An office is a place of functionality, a place where staff coordinate an organisation’s operations and if you are planning to set up an office, there is a lot to consider. In this article, we offer some valuable information to help you set up a productive office space.
Digitalise Everything
We are living in the 21st century and that means you should digitalise all paperwork, which eliminates the need for lots of bulky filing cabinets; set up a couple of scanners and delegate staff to scan every piece of paper and store it on the cloud. Ideally, you only need one filing cabinet to store originals, as digital copies can be stored on your secure cloud network. You can hire a local IT company to digitalise all your documentation, then you can train your staff to scan all paperwork.
Uninterrupted Power Supply
If there is one thing a digital office needs, it is UPS batteries, which enable you to work when there is a power outage. The online supplier has everything you need to provide essential backup and, in many cases, delivery is free across Australia. The supplier can assist you with working out what you need to keep all workstations online.
Managed IT Services
These are the people who set up and calibrate cloud networks; a Google search is all it takes to find a leading Sydney-based managed IT services provider. You do not need a lot of IT hardware to set up a secure cloud and when you approach a provider, they can show you how the cloud can benefit your business.
Benefits of Cloud-Based Data Storage
Migrating your data to the cloud offers the small business many benefits; such as:
- Connect with any device from any location.
- Bank grade cyber-security.
- Update files in real time.
- Control who has access to your network.
- Real-time video communication.
- Online collaboration.
Also, migrating to the cloud frees up your computer resources, which means faster data processing. Every terminal can instantly access any file, while employees out in the field can also access and update in real time; Every office will be on the cloud within a couple of years, so why wait? Talk to a leading Sydney-based managed IT services provider and they have all the solutions.
Open Plan Design
The best layout for a busy office is definitely open plan; use half and full partitions to create spaces for workstations; the panels are interchangeable and easy to rearrange. If your budget stretches that far, hire a fitout contractor to design your office layout; the professionals really do know their stuff and they can create the perfect office environment. Research tells us that open plan offices encourage dialogue and boost productivity; this layout is suitable for modern business practices. If you are looking to sell products online, here are a few ideas.
Wireless Solutions
Setting up a new office is the ideal time to go wireless; workstation PCs can seamlessly connect with printers; a couple of wireless routers are all you need and all your IT equipment can communicate without those bulky cable bunches. Workstation PCs have wireless mouse and keyboard solutions and staff can wear headsets that enable communication on the fly.
Ergonomic Chairs
Invest in the best and your team will reap the rewards; you can sit comfortably for a few hours in an ergonomic office chair and the best brands last for years. Start with a Google search for office furniture in Sydney ad check out the products and prices; you will need a range of office furniture items and you can order from a single online supplier who will deliver to your door.
Adjustable Desks
Standing desks are very popular and they suit the 21st century office employee; people seem to like to work standing up, or at least to have that option, something you get from adjustable standing desks.
Communal Area
It is important to have a secluded area where your team can brainstorm; tea, coffee and cold water should be a matter of course, while a mobile whiteboard, a fridge and cupboard should also be evident. Create a warm and inviting ambience and your staff can recharge their batteries at any time; plus they don’t have to go out for lunch if you have facilities in the office.
Indoor Plants
It is always nice to add a touch of natural greenery; source a local artificial plant provider and they would be happy to make a few recommendations. For a fixed monthly fee, they will manage real and artificial flora and fauna, according to your specs. Why not ask your employees what they would like in terms of flora and fauna; they would probably have some good ideas.
Vertical Blinds
They are the best all-round solution for office screening; you can see without being seen, which does come in handy on occasions. Cream or ivory is best suited for a modern office and the supplier tailors the units to perfectly fit the windows. Smooth tracking gives effortless operation and you can fine-tune the lighting with vertical blinds.
IT Equipment
Search online for a leading IT equipment supplier who offers trade prices; choose higher spec workstation PCs, as you will get longer life use; some prefer to lease IT hardware, which usually involves free maintenance and support. If you are planning to purchase, it will be a big investment for 12 workstation PCs, a colour printer, scanner/copier and the network hardware; leasing might be a better option if you are on a tight budget. Put some feelers out with local IT equipment wholesalers and you might get lucky.
Climate Control
People work best when the temperature is just right; 20-22C is the optimum temperature for an office environment; assuming you have a ducted A/C system that feeds the building, so it is just a question of setting the thermostats.
If you have just registered the business, we hope things go well and that your new office is the perfect design and layout to help staff be productive.
