Top 5 Requests when Renting a Flexible Office
So, you’ve got an office, but like many businesses today, part of your team is working from home, and you’re no longer using all of it. Perhaps you’ve downsized since moving in, or perhaps you’re growing and will fill the office over the coming years. Whatever the reason, all that unused office space is costing you money, and now you want to turn the spare office space into spare cash.
As a potential host looking to rent out your office to a like-minded business, it’s important to find the best candidates for your space. In order to increase the number and quality of your inquiries, as well as get the best price possible, we surveyed our customers to find out what they’re looking for. Here are their top 5 requests that will help improve the chances of renting your flexible office space.
Free Meeting Rooms
Having a desk or private office is great but if there’s no access to meeting rooms, it’s likely to cause some guests to give your space a pass. In a connected world, working in open-plan offices are accepted more and more, including in shared offices or cafes. However, there are still times when privacy or a quiet space is needed to meet with clients or take a private call. Access to meeting rooms is key for busy workers to get their work done without having to leave the building. If meeting room space is limited or rooms are constantly in use, it’s important to have a simple way for guests to reserve the rooms with a process that is equal to all; a shared calendar or diary works well. Most businesses offer meeting room access on a fair usage basis and included in the rent. Coworking Operators tend to charge by the half-hour or full hour used and bill their tenants monthly based on actual usage.
Reliable Internet
Though it doesn’t have to be the fastest Internet connection, having access to a reliable Internet connection is the top-rated request for candidates. We’ve all experienced outages at one time or another in our careers and have had to deal with the challenges of trying to get work done when you can’t access files or emails. Today, it’s more important than ever that the Internet connection be reliable and secure for those accessing it. Alternatively, if a consistent connection is a challenge in your building or office, it’s important to spell this out so that your guests can factor this into their decision.
Customers expect the internet to be included in their rental, typically on a fair usage basis.
Room for Expansion
One of the major benefits of flexible office space is how well it suits new and growing businesses. While there may be guests with no plans to expand beyond a party of two, there are plenty of others who will need some flexibility to add a desk or two without having to pack up and move.
Typically a growing business might look for a private office that’s a little bigger than their team size today along with access to shared desks in an open plan area for an overflow of staff. Of course, if you only have a few desks or small office, to begin with, it’s important that you share this in your listing and any conversations you have with potential candidates. The last thing you want is to lose a guest shortly after renting the space.
Access to Transportation
Getting to and from work is a top challenge or pain for many workers today. One of the big reasons for the growth in flexible office space is because employees are actively seeking to reduce their travel times and smart companies are looking to offer workers and potential candidates the chance to live closer to home. However, this doesn’t negate the importance of easy access to transportation. Today, guests still see transportation as a key requirement so to get the most from your listings it’s important to spell out any options that may help you land the right candidate. Of course, if your office is in an area away from transit, it’s important to spell out what other options such as parking is available. The more options, the better chance you have of landing a longer-term candidate.
End of Trip Facilities
Right up there with access to transportation is the option to store a bike or take a shower. With more people finding alternative transportation to and from work, candidates are increasingly looking for options that facilities their mode of transportation without negatively impacting their work environment. End of trip facilities can include secure bicycle racks, lockers, and change rooms where cyclists, joggers, and walkers can shower, change, and secure their belongings. If your office has any of these facilities or there are facilities close by you’ll be helping yourself by outlining these facilities in your listing description.
While it’s difficult to be everything to everyone, there’s no doubt that your listing will get more eyeballs and more interested candidates if they include as many of these requirements as possible. And the more desirable your office the better opportunity you have to maximise the value of the space over the long term whether it be by charging above-market rents or keep guests longer.
Remember, the more inquiries you get the better the chance of renting out your office at the price you want to the types of business you want to attract.
After all, in a competitive market, no amount of free beer will make up for unreliable wifi, lack of facilities, and high prices.
Rubberdesk is Australia’s flexible office marketplace with thousands of fully furnished serviced offices ready for you to move in and rent by the month or year. We match the right Guest with the right space and Host whether it be for 1 person or a business of 100’s. List your space in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide & beyond.
