Equipping a new office, whether you’re just launching a new business or moving into a better space, can be equal parts exciting and daunting. We all want what’s best for our employees, but at the same time, we also want to make the most of our investment. Fortunately, there are ways to achieve both, and that’s what we are going to talk about in this article.
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Invest in: Office Chairs
If we can recommend one office element that you should invest in, that would be office chairs and you can get affordable chairs and office pods from Office reality. Your employees are going to be spending long hours sitting, and doing so on low-quality office chairs can expose them to numerous health risks. You can consider looking into payday loans online if your capital needs some support.
Save on: Desks
On the other hand, you can save money by getting bench desks instead of splurging on individual desk units. A single bench desk can home three or more employees depending on its length. As such, it will allow you to save on floor space too. For us, it offers the best setup, especially for those who are just starting a business.
Invest in: Digital Equipment
Another element that plays a significant role in an office is digital equipment. Investing in quality computer units and peripherals from the get-go will allow you to save more money spent on needless repairs later on.
Save on: Furniture
On the other hand, you can save money by purchasing all your office furniture in bulk from a single supplier. We recommend opting for couches and other pieces that match your brand’s colors to create a unified sense of identity inside your workspace.
Invest in: Connectivity and Security
Ensuring a network connection that is fast and secure is crucial in any business in this digital age. Consider using online tools and software that prioritize security and back-up storage as well. In this way, you won’t have to worry about your files getting randomly accessed and wiped out, especially during unforeseen events and emergencies. Digital work trackers and security cameras are also worth investing in depending on the size of your workspace and its immediate environment.
Save on: Ambiance
Here’s an element that most business owners on a budget overlook, even though it also plays a crucial role in work productivity and overall job satisfaction: ambiance. However, there are ways to improve the atmosphere of your workplace without spending a lot of money. It simply boils down to your creativity.
Having indoor plants is a good place to start. The greenery will not only lend a calming presence throughout your space, but it will so improve its indoor air quality.
Lighting is also essential, but you don’t have to spend a lot on fixtures. Just place your desks strategically with your light source. Research shows that bright and cool-toned lighting boosts focus, mental clarity, and productivity.
Invest in: Communal Equipment
Speaking of productivity and job satisfaction, we also recommend investing in the equipment in your communal workspaces. For instance, your employees will surely appreciate a high-quality coffee maker. So will a fridge, a microwave, and other pantry and recreational room essentials.
Save on: Office Essentials
Instead, you can save on other office essentials. Photocopier machines, printers, and other equipment can be bought secondhand. Smaller office supplies like copy paper, markers, and push pins are cheaper when bought in bulk and most of them can be reused, even paper.
You can further save money on going paperless and utilizing online boards to create your flow charts and mind maps. Should you choose to do so, though, then it would be critical to set up a projector and screen as an alternative.
More Tips on How to Equip Your Office on a Tight Budget
Aside from those mentioned above, here are a few more tips to further extend your budget:
- Don’t buy the first product listing you see. Compare the rates between manufacturers and sellers. There are price comparison tools and search engines that you can utilize online for free. Other factors that you need to consider before adding items to your shopping cart are product guarantees, warranties, coupons, special promos, and discounts.
- Partner up with retailers and other businesses. There are a lot of retailers out there who are willing to partner up with other companies in exchange for publicity and other perks. Meanwhile, there are also other businesses that are willing to share their own resources in exchange for special privileges. For instance, you might want to consider sharing one of your offices to an up and coming tech startup in exchange for free and unlimited IT services and computer repair.
- Consider alternative work arrangements. Finally, more and more companies are opening up to the prospect of remote working. After all, it can allow one to save significantly in utilities, network fees, and even office equipment purchases.
By keeping the tips we have shared with you in mind, we’re confident that you’ll be able to launch your business while getting the best value out of your capital.