What to Look For in a New Commercial Office Space in Cleveland, Ohio

We all know the importance of office space. It’s where we spend most of our time working, and it can make or break productivity levels. But what should you be looking for in a new commercial office space in Cleveland? What will help boost your company to the next level?

Finding the perfect office space for your company can be a daunting task. Whether it’s your first time in the market or you’re expanding, there are many things that you need to consider before making a decision. In this blog post, we’ll explore some factors you should keep in mind when finding the perfect environment for your employees.

Location is Key

First, location is vital because it plays a significant role in attracting new employees and directly affects work/life balance. When looking at new spaces, consider the commute from different parts of town. Is it an area your employees can get to easily? Keep in mind that the U.S. Census Bureau states the average one-way commute in the United States is at an all-time high at 27.6 minutes. Yet, many studies show the average American considers 15-20 minutes the ideal commute time. A recent study also indicates that a long commute hurts workers and employers by hindering creativity and productivity.

“The common phrase, ‘location, location, location’ really does ring true because if you’re in the wrong area, it can be hard to attract new talent,” said Connor Redman, an office-focused real estate expert at Cushman & Wakefield |CRESCO Real Estate. “If you’re in a prime location, your company will thrive. It’s also important to think about things like traffic, public transportation, and accessible parking.”

Another factor to consider is the neighborhood’s safety and walkability. Is it an area where your employees would feel comfortable walking to their car alone? Are there restaurants and coffee shops nearby? Also, does the neighborhood make sense for your company’s business initiatives?

What’s Your Price?

Price is another factor you’ll need to consider when looking for a new office space. You don’t want to break the bank, but you also want to ensure you’re getting good value for your money. Strategy and finding balance are key here — an inexpensive space may result in a second-rate location and inadequate working environment, but one that costs too much may strap your company financially. Consider the amount you can budget and what options make sense in that price range while also keeping in mind that you may face other unexpected charges, such as maintenance fees and parking fees.

Let’s Talk Layout

The type of business you have will determine what features in an office space are conducive to productivity. For example, if your business often hosts clients, you may need a space with multiple and varying-sized conference rooms. Consider what type of work your employees do. If they need to concentrate without interruption, a closed office layout may be best. If team collaboration is essential, an open concept with communal spaces may be ideal. Natural light and acoustics are also crucial for most businesses.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also drastically changed the workplace environment. When determining office space layout and amenities, think about accommodating your employees amid all these changes.

“The traditional office space of yesterday no longer exists for many companies,” said Redman. “Flexible work arrangements, such as a hybrid schedule, have become a new normal. Office space has become an important place for meeting and collaborating. Companies should consider incorporating more community areas and flexible work stations.”

Of course, implementing a technological infrastructure that supports video conferences and reliable wireless internet should also be considered.

Your Next Step

No one knows what the future of workspaces holds, but one thing is for sure: Commercial office space will continue to play an essential role in facilitating collaboration and productivity. When looking for new office space in Cleveland, keep the changing needs of your employees in mind, as well as your budget and business goals. 

Contact us to help you find the perfect space for your business.