Tag: Serviced Offices

With world-class office space often comes great business success. Therefore, it’s no understatement that finding the right office is one of the most important things you’ll do as a business leader or decision-maker.

But finding the perfect workspace for your business is certainly no easy task. It can take up a lot of time and resources, although believe us – when you do find the right space, it will be completely worth it.

With over a decade of industry experience, we’ve helped countless businesses find a workspace where they can truly thrive. But in our time, we’ve also seen several businesses fall short on their search for ideal office space. Are you making any of these mistakes in your search for a new office?

1. Not doing the research

Good things take time. If you expect to find a new office overnight, then prepare to be disappointed. It really is important to take the time to do some in-depth research, or at least allocate another member of your team to this task. Some of the factors that are important to consider are your budget, how much space you need, the office location, and so on. We would always recommend booking viewings at any potential offices before making an investment.

2. Choosing an office that doesn’t match your culture

As we mentioned in our previous blog, 80% of businesses want to improve their company culture in 2017. Your office is often one of the most important things that any prospective clients or new team members will judge you on, so it’s important to make sure that your workspace is a true reflection of your brand. If you go about this process the right way, then your office can be one of the most effective business tools available, reinforcing your company’s core values.

3. Miscalculating company growth

Whether you miscalculate your company growth by too much or too little, you’re going to encounter problems. If you overestimate your company’s growth, then you could end up wasting money on space that you’re not using. And if you underestimate your company’s growth, then you may be stuck in a contract in an office that simply isn’t big enough for your team. Of course, neither of these is an ideal situation.

But how is anyone expected to know exactly how their business is going to grow over the coming months or years? Well there are other options! For example, some office providers, including here at Carrwood Park, offer more flexible office solutions. Some of these solutions include being able to move into a larger space within the same business centre and even expanding or reducing the size of your current space.

4. Going straight for a city-centre office

One of the most common mistakes we see is when businesses automatically assume that a city-centre location is what they need. But this really isn’t always the case. A more rural location could be more suited to your business than you may think, offering benefits such as more cost-effective space, free parking and even a more productive team!

We’re not telling you to set up a business in the middle of nowhere. But a more rural location with easy access to a large city can work wonders – just ask our residents! It really is important to consider your options before deciding what location makes the most sense for your business.

5. Getting tied into a long contract

One of the biggest mistakes we see is companies that find their perfect office space and sign a long-term contract. Then, a few years down the line, when they outgrow the space or it doesn’t match their values anymore, they’re stuck in the same office until the contract runs out! This tends to be more of a problem with leased offices rather than serviced offices. There are ways to get around this,s though, such as signing a shorter contract, finding a more flexible office provider as we mentioned above, or paying off the rest of your contract…

We know how easy it can be to make some of these mistakes, but as you can see, there’s always an equally easy solution. With our expert advice, you’ll be on your way to finding your perfect office space in no time! For more tips on serviced offices, employee productivity and other business growth advice, why not subscribe to the Carrwood Park blog?

Are you looking for an office that encourages business growth, working alongside like-minded businesses? Why not book a viewing at one of our high-quality office spaces in Leeds?

 

 Did you know that global temperatures are rising at an alarming rate, with 16 of the 17 warmest years on record coming after 2001? Or that Arctic sea ice has shrunk by 3.5-4.1% every decade since 1979? With one of the strongest recorded hurricanes in history recently hitting the Atlantic, it’s unsurprising that climate change is one of the most important topics of this century.

As an eco-friendly business centre based on the rural outskirts of Leeds, we’ve always appreciated the wonders of nature and, as a result, have been proactive in doing our bit for the environment. And over the last few years, we’ve noticed even more businesses following suit and making an effort to ‘go green’. We’ve seen companies invest in eco-friendly products, offer options for remote working, and even set up their own ‘green committee’.

At WorkWell, we’re proud to apply the ‘Three Rs’ – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – to meet both international standards and our environmental targets. Some ways we meet these targets include using carpet made from recycled plastic bottles, enhancing building insulation to reduce wasted heat, and sorting 100% of our waste for recycling.

Since introducing these strategies, we’ve noticed a whole load of benefits across the business, our residents, and our team.

Make a real difference to the environment

Even the smallest things can have such a positive impact on the environment. With 150 acres of rainforest lost every minute, going paperless – or at least making a conscious effort to reduce the amount you and your company use – can make a real difference. At Carrwood, we’ve been taking this one step further with a tree planting scheme to offset the environmental impact of our business park. We have over 1,200 trees across the 100 acres that make up Carrwood Park and Brookfield Court!

Meet UK recycling targets

Did you know that at WorkWell, we sort 100% of our waste for recycling, which means just 16-18% goes to a landfill site? With the recycling targets for UK businesses at 75% by 2020, recycling should be a focal point in your business.

It’s easy to implement in everyday office life, too! Ensure that your office has enough recycling bins, make an effort to separate the recyclables from non-recyclables on your office clear-outs, or even try introducing a rewards scheme for the top recyclers. At Carrwood Park, we like to think about the bigger picture too, using office furniture with up to 50% recycled content…

Reduce business costs

Becoming more eco-friendly can save your business a lot of money, too. Even something as simple as using refillable pens can save you a surprising amount of money in the long run. Furniture made of natural materials like wool tends to be easier to clean than other materials, which means you can save costs with cleaning. And just think about how much money you could save by getting your employees to print double-sided! Remember that it all adds up.

A better working environment

Research suggests that introducing greenery to the office boosts employee productivity, motivation and happiness. Plants can reduce the amount of CO2, dust and mould in the air, not only contributing to cleaner air around the office but also in your local community.

Companies with ‘green committees’ can reap the benefits of a better working environment too; encouraging your employees to work towards a mutual cause can bring your team closer together. This strengthened team spirit, combined with the effects of a greener office, helps to carve a better working environment for both your business and your employees.

Improve business sustainability

Did you know that working towards a greener environment has a positive impact on the sustainability of your business? This means that if you have methods in place to deal with rising costs due to climate change and you’re less dependent on natural resources than your competitors, you have a greater chance of long-term success. And if you consider the fundamentals of business sustainability (profits, people, and the planet), it makes sense…

Become a haven for wildlife

Depending on where you focus your environmental efforts, you could even build up a haven for wildlife around your office. This won’t be a fast process and is likely to take months, if not years, to build up, but it’s worth it! Not only does this help improve employee happiness and motivation, but you’ll find that it becomes a great talking point for any prospective clients or employees…

As a business that was originally built on farmland, we’ve always been at one with nature. Did you know we’re home to two pairs of nesting red kites? You may even spot one on your next visit!

Are you interested in working from an eco-friendly business centre in the heart of Yorkshire? At WorkWell, we offer a variety of business growth solutions from serviced offices and co-working spaces to meeting rooms and virtual offices. Why not get in touch with our team now to find out how we can help?

There’s a growing awareness of how important it is to promote wellbeing in the office. Business owners and employees alike are beginning to realise the importance of an office environment that encourages a healthy lifestyle and a good work-life balance.

This isn’t just a new fad. Countless academic studies have reported the productivity benefits of happy, healthy employees. Healthier workers take less time off sick, which can result in significant savings over time. Taking active steps to promote a healthy workforce can also help to attract and retain talent. Research suggests that millennials are particularly keen to work for companies that value their well-being.

Why does healthy food matter?

Food is the fuel our bodies run on. The better our diet, the better we’re likely to feel afterwards. And the better we feel, the higher our concentration levels will be.

Fresh, healthy food provides us with energy, improves our mental health, helps our bodies to fight sickness and boosts our focus. Ultimately, if you eat well throughout the working day, you’re more likely to consistently produce great results.

Unfortunately, offices can often be high-risk environments for unhealthy food. It’s not unusual for workers to eat junk food at their desks because they haven’t had time to go out to get anything else. Vending machines, biscuit platters in the boardroom and boxes of chocolate for the team can also be difficult to avoid.

Why not make a commitment to make healthier food choices at work? Resist the temptation to eat one of the cupcakes that your colleague bought for everyone, and instead indulge in some fresh fruit!

Business owners can help with this, too. Changing up the refreshments you offer during meetings and work events can have a big impact here, as can ensuring your team members have enough time at lunch to eat a well-balanced meal. And instead of placing chocolate and sweets around your office across the festive season, why not offer mixed nuts and dried fruit instead?

Having access to food preparation facilities can often be overlooked, too. Instead of buying a ready meal from the shop, this means you can prepare something fresh, providing you with more nutrients. This is a real priority for us at WorkWell, and we offer high-quality shared kitchen spaces for users of our serviced offices and co-working spaces.

12 productivity-boosting office snacks

Looking to boost your productivity at work? Why not replace your office sweet cupboard with some of these healthy snacks?

1. Raw nuts

Nuts are packed with vitamins, minerals and essential fats like omega-3s, which provide healthy fats for energy, mitigate stiffness and joint problems and help to regulate mood.

1. Carrot sticks and hummus

Carrots can be a great low-calorie snack, containing lots of vitamins and minerals, and not many carbohydrates. Combine this with hummus and you’ll get a nice balance of minerals, protein and fibre – and an extra-delicious snack!

1. Fibre-rich fruits

High fibre fruits, like berries and apples, are ideal for a mid-morning snack as they can make you feel ‘full’ sooner. Studies also suggest that fibre plays a part in improving your immune system, meaning you’re less likely to fall victim to the dreaded cold that’s going around the office.

1. Coconut chips

Packed with healthy fats, coconut chips can serve as a sweet replacement for your normal packet of crisps or popcorn.

1. Roasted chickpeas

Like nuts, chickpeas have a low GI (glycemic index), which means they release energy slowly so are great for maintaining productivity. Delicious served straight from a can or as the key ingredient in hummus, this versatile food can also be served roasted as an alternative to nuts.

1. Green smoothies

Have you noticed more people drinking green juices recently? There’s a good reason for that! By blending leafy greens and vegetables into a smoothie, you can easily hit your five-a-day. Blending from fresh means you retain vitamins often lost in cooking processes, and the liquid format means your body can more readily absorb the goodness. Counteract bitterness by adding some ripe fruit like mango or pineapple. Here’s how to blend the perfect green smoothie…

1. Greek yoghurt and honey

Honey has been used medicinally for centuries, for everything from a cold to lowering your blood sugar. Mix this with greek yoghurt, known for its digestion-aiding probiotics, and you’ll do a load of good for your stomach.

1. Bananas

Slow release carbs, such as bananas and walnuts, can help you avoid the ‘3pm sugar crash’ – something that you may be familiar with if you tend to snack on doughnuts and sweets.

1. Unsweetened dried fruit

Dried fruit is a great source of energy and fibre. It’s also a lot more office-friendly than fresh fruit as it is non-perishable, which means you can store it at work without worrying about it going off. If you often eat porridge or granola at work, why not add some dried apricots and raisins to it?

1. Celery sticks with peanut butter

Research suggests that celery and peanut butter can reduce your chance of heart disease and diabetes. It’s also a lot more filling than some of the other snacks on this list. Although if you’re watching your weight, try not to go overboard on the peanut butter…

1. Granola bars

Low in sodium and high in potassium, granola bars can increase blood and oxygen flow in your body. This means you’ll have higher concentration levels, and for longer!

1. Vegetable crisps

Like coconut chips, these can be a healthy, low-saturated fat alternative to your average packet of crisps. For added health benefits, why not try making your own vegetable crisps at home?

What are your favourite productivity-boosting office snacks? Have we missed any out? We’d love you to share them with us on Twitter.

What else can you do to promote health and productivity in the office?

There are a wide range of techniques and initiatives that companies can explore in order to encourage better health and productivity among their employees. At WorkWell, we offer a range of perks to promote health and wellbeing, as well as attracting and retaining talent.

These include:

• Plants in the office
• An eco-friendly working environment
• Plenty of windows to boost natural light
• Sparkling facilities, cleaned daily
• Over 4,500 sq. ft. of breakout areas and third space

Do you want to benefit from a working environment designed with employee productivity and wellbeing in mind? Why not arrange a viewing at our luxury serviced offices in Leeds or Harrogate?

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 Do you know where your business will be in three or five years? While we all dream of running a prospering business, which expands year-in-year-out, nobody has a crystal ball, and as the UK’s economy remains shaky and unpredictable, for many businesses, growth remains precarious and undetermined.

Given this volatile business environment, moving into flexible office space opposed to committing to a lengthy three or five-year contract, can be a wise business move.

Flexible office space is in high demand.

The demand for flexible office space is on the rise. According to Instant’s 2017 Flexible Workspace Report, the total provision for all flexible office space increased globally by around 18% in 2016. Coworking and hybrid spaces have almost doubled since 2013, which now accounts for approximately a third of flexible workspaces globally. The report also found that larger corporate and enterprise organisations are joining in the uptake of flexible office space.

A separate report reiterates the growing demand for flexible workspace, highlighting how between 2011 and 2013, Britain’s serviced office market increased by 13.3%.

Caters for growth fluctuations

One of the principal benefits and attractions of flexible office space, in which businesses can walk in and out of without any contract or commitment, is that it complements the fluctuations that inevitably occur within business growth.

For example, no matter how solid a business plan may appear that maps out consistent annual growth, no business can ‘growth-proof’ their venture, particularly from external elements, namely the economy and political ‘surprises’ such as Brexit.

A business may be confident it will grow in forthcoming months and years, having to expand its team from, for example, a five to a ten-person outfit, thus needing a larger office. However, as unpredictable and often external factors bite, such growth may never materialise and, instead of growth, a business may experience regression, being forced to make redundancies and reduce its team.

No longer, legally binding contracts

This is why opting for flexible office space that doesn’t tie companies into long, costly contracts that they can’t get out of is favourable. Unlike the costs associated with leasing office space, such as refurbishing the workspace and equipping it with office furniture and an IT infrastructure, serviced offices are ready to move into and require no other costs or investments.

With meeting rooms, executive suites, modern and fully-equipped open-plan office space, breakout rooms and the choice of working in more private areas at their disposal, businesses can upsize or downsize at their leisure in flexible office space.

As we noted in a previous blog about the benefits of serviced offices, opting for more flexible workspace with short-term rental agreements gives businesses of all sizes flexibility without committing to a legally binding and lengthy office lease.

Boosting business credibility

Serviced offices also often come with a high-profile business address, which can give a business’s credibility and professionalism a huge boost. From handing out business cards with the esteemed address boldly printed on the front to inviting potential clients to a meeting in a sought-after location, flexible serviced office space can play a vital role in contributing to business growth and success.

If part of your business plan in 2018 is to grow and expand your team, locating in a quality, credible and flexible serviced office space, can be the perfect solution for nurturing business growth and success without running the risk of business not going well as expected and your company having to take the hit as you need to downgrade office space.

If you’re looking for top-quality flexible office space in a convenient location not far from Leeds City Centre or Harrogate, get in touch with us here at WorkWell. Our friendly team will be more than pleased to show you around our high-quality serviced office spaces designed to cater for the fluctuations that inevitably arise when running a business.

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With the kids off school and Easter egg hunts to organise, it’s easy for work-based tasks to go off trail during the Easter holidays. Working flexibly and remotely can give your team’s productivity levels a much-needed boost during Easter. As can having access to high-speed Wi-Fi and other quality office infrastructure.

Don’t let the fun and distraction of Eastertime have negative repercussions on your business with the following five ways to remain productive at working during the Easter break.

Read More about Five ways to remain productive at work during the Easter break

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The benefits of ergonomic office furniture have long been realised and documented. ‘Sitting comfortably’ can improve productiveness by as much as 11%. By contrast, an uncomfortable office can be damaging to our health and wellbeing. Though ergonomic workspace is becoming increasingly innovative.

From standing up to work, to have a ‘third place’ to relax, take a look at the following ergonomic office innovations we can’t afford to ignore.

Read More about Ergonomic office innovations we can’t afford to ignore