How to Set Up an Office For Your Startup

One of the major milestones of a new startup company is getting their first office space set up. From turning on the phones to the floor layout, here’s how to set up an office for success.

Are you tired of asking for the WI-FI password in your local coffee shop?

Are you thinking of moving your start-up company to your first office space?

This probably means you’re doing something right. After all, this makes you one of the 10 percent of start-ups that don’t fail in the first few months.

However, the question of how to set up an office is a whole new kettle of fish. Of course, it’s an extremely exciting step in the development of your start-up company. But at the same time, it can also be overwhelming and scary.

To help you along the way, we have put together a guide that includes everything from turning on the phones to the floor layout. Keep reading to find out how to set up an office for success.

1. List Everything You Need

One of the first steps of setting up your start-up company in your own office is listing everything you need.

This includes everything from the big stuff – chairs, computers, machinery, and desks – to the small stuff such as stationery items, phones, and decorations.

You also need to make sure you list the tasks or ‘to-do’ jobs that are involved in setting up your office. This might include ensuring that you have a strong internet connection in your office location.

2. The Floor Plan of Your Office Space

Now you have everything you need ‘to do’ and everything you want in your office listed, it’s time to think about the floor plan. How do you want the layout?

After you’ve considered this, you might need to return to your list. Your floor plan may give you a better indication of what you need.

You have to decide which type of floor plan you’re going for. The main choices after the following:

1. Open plan
2. Closed plan
3. Modular plan

There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these options.

For instance, if you have limited space, the open plan can efficiently make use of space.

However, on the downside, this reduces the privacy of employees.

The flip side of the open plan is the closed plan, which provides greater personal space for workers to concentrate and focus. On the other hand, this could alter the office culture away from a collaborative working environment.

The increasingly popular office design is the modular plan. By providing your employees with the benefits of a privacy and storage spaces. While also, providing open spaces for collaboration and group projects, you’re getting the best of both worlds.

To work out how to design the office setting that suits you most, you can use office planning software, for instance, Edraw or SmartDraw. These programs allow you to move around furniture and other items around the office space. This allows you think carefully about how you can optimize your office space.

3. Office Phone System

Despite the importance of your internet and online systems, depending on your start-up, you still need to have an effective phone system in the office. Options include:

1. Traditional Phone (landline)
2. Virtual Phone
3. VoIP Phone

The traditional phone system is in decline but continues to be used by many offices. Replacing the traditional land-line phone is the VoIP phone service. This uses the internet to transmit your voice in the form of data. The advantage is that it’s much more cost-effective than a landline, while still being clear and reliable.

Alternatively, you could opt for a virtual phone system. This simply forwards any calls to your work phone to your personal phone. This way, you don’t have to use two phones.

If you’re searching a flexible and low-cost alternative, you can check out Gamma’s SIP trunking service.

4. Furniture and Technology

Now it’s time to think about your furniture, such as desks, and your technology, such as your computers, printers etc. It’s important to consider the needs of your business, as well as, what is within your budget.

Desks?

The desks you choose should depend on the office layout you decide on. For instance, if you go with the open plan design, you need desks that can be put together to create a larger working space. On the other hand, if you choose the modular office design, L-shaped desks are an excellent option.

While the simple and folding desks are an affordable and flexible answer, they require somewhere to store them. Plus, if you’re searching for a more trendy solution, you may prefer glass or metal desks.

Chairs?

Although it’s easy to fill your office with cheap and simple desk chairs, it’s important to recognize the value of a comfortable chair. Many of your employees will spend many hours sitting on their desk chairs. Spending a little extra to make sure your staff is comfy, happy and healthy goes a long way.

Chair types include:

1. Task chairs
2. Mid-back Chairs
3. Exec Chairs

Task chairs are armless and simple chairs that can be stored away easily. Mid-back chairs offer a half-way house solution with greater back support. While the exec chair option provides the air of professionalism and comfort that adds value to your employee’s day.

 

Many offices include many different types of chairs. This way your employees can select the chair they want according to the task.

Technology and Computers

Many start-ups don’t provide computers but expect staff to come with their own laptops, tablets, and other devices to facilitate their work.

 

However, if you’re looking at providing staff with office computers, there are many options on the market. While desktops tend to provide better storage and performance, laptops are portable and convenient.

 

The big decision when purchasing any computer is the question of Apple vs. Windows. Everything else is secondary.

5. Internet Connection

There a wide variety of internet service providers (ISP) on the market. Many of them are offering different deals and offers for start-ups looking to how to set up an office. Make sure you carry out plenty of research before deciding on the right ISP for you.

 

It’s vital that you consider whether your office location has a good internet connection. After all, most start-ups require a high-speed internet connection to work effectively.

Now You Know How to Set up an Office

Learning how to set up an office can be an overwhelming and exhausting task. But keep in mind the end game of having your own space to grow your business.

 

There are many things to consider, but this guide has given you the overview of many of the important steps to take in setting up an office.

 

For more information on how to succeed in the business world, contact us today!