4 Reasons To Think Twice About an Open Office Plan in Your Kansas City Office Space

There are many reasons to consider an open office plan in your office rental space: a collaborative atmosphere, savings on having to pay to rent more individual space for employees, the possibility of keeping an eye on all employees’ productivity throughout the day. However, there are a few reasons why this office space design has proven to be less than ideal for office workers. Here are a few facts to consider, as outlined in the article “Google got it wrong. The open-office trend is destroying the workplace”:

#1 Distractions

Studies have shown that many employees are affected by the distractions that accompany an open office plan through lack of visual and sound barriers. While the innovative, open atmosphere might give the illusion of productivity, in many cases the design has proven to take a toll on creative thinking, focusing abilities, and employee job satisfaction.

#2 Lack of Privacy

While employers might feel it is a benefit to be able to keep an eye on their staff, many employees in an open office plan do not thrive under the feeling that they are being constantly watched not only by their boss, but also by their coworkers. One study actually showed that contrary to the idea of better work coming out of communal environments, privacy can actually be a contributing factor to increased job performance.

#3 Interaction

One of the most touted benefits of the open office plan is improved ease of interaction. However, surveys have suggested that less than 10% of workers in any type of office cited communication with coworkers as a problem in the first place. If the need for inter-office communication was a non-issue to begin with, it calls into question the need for an office design that specifically aims to address communication.

#4 Illness

A seasonal side effect of an open office plan is the quick spread of disease among employees—one person comes in while sick and suddenly half the office is out of commission.

If you are moving into a new office rental space, the layout of your office is an important aspect to consider. While an open office plan is a cost-effective and trendy option, the actual benefits of this design are up for debate. Consider doing some research and talking to other employees or business managers about their experience with this type of layout before making a final decision.

Looking at office suites for rent in Kansas City? Give a commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-4100 to set up a tour of a space!

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4 Types of Signage for a Kansas City Office Space

Signage is an important question to consider when looking at an office space for lease. Here are a few possible kinds of signage or identity options a landlord might offer to tenants in a multi-tenant property, as suggested in the article “Got Signage?”:

  • Building Signage – tenants can often get signage somewhere on the side of the building. This can allow multiple tenants of the building to all have signage with anchor tenants higher up on the building and others on other parts of the property, such as the parking garage.
  • Exclusive Building Signage – this means that a tenant has exclusive rights to put their sign anywhere on the building, typically at the top. Usually this right goes to an anchor tenant or one that leases the most space, possibly multiple floors.
  • Monument Signage – many office buildings have monument signs with room for multiple tenants listed on them. The monuments could hold just two or three signs, or as much as ten.
  • Exclusive Monument Signage – in some cases a high paying or anchor tenant might negotiate to have their own monument sign in front of the building featuring only their company.

Be sure to talk to your landlord about your signage options before signing a lease!

If your business is interested in office suites for rent in Kansas City, give us a call at 913-685-4100 to learn more about our affordable office space in Kansas City.

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5 Facts About Modern Workspaces in Office Suites for Rent in Kansas City

5 Facts About Modern Workspaces in Office Suites for Rent in Kansas City

Businesses are starting to think a little more carefully about the layouts and decoration of their workspace. The modern workspace takes into account both the needs of employees and the culture of the company. Here are a few trends in today’s office spaces to consider if you are thinking about redesigning your own space, as described in the article “What will the workspace of the future look like?”:

  • The cookie cutter approach to office spaces is becoming less and less popular these days in favor of personalized and individualized workspaces based on company identity, values, and culture.
  • Another main goal of modern workplaces is to support employees, fostering collaboration and furthering the business’s future goals.
  • Businesses in the last few years have shifted to become a little more informal, offering a variety of different types of spaces so that workers can choose where and how they work best.
  • Technology has also had a major impact on the design of work spaces. Since technology allows employees to really work anywhere, companies are now trying to create a reason for staff to actually  come to a physical location.
  • Companies are trying to make a space essential to the collaborative and communicative efforts of a business by creating a “sense of place.”

The traditional office space is slowly being set aside in favor of environments that really meet the individual needs of a business and it’s employees.

If your business is looking at office space in Kansas, give a commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-4100.

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5 Tips for Beginners Renting Office Space in Kansas

5 Tips for Beginners Renting Office Space in Kansas

Renting commercial real estate to be a daunting task, especially for those new to the commercial real estate market. However, this process doesn’t have to be so intimidating, especially if you are willing to do a little research and take your time to be thorough about the process. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you begin to search for the perfect commercial office space, as suggested in the article “A rookies guide to renting a commercial office”:

#1 Location

It is essential to search for space that will be both central and accessible to customers or clients. If you’re located far from them, they’ll be less likely to come in for the kind of informal meetings that build relationships. If you hope to set up a new office that would be a great space to meet with customers, this effort could be thwarted by a poor location. It is also important to keep in mind your staff when choosing a location. Consider proximity to public transportation such as the train or bus line. Easy access will also give you a larger base of applicants to choose from when seeking employees, because if an office is off the beaten track, less people will be likely to apply.

#2 Money

The bottom line question to ask yourself when looking at office space is can I afford it. The main factors that influence price include the quality of the building, it’s location, and its view or natural light. Properties closer to public transportation also tend to have higher rental rates. In addition, a modern building will most likely be more expensive, with the exception of heritage style buildings that have been remodeled, which tend to attract a lot of creative tenants. A building with a view of water might also have a higher price tag.

#3 Size

The size of your space will most likely be influenced by the number of employees you have. The common rule is to plan on 10 square meters per staff member. This number factors in meeting rooms, utilities, and a small reception area. However, remember if you have large break areas, kitchens, or other amenities, this number will most likely increase. Your business might also consider adopting an unconventional workspace layout that would involve different requirements.

#4 Set-up costs

Don’t forget to plan for set-up costs when determining your budget for an office space. Landlords typically require some sort of security deposit for the space, but you might be able to negotiate this number if you can supply financial proof to the landlord that your business is stable. Remember also that you’ll most likely have to pay legal fees as well as insurance. You will also need to be ready to pay the first month’s rent in advance.

#5 Lease Incentives 

Often landlords offer incentives to appeal to tenants. These are usually on a case-by-case basis and often are offered to tenants of larger office spaces. Incentives might also depend on the term of your lease, the available space in the building, and your particular type of business.

Renting an office space can be relatively painless with a little research, enough time, and some common sense. Make sure to work with a commercial real estate agent that you truly trust and ask him or her to show you all available options. You can then compare many spaces and make an informed decision.

If your business is interested in office suites for rent in Kansas City, give a commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-4100 to learn more about our available, affordable space or to set up a tour soon.

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3 Important Parts of a Small Office Lease in Kansas City

The goal of every tenant looking for commercial real estate is to find the best space for the least amount of money. Tenants look for something that will meet all of their needs, but will also fit in their budget. In order to achieve this aim, potential tenants need to understand what drives the cost of commercial space and how to deal with each of those costs. Here are the three most important factors that affect the cost of an office space, as suggested in the article “3 Tricky Things in an Office Space Lease”:

  • Location
  • The layout of an office space
  • The structure of the lease and negotiations

Understanding the relationship between these three things is the best way to effectively plan for acquiring an office space lease. Most failures to get a good space are usually the result of not dealing with one of these factors properly. There are so many hidden items in leases that if not handled correctly can really add to the cost and office space. One of the best ways to minimize these these costs and improve your chances of negotiating a good lease is to seek the expertise of a professional during the leasing negotiations – someone who can explain the nuances of each of these major factors.

If you are just beginning the process of leasing your first office space, consider these three factors and talk to an attorney or agent about what you want!

Give a commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-4100 if your business is interested in office suites for rent in Kansas City.

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3 Steps to Cleaning Out Clutter in Your Office Suites for Rent in Kansas City

Clutter in an office space can be a major block to productivity.  Here are a few tips for keeping things clutter free, as suggested in the article “How to be clutter free in a wireless workplace”:

Step 1: Think about your needs.

Every office has different priorities and concerns, so it is important to think about what your office needs before making any changes.  Do you have multiple rooms in your office or one work area that contains technology?  Are you usually on the go?  Think about how you work before deciding what will actually be on your desk.

Step 2: Address your desk.

Do you need a telephone if you usually use your smart phone?  Would a wireless keyboard and mouse free up some space?  Little things like this can make a big difference in decreasing the clutter caused by wires.  If you have a lot of files sitting out, consider putting them in a cabinet under your desk or scanning them and saving them on an external hard drive.

Step 3: Update.

Sometimes it is important to take a look at your technology and see what can be updated.  Consider wireless backup drives, wireless headphones, and a wireless printer to reduce cords.  You can also make sure your Wi-Fi is boosted with a router to make sure it is functioning at peak performance.

Reduce the clutter of cords in your office by taking some time to purge and upgrade if necessary!

If your business is looking into office rental space in Kansas City, give us a call at 913-685-4100 to find out more about our office lease rates in Kansas City.

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The Benefits of Teamwork in a Kansas City Office Space Environment

More and more lately companies lately have been shifting to the mentality that teamwork is essential to success. Whether it is a sales team working together to strategize, teachers sharing lesson plans, or Google employees tossing around ideas about the most cutting edge technology, most business can benefit from the positive effects of teamwork. Here are just a few of the ways that teamwork can benefit your business, as suggested in the article “Building a Sense of Teamwork Among Staff Members”:

  1. Better Productivity – if employees are working together to divide up tasks in the most efficient way possible, they are going to be able to get more done.
  2. More Problem Solving Power – as the saying goes, two heads are better than one.
  3. Improved Use of Resources – this could even be the mental resources of the people themselves—if someone is particularly good at wording communications with clients, why not put their talents at the disposal of others in the office?

There are also benefits to the well being off your office that teamwork offers:

  1. Socialization – people are more likely to get to know one another and enjoy each other’s company when working as a team.
  2. Learning – employees can learn from the skills of their coworkers.
  3. Motivation – teamwork can unite a people behind a sense of purpose.

Consider what you can shift in your workplace to make projects more team oriented!

If you are interested in offices suites for rent in Kansas City, give a commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-4100!

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4 Ways to Find the Best Small Office Lease in Kansas City for Your Business

Moving out of the home office into a real rental space can be an exciting sign of growth and success for small businesses. Trends in the commercial real estate market will come and go, but regardless of the market getting a good deal requires being a sharp scout. Check out these tips for seeking out the best possible space for your small business, as suggested in the article “The Do’s and Don’ts of Renting Office Space”:

#1 Consider Your Size

While your time in a cramped home office might have made you dream of large spaces, be prudent when estimating how much space you will actually need. Some experts recommend around 200 SF per employee, but you might be able to manage with less depending on what your budget allows.

There are a few other options besides renting your own space if you have only a few employees. One option is sharing an office suite that already includes furniture and equipment. The fees might be high for a space like this; it typically includes services like internet, phone, copying, and fax, but this might mean that your business can devote its money and energy to other things as you navigate the startup phase. Another option would be to sublet space from another business, which would mean splitting some of the building costs, and you might even be able to use some furniture and other equipment.

#2 Stay Flexible on Lease Length

As a general rule, small businesses should steer clear of long term leases, as they could wreak havoc on your finances if your business does not grow as predicted. Oh the other hand, if your business grows too much, you will be stuck in a cramped space if you committed to a long term lease. A short term lease is most ideal for small businesses, and the best case scenario would be renting with a landlord who can offer properties of different sizes and might even allow your business to move to another floor or nearby space after a few years of growth.

#3 Don’t Ignore the Details

It is important to not only fully read but to fully understand all of your lease terms. You will want to double check to make sure that nothing you are doing is violating those terms, whether it is a window sign, to hours of operation, to equipment usage. It might not be a bad idea to ask an attorney to look over your paperwork, such as the work letter and the lease itself, just to make sure you did not miss anything that will come back to hurt your business.

#4 Consider Clustering

While it might seem counterintuitive at first glance, choosing a location near businesses similar to yours—called clustering—might actually have its advantages. Especially with startup businesses, collaboration can be crucial, and even competition for customers can foster growth for both businesses, such as when gas stations set up on opposite corners. Sometimes research oriented companies decide to work near each other so they can share equipment, discuss best practices, and even collaborate on new ideas. Retail businesses group together so as to be a “one-stop shop” for customers.

The downsides of clustering include the threat of competitors stealing information or employees, so it is important to think about the kind of business you have and how you attract customers and employees before deciding to cluster.

Finding that first office space outside the home can be a make-or-break move for small businesses, so make sure that you research carefully and find out what different options are available to you!

If you would like to learn more about office suites for rent in Kansas City, give Kathy Woodward at DDI Commercial a call at 913-685-4100!

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Selecting the Best Location for Your Office Space in Kansas

Location can be so crucial to the success of any business, so it is important to make this factor a top priority when searching for commercial real estate properties.  Here are a few tips for how to approach the issue of location, as suggested in the article “Location and Leasing”:

Zoning

It is so important to understand the zoning laws in an area, because this can determine whether or not you can operate your business there at all.  Not only do you want to look up zoning laws for an area, but you need to also be prepared to work with a city planning department and other municipal departments who will ultimately approve or disprove your business’s plans for a location.  Sometimes you might even be required to present a “precise plan” to make sure that you are meeting regulations that go even beyond regular zoning laws to include things such as environmental issues.

Know Your Business

Different businesses have different criteria for what constitutes an ideal space.  For instance, warehousing, manufacturing, or industrial businesses might need to focus on things like availability of a labor force, proper utilities, and delivery system convenience.  On the other hand, a retail space might be more interested in foot traffic.

Where to Start

In this day and age, the internet is a great resource for narrowing down available and suitable spaces in an area.  You might also consider working with an agent who knows the area particularly well.

Do your research and planning to make sure that your location fosters the success of your business!

If you are interested in office suites for rent in Kansas City, give a commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-4100!

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Renting Commercial Realty in Kansas City

Renting commercial real estate can have a big impact on a business—for better or worse. A good lease can help your small business grow and flourish in a great location, but a bad one could potentially cost your business a lot of money and can be especially risky for small businesses. Here are a few things to do when renting a space, as well as a few things to avoid, as suggested in the article “Location and Leasing“:

DO:

  • Look at multiple properties so be able to compare rent, location, and other variables.
  • Research demographic data for an area to get an idea of your potential customer base.
  • Make a Site Model Criteria for your specific business.
  • Utilize the assistance of a commercial real estate attorney to help with negotiations or purchasing.
  • Talk to the planning and zoning departments of a city to make sure that you are in compliance with all code requirements.
  • Negotiate for a short term lease with renewal options to minimize risks.
  • Put everything in writing
  • Negotiate for no competitors to be allowed to rent in the same building as you.
  • Use the largest signs allowed and make sure they clearly state what your business offers.
  • Include terms in your lease that address the possibility of expanding.

DON’T:

  • Evaluate a location solely on rent.
  • Allow your landlord to determine all of the terms.
  • Be too quick to settle on a location.
  • Depend on verbal agreements during negotiations.
  • Agree to a lease without making sure you have read and understand every single term.
  • Personally guarantee a lease if you can avoid it.
  • Submit to conditions that are bad for your business – move on to looking at another space.
  • Sign a lease without consulting your lawyer.
  • Depend only on your landlord’s leasing agent for advice.
  • Close negotiations without making it clear that the lease is still subject to securing any licenses and permits.

Renting a commercial space requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail during negotiations. Be a smart negotiator and don’t let your business get stuck with a lease that will hurt you financially in the long run!

If your business is interested in finding commercial space for lease in Kansas City, give us a call at 913-685-4100 to learn more about one of our office suites for rent in Kansas City or to set up a tour!

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