If you have your own business and are lucky enough to own office space, there is a lot to think about. Having office space is almost like owning a second home, as many of the things you have to consider, are very similar.
While these may differ, depending on the type of office space you own, here are just a few questions you need to ask yourself…
- Can you afford it in the long run?
No matter if you rent the space or pay a mortgage on it, it’s very important to consider whether or not you can afford the expense, long term.
When you own a business, what you’re spending, is almost as vital as what you’re bringing in. If your business is doing well now, you may feel that you can easily afford the mortgage or rent on your office. However, if your business hits a difficult period, this may change.
A way to future proof yourself from this, is by having a Plan B. Can your business be run remotely, or could you move into a smaller space? Having more options, can give you great peace of mind, if things don’t go to plan.
- Are you keeping it safe enough?
Owning an office and owning a home, can be very comparable when it comes to safety. Criminals don’t discriminate whether or not they break into a residential place or a workplace. For this reason, keeping your office safe is crucial, if you want to prevent vandalism.
From alarms to security cameras, there are so many ways that you can make sure your office is more secure, which can really take a weight off your shoulders.
- Are staff being trained properly?
Keeping your office a safe and comfortable place to work, is about more than installing tech. Making sure that staff are properly trained in your safety protocols and know how to take care of the office itself, is really important.
Keeping your staff up to date on what they should and shouldn’t do while they are in the office, is vital for security purposes and a safe office environment in general.
This is especially true if you have a big office with a lot of staff. The more people that work there, the higher chance there is for human error to kick in and something to go wrong.
Having said that, even the smallest of offices should regularly update their staff. Even if it’s something as simple as how to lock the door if you’re the last person out, it can really make all the difference.
Having office space is a privilege and is often a sign that your business is doing well. However, just like safeguarding your own home, it’s vital that you understand the risks involved in running your business from an office.
Keeping an eye on your budget, making sure you have enough security, and training staff on the dos and don’ts of office protocol, are essential elements of office life.
