Many of us spend the majority of our working week in the office, but that doesn’t mean that we should treat it like home. There’s an unwritten code that should be followed in all offices, otherwise known as work etiquette. From having good manners and being courteous of others to using technology in an appropriate manner, we’ve put together a few tips for excellent office etiquette.

Take noisy personal calls out of the office

Taking private phone calls at your desk can be distracting for those around you. If you work in an open plan space, keep private calls short; call them back on your break or take the call outside. Keep your personal phone on silent so that it does not alert everyone in your office when you have a message, call or email.

Consider others when packing your lunch

As much as you might enjoy tuna, strong cheese or onion and garlic, the rest of your office may not be so keen on the smells. In a tight space, smells can be magnified, so it’s important to consider the rest of your office when packing your lunch. Avoid foods that splatter, slurp or are loud to eat, especially if you have your lunch at your desk.

Dress appropriately

Today, many offices opt for a ‘business casual’ dress code, particularly if they’re not client-facing. If you’re a business owner, clarify what is and isn’t appropriate with employees. For example, polo shirts, casual dresses and casual trousers may be appropriate, whereas denim jeans and open-toed shoes may not be.

Stay courteous around the office

Don’t forget your manners in the workplace. Greet co-workers, be polite and never forget to say please or thank you. Help co-workers where possible; if someone is struggling to get through the door, hold it open for them, or if you know how to complete a certain task that someone else is struggling with, help them out. Remember what it was like when you were new to the office – smile at new employees and make the effort to start a conversation with them.

Book meeting rooms

If you’re holding a meeting or you’re meeting with clients, book out a meeting room. Holding meetings or discussing business matters at desks or in the office can be distracting for employees, so it’s better to book a meeting room. This ensures you can discuss business matters in private and in a professional environment. Plus, it doesn’t cost the earth – at RCM Business Centre, you can hire meeting rooms in Wakefield from just £10 per hour.

At RCM Business Centre, we offer office space, conference venues, meeting room hire and more. When you hire a meeting room, you can rest assured the business centre boasts top class facilities and friendly staff to help ensure your event runs smoothly.

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No matter what type of business you operate, finding the right office is key. If you’re currently searching for the perfect office space for your company, you may be wondering what to look out for. From location and size to style, facilities and equipment, there are plenty of things you should consider when renting an office space. 

How much office space will I need?

Firstly, you’ll need to work out exactly how much office space you need. Miscalculating how much space you require can have a huge impact on your business and finances, so it’s important to get it right. 100 sq ft per person allows roughly 50 sq ft for desk space and another 50 sq ft for space in communal areas, and is generally the accepted rule. 

Working out exactly how much office space you need will depend on the number of employees you have, combined with the type of working environment you want to create. For example, if you want to encourage an isolated work style with individual workstations and cubicles, you should allow up to 200 sq ft per person. If employees feel cramped in the office, productivity could suffer. 

What style of office should I choose?

Do you want an open-planned office or closed-off work spaces? Different businesses have different preferences, and it’s important to choose a layout that works for your team. Many bosses and managers prefer open-plan offices because they encourage collaboration, offer flexibility for the future and are often more affordable (as costs are reduced on construction and utilities). 

Location and facilities

The location of your office should be convenient and easy to get to for both employees and clients. The availability of parking is an important factor to consider; if there isn’t parking spaces on the premises, check if there is free or cheap street parking nearby.  If some of your employees cycle to work, make sure there is a bike rack or enough space in the building for them to store their bikes. 

It’s also important to consider the facilities you need. For many small businesses, renting a serviced office is an ideal option, as they provide a range of services and facilities within the lease agreement. Facilities may include office furniture, communal areas, storage areas, wifi and a kitchen. 

Think about what your office needs – do you need a private meeting room? Are communal areas important? How many plug sockets and connectors do you need? 

At RCM Business Centre in Wakefield, we make renting an office, business space or serviced unit as quick and easy as possible. We offer a range of serviced and unserviced offices as well as warehouse and industrial unit space.

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Whatever industry you work in, one of your biggest overheads is always going to be office space. If you rent an office then you’re likely to be tied in for at least five years and then you’ll still need to fill it with furniture, equipment and tech. However, a business centre – or serviced office – is usually based in an excellent location, has great shared facilities and is far more affordable for small businesses.

Business Centres Are a Simple Solution

Moving into a business centre is a great first step when looking for office space as they’re a simple, straightforward solution for small businesses. You’ll pay rent on a monthly basis, just like a traditional office, however, you’re likely to have a much smaller notice period so that you can have more say where you relocate once you’ve gotten bigger.

They’re Flexible

Business centres feature a range of different sized rooms, from offices suitable for two people or 20. This means that, as you grow, you can move around within the business centre without too much trouble. Similarly, all of the internet and phone connections you’ll need should already be there which means that you won’t need to forward-plan these supplies.

Extra Facilities Are Available

At a business centre, you may have access to a communal gym, a post sorting and signing service, communication systems, receptionists, admin support and meeting rooms which all come as part of the price. These extra facilities would often be too expensive for a start-up to afford, however, they can take advantage of them in one of these facilities.

There’s a Professional Environment

At a business centre, you’ll be in the middle of a professional environment which will always give your clients a great first impression even if you’ve only just started trading.

RCM Business Centres: Office Units To Let in Ossett, Wakefield.

To find out more, contact us today. You can find us at RCM Business Centres, Dewsbury Road, Ossett, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF5 9ND, call us on 01924 278181 or email us at reception@rcmbusinesscentres.com.

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