Author: TEZ

Choosing an office space is an extremely important and puzzling task for a company. The space you choose might be a significant factor that may affect your business in the future. For instance, it can affect your office budget, the accessibility and functionality of the space, utilities etc.

A well-connected and a fully-serviced office space, can impress clients and facilitates workplace wellness. It can help develop employee morale and in turn grow your brand image.

A few points to keep in mind when choosing an office space

Location

Location plays a significant role in the process of selecting a new co-working/shared workspace. Knowing that clients and employees can make it to the office without any hassle is important. Proximity to airports and metro stations, coffee shops, etc. ensures that you are on the right track to selecting the perfect location.

Value for Money

The deciding factor for any business owner while selecting an office space is the “Price factor”. Spending too less may result in having to forfeit a number of advantages, and spending too much will result in high expectations which when not fulfilled may lead to discomfort and disappointment. Things like basic facilities, services, amenities, hidden charges, contract terms, etc. are some points to look into while considering an office space.

Size

The Size is the next big deciding point right after location and price. Details like the size of desks, more storage, meeting rooms, breakout zones, cafeteria, etc. all add to the quality of an office space.

Having a well sized workstation, dedicated meeting rooms to entertain clients and discuss growth projections with employees, place to rest and take a break admits the busy hectic work day are some features that help employees work better and employers achieve required growth in business.

“Read also: https://www.theexecutivezone.in/why-you-need-an-office-in-anna-salai/“

Infrastructure and Style

When it comes to working at a coworking space, basic and necessary equipment and amenities are a priority and are needed to make the workday a more comfortable and productive affair. The style aspect in terms of visual appeal, furniture, lounge area, etc. may play a role in the kind of impression a business would like to make to its clients and employees.

Technology

Businesses nowadays function mainly with the use of the internet. A bad network/Wi-Fi connection on a crucially busy day would be an employee’s worst nightmare. Finding a co-working space with proper internet connection is very important. Video conference room facilities with the latest video conferencing equipment, projection equipment and furniture are features a business looks for while selecting a perfect co-working space.

Here at The Executive Zone, We tick all the boxes!

Located at Anna Salai (Mount Road) – one of the most prime commercial area in Chennai city, with a selection of high spec serviced office suites at the most reasonable price, we offer employers a range of services, amenities and various types of shared office spaces.

What is a co-working space?

Co-working spaces are an arrangement in which workers of different companies share an office space. It allows cost savings and convenience through the use of common infrastructure, such as receptionist and custodial services, equipment, utilities, parcel acceptance services and in some cases refreshments.

The days where co-working spaces were occupied only by freelancers and start-ups are far behind us, large enterprises nd MNCs have started selecting coworking spaces over private offices in view of the agility and flexibility offered by shared workspace providers.

5 reasons why co-working spaces over conventional/traditional offices is the smart choice:

Opportunity for Customization of Office Spaces

Different businesses have different infrastructural requirements. Flexible workspace providers design private office spaces or shared workspace as per the business’ infrastructural needs. Flexible workspace provide options between single desk, shared office or private cabins. It also gives an option to have brainstorming sessions in designated or common zones.

Lease – Real estate Efficiency

Most conventional office spaces are rigid, inflexible & require hefty investments. Co-working spaces, on the other hand provide plug-and-play offices that require no CAPEX investments, no lease! You get a membership according to your needs, and you can change it at a moment’s notice. Be it a desk for just one day or 10 dedicated desks for a week or a private office for four months, shared workplaces give you remarkably flexible choices.

“Read also: https://www.theexecutivezone.in/coworking-space-for-startups/“

Interactive Events

Co-working spaces organize events to keep their members and employees engaged. DIY workshops, corporate grooming seminars, business related workshops, etc. give employees the chance to have fun and meet new individuals from various backgrounds while learning something new.Such recreational exposure helps in keeping the employeesfocused and motivated, in turn increases their productivity.

Networking Opportunities

The foundation of co-working spaces is building a community of like-minded individuals. Co-working spaces are centersfor ideas and experiences, consisting of people from various companies and walks of life working together within the same office premises. The Co-working concept also provides individuals the opportunity to expand their professional network, as well as venture into new collaborations for mutual interest.

Increased Productivity

One of the benefits of coworking spaces for startups is increased productivity. Working in an atmosphere that stresses on the importance of collaboration and shared values is much more inspiring and motivational. In a coworking space, you work with other innovative and creative freelancers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, or startups.

When you work around other like-minded professionals, some of whom have very unique talents and skills, you are exposed to a wide range of knowledge that can help analyse and make progressive decisions when faced with a difficult work situation.

One advantage of coworking spaces is that you have enough people to consult within the space, there is no need to step out of the office to get professional advice or inspiration. That minimizes time wastage.

Enhances Work-Life Balance

Balancing work life and personal life is a struggle for everyone. Main benefits of working in a coworking space is that it allows you to keep your work and personal life separate.

Coworking helps you to stick to a more efficient work schedule and focus in a distraction-free environment by providing a more creative and productive work atmosphere.

Your motivation for work spikes, as everyone in your space is aiming at success, ultimately boosting productivity. It is a positive step towards the much-needed work-life balance.

Seamless Flow of Ideas

Coworking means brainstorming and learning new things every day from differently skilled coworkers. In the long run, one of the benefits of shared office space is that you become creative, knowledgeable and eventually an industry-leading expert.

When ideas flow seamlessly between professionals working on the same project, everyone is able to focus solely on the areas in which he/she is skilled.

Collaboration

Shared workspace promotes collaboration by providing open space for easy communication, encouraging coworkers to share knowledge, expanding job opportunities and opening people up to a new network of professionals. Coworking spaces boost your creativity.

Working along other creative and innovative freelancers, entrepreneurs, etc. can help in gathering new perspectives, ideas and advice which ultimately leads to more productivity.

Communal Environment

Choosing a shared space may be seen as a benefit of coworking spaces to freelancers, entrepreneurs and startups. The advantages of coworking spaces is that you are not just sharing an office space, but you become part of a community of like-minded people.

This type of office environment brings a feeling of collectivism that will make the workplace more enjoyable and productive. In addition, such an environment offers some more benefits other than creating a community of people who feel connected to their coworkers, it often hosts a variety of interesting events and lectures that all of the employees can attend.

Equipped Offices and Appropriate Meeting Spaces

When buying your own office, you need to invest in its design, furniture and equipment.

On the other hand, coworking spaces come with everything you require. Coworking spaces usually feature a modern design that appeals to a youthful workforce. In addition, coworking spaces have appropriate meeting spaces where business meetings can be held.

Coworking offices and their meeting rooms offer a wide variety of affordable and professional rooms to suit any occasion.

Corporate Mailing Address

Coworking spaces are located in the prime location of cities, where it would otherwise be nearly impossible to find an office space. A coworking space gives you a corporate business mailing address.

Having a corporate mailing address in a highly reputable location also sends a positive message to your clients which is one of the major benefits of working in a coworking space.

We see a fair share of change happening in workspaces around the world in the year 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With technology as the key feature behind the trends in the past, we see a new future with every new innovation and breakthrough.

Technology has greatly impacted the workplace by focusing exclusively on increasing quality, reducing cost and enhancing scalability, resulting in the booming of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and automation.

Let’s take a look at a few changes we can expect in future workspaces:

Contactless Technology

As we see companies slowly resuming work, employers are considering ways to create a more contactless (or at least a low-touch) workspace environment. Technology will play the key role in this transformation. Contactless check-in where onecan create a visitor profile at the reception by using their own smartphone. Exchanging information digitally instead of the traditional handshake and business cards.

De-Densification – the New Norm

De-densification of the workplace post-COVID-19 era will help occupiers to maintain social distancing and enhance the workspace wellness. It could also urges companies to work in shifts to ensure the office isn’t brimming with people in close contact with one another.

Social Distance Will Be the Key

Social distancing and hygiene during and post the Covid-19 era will be an important priority of all workplaces. Temperature check and the availability of sanitizer at the entry and other high risk/common areas around the office, use of masks, elevator capacity reduction, and safety markings around the office will be some of the precautions taken by employers/workspace providers to better the current situation.

“Read also: https://www.theexecutivezone.in/how-co-working-spaces-adapt-to-new-normal/“

Emergence of Shared Spaces

With majority of employees opting for flexibility in working from different locations, companies have started to consider downsizing their traditional/conventional offices and leaning towards the idea of setting up offices in coworking office in proximity to their employee’s residence after considering the pandemic situation(working far from home/ in different cities).

We are still very far from the complete resolution of the novel coronavirus but in the long run, considering the various benefits of shared workspace, coworking as an industry will start to boom.

A virtual office is part of the flexible workspace industry that caters to the demands of evolution in the way we work today. It provides businesses with various services, space and/or technology, without the need to bear the CAPEX of owning or leasing a conventional office.

There are a few factors that come into play when considering the benefits of a virtual office:

Cost-effective

When considering the capital required to build, rent or lease an office, the option of a virtual office is a smart choice for any freelancer, entrepreneur, start-ups or SMEs. Virtual offices are a concept where physical presence is not a necessity but benefits such as premium office addresses and other services such as board rooms, meeting rooms, concierge services and other administrative services can be procured and enjoyable as per requirements.

Flexible and Less time consumption

Recent times have shown a shift from “working in an office” to “working from home”. This trend has been more beneficial to the employees in aspects of the time and cost consumption, as a result the time spent to commute can be used more efficiently to increase productivity and improve overall work attitude.

Remote Working

A virtual office is a remote working style that allows one to work on their own terms and use unique methods to achieve maximum productivity in the initial stages of business. The benefits of having virtual offices allows one to work efficiently from the comfort of their home, a coffee shop or on the go, which reduces stress levels and helps maintain a happy and healthy balance between work and life outside of work.

“Read also: https://www.theexecutivezone.in/virtual-office-benefits/“

Business/Team Expansion

Virtual offices provide flexibility to organizations seeking to expand their business. When a company needs a physical presence in a different city, virtual offices are the go-to-approach to sustain the day-to-day operations. Without an obstruction of a fixed workplace and other legal formalities, increasing a team size is smooth-running with virtual offices.

Easy setup

Setting up or shutting down of a virtual office is hassle free and easy, without the need to spend anything additionally.

In conclusion, having a virtual office at the initial stage for a start-up or entrepreneur is an asset, and can further continue to effectively support in the growth of the business.

The Executive Zone, has been and will continuesupporting business’ grow and maintain a professional presence by providing excellent shared, private and virtual office spaces in Anna Salai, Chennai.

COVID-19 in the span of just a few months has altered the way an employee works and a company navigates in its day-to-day life. Businesses all around the world have adjusted their operations in an effort to put an end or at the least to slow down the spread of the COVID-19.

The concept of social distancing and experimental remote working may lead one to think of a future where “working from an office” is no longer a necessity. However, we believe that not everyone is equipped and ready to manage the “work from home/remote working” situation.

The switch from an office to work from home has been seen to come with its pros and cons. Despite its benefits, remote working is found to be very distracting depending on the employee’s household situation. Kids, electricity, internet connectivity/Wi-Fi, network and other factors may contribute to the drawbacks of working from home and thus leading companies to opt for a coworking space in proximity to an employee’s home to ensure commuting time is minimal and also work can be carried out with lesser distractions.

We see the increase of virtual offices in cases where distractions are lesser and the level of productivity remains the same or in some situations show an increase, companies have decided to continue the work from home lifestyle and this may also continue after the COVID-19 Pandemic has passed.

Long term contracts with office space providers would entitle a company to pay a rent as per their agreed/defined contract even if the space is not being utilized. This payment had been a major struggle to many companies who were faced with tangible setbacks and losses within their respective businesses during this COVID-19. The flexible terms of coworking – For Example – No lock-in, no deposit, etc., has led to the shift from conventional/traditional offices to coworking spaces.

The pandemic has resulted in many setbacks seen by businesses, start-ups and freelancers. The key to a stable ground is through networking (community) and coworking spaces were always known to fuel connections and drive businesses. Connections made between different employees from various fields/backgrounds in a coworking environment could be a potential investment/client

Thus we see businesses adding the possibilities of further lockdowns & restrictions to their future plans and are working towards finding flexible terms for their rental agreements. This would ensure that if/when a similar situation arises, they would be able to benefit from the flexible terms, various offers/options, cost efficiency, amenities, and vicinity along with the safety measures offered by coworking space providers.

Located in the prime commercial area – Anna Salai, Chennai, The Executive Zone is a selection of high-spec serviced office suites spreading across 25,000 square feet area with refined ambience and stately elegance located at Chennai’s most popular business address.