One of the downsides of doing business on a tight budget is the limited scope of available commercial space options: between employee costs, utility bills, office furnishings and supplies and government taxes, the amount of money you are left with for workplace leasing may seem too low to get a decent place to call your corporate headquarters.
Do not let the grim prospects dismay you from pursuing your line of business – there are in fact many more possibilities for savings than it may seem at first glance, you just need to know where to look. Here are some ideas on how to organize your private workflow without spending a fortune on proper office space.
Inspiring Office Space
Efficiency and appeal are two of the most important aspects of any workplace. Employees often need a little inspiration boost to keep productivity high in the long run. If you cannot afford regular promotions and raises, redoing your workplace may be a good option. Clean, well-organized and creatively designed offices are generally considered as most conducive to streamlined workflow, so make use of mood boards, motivational posters and vivid wall paint.
Functionality First
Another option for businesses on a budget involves efficient use of existing furnishings. Your office should be both inspiring and practical, so keep this point in mind when decorating the workplace – it may help you save up on optional accessories once you have cleverly arranged the office essentials like chairs, desks and PCs. In the first few months, you may use the furnishings you have at hand until you earn the funds for work stations in corporate style.
Go Green
Green office solutions are extremely affordable in the long run: for instance, water-efficient faucet add-ons can considerably reduce your utility bills, and eco-friendly bulbs may help keep electricity costs in check while minimizing your business’ carbon footprint at the same time. On top of their budget benefits, green upgrades will motivate your staff to look beyond everyday work-related tasks and show appreciation for the environment as well.
Budget-friendly Furnishing Options
Before you go and order a stack of new chairs and desks for your workplace, check out used furniture stores in the area. Though perhaps not the most appealing of pieces, second-hand furnishings are highly cost-efficient and will require low overhaul investments in case you decide to increase their aesthetic appeal. For example, an office chair with a worn-out cover can be easily upholstered – and its total price will probably be lower than that of brand new seating.
Upcycled Building Materials
An architecture trend that saw a sudden surge in popularity of late, offices made from upcycled container shelters are eco-friendly, durable and affordable. Container solutions are now a go-to for mobile sales venues and small workplaces across the globe. Owing to their portability and modularity, relocatable container shelters can be easily transported and upgraded should a need for extra space arise.
Money Well Spent
When designing the office, make sure you know your budget and stick to it consistently. A common pitfall first-time business owners experience is improper fund management: by overspending on sleek furniture or office space in the downtown, the amount of money left for maintenance and utility costs will be notably lower, and unless your business hits off high figures immediately, you may need to make certain staff cutbacks that may jeopardize the workflow.
Rome was not built in a day – do not expect your business headquarters to flash out prestige and corporate spirit right off, especially if you are on a tight budget. Progress and achievement are a matter of time, careful analysis and hard work, so set realistic company objectives before you go into business. Follow the tips listed above when preparing or overhauling the workplace, and add upgrades whenever profits provide room for it: slowly but steadily, the initially shy headquarters will fall in line with your vision of corporate success.