Setting up your first business office is both a thrilling and scary time. You may not know exactly where to start, or may need a little guidance on the must-haves; either way, this guide should help you make the right steps forward.
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Where is your office?
The location of your office may be of little or great importance, depending on your business. Considering the financial cost of renting or buying an office, it would be fair to say that you should like the space that you will be using. Inside can be altered to preference, but the area cannot be. Aim for towns or areas of cities with lower crime rates, useful resources and – if you will be face to face with customers here – somewhere that looks approachable, giving off an excellent first impression. Ensure that the space is fit for purpose, may have the potential for growth and is a light and airy environment for you and your employees to work in.
What do you need?
It would be a great idea to write a list of what is required for you to set up your office. Make one for material bits that you need, and another for the technical side of things. The obvious, such as desks and chairs and computers will, of course, take place on your list. Don’t include non-essential items such as decorations on this list just yet; it’s best to keep to basics until you are well established and in a stable financial situation.
On the technical list, you will, of course, need to include internet service, phone services (desk, conference, general line etc.), as well as an alarm system in place. Be sure to shop around for the best deals before jumping straight in; some companies will offer packages at reasonable rates. Looking into insurance for your office is also a wise idea, to cover any unforeseeable mishaps that may occur.
Who do you need?
The next logical step may be hiring employees for your office. Whether this is sales representatives to keep your growth booming, or cleaning contractors like Goldservice Office Cleaners to keep everything spick-and-span, it is imperative that you correctly approach this. Background checks are crucial. Even in an office environment, you may not want an employee who has a track record of crime of misconduct. This is a time where you do not just trust your instincts on how a candidate presents to you. You should also pay attention to a candidate’s references from previous employment, as these are a sure way to tell if they are appropriate for your office. Don’t underestimate the value of the cleaners – after all a tidy office means a tidy mind in which productivity can thrive!
During the interviewing process, you should be aware that there are some boundaries not to be crossed. It is essential to understand that you should never ask a candidate about their age, race, sexual orientation or marital status. Regarding the potential salary of the candidate, you need to check the laws for your area – always adhere to the minimum wage. It is vital throughout the entire recruiting phase that you keep good records. Once an employee has been hired, a file should be held with their personal information, contracts/agreements and qualifications within.
To conclude, taking into account these few tips will help to ensure future success in your new office environment.
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