Focusing on what matters: How a serviced office simplifies the admin workload

WorkWell on January 27, 2025

Getting your business set up and in the position to go can be challenging when there is a myriad of little details to consider in setting up an operational workspace.  From setting up the utilities to buying furniture, these tasks can be resource-intensive and time-consuming.

A serviced office takes care of the details, so you don’t have to. The process of transitioning into a serviced office is made seamless, with members simply needing to establish their contract before preparing to move in.

Reducing admin work

Maintenance

Maintenance often requires a considerable time investment, encompassing routine tasks such as cleaning, paying bills, and managing repairs. These ongoing administrative responsibilities can quickly add up, demanding regular attention each week to ensure the workspace remains functional and organised.

At Work Well, we offload these responsibilities from members, providing more time to critical business activities. Furthermore, because these issues are managed and resolved in-house, the time it takes is typically much faster than in a traditional office.

This means small but necessary chores like replacing lightbulbs and hiring electricians or plumbers aren’t a concern for members. Maintenance isn’t limited to how the space is cared for; we can also manage the logistics such as sourcing supplies or stocking the coffee and tea stations with fresh products. This can cut out some of the time spent preparing the logistics of a meeting, allowing for more time to be given to prepping for the meeting’s content strategy rather than concerning themselves around the minutiae of hosting one.

Our serviced offices are thoughtfully designed and well-maintained, creating a professional environment that fosters productivity and enhances workflow.

Meetings

Meetings hosted in traditional offices often come with significant costs and logistical headaches, a serviced office removes these barriers by providing access to fully equipped meeting room spaces at a fraction of the cost of renting a private office with a dedicated meeting room. More so, having access to meeting rooms within the same working location can make coordinating meetings quick and easy for a business.

Our meeting room spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, giving members access to a meeting room kitted out with the latest technologies to aid in presenting.

Members can liaise to coordinate catering, making the process of hosting meetings even simpler. With WorkWell handling the logistics like placing food orders, collecting and setting up the catering.

Packaged utilities

A serviced office has the utilities set up and ready to use, so businesses can begin operating without delays.  Instead of individually setting up and paying for each utility, whether that’s water, electricity, or wi-fi, a serviced office cuts out all of the set-up process. 

Not only does this reduce the time spent getting a business prepared to launch, but it also takes out the fuss of individual billing by merging all the costs of utilities and rent into one price making it simple to track expenses. This means that a serviced office is accessible with a turnkey solution, in contrast to traditional offices which can be subject to time delays, postponing the date a business can become operational.

Core handling

WorkWell goes beyond a physical space for your business to reside, we can provide front-of-house support with a reception team who can answer calls, greet visitors and manage any inquiries on behalf of your business.

Additionally, the front of house staff can take any mail or deliveries on behalf of a company, which is convenient and particularly useful for keeping organised.

A serviced office can simplify the burdens that a traditional office has, which can provide the necessary time and effort to grow and improve businesses. With the additional time and resources, a business can focus on the efficiency of its workforce.

Why prioritise employee well-being?

WorkWell on December 19, 2024

In today’s fast-paced business world, the office is no longer just a place to get work done—it’s where innovation is sparked, relationships are cultivated, and dreams are turned into reality.

A well-designed workspace goes beyond aesthetics and becomes a powerful tool for enhancing employee well-being, driving productivity, and ultimately contributing to organisational success. Research continues to show the profound impact of workspace design on performance. When employees work in thoughtfully planned environments, their productivity can soar by as much as 20%.

Man On Phone In Pod

The secret lies in the details—spaces that adapt to the needs of diverse teams, ergonomic furniture that ensures comfort and reduces physical strain, and layouts that balance collaboration with the ability to focus. Natural light plays a pivotal role in improving mood, boosting energy, and even leading to better sleep, which can enhance performance throughout the workday.

At the heart of this transformation is the concept of employee well-being. A workspace designed with well-being in mind has the power to transform the way people feel about their work and their place within an organisation. Natural elements like plants and organic textures create a calming atmosphere, reducing stress and unlocking creativity. Clean, fresh air not only supports cognitive function but also sends a clear message to employees that their health and comfort matter.

When organisations prioritise these elements, they see real results—lower absenteeism, higher engagement, and an overall sense of satisfaction that drives teams to new heights.

In today’s competitive job market, a thoughtfully designed office is also a magnet for talent. More than ever, employees are looking for workplaces that reflect their values and provide environments where they can thrive. Research shows that nearly 80% of employees consider workplace design when deciding whether to accept a job offer or stay with their current employer. The message is clear: when organisations invest in their spaces, they invest in their people. This helps attract top talent and fosters loyalty among existing employees, reducing turnover and building stronger teams.

Open Coworking Space Designed For Well-being

“A workspace that prioritises well-being sends a strong message that the organisation cares—not just about results, but about the people driving them.” – Dr. Christina Maslach, a renowned workplace expert

Beyond retaining talent, inspiring office spaces have the potential to drive motivation and engagement. When employees step into a workspace that feels comfortable, functional, and beautiful, they’re reminded of their value to the organisation. These environments aren’t just about physical comfort; they spark creativity, support mental well-being, and cultivate a sense of belonging. A space that reflects care and thoughtfulness can make employees feel proud of where they work, enhancing their connection to the company’s mission and goals.

For businesses, the benefits of creating a well-designed workspace are clear. Organisations that embrace these principles experience a surge in productivity and engagement. The investment in features like ergonomic furniture, biophilic design, and advanced ventilation systems pays off in measurable ways—from reduced absenteeism to increased creativity and focus. Moreover, the positive energy generated in these environments often spills over into team dynamics, improving collaboration and fostering innovation.

Ultimately, the physical workspace serves as a reflection of an organisation’s values. It signals to employees that their health, happiness, and success are priorities. This isn’t just about meeting the demands of a trend—it’s about creating a culture where people feel empowered and inspired to do their best work. As Dr. Christina Maslach, a renowned workplace expert, says, “A workspace that prioritises well-being sends a strong message that the organisation cares—not just about results, but about the people driving them.”

For companies looking to stand out in an increasingly competitive world, transforming the office into a space that promotes well-being, and success is no longer optional—it’s essential. By creating workplaces that inspire, comfort, and energise, organisations set the stage for their teams to thrive, paving the way for long-term growth and innovation.

Are you ready to reimagine your workspace? Let’s collaborate to create an environment where well-being and productivity flow seamlessly to empower your team.

A Brilliant Bonfire Night with WorkWell

WorkWell on November 25, 2024

This year’s bonfire was a resounding success, bustling with over 400 WorkWell members from Carrwood Park and Brookfield Court, along with family and friends. It was a fantastic evening filled with community spirit, lively conversations, and a great celebration to start off the winter season.

Held by  Carrwood Park, the evening was another excellent bonfire night, with an incredible display of fireworks and bonfire to warm up beside. Members had the pleasure of tucking into some fantastic traditional dishes, from hearty pie and peas to sweet slices of parkin—all catered by the magnificent Wilson’s Pies. The delicious food added to the festive mood, ensuring no one left with an empty stomach.

“It was a fantastic evening made even better by the clear skies and mild weather—no rain or cold to dampen the fun!” – Nathan Walker, team member at WorkWell.

The night wasn’t just about fireworks; it also served as an invaluable icebreaker, offering members from a variety of sectors a relaxed setting to connect outside the usual office environment.

This event fosters a strong sense of community and provides an excellent opportunity to build positive working relationships—essential for attracting and retaining high-performing teams. By strengthening these connections, the evening helped cultivate a genuine sense of belonging within WorkWell, supporting the development of a collaborative and motivated workforce.

The relaxed atmosphere encouraged a healthy work-life balance and helped people reconnect with company values in a fresh way. These informal gatherings can spark stronger teamwork, aligning everyone with the company culture while strengthening bonds across teams.

We want to express our gratitude to all the members and family who attended the event. We also want to give an extra special thank you to the WorkWell team whose hard work made the night unforgettable – we’re already counting down to our next celebration with the WorkWell community.

Leeds serviced office provider launches new workspace solutions to address our new way of working

WorkWell on July 16, 2024

Leeds-based serviced office provider, WorkWell, has launched a series of new products which have all been designed to address the changes to the ways in which people are now working, following the coronavirus pandemic.

For the last 16 months, the majority of office workers across Leeds, and beyond, have been working in isolation at home. For many businesses across the region, working from home is only a temporary solution. Many are keen to get back to the office as the last year has brought to the forefront just how important team collaboration and working environment is to the performance of their teams.

WorkWell, who operate two serviced office sites, Carrwood Park and Brookfield Park, on the outskirts of Leeds, have been working closely with their customers over the last year to determine how they and their teams perform best, given that many have been working remotely for over 12 months.

One finding that has been highlighted is that working environment matters and that staff perform better at work when they have the right environment in which to do so.

For many, the pandemic has made both senior management and staff lose sight of their company values and culture and now need an environment in which to bring everyone together to help realign them.

In response to this and to support its customers workplace strategy, WorkWell has created a series of products and flexible ways to purchase which all focus on space with purpose. They have also recently launched a new website to reflect the new offering.

Even before the start of the pandemic, the serviced office provider has been ahead of the curve and focused it’s offering around more than just providing a room. They are passionate about helping advise customers on how to create an environment that gets the best out of their staff.

WorkWell owner and managing director, Oliver Corrigan said: “Even before the start of the pandemic we had very few companies come to us for a standard office set up. Many of the companies we speak to, particularly now, are much more concerned about re-engaging and retaining their staff and re-establishing a culture that may have been lost while working from home.

“What we’re talking to our customers about, as many return to the office, is creating space with a purpose. Businesses don’t take office space because they need a room, they take it for a team, and that space has to serve the team. So, where we begin is actually looking more closely at what actually happens within that space before offering a solution. For many years now, commercial office space has been designed for the investors, the people that pay the bill, rather than the people that use it. In no other industry will you find so little regard for the people who use the space, and so little thought given to how they actually want to use it.

“Flexibility is at the core of our new solutions, we’d don’t just look at the business as a whole, but the needs of the individuals within the business. Our offering is therefore unique, many other serviced office providers are unable to offer the flexible product mix that we can due to our size and location.”

By offering a variety of workspace options and ways to purchase, including space on demand, membership and partnership product options, WorkWell is providing customers with flexible solutions and access to the right space for them.

Oliver added: “Our goal is to get the asset set up right, and to do this we need to first determine why the customer needs the service, look at the company objectives and tailor the assets around that. Once we establish the primary reason they use the space, we’ll package our offering in a way that complements their working style, whether that’s a full-time membership package or space on demand.”

For more information on WorkWell’s new products visit:

https://www.workwelloffices.com/products-places/

WorkWell invests half a million pounds to redevelop Brookfield House 

WorkWell on July 16, 2024

Tailored office providers, WorkWell, is celebrating 50% occupancy pre-let, following a £500,000 investment to redevelop the Leeds-based 18-century manor. 

Purchased by the Corrigan family in 2002, Brookfield House has been the home to Leeds-based businesses for the last 21 years. Currently undergoing an extensive renovation, the office space is set to open in September 2023 and is already signing up new customers ahead of its launch.

Located next to Brookfield Court on Selby Road, the renovation of Brookfield House will create access between the two impressive red-brick office buildings, and will feature new office space, an open plan kitchen, a new reception and additional meeting space including two new meeting rooms and a 16-person boardroom available to the public for corporate bookings.

Oliver Corrigan, Managing Director at WorkWell, said: “Brookfield House has proudly been a part of the WorkWell portfolio for many years, and my family has personally farmed the area for 50 plus years, so we’re thrilled to be able to create a greater future for the building while respecting its incredible past.

“At WorkWell we’re proud to offer a different way of working with Leeds businesses. Our approach is not just about offering an office space with four walls. Each office park within our portfolio perfectly balances aesthetics with functionality, to create a purpose-designed office space which aligns with our member’s company values and purpose.”

Designed by northern-based creatives, Ekho Studio, the former manor house will combine impressive aesthetics with performance-enhancing technology and will feature 9,000 square feet of workable space set amongst 100 acres of accessible countryside.

To book a viewing of Brookfield House, visit our contact us page: https://info.workwelloffices.com/contact-us 

Holding on to your best employees: Why it’s important

WorkWell on July 16, 2024

Holding on to your best employeesWhile management are focusing  on data, charts and profit margins to determine the company’s success, they often overlook the main factor behind that success — the employees. The world of business is resplendent with examples of companies who lose their top staff for short-term financial gain. But they pay for it in the long term. Keeping your best employees is paramount, and here’s how
you can achieve it.

Keeping Cool in the Summer

WorkWell on July 16, 2024

Summer is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to flip that switch and set your air conditioning to cool. If you’re already lucky enough to work in serviced offices with top-of-the-range air conditioning systems like those at WorkWell, then stick to these guidelines to keep your working environment cool in those sweltering summer months.

Keep the temperature set to 19°C

If, in your overheated stupor, you set the temperature to the lowest setting possible, your office space will eventually get too cold. Inevitably, this will lead to people turning it up again, making it too warm. Prevent these time- and energy-wasting air conditioning wars by keeping the temperature nice and constant — 19℃

Set it to “cool” and not left on “automatic”

Check the function setting on your system and ensure that it’s kept on the “cool” function. This is usually denoted by a snowflake.

Keep it running all night

Stopping the system overnight means you start from square one the next day. Keeping it running through the night will leave your workspace with a lasting pleasant temperature throughout.

Keep windows and doors closed

The classic answer to being too hot — opening windows and doors — this may have worked in the dark ages before air conditioning was even conceived, but in modern office spaces this is wasteful and counterproductive. Keep all windows and doors shut to ensure maximum efficiency in your a/c system.

Turn off all unnecessary electronics

Many electronic devices generate heat themselves and so will counteract the effects of your air conditioning. Make a new summer motto for those surplus devices — If it’s bringing heat in, take its plug out! Hopefully, this guide will keep your office cool and comfortable, and in turn keep your employees happy and productive. But if a/c is a long-standing issue in your current office space, take a look at the fantastic (and well air-conditioned) office spaces, meeting rooms and more at WorkWell and get your summer business schedule underway

Virtual Phone Numbers: Should I get one?

WorkWell on July 16, 2024

When you’re starting a new business alone, keeping a constant eye on your business phone line can be very difficult. Similarly, when your business takes off but staff numbers are limited, busy times of day can mean calls are missed, and with them, new business opportunities. In these situations, having a virtual office set up with a virtual phone number is really a good choice for your business.

 A virtual phone number gives you a constant connection with both your existing customers and potential new ones. It’s also incredibly handy if you’re wanting to expand your business to a local area but don’t want to physically move there. A local number in the area gives you a presence there without going through the expense and difficulty of actually being there. You can set up a phone line in any city you need, while being headquartered in another.

While sounding incredibly high-tech and potentially complex, setting up a virtual office with a business phone line is actually quite simple. Once you’ve found a dedicated provider of such services, you can gain peace of mind that every important call will be answered with total professionalism, and you’ll never miss out on key business opportunities again.

There are numerous other good reasons to think about a virtual phone number for your business:

1) Answering machines and voicemail are convenient, but not 100% reliable. A power cut could erase all records of messages received.

2) Many people find them impersonal and would always prefer to talk to someone real, even if it’s not the person they wanted originally.

3) A virtual office receptionist gives you the professional image you need without the overheads of maintaining and running a reception yourself.

If the option is open for you to tailor your new virtual telephone number, then you should take that chance and put some thought into the number itself. It’s an optional extra, but you might find that putting that professional touch at the end of your business card is worth the extra cost.

Virtual Office Service: The natural choice for many

Virtual office services are not just for small startups and one-man-band businesses. Well-established companies can also benefit from simply always knowing that any and all phone calls will be answered with professionalism and efficiency. If you want to know more about virtual telephone numbers and other virtual office services, visit our website at https://www.workwelloffices.com/

Personal Service From the Smaller Team

WorkWell on July 16, 2024

As our business has grown over the last few years, I have always regarded larger competitors in the market with a certain amount of envy, because they have greater resources to exploit the opportunities before them. Right now, even with four serviced office centres running and an additional 150,000 square feet leased, we remain far behind those big industry players. But then, just the other day, something happened at one of our business centres that made me realise that rather than competing with the huge teams and grand scale of the competition, we should be happy with doing what we do, not only well (as we do), but also on a personal level.

Recently, a centre manager at Carrwood Park received an unknown parcel destined for one of our brave servicemen in Afghanistan, but it had been returned to us. With no obvious markings on the package for a return to sender, we opened the package and discovered it contained certain items prohibited from being posted by the army. It had only reached Carrwood as it had been repackaged in a box with our address on it and had nothing to do with us.

Without a second thought, we decided it best to remove these items and get the parcel back on the road (paying the fees) with an explanatory note to the soldier who was no doubt eager to receive it. The removed items were then returned to the sender once we established who they were. A situation was encountered, and it was swiftly dealt with by the team in a professional manner that I hope helped the soldier in whatever little way we could. It was an obvious answer that I hope any individual with autonomy would have done to represent their company sensibly and help our troops.

Now let’s picture the same scenario but in a much larger organisation. You’d think that the people, power and resources of a huge company would make the process even more efficient, right? Wrong! It’s hard to even ascertain from larger companies how far up the chain something has to go before a final decision can be made. Needless to say, it would have sat in the corner of a store room or done its rounds in the postal service before being put in a lost post container.

The Advantages of a Small Team

In his article “The Smaller the Better”, Jeffrey Phillips outlines the advantages of having a smaller team working in a department or on a project:

1) Focus and clarity – each member is aware of what they have to do and what everyone else is doing

2) Better chance of good cohesion between team members

3) Less time required for training and administration of each employee, thanks to fewer people being on the learning curve

4) Easier interaction and communication between all team members

5) No single team member can hide or take a back seat from their assigned duties, so common sense has to be used.

At WorkWell, the smaller team is empowered with the right to use their own judgment to get a task done when it needs to be done, not when someone upstairs says it can be done. Such an operation brings enormous benefits to everyone:

  • A staff with whom you can become familiar with their abilities, working style, strengths and weaknesses
  • Every member of staff has a name, a face, a number, and an e-mail – it’s a true personal service
  • No waiting around – the job gets done because the team is empowered to make the right decision when they see it

So when looking at your competition with envy or their size and resource, spend a second to think what disadvantages this brings with it and often it is in a place you can exploit and excel as a small personal business.

So on a final note which of the above scenarios do you think best represents the image you want your business to portray? If you are a small dynamic business or division put your trust in a team that has been trained and trusted to do the job right. Visit  WorkWell and witness what good it can do for you and your business.