The facilities in a serviced office are the essential features provided, such as a kitchen, meeting rooms, and internet access. In contrast, the amenities are additional perks that enhance your office experience, like complimentary coffee, superfast Wi-Fi, and air conditioning.
But with so many different providers out there, each offering a variety of facilities, what exactly should you be looking for from a serviced office? To help you choose the best serviced office for your business, this blog shares the top 12 facilities and amenities you should look for this year.
A dedicated breakout space is essential. It’s great if you need to recharge with a cup of coffee, socialise with your team, defeat a mental block, or even network with other businesses in the building.
See also: Key benefits of using a serviced office
But while a comfy sofa or kitchen table does the job just fine, modern serviced offices have far more quirky and impressive breakout spaces nowadays. Think quiet pods, breakfast bars, game rooms, and rooftop terraces - the bar has truly risen in how you and your staff can relax.
A modern serviced office should be pet-friendly. It’s common knowledge that having your pet around when you’re working offers many health benefits. Research from The Kennel Club is just one study that shows that dogs in the workplace can:
To look after your well-being and that of your employees, we highly recommend choosing a pet-friendly serviced office that allows you to bring your pets to work. Not only can this do wonders for your health, but it also impresses visitors and makes your workday far more enjoyable.
Also, if you’re a dog owner, you’ll know that leaving them at home all day isn’t ideal. So, choosing a pet-friendly serviced office means they’re not isolated while you’re at work, and it eliminates the need to find a sitter.
Just remember—if you do bring your dog to work, they’re your responsibility. So, be sure to take them out for walkies regularly to keep them happy and avoid any unwanted mess inside.
Whether you’re expecting a guest, client, or potential recruit, make them feel at home with a friendly receptionist. If you’re running late, don’t leave your guests waiting, wondering what’s going on.
A good serviced office will have a dedicated representative to welcome guests and assure them they’re in the right place. They will also communicate with you to let you know who has arrived, check if you’re ready for them, and escort them to your meeting location.
This facility not only creates a positive experience for your visitors but also paints a positive impression of your business.
The amenities outside your serviced office are just as essential as those on the inside. We recommend looking for the following amenities in the local area:
In today’s digitised world, running a business without the internet is impossible. It’s also impossible to run a business efficiently without a reliable connection.
There’s nothing more frustrating than having a virtual meeting disrupted or being unable to email a larger file because of poor Wi-Fi. It’s 2024—there’s no time to waste on inadequate internet. So, be sure to choose a serviced office with supercharged connectivity so you don’t waste time on IT issues and focus on your business instead.
Meeting rooms are another essential facility on our list. You guessed it, they’re great for meetings, but they’re also helpful for:
A great serviced office should offer spacious meeting rooms that are bookable as and when you need them, whether for an hour or a whole day. They should also have convenient equipment like conference facilities, comfortable furniture, reliable internet, screens, and refreshments.
A clean workspace aids productivity, makes a positive impression, and shows courtesy to fellow teammates who share the space with you. But let’s be honest, we all lead busy lives - especially if you’re a business owner.
Cleaning probably isn’t your top priority. For maximum efficiency and convenience, choose a serviced office with cleaning facilities. This will most likely be part of an all-inclusive fee.
See also: Top 8 etiquette rules to follow in a serviced office
See also: Co-working vs serviced office - what’s the difference?
While you’re still expected to clean up after yourself during the day, a cleaning service will ensure that you come into a fresh and clean office every day, ready to drive your business forward without worrying about chores.
Your serviced office kitchen should be stocked with the basics, such as cutlery and crockery, a fridge, a microwave, and drinking water—everything you need to make your breakfast or lunch (or dinner). These facilities are not only essential for preparing food, but they can also help you and your employees save money.
Did you know the average UK employee spends £15 on lunch weekly? That can be even higher depending on your work area and how often you’re in the office. However, having access to a stocked kitchen can cut your expenses by up to £500 a year.
Furthermore, a modern serviced office will include additional amenities like a coffee machine, tea bags, and fresh fruit. This is a great way to cut your spending even more and promote healthier eating habits for your team by choosing (free) fruit over chocolate, crisps, or other unhealthy snacks.
Cycling is a popular mode of commuting, particularly in busy city centres. For avid cyclists, on-site bike storage facilities greatly enhance convenience, alleviate concerns about securing their bicycles and eliminate the need for external storage options, which can cost between £8 and £10 per day.
Additionally, providing such facilities promotes healthier lifestyles among your team and encourages the adoption of sustainable transportation alternatives over buses or taxis.
A high-quality serviced office should include showers and changing facilities. Whether cycling to work, planning a lunchtime run or simply wanting to freshen up before a meeting, these facilities make your work day far easier and more convenient. They also allow you to quickly and efficiently incorporate your hobbies into your work life.
The UK's unpredictable weather means temperatures can change drastically from cold to hot overnight. As a result, it is essential to have air conditioning to ensure a comfortable working environment at all times. This is why we believe that air conditioning is one of the top amenities your business needs. Regardless of the weather, you can set the perfect temperature to keep your team comfortable and productive.
Last, but by no means least, is the crucial consideration of wheelchair access. In 2024, inclusivity is not just a priority—it's an expectation. A truly inclusive serviced office must cater to the needs of all individuals, ensuring that every aspect of the workspace is accessible. This includes not only the building's entrances and exits but also private offices, meeting rooms, and shared facilities.
Whether it's wider doorways, ramps, elevators, or accessible restrooms, every detail should be designed with accessibility in mind. By choosing a wheelchair-friendly office, you will demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all employees, clients, and visitors can navigate the workspace comfortably and confidently.
At 71-75, we understand your business deserves the best, so we offer a comprehensive range of facilities and amenities. From versatile breakout areas and super-fast fibre Wi-Fi to fully equipped shower rooms, lockers, and secure bike storage, our serviced offices provide everything you need to enhance productivity and create a seamless, comfortable work environment.
Come and view our unbeatable facilities and enjoy 50% off your Serviced Office for the first three months. Call 020 3148 8770 or book a tour online for a date and time that works best for you.
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