Category: Workplace

Office amenities have significantly evolved in recent years. They’ve become more advanced, offering value, comfort and even entertainment to help employees relax from work. You may be familiar with Google’s unique office amenities as they’ve been the topic of discussion on various trusted websites like Forbes, Business Insider, and more. 

Today, many workers expect to have a more ideal office space filled with amenities that promote wellness, happiness and morale. Afterall, the average person spends approximately one-third of their life at work. That is why many organisations have been relocating and finding new contemporary office space to rent Nottingham. 

Some of the most common amenities include an open plan kitchen/coffee bar, game areas, beanbag stations, an on-site gym and more. Whilst these are valuable to employees in terms of unwinding, there are amenities that can boost productivity as well. 

It’s important to note that not every single cool or relaxing amenity is suitable for your business setting. When upgrading your current office or searching for a new office space to rent Nottingham, you will need to ask yourself what amenities you will need for you and your team to perform their best. 

Now, let’s take a look at some of the amenities you should consider adding to your office space to rent Nottingham in order to boost employee productivity. 

1. The Basics: the Internet of Things

The internet of things refers to the network of physical devices, electronics, software, and connectivity options within an office environment. 

Employees want access to reliable, high-speed internet that can be accessed throughout the entire office space/building. This allows for increased flexibility and employees being able to complete their work in a number of settings. Offering reliable internet access means providing more freedom and convenience. 

Streaming music and mobile connectivity to office tools are also crucial components to consider when increasing productivity in the workplace. Oldknows Factory offers free high-speed internet for all office space to rent Nottingham, making things much easier for tenants. 

2. Dedicated Spaces for Creativity and Brainstorming 

Many jobs can be intellectually taxing and require a great deal of concentration as well as creative energy. This has resulted in many organisations searching for creative office space to rent Nottingham, as the demand for creative spaces skyrocketed when Millenials began to enter the workforce. 

Organisations like Beats Electronics took brainstorming sessions to a whole new level by creating rooms with whiteboards for walls. Some organisations even add features like basketball hoops, darts or video game systems for when employees need a break or are struggling with creative block. 

There’s no set in stone way to execute the perfect brainstorming space. However, if you are searching for a new open plan office space to rent Nottingham, try to envision your preferred amenities throughout the space whilst also asking employees for their suggestions. 

3. Wellness Programs 

One of the most effective ways to retain and attract new employees is by having an on-site fitness centre and showers. Athletic Business found that fitness facilities in the workplace actually “increase productivity, improve employee morale, and decrease absenteeism”. 

Finding time to work out can be a struggle when working full-time, especially for those who commute. There simply is very little time in a day. Helping your employees reap the benefits of exercise will, in turn, make them happier, more productive workers.

If you’re a start-up or medium sized business and simply do not have space for an entire fitness centre, then maybe incorporating some treadmills or elliptical cross trainers near employees’ desks will be beneficial. You don’t need a great amount of space to add valuable amenities, you just need to use the space you have wisely.

Many employers include a ‘wellbeing zone’ where employees can carry out activities such as yoga, massages and stress management coaching. Oldknows Factory’s units include private toilets and showers, making this completely doable. 

Furthermore, there are some companies such as Google who focus more on recharging, with their famous addition of “nap pods”. You don’t have to include futuristic recliners, dedicating an area to relaxing or napping is still enough to invest in employees’ mental wellbeing.

4. Access to Food Options

Many employees’ main priority when deciding on a job is the location and whether there’s access to food options. Afterall, food is vital when it comes to productivity and overall energy. This need for convenient food options has led to organisations relocating. 

That’s why it’s important to consider what restaurants, cafes, corner shops and/or supermarkets your organisation will have access to when searching for an office space to rent Nottingham. The Oldknows Factory prides itself on its proximity to the city centre, with plenty of food options surrounding the building.

With the rise of multi-use developments that incorporate office spaces, it’s becoming easier for organisations to provide their employees with plenty of food options. For example, the Oldknows Factory’s offices include an entire kitchen and bar area, allowing employees to store and cook up their own lunch. 

5. Outdoor Areas

The physical environment of an office has a significant impact on employees. The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace’s findings show that “employees who work in environments with natural elements report a 15 percent higher level of well-being, are 6 percent more productive, and 15 percent more creative overall.”

Elements like high levels of natural light, plants and fresh air all contribute to employee satisfaction and work ethic. That is why many workers and employers are seeking office spaces with an outdoor area where everyone can decompress and reconnect with nature. 

Oldknows Factory’s office space to rent Nottingham includes an impressive outdoor graffiti wall for everyone to admire and get their creative juices flowing as well as a garden with tables and seating. 

Office amenities continue to be valuable for employees, resulting in a boost in productivity and overall wellbeing. Additionally, it’s essential to be strategic when designing amenity spaces and take in numerous factors such as location, sound levels, etc. 

Office Space to Rent Nottingham

The Oldknows Factory is full of industrial charm and is a melting pot for businesses and creatives alike. Our office spaces boast a range of amenities to inspire your productivity. We offer office space to rent Nottingham for start-ups, medium businesses and enterprises as well as creative spaces for artists. 

Our units come complete with a bar/kitchen space, free high-speed Wi-Fi, an open plan office and more. Kit out your communal spaces with pool tables and air hockey or build out an alternative relaxing work space, the choice is yours! 

If you’re looking for a space with flexible leases, fantastic amenities and various transport links, check out our available office spaces or get in touch with us now and book a tour! 

More and more businesses are starting to realise a creative office space is vital for employees. In fact, many current and prospective employees place a creative office space high on the priority list when it comes to workplace preference. 

Although creative office space to rent Nottingham are still extremely limited, there is an increase in numbers because of the advantages they pose. In order to achieve this modern-day setup, some may opt to convert their existing office, whilst others might realise they need to search for a new office space to rent Nottingham that lends itself to a more creative atmosphere. 

So, what exactly is a creative office space and what are some of the advantages it poses? Read on to find out more about this revolutionary trend.

The Evolution of Office Spaces 

A creative office space is any office that doesn’t fall under a traditional office layout. This means streamlined cubicles with executive offices around the perimeter. A creative office space is a thoughtfully designed space where creativity, flexibility, collaboration and comfort are meant to thrive. 

Whilst isolated offices once meant promotions and big titles, they’re now seen as rooms where executives are out of touch with employees. Nowadays, executives want their teams right alongside them for increased productivity. 

Unlike traditional offices with countless cubicle builds, private offices, and conference rooms constructed, creative office spaces can be built-out quickly with most features easily-movable. What once started as an option for easy office relocation and cost-efficiency is now trendy and ideal. 

Traditional corporate offices are now being widely seen as drab, uniform and lacking in inspiration and creative spirit, with many employees feeling like they are in a stagnant and mundane environment. Creative office spaces are the exact opposite as they’re vibrant spaces that are designed to inspire employees and feel free to openly express their innovative ideas and solutions. 

Characteristics of a Creative Office Design

These thoughtfully designed office spaces available to rent in Nottingham take a number of different things into consideration; with comfort, productivity, teamwork and creativity being at the forefront of layout and design choices. 

• Open concept floor plan with fewer individual offices.
• Flexible layouts, such as moveable walls, rooms that serve as team meeting areas or lounges, a reception area that serves as a bar area and other unique features.
• Upgraded flooring, such as polished concrete or wide wood planks.
• Exposed ceilings and accent or brick walls.
• An open concept kitchen with modern appliances.
• Modern lighting fixtures and a lack of harsh fluorescent lighting.
• Features that promote wellness such as beanbags, bench style seating or standing desks, etc.
• Plants around the office as they significantly increase levels of positivity and calmness.
• Open space with an abundance of natural light. 
• Game areas such as pingpong, foosball, minigolf, darts and treadmills or any other stress-reducing activities.  
• Low carbon footprint. 

When a creative office space is designed and constructed effectively, employee wellness is increased. The idea is to create an environment where employees look forward to coming in everyday. It evokes a sense of pride in working for a forward-thinking company. 

Advantages of Finding a Creative Office Space to Rent Nottingham

The benefits that creative workplaces provide are many, ranging from an increase in employee wellbeing to reflecting the company’s work ethic.

An Increase in Employee Wellbeing and Retention

For the longest time, employees simply entered their traditional office, sat in their isolated cubicles and performed their tasks like robots. This mundane work life creates a sense of emptiness which in turn affects employees’ mental health. Now, with more companies choosing creative office space to rent Nottingham, employees feel genuinely cared for, with their wellbeing increasing substantially.

The addition of unique features throughout the workplace allows employees to destress and engage more. With some going as far as to say a creative office space gives off the same effect as a relaxing coffee shop where one can be productive. 

Additionally, allowing employees to decorate their own workstations with colour, plants, etc allows them to feel more empowered. Studies have shown that the more control an employee has of their individual workstation, the happier and more productive they are.

Relaxed policies, such as happy hour and bringing your pet to work can truly make employees feel more comfortable, pushing the idea that by finding a creative office space to rent Nottingham, people are able to live, work and play. 

All of this goes a long way to improve a workspace with employees’ wellbeing in mind as well as increasing employee retention rates. Employees feel like the organisation is doing their part in genuinely caring for employees, listening to their needs and rewarding their hard work. 

Recruitment of Top Talent

When employers opt for a creative office space to rent Nottingham, they have an advantage in terms of attracting top talent. The war for talent is fierce and the best want to work in creative spaces.

First impressions go a long way. Inviting a candidate into a creative office space for their interview will definitely grab their attention. Furthermore, including an office tour in the interview process whilst explaining the forward-thinking policies in action can heighten a prospective employee’s interest and lead to less negotiation on their part, as they’ve seen firsthand the daily benefits of working there. 

Creates Excitement 

A monotonous traditional office is one that feels repetitive and uninspiring, resulting in unhappy employees. It can be beneficial to add some vibrancy and colour to a workplace to bring some excitement into employees’ lives. 

Opting for a creative office space to rent Nottingham keeps things exciting for employees by adding fresh elements on a regular basis or simply having a plethora of modern, interactive features already. This could include games around the office, wall art, changing out the plants, and offering new snacks. 

Another option is to create breakout areas where employees can relax during their breaks such as a beanbag area, an open space kitchen where they can cook, an outdoor garden and team lounges. 

Reflection of the Company Work Ethic 

Choosing a creative office space to rent Nottingham actually reflects your team’s work ethic. A creative office space can be used to impress clients and business partners when they visit, as they can see how innovative and forward-thinking your company is.  

By transparently showing how flexible employees are in this relaxed work environment whilst producing incredible results, clients and business partners are able to see how beneficial a creative office space is. It also shows how dedicated and productive employees are to make the business a success as a result of this arrangement. 

Enhances Productivity and Imagination 

Creative spaces increase productivity and imagination. This is because employees feel motivated to work. Rather than being separated from each other, the open shared space between employees makes the mind feel freer to brainstorm and innovate. 

It also makes it easier for employees to work with one another, solve problems and boost each other’s morale. The airiness of the space as well as the natural lighting inspire the imagination. Furthermore, the freedom to move around and work in areas that are best for them actually increases their productivity. 

A beautiful, vibrant atmosphere can be inspiring, making employees more willing to get tasks done. Think of it this way, a dull environment with zero art, plants or even space is incredibly wearing on the imagination. 

Creative Office Space to Rent Nottingham 

If you’re a business owner and considering trading in the traditional office space, and instead opting for a creative office space to rent Nottingham, then look no further than Oldknows Factory. 

The Oldknows Factory is full of industrial charm and is a melting pot for businesses and creatives alike. Our creative office spaces boast a range of amenities to inspire your productivity. We offer office space to rent Nottingham for start-ups, medium sized businesses and enterprises as well as creative spaces for artists. 

Our units come complete with a bar/kitchen space, free high-speed Wi-Fi, an open plan office and more. Kit out your communal spaces with pool tables and air hockey or build out an alternative relaxing work space, the choice is yours! 

If you’re looking for a space with flexible leases, fantastic amenities and various transport links, check out our available office spaces or get in touch with us now and book a tour! 

If you’ve recently opted for a creative office space to rent Nottingham and have no clue where to start in terms of designing the space with features that are going to energise your employees, read our blog article on ‘How to Make Your Office Space Feel More Creative’.