Your innovative idea has the potential to change your industry. Perhaps you’ve already secured VC funding or other forms of investment and have some runway. On the other hand, you could still build the foundations of your company and not quite there yet. You will need an affordable office and can accommodate your staff while also helping you drive the business forward.
Why your business doesn’t need a traditional office
When you begin to plan your business, and what it will need, entrepreneurs’ first thing is a physical place to base their company. However, a traditional office is not necessary in today’s digitalized world, where employees are more mobile than ever.
In the beginning, office space or building was a sign of how well your company was performing or what you expected it to do. These days, however, are rapidly ending with companies like Dropbox, Shopify, and Upwork that have given up their offices in favor of a flexible, permeant remote working environment.
SaaS, tech, and other startups are built upon revolutionary ideas. They have even been known to change the function of a work environment. A virtual workplace might be the right choice for you if you don’t require space to entertain investors or customers, and collaboration can still flourish through digital channels. However, a physical workplace can still be beneficial. A physical workspace can still be helpful if you have a growing number of employees and need to provide a space for clients or investors to gather.
Five options for your startup headquarters
To impact customers and grow their businesses, it is not necessary to pay high rent or utilities for a traditional office. Instead, you can spend this money on actual ROI.
We’ll be exploring five budget-friendly options for office space and commercial buildings.
1. Create a virtual workplace
You could work from your home instead of renting office space. It eliminates the need to rent office space and reduces your commute costs. The majority of Americans have become accustomed to working remotely since COVID-19. In addition, many companies have created excellent virtual infrastructures that allow for vibrant company culture. Take a look at the success stories of these companies and make a plan for your own.
Virtual work allows you to expand your candidate pool, and employees are not tied to one place. Instead, they can live the digital nomad lifestyle and work remotely.
Pros
- Reduces rent and utility costs
- It gives you more candidates
- Employees can travel and live anywhere they like
- Flexibility is what employees want
- Reduces commute time so that you can spend your time on actual work
Cons
- There is no physical place for employees to meet and collaborate.
- It keeps employees happy; a remote infrastructure must also be created
- Productivity should be constantly monitored and audited
- Higher levels of burnout are possible
2. Share an office with other startups
You can get shared office space at a fraction of what commercial office costs. Shared rooms are often used by people who need to work while they secure early funding or just for a place where they can stay while their startup grows. Unfortunately, some startups do not grow as quickly as they plan.
They might also have additional space that isn’t being used. Ask startups if they are willing to negotiate unoccupied space. Don’t be afraid of asking for help.
Pros
- Lower rent and utility costs
- Startups can support each other in certain areas
- It creates a space for employees to collaborate.
- Learn from other startups
Cons
- It might seem like there is less space.
- It would help if you accepted the culture, events, schedule, and lifestyle of another company
- The condition for renting the space is that the startup grows.
3. Locate a co-working space in your area
Co-working facilities are a great alternative to working with others who share your vision. In addition, these spaces are often the most affordable because they don’t require a whole office.
Co-working spaces will typically offer members Wi-Fi, printing, and conference rooms access. Employees can also reserve tables and desk space. Depending on the location and type of membership, membership costs can range from $50 to more than $300 per month.
Pros
- Rent is usually monthly, without any contract
- Startups and freelancers can pool their resources to support different business areas
- Create a space for collaboration between your employees so they can work together
- If you are a monthly customer, you can leave at any moment.
- Many times, you have access to a kitchen and snacks.
- Utilities are not your responsibility
Cons
- Space could become noisy
- Privacy is often very minimal
- You could lose your space if you pay monthly and do not have a long-term agreement
- It is impossible to personalize the space for your company.
4. Let’s rent a house
Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, began the company in his garage. Some startups have started in basements and attics of their homes. If you have space, a house is an excellent place for creating. There are many homes in areas that have lower rents and higher tax rates. Renting a floor in a house can reduce overheads when compared to the cost of commercial space. You could also rent an apartment for a few months and then use it to build up your full-fledged office.
Pros
- A commercial office costs less to rent than a residential one.
- It gives you the time and flexibility to grow your business.
- You can find apartments in many fantastic locations that are less expensive.
Cons
- Utilities must still be paid
- It is essential to check that it is legal to operate a business from your apartment or house.
- It is possible to grow in tight quarters, and some employees may need to be located far away.
5. Check with large companies
Corporate headquarter buildings are designed to allow for growth. These large corporate headquarters can also have many open conference rooms and open communal spaces to encourage collaboration. You might be able to rent a conference space or a few desks. They don’t want to make a profit from renting their space, unlike co-working spaces.
You will likely have free access to Wi-Fi, electricity, and other services. However, you and your coworkers may only have access to Wi-Fi in restricted areas of the building, depending on security measures taken by the company.
Pros
- In some cases, rent is even free or reduced.
- You don’t pay utilities
- You have the look and feel of a large company
- It creates a space for employees to collaborate.
Cons
- You might have to limit your space to a conference area or a small group of desks.
- Moving around a corporation might be restricted
- The internet access could be restricted to guests only
- You could be evicted if the company requires the space back
Bottom line: Be creative in your office space planning
Every startup must be driven by creativity and innovation. Your office space should reflect this mindset. It could mean that your company is entirely remote, and you can take advantage of the larger candidate pool and the freedom that allows for creative ideas.
You might be working with other innovative companies that are trying to make a difference. But, no matter which direction you choose, ensure it is beneficial for both your bottom line and your employees.
Disclaimer. The opinions and views expressed in this article are the authors Shalom Lamm.
