It’s time for modern startups to rethink what the term “workspace” really means.
The traditional office environment has been linked to slumps in productivity amongst working, stifling the creative process and making your team feel like prisoners rather than contributors. Additionally, the startup culture of Silicon Valley stresses off-the-wall workplaces that boast anything from gaming stations and skateboard ramps to decked out kitchens and bizarre artwork.
That’s not to say you need to go totally insane in terms of your startup’s workspace. There are indeed ways to step up your workspace without breaking the bank. In fact, sometimes having a variety of sensible options in terms of your space is a solid idea versus being tied to a pricey office space that sucks up your budget.
Tired of the office environment? Looking to keep cash in your pocket? Looking to be more mobile in terms of where you work?
Whether your team wants the freedom to work from home or you’re just looking to jazz up your workspace, there are plenty of places you can go beyond the typical world of cubicles and coffee shops. Keep the following ideas in mind if you’re looking to take your startup to the next level while also thinking outside the box in terms of how your team works.
Tiny Spaces
Having a dedicated tiny space for your team to work is an amazing idea that won’t break the bank. DIY tiny homes and quonset hut kits are creative yet cost-effective options for tiny offices that are truly outside-the-box.
Depending on your where you’re located, you could have such a setup in your own backyard or on a dedicated plot of land. You could even build such a hut in an awesome location (such as the mountains) and rent it out as an AirBNB when you’re not using it on behalf of your team.
Such a workspace not only allows you to supply all the comforts of home, but also shows your business’ personality. How many startups can say that they have their own dedicated tiny spaces? Not very many.
Coworking Spaces
Although you may not be able to afford offices akin to the likes of Facebook or Google, many coworking spaces are popping up across the country to help startups step up their games in terms of style.
From the amenities of a modern office such as private meeting rooms, lightning fast Internet killer coffee machines, coworking spaces are a good idea for teams that don’t need to meet every single day. Splitting a monthly membership makes sense if you need to meet with colleagues or clients on a regular basis but don’t necessarily require a physical location around the clock.
Think about it: does it make more sense to pay a few hundred dollars a month on behalf of your team to a coworking space or splash that cash on a few thousand dollars’ worth of rent on a building that goes unused half of the time?
Craft Cafes and Pubs
Working from a cafe or restaurant might not seem particularly outside-of-the-box, but locking down some sweet local locations to work and meet beyond the likes of Starbucks is essential to modern startups. Craft cafes and pubs are all the rage right now and represent a hotbed of opportunities to get closer to your team, hold meetings and have somewhere to swoon your clients. Furthermore, there’s a good chance that other professionals in your areas are hitting up the same spots as you.
Cafes are obviously ideal for morning work sessions while pubs are great for Friday wind-downs and times when you need to take a client out to lunch. Becoming a regular at such establishments can also help you score some preferential treatment. For example, many baristas will be willing to make your orders ahead of time before you show up or might be willing to provide a private room to you at no extra charge.
Your Own Crib
Finally, another creative idea for startups is to rotate someone’s very own pad to hold meetings or have coworking sessions. If your team is generally laid back and gets along, an intimate work setting can do wonders. This obviously works best for smaller teams who already get along, but who says you can quite literally work from home?
Don’t feel that you need to be tied down to a boring, stuffy office environment. Instead, consider more creative options for the benefit of your team and their productivity for the long haul.
