations.
The average US price per sq feet is approximately $32 per year. Prices tend to be higher in areas like Manhattan and San Francisco.
Planning ahead is important in a general business sense, and the same applies to choosing how much office space you need.
How many new employees are you expecting to take on? Would they all be in the office each day or would you consider hybrid working?
These are two of the main things you need to consider. Hybrid working has become much more common over the last few years. You could have a team of 10, but still only need an office space for five if you allow hybrid working or hire part-time employees.
It is also important to estimate the growth of the business, as that could have an impact on future growth of office space.
Use Cost-Efficient Lighting
Your choice of light bulbs can have an impact on electricity bills and costs.
Incandescent light bulbs are commonly used, but LEDs are far more convenient and cost-effective.
LED light bulbs have a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, whereas incandescent ones have a much shorter lifespan of up to 2,000 hours.
Not only will LED bulbs need replacing far less frequently, but they also use approximately 80% less electricity which reduces money spent on bills.
An incandescent bulb can be purchased for £2, while LED options can cost £8. However, in the long run, the latter will be a more cost-efficient lighting solution for your business’s office space.
Conclusion
Taking the leap of faith with your business can take it to the next level.
Moving into an office space can massively increase your success, but it will inevitably set you back financially at the beginning.
However, there are several ways you can create a high-functioning office area without breaking the bank by utilising these methods.
Remember not to budget too low, as that results in poor equipment, but be shrewd to find the best and most cost-friendly deals possible.
