1. Respect different comfort levels

A person who avoids the break room and keeps their office door closed might not mean to be antisocial. They may just be less comfortable returning to the office. Some people will be fine with handshakes and closed-door meetings. Others will feel more comfortable wearing a mask and meeting outside whenever possible. Respecting your coworkers’ boundaries will help you re-start your relationships on the right foot. 

Remember, you may not be aware of health issues or personal experiences that could affect a coworker’s reactions. If you’re not sure whether something is okay, ask. Most people will appreciate the consideration. 

2. Set clear expectations for communication

During the pandemic, you probably relied heavily or even exclusively on video conferencing and chat tools to get work done. Now that you’re back in the office, you might have to re-negotiate what people can expect. If a face-to-face interaction is easier than a video chat, are you okay with a drop-in visit from a coworker? Set boundaries and expectations early, so everyone knows where you stand.

And remember that even if walking down the hall to talk to your coworker seems slower than dashing off an instant message, face-to-face communication is better at reducing stress and building relationships. The next best form of communication is a phone call.

3. Offer to work together

You may not fully control which projects you work on and with whom, so this tip isn’t for everyone. But if you do get to choose your teammates, seek out people you want to reconnect with. Solving problems together can help re-establish a positive work relationship. Even something as simple as helping someone carry supplies from their car to their office can help you build social capital again.

Most importantly, be patient. Your coworkers have faced a lot of disruption over the last 18 months. Reconnecting may take time. 

Return to work in a new office space

Of course, before you return to the office, you need to have an office. At College Park Executive Suites we have small, medium, and large offices for individuals or teams. Contact Jackie today, and return to work in a brand new office tomorrow. 

The post 3 Ways to Reconnect with Coworkers as You Return to the Office appeared first on College Park Executive Suites.

With health and safety guidelines changing week-to-week, employee needs shifting, and business demands in flux, do you really want to do anything that locks you into a long-term strategy? Answer: probably not. So what can you do instead? 

Finding Flexibility in Business Structures

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that businesses must be flexible to survive. Jumping on the remote work train because seems like the big idea of the moment isn’t necessarily more flexible. It’s the same kind of trend-following that led to the rise of open offices. You know, those loud, distracting, Petri dishes your employees are now avoiding. 

That’s not to say remote work is a bad idea. (Even open offices have their uses.) But any plan that locks you into a strategy that would be difficult or expensive to reverse is probably a bad one at the moment. 

As Ethan Bernstien, an organizational behavior professor at Harvard told the Boston Globe, “I think the only thing you can do wrong right now is pretend you have the final answer.”

How about Non-Permanent Remote Work

Of course, paying rent on an office building that isn’t really being used might not be possible either. That’s one of the reasons remote work looks so attractive right now. But what if you could lose the commercial rent and still keep a workspace for the employees that need it? What if you could still have access to conference rooms and private offices? And what if you could get all of that without being locked into a 3- or 6-year commercial rent contract? 

Good news. That solution already exists. Executive Suites offer you shorter-term leases at more accessible rates. You can add new workspaces as your team grows, or scale down if it turns out more employees prefer to work from home. Our flexible terms work with your business so you pay only for the space you actually need. But be prepared, with free parking, complimentary coffee and tea, and a staffed reception area, your employees might never want to leave. 

Contact us today and be in your new office tomorrow. 

The post Is Now the Right Time to Commit to Permanent Remote Work? appeared first on College Park Executive Suites.

1. It helps you get in the right mindset

Time spent driving to and from work can feel like wasted time, but many of us need at least a few minutes to switch our minds from work mode to home mode. The commute to and from the office gives you time to think things through, decompress, and think about what’s for dinner. Such enforced downtime is good for your brain and your stress levels, as long as no one cuts you off on the highway.

2. Keeps work and home separate

When you work from home, the lines between the two start to blur. You might find yourself stopping work to throw in a load of laundry, or pausing family game night to send an important email before you forget. Keeping work firmly outside the house helps some people maintain a healthier work-life balance. It’s the same principle that says you shouldn’t eat in bed. Getting crumbs everywhere is gross, but the real problem is the associations this habit forms in your brain. You might start craving crackers when you’re supposed to be getting your beauty sleep.

3. A Quiet Space Where You Can Focus

Your home may be where you relax, but it’s not always serene. Especially if you share living quarters with kids, pets, or partners, it can sometimes be a struggle to hear yourself think. Even if your office isn’t always quiet, there is an expectation that people there are working. Not, for example, trying to see how high the dog will jump if incentivized with his favorite squeaky toy and shouts from more children than you remember having. That drive to the office is worth it if the destination includes a quiet place to work

4. Privacy for You and Your Clients’ Information

If you’re working with sensitive client or employee information, it’s nice to know that you have an office door between it and any prying eyes. At home, those pesky roommates might not have the same respect for privacy that you do. Meanwhile, if you leave that information at the office, it’s unlikely that your children will mistake client records for the perfect material to make a potentially award-winning paper airplane.

How to Remote Work Without Working From Home

Of course, remote work is still in the equation for many businesses. If working from home isn’t working for you, consider finding a different office away from home. College Park Executive Suites offers private offices and quiet coworking spaces to fit your needs. And our convenient location one-half mile from Interstate 64, makes for an easy commute. Of course, if you want to stop off for coffee on the way home, we won’t tell anyone.

Contact Jackie today and start looking forward to that commute.

The post In Praise of the Commute: Why Working Outside the Home is Good appeared first on College Park Executive Suites.

While you figure out where that third hand came from, we have some options that might be better than a PO Box for small businesses.

Why not a PO Box?

Before we dive into the solution, you might be wondering why you even need to consider anything else. Can’t you just get a PO Box and be done with it? You can, but it might not be the best fit for your business. Because….

• You still have to sign for certified mail
• If you have too much mail, or a package is too big for your PO Box, you’ll need help from the front desk
• You have to drive to the post office regularly to pick up your mail

You might be fine with those conditions. If so, a post office box might be fine for your small business. But if any of that doesn’t meet your needs, check out this alternative solution.

Enter the Virtual Office a.k.a. Imaging Plan

A virtual office, sometimes called an imaging plan, helps you portray a professional image even if you do most of your work from the dining room table. It can include:

• A professional address in an office suite
• Mail sorting and handling
• Someone to sign for certified mail on your behalf
• Notifications when important mail arrives so you can make fewer trips
• No limits on the size of mail because it’s handed to a person not dumped in a box

Depending on your needs, you can also add on a telephone number with voice mail, a receptionist to screen your calls, and even access to conference rooms. You certainly can’t host a meeting in your PO Box, but a virtual office has you covered.

Even More Solutions

Of course, receiving mail might not be your only issue when running a small business. Where do you meet clients? Do you have a quiet place to take phone calls? Is your home internet reliable enough for business? If your answer to any of these questions is “no,” you might want to consider renting a coworking space one or more days a week. For even more privacy and a door to shut out distractions, consider an Executive Suite. It’s probably more affordable than you think.

Contact Jackie today to find the imaging plan, coworking space, or private office that’s right for your business.

The post What’s Better Than A PO Box for Small Businesses? appeared first on College Park Executive Suites.

Feeling uncomfortable in your workspace isn’t good for your mood or your productivity. So if your office is feeling a little blah, try these three quick office decorating tips to boost your mood.

1. Plant a Little Joy

Plants are instant mood boosters. Not only are they pretty to look at, but they make your workspace healthier too. Research by NASA (yes, that NASA) says that certain plants can help purify the air. They recommend having about one plant per 100 square feet.

At this point you might be thinking: I’d love to have a plant but I’m worried it won’t get enough light. In that case, look for a Raven ZZ Plant or a Snake Plant. Both thrive in low light and can survive dry spells. You know, just in case watering falls off your to-do list.

2. Get Colorful

You don’t have to be an artist to recognize that color can impact your mood. The plain beige walls and boring brown or gray furniture that fill most offices may be bringing you down. Fix that problem by bringing some color into your workspace.

Start with the walls. You might not be able (or willing) to paint, but you can hang up some colorful artwork. If that’s not enough color for you, consider adding a small area rug, picking out a stylish pen cup, or even splurging on color-coordinated office supplies.

There are all kinds of theories about how color influences the way you think. Some of them have some science behind them. Others are anecdotal. You don’t have to get too wrapped up in the theory. Just pick the colors that make you happy.

3. Light Up Your World

Your office may be full of fluorescent lights, but that doesn’t mean you have to use them. Consider adding a desk lamp or even a floor lamp if your office is big enough. These can make your space feel cozier and give you some control over how bright the lights are.

Of course, opening the blinds is always a smart move. Natural light is good for your brain and good for the environment. If your office lacks windows, you might consider investing in a sunlight lamp or light therapy box. These small desktop lamps might boost your mood by mimicking sunlight.

Personalize that blank slate

Every office starts as a blank slate. It’s up to you to personalize it and make it your own. The first step is claiming your office space. Reach out to Jackie today and start decorating tomorrow.

The post 3 Office Decorating Tips to Boost Your Mood appeared first on College Park Executive Suites.

Employees need places to collaborate

Nobody would be surprised to hear that the utilization of office spaces dropped during the pandemic. Most businesses were encouraging people to work from home wherever possible. But unwrap this data and you’ll find a surprise.

According to workplace analytics company VergeSense, the utilization of collaborative workspace actually increased 15% during the pandemic. Employees spent more time in collaborative spaces.

If you think about it, it makes sense. Individual work can be done from anywhere. If you’re entering data into a spreadsheet, drafting an email to a client, or managing payroll, you can do all that from anywhere with a computer and an internet connection.

But when you want to brainstorm, work together to solve a problem, or build trust so everyone feels comfortable contributing, a video conference might not cut it.

A space for face-to-face

In a survey by LucidSpark, 1 in 5 remote workers said they met with colleagues in person during the pandemic. These meetings often went against company policy, but employees (and executives) did it anyway. Their number one reason for this behavior? The need to collaborate.

Everyone was worried about productivity during the pandemic, but it was collaboration that really took a hit. In the same survey, 37% of workers said the lack of in-person interaction adversely affected their ability to collaborate.

Good collaboration requires trust and a willingness to speak up. Over time, fewer casual interactions might eat away at a team’s ability to work together.

So does working in an office improve collaboration?

The short answer is: it certainly doesn’t hurt. The trick is to provide the right kinds of office spaces. We’ve written, repeatedly, about the drawbacks of open offices. They negatively impact health, productivity, and employee satisfaction. But small, collaborative spaces are a different story.

If you want the best your team has to offer, give them an office space where they can collaborate and interact at least a few days a week.

At College Park Executive Suites we offer large private offices suitable for three or four people. Our smaller office spaces are perfect for those employees who need a little extra privacy. And you can bring everyone together in our conference rooms.

Get your team set up in their collaborative office space. Contact Jackie today.

The post Myth or Fact: Does Working in an Office Improve Collaboration? appeared first on College Park Executive Suites.

Since commercial office space is expensive, most businesses won’t be content to let that space go unused. Some are finding creative ways to repurpose empty office spaces and conference rooms. We have our own favorite solution, but first, let’s see what other businesses are doing.

How some businesses are using extra office space

Rather than letting offices stand empty, businesses are getting creative with their extra office space. But we have to wonder if these clever solutions are really supporting their business goals.

• Building out a library
• Giving employees a game room
• Assembling an art gallery
• Offering nap rooms so employees can get some shuteye
• Renting it out to smaller businesses
• Screening movies (yum, popcorn!)

We even found references to some companies hosting weddings or band practices in their unused spaces.

What we think you should do with extra office space

Right now, many businesses are like parents whose kids have finally left the house for good. They’re rattling around in a space that’s too large for their new life. Now, some of those parents will stay in that big house forever. Who knows, maybe the kids and their families will come to stay a couple of days a year. We’ll be glad we have the extra bedrooms then, even if they do cost a fortune to heat and cool. Right?

But others would rather save the money by downsizing to a place that actually meets their needs. We think you should follow their example.

Too much office space? Get rid of it.

Look for a more flexible solution. It should offer private office space for employees who need it, but also flexible co-working arrangements for those who only drop in now and then. At College Park Executive Suites we offer shorter-term rental agreements than your commercial lease with way more flexibility for your employees.

Contact Jackie today to choose the combination of private offices, dedicated coworking, and on-demand coworking that’s right for you.

The post How to Handle Your Extra Office Space: Solutions for Businesses appeared first on College Park Executive Suites.

Even so, going fully remote might not be right for every employee at every business. That’s why companies like Ford, Citigroup, and Microsoft are plotting their route to hybrid work.

It may not be uncharted territory, but there are some benefits and potential pitfalls worth considering. Here’s your orientation to the world of hybrid work.

What is hybrid work?

Hybrid can mean different things depending on the company. It might mean that some employees work in the office and others work remotely. Or it could mean that all employees are in the office a few days a week and work remotely for the rest of the time. Exactly how you structure your hybrid work arrangement depends on the needs of your business and its employees.

Whatever hybrid work looks like for your team, here’s what you should consider as you map your path.

1. What do employees want and need?

Some employees work better at home. Others have too many distractions when they’re outside the office. Communication and collaboration still need to happen. Think about how you’ll structure your hybrid work environment to best meet everyone’s needs.

For example, you might ask everyone to be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but give them the freedom to choose where they work on other days.

2. How will you support communication and collaboration?

Whether you’re working from the office or from your kitchen table, managing communication can be challenging. Hybrid work may not solve this problem, but it can create more opportunities for face-to-face interaction than remote work.

Helping hybrid employees communicate and collaborate doesn’t have to be difficult. But it does require some thought. Consider scheduling a weekly or bi-weekly in-person meeting where everyone can touch base. You might ask all members of the same team to come into the office on the same days each week.

3. Does your workspace make sense for hybrid work?

Moving to a hybrid work model may mean that employees spend less time in the office. An employee who works from home 80% of the time may not need their own dedicated office. Consider whether the commercial lease you’re paying for is still worth the expense.

Should you downsize or look for a more flexible workspace. If so, an executive suite that offers private offices plus coworking space might be right for you. That way employees who spend the most time at work can have dedicated desks, while those who drop in and out can rotate through the coworking space.

If a more flexible workspace sounds like the right place to build your hybrid work environment, consider College Park Executive Suites. We offer private offices for 1 to 3 people, coworking spaces with dedicated desks, and on-demand coworking spaces. Plus, our two conference rooms make it easy for you to meet with your team or clients.

Contact Jackie today and be in your hybrid workspace tomorrow.

The post Welcome to the World of Hybrid Work: A Guide for Business Leaders appeared first on College Park Executive Suites.

You don’t have to dump your office space

Now, you might be considering dumping your office space too. But you still have questions. Will employees still be able to collaborate? Where will you meet with clients? Where will your business receive mail? 

If you’re not quite ready to give up office space completely, there is another option. In fact, there are several. We’ll work through each one to help you find the solution that’s right for your business. 

Solution 1: Executive Office Suites

Renting individual office spaces is often much less expensive than leasing an entire commercial building or even a floor in one of those buildings. More importantly, executive office suites are flexible. Unlike a commercial lease that locks you into a financial obligation for 3-5 years or more, executive suites rent on a yearly or even a six-month basis. You can adjust the amount of space your rent to meet the needs of your current workforce. 

Private offices like these are perfect for employees who work on sensitive or confidential materials. Consider executive office suites for employees in HR, Finance, or management roles. 

Plus, you’ll get access to conference rooms, a kitchenette, and plenty of free parking. At College Park Executive Suites, a receptionist greets guests in the spacious reception area. Of course, high-speed internet, janitorial and HVAC services, and essential office furniture are all included. 

Why choose this option: If you have team members who need a place to work outside their homes or deal with sensitive information, executive office suites are for you.

Solution 2: Coworking

For even more flexibility, consider getting your employees a coworking pass. Employees can drop in on the days that are convenient for them. They just choose a place to sit at an individual desk or work table, connect their laptop to the high-speed internet, and get to work. 

You can rent time in a coworking space on a month-to-month or short-term basis, so you only pay for what you need. This is perfect for employees who work from home but occasionally need to work in a space without household distractions. Coworking is good for employees who miss the social interaction of going to the office every day. 

At College Park Executive Suites, you can choose plans that offer as little as two days per month all the way up to unlimited usage during business hours. You can even get a dedicated desk with lockable drawers. Employees get discounted access to meeting rooms and free coffee, parking, and use of the kitchenette. 

Why choose this option: If your employees occasionally need a place to work outside their homes, a coworking space might be the right option for you. 

Solution 3: Virtual Office Imaging Plan

An office is more than a place to work. It’s also where you receive mail and phone calls. It’s where you meet with clients, vendors, and investors. Even if your employees are happy working from home, you might still need a solution for these functions. In that case, you need a virtual office imaging package. 

Virtual office image plans offer you a professional telephone number with voicemail and a receptionist, access to conference rooms, professional mail sorting and handling, and other support services. At College Park Executive Suites you can create an imaging plan that includes the services you need and nothing you don’t. 

Why choose this option: If your employees work from home, but you need a business address or a place to host meetings, a virtual office image plan might be right for you. 

Mix and Match to Meet Your Needs

You can also mix and match these solutions to meet the needs of your employees. Maybe you rent executive suites for your HR and Finance teams and provide coworking passes to your customer-facing employees. You could get a virtual office imaging plan and a few flex desks to make your business look professional while maximizing flexibility. 

Jackie can help you find the combination of office solutions that best fits your business. Contact her today. 

The post Not Ready to Dump Your Office Space? Do This Instead. appeared first on College Park Executive Suites.

Let the sunshine in

If your office has windows, turn off the overhead lights and let the sunshine in. Even on overcast days, natural light is often enough to see by, especially if you’re working on a computer screen anyway. Not only will you save electricity, but there’s also plenty of research that says natural light is better for your emotional well-being and sleep schedule. Both your planet and your body will thank you. 

Pack your lunch

Instead of driving to the local fast food place for lunch, pack a lunch box. You’ll reduce your carbon footprint by driving less. Plus, you’ll save money and maybe even shrink your waistline. Restaurant meals tend to be bigger and contain more calories than you really need. 

Go digital

With cloud storage and digital backups, you probably don’t need to keep piles of paper around the office. That’s a good thing because trees are better at making oxygen than they are at being expense reports. Think before you print. 

Reuse or recycle what you can 

Seek out opportunities to reuse or recycle in the office. You can reuse old papers for notes, drop off used ink cartridges at your local office supply store, and even recycle old electronics. Consider donating used electronics to a local non-profit. It will keep your computer out of the landfill and help someone at the same time. 

Downsize your office space

A big office means you have to use more energy to heat, cool and light it. Consider how much office space you really need, and downsize if you can. Executive office suites and coworking spaces can offer perfect fit office solutions. Contact Jackie to find the office that’s right for you. 

The post How to Make Your Office More Environmentally Friendly appeared first on College Park Executive Suites.