By Brooke Chaplan
It’s a goal of many business owners to want to scale their business and watch it evolve. However, a growing business can also mean a growing real estate bill. The more space you have, the more employees, offices, and technology you’ll need to keep things running. However, there is a way to scale your business without constantly expanding your work space. Using different tools and software to help, you can downsize your office space while still keeping up with all of your normal business activities. If you are a growing business, see if you can use these tricks to save on some office space as you go.
Make Paperwork Digital
Get rid of any and all paperwork that can be scanned into your computer. Unless you need original documents and signatures, there’s no need to keep the paper documents. Worried your computer will crash and you’ll lose everything? Invest in a backup system and clear out your files for good. With the right IT support, you can keep things secure and set up for long term
Use Smaller Devices
The larger the technological devices you use, the larger the desks will be, and the more office space is required. Look for compact devices, like slim printers, smaller PCs, and other gadgets that can get the job done in a smaller space. Then, rearrange the desks at your workplace so you can fit more in. The more compact each workspace is, the less room you’ll need overall.
Make Your Data Center Virtual
When you make your data center completely virtual, you won’t need actual physical space for servers. This has a host of benefits, from reducing the amount of office space you need, to saving on power consumption. If you’re stuck with old technology, it’s definitely time for an upgrade.
Put Some Thought into Your Meeting Rooms
Yes, you may still need a formal meeting room for your employees, customers, or clients. However, you may not need nearly as much space as you currently have. If you need a meeting space, but know that getting rid of yours will seriously reduce the amount of real estate you need, consider alternatives. Can you hold some larger meetings virtually? Can you use an alternative work space, like a quiet cafe, for meeting with certain clients?
Consider Letting Employees Work Remotely
Telecommuting is great for a variety of reasons. Some employees may be happier with this setup, thus working more efficiently as a result. You can also have the same workforce without requiring any of the office space. Keep some work space available for employees who want to come in to the office, but let most of them work from home for a majority of the week. You can also utilize programs like LANDESK mobility management services that make your employee’s mobile devices usable for most business practices.
Your business is your baby and watching it grow can provide a great feeling of accomplishment. Don’t let your new growth drain your new funds though. With a little planning and savvy you can save space and money, making you more profitable in the next quarter.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
