The Pros and Cons of An Open Office Floor Plan

The Pros and Cons of An Open Office Floor Plan

You’ve got everything ready for your new office, now it’s time to decide between the privacy of cubicles or the open spaces that come with the bullpen layout. Earlier this year the New Yorker reported that 70% of offices go with an open floor plan. That being said there are numerous articles discussing that open floor plans may lead to too much collaboration. Here are some key differences between the two styles:

BULLPEN PROS

·         Open communication

·         Collaboration

·         No department segregation

·         No “status symbol” desk locations

BULLPEN CONS

·         Noise & distractions

·         Little to no privacy

·         Lack of confidentiality

·         No suitable for all personality types

CUBICLE PROS

·         Less distraction

·         Privacy

·         Feelings of ownership

·         Collaboration is still possible

CUBICLE CONS

·         Lack of a team atmosphere

·         Isolation

·         Cramped space

·         Lack of socialization

 

Ultimately what floor plan is best for your office depends on what your company’s work and daily responsibilities are.  Cubicles can diminish distractions but bullpen layout encourages collaboration. If you are thinking about changing your office’s current layout think about polling your employees to get their input on what would be most effective in your Monroe office. Successful companies have used both types so the decision really comes down to what will enhance and support your office workflow the best.

World's Coolest Commercial Real Estate Offices

World's Coolest Commercial Real Estate Offices

Recently, Inc.com came out with their list of the world's coolest offices to work in for 2014. With this being their 4th annual review, the stakes were risen. With commercial real estate back up on the rise this year, it is no shock to see that some of these offices are awe-inspiring, spectacular and really just mouth dropping. Some of the winners though are obviously large headquarters, but with the amount of branding, fixtures and views added in to their offices, you will understand why they are on the list.

The part that is truly amazing is that these companies were able to create these offices without a high budget. These commercial offices are sophisticated pieces of art to work inside and outside of and are designed for future use as well. Here are the top coolest offices currently being used in the world.

  • Beats Electronics
    • Culver City, CA
    • Office Designed By: Bestor Architecture
  • Google
    • Tel Aviv
    • Office Designed By: Camenzind Evolution
  • Coca-Cola
    • London
    • Office Designed By: MoreySmith
  • Mojang
    • Stockholm
    • Office Designed By: BSK Arkitekter
  • Nasty Gal
    • Los Angeles
    • Office Designed By: Bestor Architecture
  • Superheroes
    • Amsterdam
    • Office Designed By: Simon Bush-King Architecture & Urbanism
  • Wieden+Kennedy
    • New York City
    • Office Designed By: WorkAC
  • WeWork
    • Washington D.C., Wonder Bread location
    • Office Design By: WeWork

Now that the top 8 winners have been announced, who do you think should have been on the list, who are you shocked made it, or is this list perfect the way that it is?

Top 3 Items To Ask Your Monroe Commercial Real Estate Agent

Top 3 Items To Ask Your Monroe Commercial Real Estate Agent

The process to purchase or sell an office can be a long and tedious one. Working by yourself as a for sale by owner can make this process even more taxing than it needs to be. This is why we definitely suggest working with a Monroe Real Estate Agent on both ends of the deal. If you are a buyer, you may not be aware, but you will not pay a cent more for a real estate agent when you purchase the property. The agent’s commission will actually come from the seller, so the amount you pay will not change at all with or without an agent.

If you are a seller, you may be wasting more time and money than you expect by not utilizing an agent. It is statistically known that a Monroe real estate agent can actually get you more money for your property than if you sell it buy yourself. Of course the amount of time that it takes to show the property, market the property, do the paperwork, contact the closing company, title company, lenders, mortgage, etc is enough for a for sale by owner to throw in the towel. But what should you ask the agent to make sure that you are getting the best realtor for your property or buying process?

Here are some of the main questions that we may suggest asking your next Monroe Real Estate Agent before you sign on to make them your realtor:

  1. Where are office prices going and will they appreciate over the next few months, years, etc?
  2. Why should I use an agent when I can shop for an office myself online?
  3. How great of a benefit is owning an office versus leasing one from a landlord?

If your commercial real estate agent cannot answer these five questions in a detailed and calm manner, you may want to steer clear of signing the documents. Knowing that your Monroe real estate agent can answer these questions fluently will give you a piece of mind that you are in good hands and can rest assured that the process will be an easy one for you and your family.