OfficeList - Office Space News

Top 10 Cities With The Worst Traffic

2012-05-22T17:40:00.000-04:00

Source: Wired.com

Many of us dream of living in Hawaii: great beaches, living a calm life and getting away from all the city stress and traffic. But think again, did you know drivers in Honolulu waste 58 hours a year in traffic?

INRIX, a provider of traffic information produced a study showing a 30% drop in traffic congestion in 2011. According to the study, prices of gas and lack of employment opportunities are keeping people off the road.

The data is provided by approximately 100 million vehicles that are equipped with GPS.

Here’s a list of the Top 10 Worst U.S. Traffic Cities:

1. Honolulu: Drivers waste 58 hours a year in traffic

2. Los Angeles: Drivers waste 56 hours a year in traffic

3. San Francisco: Drivers waste 48 hours a year in traffic

4. New York: Drivers waste 57 hours a year in traffic

5. Bridgeport, CT: Drivers waste 42 hours a year in traffic

6. Washington, D.C.: Drivers waste 45 hours a year in traffic

7. Seattle: Drivers waste 33 hours a year in traffic

8. Austin: Drivers waste 30 hours a year in traffic

9. Boston: Drivers waste 35 hours a year in traffic

10. Chicago: Drivers waste 36 hours a year in traffic

Source: INRIX

There are many ways to help and reduce all this time wasted in traffic. Try biking to work, promote carpooling, find an office close to home or commute during off-peak hours.

If you need to find the closest office to your home, give us a call (866) 354-5478.

OfficeList names Santiago Iregui as Director of Operations

2012-05-21T13:50:00.000-04:00

Just as John Lennon had Yoko Ono and Ren has Stimpy, OfficeList has Santiago Iregui.

Back in 2005 Santiago started as the first full time employee OfficeList had. Since then, he has been involved in creating and growing the account management department.

In 2009 Santi –as his friends call him- assumed the role of Senior Account Manager with the challenge guiding his team through the real estate crisis and a very competitive market.

3 years after, with the challenge achieved he assumes a new role as Director of Operations

"We are excited to promote Santiago to Director of Operations, a long overdue recognition to his efforts, innovative ideas and consistent results." Commented Uddy Carmi, CEO and co-founder.

In his new role, Santiago will be developing new strategies to streamline the sale's cycle and maximize overall customer and employee satisfaction.

We wish Santi all the best in this new position!

OfficeList celebrates its 8th anniversary!

2012-05-11T10:55:00.001-04:00

Back in 2004 a couple of entrepreneurs got together and decided to start a project called OfficeList. It started as an automatic lead generator for Business Centers.

8 years later we’re proud to say everything has evolved.

During these 8 years we’ve helped all types of companies find space, from start ups to huge tech companies that are revolutionizing the world. We thank all those clients that find hundreds if not thousands of options online and have given us their trust to help them with their search.

Many wonderful people have been a part of what we are today; we’ve had people from different countries such as Scotland, Colombia, Mali and Jamaica and we’re thankful with every single person that has contributed with their ideas and dedication to this venture.

What started with only a few hundred locations has grown to a large list of over 1500 Business Centers and continues growing. All the center managers we work with have been of great support, those that work together with us to provide the best experience to clients looking for a nice place to work.

Thank you for being part of these 8 years and we are confident many more will come.

The OfficeList Team.

Metro Offices Opens New Business Center in Herndon, VA

2012-05-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

The Woodland Park Office Center is the newest location from Metro Offices in the Herndon, VA area.

Metro offices started business in 1989 and since then they have been growing their presence in the DC metro area, with this last opening they have reached a total of 9 business centers in throughout Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland.

At this new space clients will find small private offices, team spaces, mini-suites, co-working, day offices and a comfortable 75 seat auditorium. Amenities include covered parking and access to fitness center.

But what really makes this office center a unique space to work is its gardens, walking trails and a 5 acre lake, it’s no surprise it was the winner of The Grand Award presented by the Associated Landscape Contractors of America.

If you’d like additional information about the Woodland Park Office or any property in the Herndon area don’t hesitate to contact OfficeListat (866) 354-5478.

Abby Office Centers opens 2 Centers in Texas

2012-05-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

Abby Office Centers in Texas

With 25 years of experience in executive suites, Abby Office Centers continues to grow and is now opening 2 new locations in Texas.

With this new space located at the energy corridor, they complete 16 offices in Houston.

Located at 11111 Katy Freeway, this space will target not only the energy companies located along the corridor, but also all professionals located around Katy and close to I-10.

The other property will be in Downtown San Antonio. This will be the 2^nd Abby office center in the city.

Being the first executive offices in the Downtown area will be a huge advantage, specially this year when office market conditions are favorable.

According to Jones Lang LaSalle office report for Q4 2011, San Antonio’s unemployment rate decreased from 7.5% to 7.0% and market vacancy decreased from 14.5% to 14.0%.

Abby will continue offering executive suites, virtual offices, workstations, conference room rentals and all of these services will be offered with flexible leases.

If you’d like information about any of these two executive suites or any office rentals in Texas, don’t hesitate to contact OfficeList at (866) 354-5478 and we will be glad to help.

Ebay is Opening an Office in Chelsea, NY

2012-05-04T12:15:00.000-04:00

Photo by Ryan Fanshaw

Ebay announced through their blog ebayinc they have decided to expand their presence and will be opening this fall 2012 their New York Officein Chelsea, at 625 6th Avenue.

The space will house up to 200 people in the next few years. Ebay followed the steps of other tech giants as Google and Yelp, who also opened office in Manhattan.

While Midtown is recognized for its media companies and Wall Street for its financial corporations, Union Square and Chelsea are becoming the East Coast Silicon Valley. This year Microsoft and Facebook will also be opening offices in Manhattan.

All these moves are revolutionizing the real estate market which has seen an increase in square foot prices during the last years.

Want your business to be located in Union Square or Chelsea? Contact OfficeList at (866) 354-5478, our account managers will find an executive office that fits your needs.

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Meet Our Staff: Dan Hernandez

2012-04-18T17:10:00.001-04:00

Dan Hernandez

If you ever need Office Space in the major markets of the US, then Dan is the person you need to talk to. He rents executive suites in New York, Chicago, Washington DC, California and Texas.

Dan used to live in Connecticut but then moved to Canada for almost 3 years, where he got married a little over a year ago.

If you’ve ever spoken to him you probably noticed he’s a very calm yet professional person. A huge fan of Basketball, specially the Dallas Mavericks and not to mention his other passion: movies.

When asked about difficult clients he’s dealt with at OfficeList, the answer is none. Not because he hasn’t received any, but because of his positive attitude towards life which keeps him a good smile all day long.

Perhaps the one he most remembers is a nonprofit in New York that protects children. Dan says it’s never about the money; it’s always about the difference you make in the world.

If you are looking for executive suites and would like Dan to assist, contact him at (866) 354-5478.

Meet Our Staff: Dwayne Deer

2012-04-11T09:05:00.001-04:00

Dwayne Deer

This week we’ll continue presenting you our staff, this time you will meet Dwayne Deer.

Dwayne was born in Jamaica, he’s a molecular biologist who left it all behind and moved to Boston when he was 25 years old. Boston was his home for almost 6 years but then again life changed, he relocated , met the love of his life and now he’s happily married.

As any Jamaican he loves music, every now and then he’s cheering up the team with some songs.

Dwayne has been with OfficeList for 6 months and other than the Massachusetts area, he’s also the account manager for Florida, Georgia, Texas and the South Eastern markets.

Since Miami is such a demanding market, Dwayne is learning Spanish in order to help those client that need bilingual assistance.

If you are looking for office space for rent in Miami or elsewhere in the US, let Dwayne guide you through the search, you can contact him at (866) 354-5478.

Meet our staff! - Melissa Villa

2012-04-02T12:41:00.000-04:00

Starting today, we’ll post some info about our staff members. Most of you talk daily to our account managers and few get to see the face behind the voice.

MELISSA VILLA,
Account Manager

Ladies first, we’ll start with Melissa Villa, she was born in Torrance and raised on Long Beach, California and she’s the newest addition to the team. She joined OfficeList in February 2012 and being the youngest in the team she's become the spoiled one.

Melissa handles most of the Central and West Coast markets. Her favorite area is California although the one that has given her the best deal so far is Arizona.

When’s she’s not helping people find office space in Los Angeles, Melissa is spending some family time with her husband, playing golf and riding horses.

She graduated in 2011 from Business Administration with emphasis in management and human resources. Her charm and patience has been her secret weapon when dealing with difficult client who end up having a fun conversation with her.

If you’d like Melissa to help with your office search give us a call at (866) 354-5478 and she’ll be able to assist with your office space search in California, the West Coast or any of the states she handles.

Pre-leasing! New office space for rent in Mission Viejo, CA

2012-03-29T18:09:00.001-04:00

Mission Viejo Professional Center

Managed by ESDI, a real estate service company who’s been in business since 1987 and manages several Executive Suites in California, this new center located in South Orange County, offers executive suites, workstations, virtual offices and access to conference rooms.

Located in the Heart of Mission Viejo, just north of Crown Valley Parkway these executive suites are a great solution for those companies that want to be close to the Irvine Spectrum, Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel.

Opening April 16^th 2012 and offering almost 60 offices, there’s a wide variety of spaces available.

If you’re just starting you might want to ask about their virtual office, a complete package with phone answering, mail handling, free parking and access to their conference rooms.

If you’re a solo worker then a private executive suite will be the perfect option for you. Your own private office to meet with clients where you’ve have 24/7 access, janitorial services, access to their meeting facilities and free parking among other benefits.

And if this is too small then how about a team room?

This center has a beautiful corner office which would be great for a large group.

Click here for Las Ramblas Office Rental

Give us a call at (866) 354-5478 and we’ll help you find the best option for your company.

How to use videos to rent executive suites

2012-03-28T11:40:00.000-04:00

We did a quick exercise, we looked for office space for rent through videos. Guess what we found?

From the nearly 1500 Business Centers we have listed at OfficeList less than 10% are using Youtube or Vimeo to show their spaces! Maybe the percentage is higher, but others didn't come up in our searches.

Using videos as support material to show your executive suites to potential clients is easy and can work as a sales tool, as extra material for online brokers and to extend your online presence.

You can easily create an account in vimeo or youtube (the most popular but there's more sites) and upload your own video or make one from pictures, add music & special effects, add captions and a title, this is a free option and can be uploaded in minutes. Windows Movie Maker is another easy-to-use tool to create the video although you will then need to upload through the websites we just mentioned.

You can also look online for “web video production” and you'll find several companies offering this services, which isn't free but will definitely project a more professional image. Some offer high definition, a spokesperson and they can start from as low as $50.

See video from Pacific BusinessCenters, these guys use social media wisely.

If you're opening a new location you can also create a video with the renderings and show visitors how the space will look like.

Most important, add some useful tags or some keywords that will help people find your video online.

You may have an amazing video, but if people can't find you, it's useless.

Try using common words: products or services you provide like “office space” additional to branded words. Keep in mind that people looking for space for rent don't know your company yet, so branded words (like OfficeListin our case) won't be as powerful. Add geographical references like the country, the city, the state or the county. “Furnished office space in Los Angeles” will reach a more targeted audience than a general tag.

The next step would be to make it public. Share it with everybody, send an email, share it on facebook, twitter, write about it in your blog and list it in your site.

We have a large portfolio of amazing office rentals, helps us show your space and send us any videos from your Business Suites, we'll be glad to share them.

New Executive Suite in Washington, DC

2012-03-26T11:19:00.000-04:00

At OfficeList we are always proud to continue growing our portfolio of office listings and today we are glad to present the latest addition to the DC area.

Carr Workplaces is opening their 32^ndlocation and this time they chose Washington DC and it's no surprise; according to REIS -Real Estate Information Services-, vacancy rates for office space in DC for 2011 were the lowest in the country with 9.4%. With a growing demand and reduced options this is definitely a great opportunity.

Located in Connecticut Av and K Street this new business center will be a perfect location for lobbyist, lawyers, non profits, government contractors and all type of professionals. Less than a block away from the Farragut North Metro Station and the building has a fitness center.

It's 21,000 sqft offers floor to ceiling windows with great views of DC, multiple conference rooms and flexible lease terms.

If you are looking for deposition rooms for a large group, this space can also help.

Since it's a brand new space, you can chose the office you like, give us a call and we'll help you find the perfect space for you (866) 354-5478.

Click here to take a virtual tour

The office expansion of the Tech companies

2012-03-21T13:41:00.001-04:00

Livingsocial Office in DC by Inc magazine

As mentioned in the Wall Street Journal article -Tech firms go Far and Wide for Space-, while many law and financial companies are downsizing, tech firms are taking more and more space throughout the country.

According to Jones Lang LaSalle Inc – a real-estate-services firm- “Companies in the tech sector accounted for 29% of all growth in the U.S. office market in 2011”

Google is adding office space in Pittsburgh, PA and Cambridge MA not to mention the building they bought in Chelsea, NY which gives their 3000 NYC staff members 2.9 million square feet in this building alone.

(Click here to see a WSJ video of Google's NYC offices)

Yelp is also moving to a new loft office space in Union Square, NY.

But New York isn't the only city that has felt the tech expansion. According to Cushman & Wakefield in Chicago 10% of all the office leasing in 2010 and 2011 was for tech firms.

Groupon took 360,000 office space in Chicago Avenue.

In this article by Inc magazine, it mentions Livingsocial also expanded their Washington DC office space in the downtown area, which has become a tech hub where all major social media companies are also located.

Of course the West Coast, specially California, home of most of these tech companies is also witnessing the change.

Zynga is growing it's main office space in San Francisco and Amazon is buying office space in Seattle to develop around 3 million square feet by it's headquarter.

As the big players continue to set the trend, we'll see smaller software and tech oriented companies to grow in the rest of the country.

If you are looking for executive suites please contact OfficeList and we'll be glad to help.

NY Executive Suites News:

2012-03-08T13:14:00.001-05:00

During the past months there have been a few Business Center openings in NY that have been shaking the NY executive suite market.

Carr Workplaces Park Ave Offices

In February 2012 we had the grand opening of the first executive suites at the Metlife building. Carr Workplaces opened it's first Manhattan location at this iconic building while it continues it's expansion in other established markets like DC.

With a very modern look, this new space will compete directly with other 3 centers that offer exclusive office space in the Grand Central area.

Regus is also ready to open two Business Centers in Manhattan.
Opening March 12^th2012, Their Lafayette office space is in a pre-war building, very different to the high-rises they have us used to. This boutique space in Noho located close to the Astor Place Station will compete with the other executive suites close to Union Square Station.

Regus 34th St Office

Also opening this month is their 34thst office space. Between Penn Station and the Empire State building, this new office rental will compete with spaces in Midtownand even the Chelsea area. A sober yet modern look will attract all type of professionals.

If you are interested in receiving more information about these or any Executive suites in New York, please give us a call (866) 354-5478 and one of our account managers will assist with your search.

Coolest Office gadgets

2012-03-06T11:07:00.001-05:00

When renting office space, the first thing you do is add a personal touch.

If we spend 8 hours or more in our office, we need to make it a fun place to be at!

Here's our list of top 10 cool soft rubber gadgets.

Stressball: This rubber little guy will let you squeeze him as hard as you can to release some stress.
Splatstan: Stop leaving your cup marked in your desk. Here's a useful coaster that will make your desk look good.
Ninja letter opener: don't you just hate those typical letter openers? Or are you the one that always cuts your fingers? This little ninja will take care of opening letters in safe way.

Mummymike: Turn Mike into a mummy with all those rubbers you have all over your office.
Clip holder: With emails, chats and cloud files, fewer people use paper, thus fewer clips are used. But here's a nice clip holder that will also hold your pen/pencil.

USB robot: A trendy robot will décor your computer and let you save some all our important files.
USB kids: You can play while creating figures with this USB kids.
Key Pete: Keychains are useful to avoid losing your keys, but what happens when you lose your keychain too? Hang “Key Pete” at the entrance of your office and you won't lose them again.

Dead Fred: If you are a CSI follower then you'll love this pen holder.
Charging Charlie: Last but not least, a charging cable holder in honor of all those brave firefighters that are willing to risks their lives for others.

Enjoy all these gadgets and if there's any you would like to add to the list please share them via twitter
@OfficeList

If you are just starting searching for office space, give us a call at (866) 354-5478 and we will be glad to assist.

Global Workspace

2012-01-11T15:32:00.001-05:00

The way we work and where we work is changing more each day. Large corporations are allowing employees to work from home or at Executive Office Suites, small companies are hiring specialized workers from different regions, telecommuters are on the go and looking for places where to connect and meet.

Not too long ago, expanding into new markets meant large capital expenditures setting up new local offices and hiring support staff. Nowadays, a California company can attack the US NE local market by sharing office space in Boston o taking a workstation in Executive Office Space in Manhattan. Set up is done in a day instead of having to negotiate a complicated lease and hire attorneys and building contractors. Furnished offices are provided with support staff such as a receptionist and back office support. Meeting rooms and common areas are shared making the best use of resources and capital.

Technology has opened the world for businesses to go global and allow for mobility. More often than not, meetings are taking place over the internet with live video and document sharing. The workplace has caught up with the trend and has evolved to global workspace offering Executive Suites, Virtual Offices and coworking facilities.

Mobile workers, telecommuters, small companies, branch offices and entrepreneurs benefit from having fully-furnished full-service office space with flexible terms (committing to one hour, day, week, month or year) based on their needs. High speed internet, local phone numbers with call answering, receptionist on site, meeting and conference room usage and premium addresses are just some of the perks of working at a Global Workspace.

In related news, the Office Business Center Association International (OBCAI), the trade association for Office Business Centers has unanimously voted to change its name to Global Workspace Association to embrace the variety of global offerings for mobile workers. Expectations are high as the main workspace organization adapts to today's trends and continues to focus on increasing awareness of the future of the workplace.

Unoccupied Office Space Brings new Opportunities for Businesses.

2011-08-04T16:52:00.000-04:00

Rent office space at the Empire State building

America continues to show signs of recovery: in the real state market there has been a decreased foreclosure rate across the board and in the office space leasing industry increased occupancy rates. It is an appropriate time for many businesses in America to get affordable office space.

A July 7 Wall Street Journal article discusses the occupancy situation and cites a study done by the real-estate research firm Reis Inc whose findings relate the still slow growth and adds that “The measured pace of growth in the office sector has only begun to chip away at the vast quantities of unfilled space across the country. Between January 2008 and September 2010, tenants emptied out of 138 million square feet, pushing the vacancy rate from 12.6% to 17.6%.” The growth of office occupancy is another piece of evidence of a slowly but steady healing economy.

The momentum seems right, for businesses on the recovering end of the recession, to take action and rent office space, since there are unoccupied spaces across

America

at desirable rates. New York sets the standard for office space being the bigger office suite market in

America

as well as the world and prices are again on the rise. Smart money says businesses can still get deals under the margin of the prerecession times which in 2008 marked a peak in office pricing.

While the New York City office industry was evidently hit as prices plummeted due to the massive exodus out of its districts, since the beginning of this year pricing and occupancy have steadily risen. As an online broker, officelist.com has experienced a steady growth on the amount of leads in Manhattan since January. This trend further demonstrates the upward shifting for the industry. It is actually a favorable time to get space because when space was extremely cheap, people were massively leaving offices.

Furthermore, this economic upturn could bring about interesting opportunities for all size businesses to get office space in places like Manhattan and Chicago before they catch up with the prerecession era. It is a good idea for many businesses to take advantage of the momentum and get the perks of premier office locations while the price allows it, locking the rates for the lease term they choose.

As America continues to show signs of recovery, many businesses are beginning to rent office space again at prices that are below the prerecession time. The momentum seems right, for businesses on the recovering end of the recession, to take action and rent office space, since there are unoccupied spaces across the country.

Sources:
Brown, Eliot "Employers Are Occupying More Space, but at a Slower Pace" online.wsj.com. July 7, 2011 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303982504576428142672445326.html?mod=residential_real_estate

How to Choose Executive Suites Based on Your Specific Needs

2011-07-29T12:54:00.000-04:00

When running a company, business owners have a lot of tough decisions to make. This includes choosing the best office space to meet all of their needs. A lot of thought must go into this decision because there are so many factors to consider. Here are some tips for choosing the best executive suites based on the needs of the company. Hopefully these suggestions take the guesswork out of this process so business owners can focus on what's most important – growth.

1. Rent or buy? It’s important to carefully consider both options because making the wrong decision could be a costly mistake. First, business owners need to determine how long they plan on staying in a given space – could the location of the home office change? Executive suites that are large enough now might be too small later on down the road if the company is expected to grow. Buying office space could be a good investment, but only when business owners are positive the place fits all of their needs now as well as in the future. To be on the safe side, many prefer to rent.

2. "Location, location, location." There is a reason why this is the mantra of every realtor in the United States. In the world of real estate, location is everything – including when it comes to executive suites. Some business owners hastily sign leases on office spaces without realizing how much the location of the company impacts the bottom line. Not only must it be easily accessible by customers and employees, but the office needs to be located in an area that makes sense. For example, a company that does business in a particular city should be located in the heart of that town – among the hustle and bustle of their current and prospective clientele.

3. Functionality. The best executive suites are those that help a business function well. This means there must be space for every employee to flourish in their position. How can business owners tell if a suite is adequate for their needs? Here are a few helpful hints:

· How many employees are there? Account for expected growth

· Does your company thrive off an open layout or private offices?

· How many private offices do you need, if any?

· What other facilities do you need—i.e. bathrooms, break rooms, and storage?

Need a Place to Perform Your Work? Check Out these Innovative Office Space Solutions

2011-07-27T12:49:00.000-04:00

In today's business environment, companies must be flexible if they want to survive. Competition is greater than ever, so it is important to always have an edge over the other guys. Part of being business savvy is coming up with innovative office space solutions to accommodate employees, provide a professional work environment, and ultimately grow the company. Here are three solutions to help modern business owners manage their ever-evolving operations.

Virtual Offices

People who wish to start their own business, or reduce the overhead costs of their existing business, might want to consider this non-traditional office space solution. Virtual offices allow people to work remotely while maintaining a sense of professionalism. A remote receptionist and a professional address are some of the communication solutions that provide the flexibility some businesses need.

Executive Suites

Companies that need a more permanent office space solution should consider renting executive suites. This temporary office space solution gives business owners the flexibility to choose how much space and which amenities they need as their business grows. Executive offices provide a traditional business environment for the modern-day company – offering technology, communication, and other office services, as well as support services, as a total package.

Shared Office Space

Most business owners choose a shared office space when they look for innovative workplace solutions. A shared office space is fully furnished and includes some of the latest technologies, with the option of using available communication and office support services. These highly functional and professional facilities could be just what your business needs to succeed in such a competitive environment, as they create a sense of professionalism without the added stress and expenses of owning your own space.

Small Businesses Share Office Space

2011-07-25T15:56:00.000-04:00

Crowne Office Suites Atlanta

According to a recent article on ForsythNews.com, local small business owners are lowering their operating costs by sharing resources – including office space. Crowne Office Suites is a complex that uses a communal approach to bring down the expenses of owning a business. From sharing a receptionist to using the same break area, these companies represent the change in the traditional workplace that office suites have come to represent. This might not be the solution for everyone, but here are three instances where the communal office approach works:

1. Businesses that have recently re-located. Businesses that are new to an area might have a difficult time adjusting for a number of reasons. In the ForsythNews.com article, Jason Mock with the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce explains, "They can find a space that suits their needs without having to jump head-first into the water." A shared office space gives businesses a chance to ease their way into their new location.

2. New businesses. Many people who have the drive to start a business don't always have the start-up capital to pay for operating costs and other expenses. In the past, these people have been forced to run their small businesses out of their homes, but communal offices change that completely. People starting their own businesses have a chance to work in a legitimate office space without all of the traditional overhead costs.

3. Businesses that are looking to reduce costs. Companies all over the country are looking for ways to drive down costs hard and fast. Not only does it seem more expensive than ever to run a small business, but the state of the economy is making it difficult for them to stay above water. Business owners who are struggling with overhead costs should consider the concept of sharing executive suites, as long as it is a solution that makes sense for the company.

How an Office Space Creates Identity

2011-07-22T12:41:00.000-04:00

Humans are creatures of habit. We crave familiarity, and we thrive off predictability. This is why, according to an article on SydneyMorningHerald.com, shrinking offices and shared work spaces diminish a company’s and its employees’ identity. The concept of "hoteling" can crush employee morale. Having employees "check in" to secure a desk or office space does allow companies to cut back on overhead costs but at what price? The lack of a designated work space can negatively impact productivity and job satisfaction, which ultimately affects the bottom line. Here are ways to help employees create a sense of comfort and familiarity in the workplace.

· Give each employee a designated work space. Even in a shared office space, giving each person his or her own desk can raise their productivity significantly. As the SydneyMorningHerald.com article points out, "the human urge to put a personal stamp on the immediate environment is insurmountable," so even if the practice of hoteling makes the most economic sense, it doesn't necessarily benefit employees. Happy workers work more efficiently, so it is important to meet their needs by supplying them with a space that is their own.

· Don’t move them around too frequently. Humans are also social creatures, thriving off the chance to socialize with others. Sitting in the same part of the office creates a sense of belonging, and being surrounded by familiar faces gives employees a chance to be social with people they recognize on a regular basis. These levels of predictability, according to psychologists, have a positive impact on the company's staff. Sometimes office managers need to move employees around for any number of reasons, but they should try to limit these changes in the office space.

· Encourage them to personalize their desk/office space. Employees should be encouraged to surround themselves with personal belongings that show off the personalities. Not only does this promote interaction between staff members, but it also helps them create a space that feels comfortable and familiar to them. The article states that people working in offices that use the hoteling method have been known to deliberately leave behind personal items in areas that are not assigned to them – a clear sign that they crave a sense of identity within their office space. Giving each employee a secured space that they can make their own will satisfy their urge to personalize their environment so they can better focus on their tasks.

Be Professional with a Lower Investment using Temporary Office Space.

2011-07-21T15:11:00.000-04:00

If you are an entrepreneur or freelancer, you know that having a work address is essential to making you look like a reputable professional. Listing a P.O. Box is very impersonal, and a home address is not recommended as it may lead to confusion and organization problems, so there needs to be a better solution. That better solution is renting office space.

There are many amenities that a virtual office space provides. Some of those include call forwarding, access to meeting rooms, and IT support. Mail forwarding is an essential amenity for any freelancer or small business owner. In a rental agreement, most office space providers will, at the very least, offer mail reception. You can then pick it up whenever you want or grab it the next time you use the space. Some providers may charge you for mail forwarding, but it is still a fantastic service for those looking into renting rather than buying.

Office space for rent is becoming more popular because of the freedom it provides. You are not bound by a lease or forced to set up wireless or phones. All of that is provided for you. Plus, you don’t have to worry about wasting your space. Time is money, but so is space. If you only need an office for a few hours a week, what is the point of having the office additional time? It’s just lost money. A virtual office space provides the key amenities for running a business like a work address without the hassles and costs of ownership.

Is it time to make the switch from my home office to an office suite?

2011-07-15T16:09:00.000-04:00

The first step you need to take is realizing that your business has grown enough for you to be able to move out of your house. Here’s where the catch 22 comes in: how am I going to grow if I don’t leave my home and how will the additional expense affect my company’s growth? Depending on your business and location you need to question your current situation, make a decision and take a leap of faith.

Is it time already? If your answer is blurry, try performing a SWOT analysis to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of both having a home office versus renting office space. You should compare the two SWOT charts. Upon doing that, you will find yourself either content about the fact that you’ve decided to stay home aware that your business growth does not currently allow you to get shared office space, or satisfied because you discovered that it is time to move out. Whatever decision you make it is always wise to check with your accountant regarding tax implications and impact on your bottom line.

Remember your first apartment. You were probably very young, your mother cried, gave you a clothes’ hamper and a tin can full of quarters as teary eyed she advised you to fold the laundry while it was still warm. Those teenage years are long gone and hopefully your diet will never be Ramen Noodles again. Remember that getting office space for lease means more productivity, a better location, better networking opportunities, and more importantly a space designed for business. At the end of the day your spouse/kids/TV/ will be waiting for you at home, a place designed for living and resting. Having and office brings balance to your life and clear divisions between work and home. At this point the decision should be easier.

Whether or not you are afraid of commitment, you should think about the lease terms of the office space you’re quoting. You believe in your business otherwise you’d still be working for that guy who calls you “sport” or “kid”. However, things may change, you may miss home or you may see that your business does not work as well as you thought and need to cut expenses to keep afloat. Therefore, you should go for a flexible lease as opposed to the 3 year lease most traditional offices require.

Executive Office Suites not only provide you with the flexibility of shorter leases, but also with extra space for meetings with added perks such as IT support, dedicated bandwidth, firewalls and all the coffee and tea you can drink. The fact that you only pay for what you use gives you a lot more control over your expenses. However, if the move seems way out of your budget, be sure to check out additional options such as virtual offices.

If the time is right, give us a call and we’ll help you find the right office space for your business until you get to own your own floor or building.

Renting Office Space during Economic Difficulties

2011-06-24T12:37:00.000-04:00

With today’s tumultuous economy, many businesses haven’t been able to withstand the obstacles that have been presented to them and can no longer afford to pay for their office buildings. This puts many company owners in a tough spot. However, there is a way out—renting or leasing office space. Short-term office solutions are a great way to keep your business afloat during this troubled time. Instead of dealing with high upfront costs and other services, businesses now have the option of letting a third party handle the background decisions while they focus on their business and attracting customers.

Short-term office solutions supply office accommodations that are available right after the rental agreement is settled. Also, renting an office space can cost far less than purchasing one right off the bat and almost all of these spaces are already furnished, leaving you with everything you need right when you move in. This gives you more time to focus on the important things such as bringing in more clientele and improving your overall company goal.

When renting or leasing you still have free range to do things the way you want and to make the decisions you see fit for your company. Choosing to take this route will most certainly improve your money situation as well as help you get through the difficult economic times. If you think relocating to rented office property would benefit you and your business, look into all your options today and make the move that will be best for your company.

Common Mistakes with Renting Office Space

2011-06-24T12:34:00.000-04:00

People who have never rented office space before are, naturally, prone to making some mistakes when going through this process. Even though we all make mistakes, making them in a business setting can sometimes be quite costly. There are a few common mistakes that tenants make that you must be aware of in order to avoid.

The first is a lack of planning. Many tenants aren’t clear on what they need, such as with the amount of space they are going to want, the heaviness of their equipment, and if telecoms or extra electric space is needed. Consulting a professional about these things will benefit you and the way you spend your money.

Another mistake people make is with the rent and security deposit. People have a tendency to not check out other similar properties before putting the security deposit down, and wind up trapping themselves with payments that are through the roof. It is important to compare similar office spaces to find out the going rent for that area. You will also want to try and negotiate your security deposit, as it should be based on demand, supply and the regular market norms.

Not checking the terms of the lease is another mistake that is common amongst tenants. You must read and understand everything in the lease before signing it. Some people think of this as a hassle but that fine print will sneak up on you in the end if you don’t.

Lastly, if you are thinking about moving from your temporary office space, do not underestimate the time it will take you to do so. Renewing a lease or moving altogether can sometimes take anywhere from 6 to 12 months—sometimes more than that if your company is very large. Divide up your time carefully and make sure you are ready for whatever may be thrown your way. There will always be elements of surprise and things you just aren’t aware of, but knowing and understanding as much as you can when renting or leasing office space is crucial to your overall success and longevity.