The Ins and Outs of Setting Up a Flexible Co-Working Space

Does your office space have natural light? Can you look up over your desktop and see your hardworking staff bent over their keyboards, their computer screens illuminating their faces as they come up with the next big thing?

Or, are you tucked away in your office while your employees are getting down to business in what can essentially be described as a cubicle farm? Do you think looking at four gray bland walls all day, every day is inspiring?

Renting a work space that encourages communication, offers views and allows people to move about freely will boost workplace productivity and make your team a more tightknit and happy group. And with a general liability insurance plan, you won’t have to worry about anything more than your staff being too productive; what a problem to have!

Workspace Design: Affecting Positive Change

Global design firm HOK says that employee performance is connected with the surrounding built environment. For top-quality performance, your office space needs to “affect motivation by providing conditions that promote positive affective functioning, psychological engagement and personal control. Moods create the ‘affective context’ for thought and behaviors and are directly tied to motivation.”

If an employee likes coming into the office every day, they are generally happier and more engaged in their work. An open, flexible co-working space will bring your staff closer together and get them thinking about the big picture, elevating your company’s standing and getting folks excited about projects. According to the Harvard Business Review, staff who work in a cohabitated office space report that the work they are doing and producing feels more meaningful. As the expression goes, “seeing is believing,” and seeing that they are working towards the same goal will have your employees believing that they are making a positive impact, keeping them motivated and producing excellent work.

So, how do you build such a workplace?

Rent an open-floor plan office space -
Per Small Business Chron, open floor plans “makes it easier for employees to interact with each other on a regular basis. The constant intermingling not only generates a sense of camaraderie among personnel, it also enhances the flow of information and teamwork.” An open floor plan will allow your employees to get up and stretch their legs, collaborate on projects and make the work environment feel more people-oriented. When it doesn’t feel like work, people tend to work harder because it’s fun.

Set expectations -
Of course, more communication and the absence of four cubicle walls can potentially increase socializing and decrease work. Make sure your staff understands that, though they can have a chat with each other and be less formal, there is still work to be done. To make sure employees don’t take advantage of the situation, you can conduct bi-weekly one-on-one meetings to help them set and meet their goals, helping everyone learn how to establish a balance between work and play.

Provide amenities -
You know what really brings people together? Good food and organic coffee. In a study conducted by the food delivery service Peapod, it was learned that companies who offer free food and beverages generally have happier employees. Never worry about anyone getting hangry again—feed your staff!

Though as you know, running a business well means taking care of it, and that includes getting general liability insurance. Contact a CoverHound representative today to find a package that’s right for your business.