What to Look For in a New York Office Space
by Arnab Dey Business Planning & Opportunities 06 January 2022
Working in New York is a dream come true for many business owners. But one thing that gets overlooked is an office space in a good location that provides everything the business needs.
Choosing an office space that helps you run your business effectively is crucial, and everything from the location to the amenities matters. This article will help you take the guesswork out of understanding what to look for in a New York City office space.
1. Culture
When looking for office space in New York, the culture of a business should be considered, as that’s where people will spend most of their time. The office building should allow employees to enjoy spending their day and feel like they are part of a great team.
For example, suppose you run a cell phone business. In that case, you will need a secure space to store the phones in an office with good cell service to test the functionality of the devices.
Look for a space that gives you a healthy environment to run your business effectively. It should work for you, not against you.
2. Size
The size of the office will depend on the number of employees you have. It’s essential to ensure there is enough room for everyone to work comfortably. You don’t want to feel cramped in a small office or too spread out in a large one.
It’s also important to have extra space for storage and meetings. Remember that often, however, the larger the office, the higher the monthly rent. If there is a large space you will probably not use or your employees are too distant from one another, the investment may not be worth it.
Contrast comfort and price when exploring options, and you will be sure to find the optimal size for your office space.
3. Location
The location of the office space in New York City matters because it can make or break an organization’s culture, depending on what area you choose to rent from.
For some businesses, it might not matter if surrounding businesses close down at six o’clock. But for others, this could be detrimental to productivity levels and morale when staff members have to work late in an empty building.
You also want to rent your office space in an area that does not present a safety risk for your workers. For example, an office space with security after hours is ideal. However, a business space that rents to other business owners with similar work hours might be more suitable for you.
The office space should be in a great location convenient for employees and customers. The office should also be in a safe area with plenty of parking available. Employees will appreciate an office space close to public transportation and other amenities. Since there is a chance that many workers will not have a car if they live in the city, public transportation should be one of the first things to consider.
4. Amenities
When looking for office space in New York, it’s essential to consider what other amenities the building offers. For example, does the office have an on-site gym? This can be extremely convenient and save employees money, as they will not need to pay for a gym membership. It may attract new and different talent if similar perks are offered.
Other amenities to consider are heating and air conditioning. You want to keep your workers comfortable and happy so they can do their jobs properly. No office space should be too hot or cold. It’s essential to have a decent temperature range to facilitate cold winters in New York.
Conference rooms are a great addition; they give the team a place to meet outside the regular office space. It’s a great opportunity to create an open environment for ideas to flow and resolve conflict with everyone present.
Many office spaces come with additional features that can be extremely helpful to businesses, such as cafeterias or common areas, kitchens, and reception areas. It is vital to take the time to research all of your options before signing any contracts.
5. Don’t Forget About Management
Having an office manager is another way to save money when renting your office space in New York City. A good office manager will take care of all maintenance needs such as cleaning carpets, painting walls, replacing broken windows, etc. This can help reduce prices significantly over time.
Office managers also oversee all employees, including contractors working at the location, ensuring they stay on the task of what they were hired to do.
6. Rent and Contract Terms
Rent price cannot be avoided as a factor when looking for office space in New York City. Every renter wants to ensure they get the most bang for their buck. Remember to read leasing terms carefully, as there may be hidden fees or charges that could end up costing you more money and convenience in the long run.
When signing a contract for office space, it is vital to have an attorney look over it before putting pen to paper. An attorney will help ensure that you are not taken advantage of and that the lease terms are fair for both parties involved.
7. Technology Infrastructure
Technology infrastructure includes having multiple monitors on desks, scanners, fax machines, and printers among other things. A business owner does not need to buy all of these separately, as many office spaces provide equipment. It’s important to consider if you’re willing to pay a higher price in exchange for more provided equipment.
Dependable internet access is a no-brainer when looking for office space in New York, as a business cannot function without a reliable internet connection. You want an internet connection with unlimited data limits and that can withstand being shared by everyone in the building. You don’t want a spotty internet connection that increases the chances of your workers losing their progress.
8. Innovation Ready Spaces
It is essential to look for a more modern building as renovations will be less likely. Older buildings may require more time and money to be “innovation ready.” This means that the office space can support new technology, trends, and styles.
You want to avoid dealing with your office becoming outdated and having to be renovated soon after moving in. Some private offices offer more up-to-date environments and amenities.
Remodeling can become a huge inconvenience to your company, as it prevents employees from having adequate internet access or the space to do the things they need more efficiently. Moving inventory out of the building can be a headache. If there is street or in-building construction, it can make it hard for workers to reach the building.
New York is a city that never sleeps, which means it is constantly changing. Blocks and neighborhoods can undergo massive transformations in a small amount of time. If you are looking for long-term space, look for a recently renovated office. It is the best way to future-proof your office space and your team’s productivity.
9. Things To Do
Another thing to consider is things to do near the office space. There is nothing like a Friday evening happy hour with coworkers to relieve some office stress. Having an office space close to restaurants, bars, and other places of entertainment can make it easy for employees to let loose after work and on the weekends.
Not to mention it makes traveling easy. Who wants to travel an hour to reach a restaurant after a long week in the office? The same applies to fitness centers. Many people work out before or right after work. Therefore, being within walking distance of a fitness center may be vital.
It is crucial to consider office space options in New York City where everything is within walking distance or a short metro ride away. It makes it easy for employees to get their work done, relax after hours on the weekend, and commute.
Suppose you are looking at office spaces that require daily commutes of an hour or more. In that case, your team may not want to go into the office every day or will require more time to transition to work, which may lead to lower productivity levels.
The unpredictability of the city (especially with public transportation) can quickly turn a one-hour commute into one that lasts two hours or more. It could also lower retention and workplace satisfaction, which only hurts the business’s bottom line.
Wrapping Up
Office space is a must-have for any business owner working in New York City. By keeping these key points in mind, you can find an office space that works best for your company’s needs.
Most importantly, ensure that you know all the details in the contract before committing. To find the best space for your business, check out Clock Tower Commons to look at all of your options.
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