office space for lease overland park ks

4 Signs It’s Time For Your Business to Find a New Kansas Office Space for Rent

Let’s face it, moving can be a pain. There are movers to hire, files to pack up, and employees to convince. But although moving is an inconvenient hassle, not moving could have much worse long-term consequences for your business if it is really time to go. As you brainstorm this decision, check out some of these signs that it might be time for your business to look at different office spaces for rent in Overland Park, KS, as outlined in the article “5 Clues That It Might Be Time for New Office Space”:

#1 Your current Kansas office space for rent is feeling small.

One sign that it might be time to move is that your business is running out of space for you to grow into. This is actually a good problem to have because it means your business is thriving – though that success could be short-lived if you cannot cram another desk or filing cabinet into your space, let alone hire much-needed new employees. If you have plans to grow your business, don’t wait until the last minute to start looking for a new space, or you could find yourself in a tough negotiating position or making a hasty decision that isn’t in your best interests.

#2 You cannot afford your current office space for rent in Overland Park.

If your rental payments are seriously cutting into your profits, you need to look for a place that’s a bit more thrifty. A swanky office space downtown is certainly enjoyable for you and your employees, but it isn’t great for your business’s sustainability. If you are in a tough financial position or are looking to cut back on your rent, try to work with a broker who will help you stay within your budget.

#4 You’re having trouble hiring/keeping good employees.

If your turnover rate is high and you are having trouble attracting potential hires, ask yourself whether your office space is playing a role in this problem. Your space says a lot about your business, so if it is too crowded, run-down, or simply disorganized, new candidates or employees are not going to want to stick around. An upgrade might help you find and keep talent.

#5 Your current office space for lease in Overland Park, KS, just isn’t working.

A space could be a poor fit for a variety of reasons. One problem might be a lack of privacy. Open office space for employees to collaborate is certainly “in” right now, but not everybody works well out in the open – or at least not all of the time. People need privacy sometimes for meetings, phone calls, or simply to power through a project, so an office space that doesn’t offer that could be seriously hindering productivity.

Another problem with a space could be a mismatch with your brand or company culture. If you run an edgy start-up but are working in an old, drab space, there is a dissonance there that can negatively affect your employees and send the wrong message to clients. You want your space to match your brand so it subtly communicates the importance of your business’s core values.

If one of these signs sounds like your business, it might be time to move to a new space. Moving can be a pain, but it can also be exciting for your business as a sign of growth, innovation, or simply a fresh start. As you look for spaces, give yourself plenty of time to narrow down your choices, and work with a broker who will keep your business’s interests at the forefront.

If your business is looking to rent office space in Overland Park, give us a call at 913-685-4100 to find out more about our affordable spaces!

How to Find and Design an Office Space for Lease in Overland Park, KS, With Your Employees in Mind

Relocating to a new office space for lease in Overland Park, KS, can be a big commitment for employees, so as you are looking for and designing an office space, you want to do as much as you can to get their buy-in. Here are a few tips for keeping your employees in mind during this process, as suggested in the articles “Finding an Office Space Both You and Your Employees Love” and “6 Inexpensive Ways to Help Employees Escape the Cubicle Crush”:

#1 Ask for employees’ help with research on commercial property for lease in Overland Park, KS.

The best way to start the transition to a new office space strong is by showing employees that you value their opinions. You can do this by seeking their help with researching the new space. Put out some questionnaires to find out or about their preferences. Do they prefer to work standing or sitting? Do they like collaborative spaces or individual spaces? What time of day are they most productive? What locations would be ideal for them? Gathering and analyzing this data can help you determine what kind office space you’re looking for.

#2 Involve them in design and decoration of the office space for rent in Kansas City.

Once you have found a space, build excitement by involving them in the process of designing and decorating the space. One idea is to give each employee a $100 gift card to IKEA to buy office furniture. This might not buy a lot of furniture, but it will send the message that you trust your employees and want them to have some control over their new space.

Take this a step further by encouraging your staff to customize their own desk spaces. Many people view their desk as their “home away from home” or the place they are most comfortable in at the office, so make it a priority to help your employees create that sense of home in their new space. Some successful companies, like Google, even give employees a small allowance for desk decoration.

You can also work together to personalize the new office and sneak in some team-building time by picking a blank wall for everyone to collaborate on decorating. Get some paint and other supplies and make a fun day of it.

#3 Designate spaces for collaboration and individual work.

As you are setting up your office space, also think about ways you can improve the long-term comfort and productivity of your employees. People have different styles of working, so many companies are shifting towards diversifying spaces to accommodate those different styles, and you can use the feedback you got from your employees while researching new spaces to help you decide on the best setup.

One area you should have is a deliberate space for sharing and collaborating. This could be a large conference room, or even a cluster of tables in the middle of an open space. It is also nice to have spaces for “accidental” collaboration, where employees can bump into each other and strike up conversations that could lead to creative teamwork. Some examples of this are communal kitchens or break areas with some comfortable seating.

People also need space for individual work, so try to designate some private spaces, even if you can’t give everyone their own office. Think about setting aside a few offices in your new space to be places where a team member can go to work on a specific project for a few hours or few days, or just to escape to a quiet part of the office.

#4 Consider the cubicles.

Again, you might not be able to upgrade to private offices for everybody, but a fresh start in a new space is a good way to reset your cubicle culture. One of the biggest complaints of employees working in cubicles is noise, so you could start implementing a few strategies to make this a little better in your new space:

have employees silence ringers
encourage them to keep phone conversations quiet and minimal
buy a white noise machine for “background noise”
allow the use of noise-canceling headphones

You can also give employees some freedom to escape cubicles by giving them flex time or allowing them to work from other places, such as a nearby coffee shop or library – proximity to these kinds of places could be criteria to include as you are looking for a new office space.

#5 Give them move in time.

When the time comes to move, give your employees a day just to get settled – assemble furniture, unpack, figure out computers, etc. This will help make the transition less stressful and more enjoyable for employees, and they will come in for their first day of real work in the new space feeling fresher and more comfortable.

#6 Open the door for communication.

From asking about employees’ preferences before finding a space to getting their help with decorating, keep the door open for questions and communication throughout the process. One thing you could do is to put up a whiteboard or chalk board and write a question on it each day for employees to answer. Asking good questions will elicit responses that will help you understand your team better and help everyone find common ground and build relationships during a new chapter of your business’s life.

Good people are the cornerstone of a good business, so it’s essential to not lose sight of your employees’ preferences and concerns as you move to a new space.

If your business is interested in commercial real estate in Overland Park with a helpful on-site management team and close proximity to a variety of amenities in Overland Park, give Southcreek Office Park a call at 913-685-4100 to find out more about our available spaces!

Commercial Property in Overland Park, KS: What Science Has to Do With Your Office Design

Social science, behavioral science, neuroscience – all of these areas are relevant to your office space for rent in Overland Park, KS, design. Research into these areas is helping designers figure out what makes a truly great office space. If you are looking for office space for rent in Overland Park or simply considering some upgrades to your current space, check out a few key elements of office space design and the scientific research that supports them, as described in the article “The Science of Office Design”:

#1 Lighting

Most people know the effects of different lighting – for example, florescent versus natural. But the science behind these preferences can give us even more details to keep in mind while looking for or designing a space. Warm lighting, for example, can help give employees a cognitive boost and reduce stress levels. Interestingly enough, this is something airplanes have been starting to use to help relax passengers!

#2 Noise Levels

Acoustics most definitely affect productivity and creativity in the workplace. Scientists have actually been able to pinpoint that 70 decibels is the perfect balance between noise and quiet. Anything louder than that will be distracting; anything quieter will feel unnatural.

#3 Ceilings

It is almost too perfect to be true: scientists suggest that higher ceilings actually promote higher-level conceptual thinking, whereas lower ceilings are more conducive to mathematical thinking. So if you are in a line of work where you need your employees to make overarching connections and unleash their imaginations, that higher ceiling might be a good fit. On the other hand, if you need more contained tasks on a day to day basis, a lower ceiling might be a better option.

#4 Distance between things in the office

Something as little as how far you have to walk to another person’s desk can actually have an impact on how a business functions. There are also thresholds for this – for example, if you sit 80 feet or more away from a person, you are significantly less likely to interact with them throughout the day, and thus less likely to end up collaborating with them on work. Think about measuring desk distance in your office or strategically grouping desks to foster fruitful collaborations.

#5 Visibility

Along with distance, visibility is another factor in whether you will work with someone during your workday. If someone is in your line of sight and you get regular glimpses of them, you are more likely to interact with them during the day, and thus more likely to work with them on something.

#6 Nature

Researchers have long suspected the positive impact of nature on humans, but recent research really confirms how much of a positive effect nature can have on stress levels. Seeing plants, breathing fresh air, or having a view of the outdoors can strongly influence not only stress levels, but also performance. Research also shows that this nature has to be the real deal – just a video of nature has the same effect on employees as a blank wall!

It’s a simple truth: our environment affects our mental state, which in turn affects our performance as work. Whether you’re in the process of looking for commercial real estate in Olathe, KS, starting to think through the design of a new space, or simply considering some changes to a current office, there are big and small ways to implement these principles.

Not only will your employees feel more positive about their environment, but this translates to better productivity and will ultimately benefit your bottom line.

If your business is interested in office space for lease in Overland Park, KS, give us a call at 913-685-4100 to find out more about our available commercial real estate in Kansas City.

5 Tips for Renting Commercial Property in Overland Park, KS, in a Tenant’s Market

The Recession of the Late 2000s was certainly not an ideal turn for small businesses, but times of economic crisis do have on advantage for businesses: it is often a great time to hunt for office space for lease in Overland Park, KS. This has been especially true for small businesses, since larger businesses are downsizing and often subleasing spaces. For small business who act quickly, there is the possibility of being able to choose between multiple offers from landlords, and even leverage those different offers into negotiation power. Here are a few key tips for small business who want to take advantage of this renter’s market, as suggested in the article “6 tips for renting small business space”:

#1 Look for small Kansas office space for rent

One result of an economic downturn and a tenants’ market is more available spaces for businesses, but typically small ones. Landlords are looking for security and want to diversify their leases, so they are starting to look for a variety of small tenants rather than just a few big ones, which means they are splitting up previously big offices into smaller spaces for small businesses. This means the best deals are for small spaces, so keep an eye on that market and take advantage of investigating and comparing several options.

#2 Use your negotiating power

Never accept the listing price on a lease. Because landlords are especially hoping for higher rental payments in a tough economy, it pays to be on your guard for too-high prices. While you might not be able to get the rent itself lowered, you might be able to negotiation for concessions, such as an allowance for improvements or a period of free rent. This means the landlord doesn’t have to back down on the rates they are asking, but you can still get more value for what you end up paying.

Other things to negotiate for include a cap on annual increases (to protect yourself from inflation and rising rates), expansion options, management fees, and even bonus items like parking or snow-clearing services.

#3 Be picky about the lease term

While landlords generally tend to favor longer leases, in a tenants’ market you are much more likely to get the length you want, so don’t be afraid to ask. On the one hand, this could mean that if you are a startup business you have the flexibility of signing a short lease so that you are not stuck in the unfortunate event that your business fails or the fortunate event that you outgrow a space. On the other hand, if you foresee a stable future for your business, you have the opportunity to take advantage of long term cheap rent with a longer lease.

#4 Do your research on office spaces for rent in Overland Park, KS

One element of the research you should do is learning about your market. The best way to do this is to see a lot of different spaces so that you know what rates and amenities are out there and you can make educated comparative analyses – keeping track of details on spreadsheets is a good way to do this.

Another aspect of research is looking into the landlord of a property. Creditworthiness of landlords could be questionable in a rough economy, so it is important to know where your business owner stands. Are they in over their head with loans? Debt? You might find out a little more by running a credit check, as well as gathering some information from current tenants in the building.

Part of doing good research might also be working with a broker. In a tough economy, often landlord are willing to make a lot of concessions, and an inexperienced tenant might not even know to ask about certain things, like escalator clauses, more favorable termination terms, or mitigating personal guarantees. A broker can be in your corner and make sure that you don’t get taken advantage of.

#5 Be prepared for security deposits

Unfortunately, while a lot of aspects of leasing are favorable for tenants during an economic downturn, slack on the security deposit is not one of them. Landlords tend to be even more concerned about this because of the high level of risk. Not only are you concerned about your landlord’s credit trustworthiness, but they are extra concerned about how much of a risk you are. Be prepared to pay as much as 10% of your total lease as a security deposit, as well as submit a letter of credit or even offer a personal guarantee. This is especially important to landlords who make a lot of concessions, such as improvements or repairs to a space, because they don’t want to sink that money into a space only to get it back in just a few months.

Economic downturns are rough on small businesses, but for business owners who can read the market, they might just have long-term benefits in terms of cheap commercial real estate.

If your business is looking into commercial property in Overland Park, KS, give us a call at 913-685-4100 to learn more about what is available in our office park in Overland Park, KS.

Your Office Space for Rent in Overland Park: Organizing for Better Productivity

Whether you are moving into a new office space for rent in Overland Park and need to make that final push past the move-in clutter or your current office just needs a good spring cleaning, here are a few tips for getting your office space in peak productivity mode, as suggested in the article “How to Organize Your Office for Maximum Productivity”:

Step 1: Deep Clean Your Kansas Office Space For Rent

The first step to getting organized is doing a serious purge. By the end of this purge, you want your office to be totally clutter-free, which could take anywhere from an hour to a day depending on the size and clutter condition of your office.

Step 2: Think Zones

There are a couple of key areas you want to set up in your office to keep yourself clean and organized:

Computer Workspace – This is where most people are in high productivity mode – your typical desktop space. Get cords organized and think about treating yourself to a more comfortable setup, such as an ergonomic keyboard.
Non-Computer Workspace – This is the space for anything but computer work – signing documents, working on an iPad, reading papers. It could be at the same desk, or you could designate a separate area for this. Separating computer and non-computer work areas can help keep things clean and help you mentally organize the different kinds of work you need to do each day – nothing is less productive than eyeballing your computer screen while simultaneously trying to focus on a printed report.
Catch-All Space – This is a great way to catch and sort incoming junk before it becomes scattered throughout the office. Some of the things this can filter, are important documents, trash, and things you take home (i.e. jackets and umbrellas). To that end, create your catch-all zone near a door or a highly trafficked place. Stock the area with shelves, hooks, or boxes for important items that you need regular access too, trays or files for documents, and a trash can.

Step 3: Find a Place for Physical Objects

Try not to let your desktop get too cluttered with the objects we all tend to accumulate at work, from cute knickknacks to basic things like wallets or headphones. In order to stop these items from slowly but surely encroaching on your workspace, make sure that each object has an accessible place in a drawer or a desktop organizer.

Step 4: Keep Purging

It’s a simple trick: buy a bigger trashcan or recycling bin. Overflowing recycling bins mean that you are more likely to keep that stack of papers you don’t know what to do with on your desk for another week, so give yourself a nudge to just get rid of them with a roomier – and more noticeable – trash or recycling bin.

One of the keys to making your organized, productive office last is tailoring it to your productivity style. Decide what kind of ideal office space for lease in Overland Park, KS you want and what kind of systems you are most likely to stick with, then implement them ASAP!

If your business wants to rent office space in overland Park, give us a call at 913-685-4100 to find out more about our office spaces for rent in Overland Park, KS.

Kansas City Office Space for Rent: Setting Up Your First Office Space

Finding and moving into your business’s first Kansas City office space for rent is a milestone worth celebrating. As a business owner, you are probably simultaneously thrilled with your growth and a bit intimidated by the unfamiliar process ahead. Here are a few tips to guide you through finding and setting up that first office space, as suggested in the article “6 Things to Consider Before Opening Your First Office”:

#1 Budgeting for your commercial property in Overland Park, KS

The first step to opening an office space is determining your budget, as this will be one of the most costly aspects of starting a business. Create a spreadsheet and include all of the different costs associated with opening an office space, from security deposit to the kinds of fees you will have to pay. Look for places where you can cut back on costs, for example, renting furniture.

#3 Size and location

When you start your search for an office space, two of the most important things to consider are size and location. Calculate exactly how much square footage you will need by envisioning how much space you want per employee, plus what kind of shared spaces you want (i.e. meeting rooms and break rooms).

Location can also make or break a new business. Consider the demographics of the area, the other businesses a location is near, the distance from your current clients, as well as little things like signage possibilities.

For a new business trying to find an office space for the first time, working with a commercial real estate broker can be really helpful. Brokers will know the area and the market, so if you can give them your cost, size, and location parameters, they can help you focus on spaces that meet all of those requirements.

#2 Office equipment for an office space for lease in Overland Park, KS

Buying office equipment can be one of the biggest items in your budget, so make sure you plan to get only what you need, and consider whether renting or buying would be better for your business.

Here are a few of the essentials to include on your list:

Computers. Businesses today need technology to thrive, so make sure you have the right computers and systems for your business. Look into systems for backing up data, for example online ones like Google Drive or Dropbox, which might be cheaper and easier than having on-site backup servers.
Internet. Computers these days are not much good without networks connecting them. Definitely make sure you have basic internet service, and decide whether you need to set up a network for within your business.
Multifunction Coper/Printer. Find one machine to do it all: copying, printing, faxing, scanning, etc.
Supplies. General office supplies like paper, pens, etc. might not seem like big budget item, but these things can add up. Plan for exactly what you need to function efficiently.

Beyond these staples, you should also look into mailing equipment or postage software to streamline your mailing process, as well as a shredder to keep any sensitive information from leaking out of your business.

If your business is interested in commercial office space for rent in Overland Park, KS, give us a call at 913-685-4100 to find out more about our office spaces for rent in Overland Park, KS.

Office Spaces for Rent Overland Park, KS: How to Avoid a Bad Deal

There are many pitfalls awaiting a careless commercial real estate renter. The first step in avoiding these pitfalls is starting the process of looking for office spaces for rent in Overland Park, KS, well before you need to move. Going to the process knowing some basic parameters–your ideal location, your budget, how much square footage you need, what office features you need, and how much parking.

Working with a Broker to find Office Space for Rent, Kansas City

You can then start to work with a commercial real estate broker who is an expert in the area where you’re looking who can try to match your needs with an available space. Remember though that a broker’s fees are paid by the landlord, so they may not be your best ally in negotiations. With that in mind, you need to go to negotiations prepared to get the best deal for yourself, and it is also worth seeking the advice of the commercial real estate lawyer.

Negotiating for Commercial Property for Lease in Overland Park, KS

Here are a few negotiation points to prepare for to avoid the costly pitfalls of signing an unfavorable lease, as suggested in the article “Criteria to Consider When Renting Commercial Space.”

Rent – find out how the square footage in a listing is calculated so that you know exactly what you’re paying for and can compare this to other spaces. Also confirm how rent increases are calculated and how frequent they are.
Lease length – decide whether a short or long-term lease is better for your business. A short-term lease can mean more flexibility if your business needs to move, but a long-term lease will give you some leverage to ask the landlord for other favorable terms or concessions.
Extra fees – make sure you know what other costs are included besides the base rental rates. This can include insurance, taxes, utilities, or cam fees.
Security deposit – commercial buildings might also ask for security deposit, just like residential leases. Make sure you know exactly what you owe before move-in, and check that it is within your budget.
Improvement costs – you might get the landlord to pay for the improvement costs by prorating your rent. Again, the longer your lease, The more likely a landlord might be to pay for improvements, especially since they might be able to get a good deal from lenders if they have a steady source of income from a long-term tenant. In addition to payments, make sure you know who approves and supervises build outs.
Repairs and maintenance – depending on your type of lease, you might have to pay for some or all of the maintenance and repair costs, so make sure you know exactly how this is divided up.

Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want in commercial lease negotiations. Do some research and know the areas where you can push for more favorable terms.

If your business is interested in commercial office space for rent in Overland Park, KS, give us a call at 913-685-4100 to find out more about our available office space for lease in Overland Park, KS.

Office Space for Lease in Overland Park, KS: 3 Tips For First-Time Renters

Looking for a new office space is a important moment for a new business. It can either be exciting and fun – looking at new spaces and imagining growth – or it can feel like a difficult and tedious venture. Here are a few tips and ideas to keep in mind when looking for that new and exciting office space for lease in Overland Park, KS, as suggested in the article “Renting Your First Office Space”:

#1 Choosing an Office Space for Rent in Overland Park, KS

Firstly look around and make sure you need a new office space. Are you an entrepreneur who is looking for an office out of necessity? Are you looking to grow your business in a new professional space? Or do you need to spend a little more time working at home or even in a co-working environment before committing to your own lease?

Once you’ve decided you need that space, make sure you are looking in the right location. Don’t be too far from your team, customers, or even home. Once you’ve made that decision make sure that you have enough space for employees, visiting customers or clients, and a little room to grow. Making sure you have adequate parking for both employees and visitors will also play a major role in your decision.

#2 Negotiating a Commercial Lease

Before signing a lease, think about a few questions: How long will you stay at this location? Is this a long-term move or just a temporary resettlement? These questions can help with deciding the lease length. You don’t want to be stuck with an office space that is too small that doesn’t allow growth. You also don’t want to be in a position where you have the space even after your business folds or sells. Apart from the length of the lease, understand the agreements you have with your landlord. How customizable is your office space? Knocking down walls and completely renovating a space could be an option, but it is best to find out before you are charged with damages.

#3 Get Help Finding Real Estate in Overland Park, KS

You can start the research and touring process on your own, but make sure to know someone you can call when you need help. There are experts out there who will definitely help with the sometimes overwhelming process of moving your business. Contacting a real estate broker or asking a trusted attorney is better than negotiating alone. A good broker or lawyer can help you determine any hidden expenses you might encounter in a lease or help you get concessions and provisions that are beneficial to your business.

So if you are looking for commercial office space for rent in Overland Park, KS, call one of our agents at 913-685-4100 for more information about one of our office spaces for rent Overland Park, KS.

Commercial Office Space for Rent in Overland Park, KS: 3 Things You Should Splurge On

Businesses looking for an office space for lease in Overland Park, KS, especially new businesses, are wise to look for the lowest prices. But there are some things that you don’t want to cut corners on in a commercial office space for rent in Overland Park, KS, at the risk of bigger expenses or headaches down the road. Here are a few areas where you shouldn’t be afraid to splurge a little for your business, as suggested in the article “Spend a Little More for Your Office Space for Lease?”:

#1 Location

Location is always the number one principle in real estate, and it definitely holds true for commercial real estate in Kansas City. You need to find a space that is accessible to both employees and customers. This means thinking about:

where your employees live
where your customers live
public transportation
parking access
walkability
visibility from the road
signage

If customers don’t know where you are or can’t get to you, or employees have a difficult commute, this will start to take a toll on the success of your business.

#2 Office Size

Never get less space than you currently need. You don’t want to cram employees into a space and make visiting clients or customers feel claustrophobic. It is also important to leave yourself a little room for growth. If your business starts to grow and you are not prepared for it, you will be in the difficult position of either stifling that important development or trying to break your lease in order to find a new office space.

Try to get an office with enough space for your current staff plus a few more potential employees so that you have a little room to grow – and motivation to fill that space sooner rather than later. You should also negotiate with the landlord for options to expand into neighboring spaces if your business needs it, which lifts the burden of being worried about the very good problem of rapid growth.

#3 Technology

Connectivity is key. You want to make sure you have both good phone lines and reliable wifi, and it is usually cheaper to rent an office that already has this in place rather than set up on your own. Check with the landlord about what services are offered and test them if possible to see what the speed of the wifi is like and whether it covers all parts of the office.

New and growing businesses need to make smart budget choices: looking for used furniture and equipment, negotiating for caps on rent increases, asking for shorter lease terms, and keeping options open to sublet or assign a space. But these are some areas where it is necessary to invest some money to ensure the sustained growth and success of your business in a new office space.

If your business is interested in Kansas office space for rent, give one of our commercial real estate brokers a call at 913-685-4100 to learn more about our available office spaces for rent in Overland Park, KS. Let us know what you are looking for in a space and we can help set you up with tours of potential spaces!

Rent Office Space in Overland Park: 4 Simple Ways to Transform a New Office Space

Early searches and negotiations for an office space for rent in Overland Park have to be about finding a design that accommodates your needs: the amount of square footage, the layout, any build outs you need, parking and accessibility needs, etc. But once all of those decisions are made, how can you take your office space for lease in Overland Park, KS, to the next level – with very little leftover cash to go on?

Making little transformations doesn’t have to break your budget, but this attention to detail can really have a huge impact on employee comfort and morale. Here are a few suggestions for how to spruce up a commercial office space for rent in Overland Park, KS, on a dime, as suggested in the article “Improving Office Space: the Transformation from Blah to Huzzah!”:

#1 Increase comfort through little things.

Little things to improve employee comfort are noticed and appreciated by employees, and this can increase their satisfaction and productivity during the workday. Some ways you can make your office more comfortable include:

Furniture & Equipment – Ergonomic furniture and other equipment can improve employees’ health and well-being by reducing back and neck strain, as well as the risk of eye damage or carpal tunnel syndrome. Look for better chairs, ergonomic keyboards and comfortable lighting that employees can adjust – you might even be able to find this secondhand or rent it.
Break Room – Pay special attention to your break room. Is there a vending machine? Cold and warm beverages available? Comfortable chairs or couches to make the space an inviting area for recharging?
Temperature – A common complaint in offices are areas that are either too hot or absolutely freezing. An ideal situation would be to have different temperature “zones” in different parts of the office so employees can make adjustments to be most comfortable.

Studies have repeatedly shown that a comfortable environment can boost both morale and productivity in an office.

#2 Maximize natural lighting.

This is another element of an office space that has been proven to hugely benefit employee mood. Try to make sure that everyone in your office has access to some natural lighting. If you have an open office plan, situate the workstations near the windows. If window space is limited, try to locate an employee break room or a common work area in a place with windows so employees can go there to soak up some sunlight as needed.

If you are still in the process of designing an office space, look into building in skylights or even a central atrium to spread light around the office. Full-spectrum lights can also imitate the effects of natural light if your access to window space is limited.

#3 Create flexible spaces.

The office space world has been overhauled in the past few years, moving from cubicles to more open, collaborative spaces – but that doesn’t mean creative chaos works for every employee, and open spaces can end up making a workplace noisy and distracting if it is the only mode of operation.

The ideal situation is to achieve a balance of open spaces for cooperation, along with quiet, private spaces for individual work, promoting both teamwork and tranquility. In addition to designating certain quiet areas, another practical way to do this is to find workstation desks that can easily be moved and rearranged. This makes a space perpetually adaptable to your needs and is an inexpensive way to keep things fresh.

#4 Invest in decoration.

No one wants to stare at corporate white walls and grey cubicle dividers all day, so check out some of these easy ways to spice up the decor in your office without breaking the bank:

Color – opt for splashes of bright color here and there to brighten up the typically drab business palate, either through painting an accent wall or looking for bright furniture pieces.
Art – some interesting art can give a space a unique touch – for example, an unusual painting by a local artist or a recycled sculpture. This can also be a way to express the values and culture of your company.
Nature – bring in some plants! Like sunlight, plants are also proven to boost mood and reduce stress. Some water fountains or other water sculptures can also add a natural element.
“Play” features – so many companies are embracing the idea that a little entertainment in a work space is a good way to fuel creativity and and boost energy. Consider adding some Legos to your break area or other whimsical items.
Personalization – the cheapest way to decorate is to let employees do it themselves. Give people the chance to decorate their own individual spaces, a practice that has been shown to improve productivity and satisfaction by as much as 30%.

Look for decoration that inspires employees and brightens their day and reap the reward of higher satisfaction and productivity levels.

Small efforts to make a space inviting can be a source of well-being and motivation for employees for years to come. So once you get through the big projects in a new office space, keep in mind the details as you shop for furniture, paint, lighting and other features of your office space.

Looking to rent office space in Overland Park? Give us a call at 913-685-4100 to find out more about an affordable potential Kansas office space for rent and even schedule a tour.