Office Space for Rent in Overland Park: Planning for the Office Space of the Future Right Now

Office Space for Rent in Overland Park: Planning for the Office Space of the Future Right Now

Office spaces have changed drastically in the past few decades, and business across America are working to find a balance between innovation and tradition. If you are looking to rent office space in Overland Park, here are a few suggestions for how to navigate the office space trends of the future, as suggested in the article “What the Workplace of the Future Will Look Like”:

#1 Prepare to Update Your Technology

Technology in the last twenty years has been one of the fastest changing aspects of the business world, and it’s entirely probably that this trend will continue into the future. For example, while email has been the most common form of communication among workers, and probably will continue to have a major role, other forms of communication are evolving to become more efficient and convenient, especially to connect employees who work from home or who are in different locations. Preparing for these kinds of advances is something you can do even while you consider what kind of office space will be best for your business.

Something to consider when you are choosing an office space is how easy it will be to continue to update technology. Is there room to create a work station where all employees can access the best equipment or computers with the most up-to-date software? Is it both desktop computer and laptop friendly? Even if you aren’t a tech whiz, look into what kind of technology you might want in your office in the upcoming years and make sure that your space is compatible with those updates and will be able to support the technological needs of various types of employees.

#2 Consider Layout and Your Company Culture

Another big consideration when ushering in the office space of the future is the layout of your office. Recent trends in office space have been to more open office environments, without cubicle walls. This seems to be the wheelhouse of millennials, who are entering the workforce ready to multitask and collaborate, but many business have a mixed staff and some employees might prefer more traditional models. When deciding what kind of layout is right for your business, think about your company culture and the atmosphere you are trying to create. Usually businesses find some success with a combination of open and private environments, so think about how much space you would want to allocate for each of these purposes.

#3 Decide What Works for Your Business

There is also some truth to the saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” While innovations in things like office design and business technology can be exciting and often worth experimenting with, don’t forget to consider your employees and their needs as you plan an office space. While a lot of employees are mobile and need the technology to be able to conduct business virtually, there are also just as many employees who need to come in and work at their desks each day. You also might have senior employees who are more likely to thrive in private or smaller shared offices than sitting at a long table with half the office. Ultimately, achieving a balance of innovation and successful traditional practices is key.

If you are moving into a new commercial office space for rent in Overland Park, KS, it is a great time to consider what the current and future trends are in office spaces and if any of these trends can enhance the office experience for you and your employees. A good place to start is by gathering input from employees and looking for the best way to walk the line between newness and convention in your office space for rent in Overland Park.

If your business is interested in office space for lease in Overland Park, KS, give us a call at 913-685-4100 for more information about our Kansas office space for rent!

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The Pros and Cons of Cubicles in Your Office Space for Lease in Overland Park, KS

The Pros and Cons of Cubicles in Your Office Space for Lease in Overland Park, KS

An important aspect of choosing a commercial office space for rent in Overland Park, KS, involves planning how you will arrange the space for your employees. Depending on your interests and your budget, this layout could include several private or semi-private offices, clusters of cubicles, or open space without any barriers. One of the most classic office space layouts is the cubicle setup—which has gotten a lot of criticism lately, but might still have plenty of advantages to offer. Here are a few pros and cons of the cubicle model to consider as you’re looking for your ideal office space for rent in Overland Park, as outlined in the article “14 Reasons Workers Love (and Hate) About Their Cubicles”:

Pros:

  • Community Building – A lot of workers really like working in cubicles because it offers an opportunity to meet and interact with their coworkers. Cubicles can be an especially useful way to make a big company feel smaller and more homey; employees have an opportunity to regularly strike up conversations with their neighbors and develop relationships.
  • Motivation to Improve – Working in a cubicle setup can be a good way to draw a sense of drive from coworkers and stay motivated and accountable. There is good energy in a cubicle space, and sometimes seeing other people in the zone at work can help kickstart others’ creativity kicks. Some employees also think it’s a good way to keep them organized since there is no door to hide a mess behind.
  • More Privacy and Personality than an Open Office Plan – Cubicles have the benefit of offering a similar sense of community as in an open office plan, while still allowing employees the opportunity for a little privacy if they need to just sit in front of their computer, put on a pair of headphones and work alone for a few hours. It also gives employees their owns space to decorate and personalize, which tends to  make people more comfortable at work.
  • Brainstorming and Teamwork Opportunities – Having a lot of employees in close proximity to each other also makes cooperation and impromptu brainstorming sessions a lot easier. If someone is stuck on an issue, it’s easy to just pop over to a neighbor and get some help finding a solution.

For a lot of employers and employees, the cubicle layout is a great compromise between private offices and a totally open office plan. A cubicle area can offer the energy and collaborative opportunities of an open office space, while still giving workers the feeling of a little privacy and a sense of their own corner of the office.

Cons:

  • Strained Coworker Relations – One downside of cubicles is that they can sometimes put a strain on the relationships between employees. Employees often feel that they have no choice regarding who their cubicle neighbors will be, and if neighbors start to annoy each other, the close proximity only exacerbates the situation and ends up becoming a source of distraction during the workday. Workers also point out that although cubicles may all seem to be the same, there are definitely some cubicles that are bigger or better located than others, and competition for these spaces can be another source of troubling office politics.
  • Lack of Privacy – While employees might be somewhat out of sight of each other behind their cubicle walls, many still feel like they lack true privacy in a cubicle layout. People have the sense that their every move is being watched, and their coworkers are noticing and judging when they go to lunch, when they leave for the day, and even how often they go to the bathroom. It’s also difficult to have a phone conversation without everyone hearing the whole thing. Workers worry about office gossip and judgment when their every word is clearly audible.
  • Unwelcome Ambience – Another problem that cubicle dividers don’t keep out is the general spread of noise and smells around the office. Workers complain that they don’t actually want to hear every word of a neighbor’s phone conversations, or smell their tuna sandwich at lunch either.
  • Monotony – One of the most classically lampooned aspects of cubicle life is the general sense of “corporate” monotony that can be induced by sitting in the same setting day after day. It can sometimes be harder for an employer to foster creativity among staff in a very generic and uniform environment.

Some of the downsides to consider of setting up an office space with cubicles are the problems with privacy, general office distractions and the possibility of negative relationships developing between employees.

Having an idea of what kind of office space layout best fits your business’s needs is a necessary part of the office leasing process. If you know that cubicles work best with your business’s culture and budget, it is important to make sure that a potential space can accommodate them. On the other hand, other office spaces might be better suited to having a lot of private offices or creating an open office space with work stations. So before you get too serious about any one space, make sure you have played around with some design possibilities and are happy with the layout options.

If you are looking to rent office space in Overland Park, give us a call at 913-685-4100 to find out more about our office space for lease Overland Park, KS, or even set up a tour of a Kansas office space for rent.

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Sharing Kansas Office Space for Rent: Things to Look for in a Co-working Space

Sharing Kansas Office Space for Rent: Things to Look for in a Co-working Space

A lot of small businesses decide that sharing a Kansas office space for rent with another business or individuals is the best financial option for them, and this setup also has the added benefits of networking opportunities and creative energy, among other things. But sharing a space with another business can be tricky, so whether you are looking to join a co-working space or you are interested in starting one, make sure the space has the right conditions to make the experience a success. Here are a few things to look for when considering prospective office spaces for rent in Overland Park, KS, to turn into a co-working space, as outlined in the article “Shared Office Space: What Your Small Business Needs to Know”:

#1 Office Layout

When you share a space with other tenants, you give up some control of the setup your space. It is important to think about how all of the different businesses will share the space – will each person have their own desk and equipment that they return to each day, or will there be more of an open seating plan? Are there some spaces that need to be designated as quiet, private places and some for more collaborative work? These are important questions to consider in any office rental situation, but they become especially important to address in a shared space.

#2 Location

While co-working spaces are definitely great cost-effective options, make sure that you are not sacrificing your business’s image in favor of a cheap option. If a location does not seem like the kind of place where you would want to invite a client or the space seems to chaotic for your business’s culture, then you should probably cross that potential space off of your list.

#3 Co-Working Neighbors

Another huge factor in starting or choosing a co-working space is making sure that the people you are sharing the space with will be good neighbors. Not only do you want to make sure that they will be enjoyable to be around and easy to work with on any office space issues, but you should also consider whether it benefits your business to work alongside them. You might not always have the luxury of picking the perfect neighbors, but potential networking or collaborative opportunities are always a good thing to keep in mind when evaluating potential fellow tenants.

A co-working office space for rent in Overland Park can be a great way to save some money for a new business. If you are thinking of starting a co-working space, keep in mind important factors like your office setup, location and neighbors. These are things that you should consider in any office lease, but they deserve a little extra attention if you are considering sharing your space!

If you are looking to rent office space in Overland Park, give us a call at 913-685-4100 to learn more about our available office space for lease in Overland Park, KS.

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Documents Needed for an Office Space for Lease in Overland Park, KS

Documents Needed for an Office Space for Lease in Overland Park, KS

Signing a commercial lease also involves providing a few other documents for a landlord, so it is important to make sure your business these different documents and can get them to the landlord so as not to hold up the leasing process. While different leases and landlords might require different specific documents, here are five documents you can generally expect to be asked for when looking to rent office space in Overland Park, as outlined in the article “Documents Required to Sign an Office Lease”:

#1 A Business Plan

Particularly if you are a startup company, a landlord is going to want some assurance that you will be a stable and reliable tenant. The first step in proving this is to provide them with a business plan, which should include an overview of what your company does, your goals both for the short and long term, and a general description of how you plan to use the office space. A good business plan will assure the landlord that you are thinking of the big picture and have really considered what leasing the space will entail.

#2 Bank Statements

In addition to your business plan, the landlord will want some financial records proving that your business has a good financial history, which is an indicator of your ability to pay rent. These documents should include things like profit and loss statements or balance sheets.

#3 Tax Returns

Providing your tax returns for the previous two years will help establish that your business is above board and is another indicator of your reliability.

#4 Professional Resume and References

A professional resume or some references from clients, previous landlords or accountants also further confirms the character of your business. A landlord might request both the resume and a few different references, so be ready with names to give them.

#5 Personal Guarantee

This is less than ideal for a business owner, but sometimes landlords require one. When you negotiate your lease, try to also address this issue. You might not be able to eliminate the need for it entirely, but you can try to ask for a limited personal guarantee, which might require you as a business owner to only pay rent for a certain period of time if your business breaks the lease. You can also see if you can have the guarantee waived after a certain point in the lease term. However, the landlord will most likely want some guarantee as an extra form of protection.

If you are in the process of looking for office space for lease in Overland Park, KS, make sure that you can access all of these documents. Your landlord might require more documents, such as an insurance policy, but this is a good place to start in establishing your good character as a potential tenant.

If your business is looking for commercial office space for rent in Overland Park, KS, give us a call at 913-685-4100 to find out more about our available Kansas office space for rent, or even set up a tour of an office space for rent in Overland Park!

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4 Things to Consider When Finding an Office Space for Rent in Overland Park

4 Things to Consider When Finding an Office Space for Rent in Overland Park

If you are looking to move into a new office space for lease in Overland Park, KS, be prepared for a long term search in order to find a space that is just right for your business. Though the problems vary by tenant, several factors can help prevent any major headaches from occurring. Here are a few tips on how to save time and money when looking for office spaces for rent in Overland Park, KS, as outlined in “How Long Does It Take to Find Office Space and Move-In?“:

  • Viewings. Looking for a space can be an long process if you aren’t quite sure what you are looking for. If you don’t want to spend too much time searching for that perfect space, make sure to be open to different environments. So instead of having that one ideal office space, maybe consider a few other suitable spaces for the sake of comparison. Being flexible on things like specific building features and surrounding amenities might save time in finding a space.
  • Lease Terms. The best way to prepare for negotiating lease terms is to do your homework and figure out what is generally expected of both the tenant and the landlord in a lease. Most of the time a tenant may hire an attorney to help understand and oversee the writing of these legal obligations, although working it an attorney typically prolongs the process.
  • Realistic Criteria. As discussed previously, remember that having a flexible idea of what you want in a space is a good way to save time and stress when searching. This shouldn’t mean that you settle for anything that might fit the bill, but rather have an idea of what you want and an alternative solution if you can’t find it. Finding a balance between searching for different options and leaving enough time for moving is the ideal scenario.
  • Build-Out Time. When altering or adding to an office space you want to remember that this too will take a lot of time and push back the date when the space will be totally ready for use. There are a lot of factors that go into a build-out, from contractors to general building approval to the actual construction process. However, it will be worth the wait to have a desirable and customized environment where you are happy and comfortable doing business. Tenants who are able to find a furnished space that requires less build-out might find it lacking personality, but will probably save some time and money.

When you are looking for a new office space and planning that big move, it is important to have a realistic idea of what that process entails so you can plan your timeline and budget according. Before you start looking for office space for rent in Overland Park, remember these tips to make that process a little more painless!

If you are looking to rent office space in Overland Park, give us a call at 913-685-4100 for more information about our available Kansas office space for rent.

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Rent Office Space in Overland Park: 5 Reasons to Leave the Home Office

Rent Office Space in Overland Park: 5 Reasons to Leave the Home Office

Feeling a little cramped at home but not sure you are ready to make the leap to your own office space? Finding your own office space—or part of an office space—might not be as scary as you think, and many small businesses and even freelancers are starting to want the benefits of some kind of office location outside of the home.

There are a variety of different space options for new businesses, ranging from small office space for rent in Overland Park to finding or creating shared space with other businesses. Regardless of what kind of office you are interested in, here are a few reasons why you should say goodbye to the home office and start looking for an office space for lease in Overland Park KS, as described in the article “The New Wave for Entrepreneurs Is Sharing Office Space”:

  1. Freedom from Distractions. Working from home means a lot of freedom, but this comes with a price. Kids home from school, active pets, or the desire to get things done around the home can be problematic distractions. Even removing yourself to a coffee shop or some other public place can mean noise and interruptions not conducive to long periods of focused productivity. An office space provides an environment designed specifically for working, and will save you from the urge to wander to the kitchen and empty the dishwasher mid-email.
  2. Amenities. Renting a space, even a shared one, means that you have access to your own desk, meeting rooms, work stations, a reception area, or whatever your business needs to function more smoothly. Even if you are sharing a space, just having your own desk away from home and a private room to met with clients can be a beneficial new development.
  3. Short Term Lease Opportunities. It might seem like a big commitment to jump into an office space lease, but for new and small businesses there is always the option to sign a lease just for 2-3 years, ideally with the option to renew and expand if your business continues to grow and thrive.
  4. Networking. Moving out of the home office and into an office building gives you more opportunity for interaction with other businesses. This opportunity to meet new businesses and individuals could lead to fruitful collaboration or networking opportunities in the future.

There are so many benefits to having an office space outside of the home, even for small businesses or entrepreneurs. If you are looking to rent office space in Overland Park, start doing some research to find out which spaces best fit your needs, your goals, and your budget.

If your business is interested in commercial office space for rent in Overland Park, KS, give us a call at 913-685-4100 for more information about our available spaces and what amenities are available both in the space and in the local community. You can even set up a tour of a Kansas office space for rent to see for yourself!

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