GRASSHOPPER ACADEMY

Assessing Your Brand Needs

Learn how to choose an office location that matches your brand and meets your company culture requirements.

When looking for an office location, in addition to keeping the “business” in mind, you should also be thinking about your brand and company culture.

You should think about how your office space will fit your company needs on the outside and inside.

The following points are a few brand & culture considerations to keep in mind as you browse office space.

Company Culture Brand Image Safety & Community

What to assess

Company Culture

Company CultureNo matter what industry you’re in, the first thing to decide is what type of culture your business will have.

For instance, think about: Team Structure Dress Code: business formal vs. business

casual Flexibility: In-house workers vs. remote

workers

Company Culture

Example: A business with large sales

or customer service teams would most likely prefer individual workspaces to prevent other employees from disruptive conversations.

Your company culture will ultimately influence your office layout.

This same business might also enforce a business formal dress code because of client visits.

Company CultureHowever, if you want your company culture to encourage collaboration amongst different teams, an open floor plan would be a better idea.

Matching your company culture to your office layout will help you plan for the following:

Furniture Office space requirements Special rooms (conference rooms, nap rooms,

etc.) Amenities (kitchen, break room)

Extra Reading Modern Workspace: Offices, Co-working, and What’s Right for You

Company Culture

Brand Image

Brand Image

Another point to consider is if the office space matches your brand image.

Brand ImageFor this, it’s important to ask landlords what renovations (if any) you’ll be able to make:

Selecting wall color schemes to match brand colors

Wallpaper Lighting Hanging pictures In-office signage Custom Furniture

Brand ImageIt’s also important to check with your landlord about the type of signage you’re allowed to put outside the office location.

Side Street Sidewalk Signs Super-Sized Outdoor Signs Multi-Tenant Signs Digital Displays Banners

Community & Safety

Community

Choosing a business location close to a thriving community will benefit your business when it comes to recruiting employees.

CommunityPotential employees will be more interested in your business if it’s located near a community with the following:

Low crime rates Good school systems Daycare Health facilities Residential real-estate options

This will raise your chances of recruiting and retaining employees.

Safety

In addition to your office being located in a safe area, it’s important to research the building and office security as well.

SafetyBe sure to ask the landlord about the following:

• Security systems: what video surveillance and fire alarm systems are in place? What is the emergency evacuation plan for the building?

• Access control systems: how will employees and visitors access the building and office? Will they be able to have 24/7 access?

• Perimeter security: is there outdoor lighting and surveillance after work hours?

Review

ReviewCompany Culture

Choose a business location that meets your business needs and company culture requirements. Style of Operation Office Layout Dress code

ReviewBrand Image

Double-check that you’ll have flexibility to “brand” your office. Indoor and outdoor signage Color schemes Office Decor

ReviewSafety & Community

Choose a business location in a thriving & safe community. Low crime rate Family amenities Growing community

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Understanding State & Municipal Laws