Today’s offices are designed to meet the needs of both remote employees and in-house staff. A flexible hybrid office design encourages work-life balance and provides greater autonomy to workers—all of which promote satisfaction, stability and enhanced engagement in tasks.

The hybrid office space is not intended for every industry. Rather, this contemporary type of design is meant to benefit employees whose primary duties can be done on the computer and offsite. A hybrid office design is not a temporary solution—but the future of agile workplaces.

Covid-19 accelerated the transition to hybrid offices, although the move toward this type of design was happening long before then. At the height of the pandemic, teams became dispersed, and management had to find a way to continue productivity and oversight without losing morale.

Since the end of the pandemic, workers have been reentering the office. The hybrid office design is becoming increasingly commonplace, and employees are beginning to favor this flexible style of working. The goal is to design an office that supports everyone’s needs.

The hybrid office is the solution for both in-house and remote workers. Employees have a choice of when, how, and where they work—this flexibility boosts the number of high performers to 55 percent, whereas the number of high performers who work solely in the office remains at 36 percent.

What are elements of a hybrid office design?

1. Diverse Workspaces

What does a hybrid office look like? The primary design feature is ample space for all types of work. Two-person meetings are held in booths; specific work tasks are accomplished at desks; and, meeting rooms are scheduled for team collaborations—all within the same office.

An office ecosystem that allows employees to find the ideal setup helps them get work done. Pods and booths support specific needs. Staff must also connect with remote workers. Virtual meetings are most successful when they are held in quiet, private workspaces.

Rather than knock down office walls, managers can repurpose existing equipment. Acoustic screens and whiteboards, for instance, can be positioned to establish physical boundaries around collaboration areas. Digital screens are moveable technologies that can be rolled to designated work spaces.

2. Technology

Technology is essential in the success of a hybrid office design. Depending on the company, some offices must be equipped with optimal video conferencing technology, while others may need improved spaces fitted with moveable acoustic screens or virtual whiteboards to better use digital gadgets.

Organization is also key—and technology makes this element easier. Booking systems, for instance, can be adopted to allow office workers to “book” a desk for a day. This type of system prevents staff coming into the office from being unable to find places to work.

A challenge to scheduling desks, however, is making employees feel connected to their workspaces. The answer to this problem is the team pod. Neighborhood desks give staff a home base from which to conduct their work three to four days out of the week.

3. Social Areas

Similarly, employees must feel connected when they work in a hybrid office. Face-to-face encounters are vital to fostering empathy and emotional connections. A hybrid office design encourages serendipitous meetings, such as when colleagues bump into each other and discuss projects.

In-person meetings are necessary for not only collaborations but building trust among employees. As a result of frequent in-person interactions, employees experience professional rewards, like greater commitment, support, and cooperation between teams. The hybrid office design makes these face-to-face meetings happen.

Opportunities for social interactions can occur in other ways. Companies may bring colleagues together once a year for a weeklong getaway, where long-lasting, influential bonds are built. Or, winding staircases can encourage impromptu meetings between office workers from different departments.

When these informal encounters happen, acoustics goes a long way toward motivating colleagues to socialize. Sounds around desks can be muted by sound-absorbent materials on ceilings and floors. But in areas designed for socializing, using less sound-absorbent material promotes chatting among staff.

Hybrid office designs cater to the needs of both in-house and remote workers, but real-life interactions rank highly. While employees value socializing with colleagues and impromptu in-person chats, they also want access to technology, professional development opportunities, and to feel a part of the community.

The most effective hybrid office motivates employees. Companies should focus on not only office design but technology and general office procedures to make their hybrid office a space workers want to walk into when they work onsite certain days of the week.

The ideal hybrid office is a place where staff members can absorb the workplace culture, receive mentoring, share ideas, and engage in impromptu meetings with their colleagues. The challenge remains in creating a seamless transition between home and work environments.

When your company has plans to relocate to a building that suits the needs of both in-house and remote staff, you’ll need a reliable office mover. Chicago Office Movers is the area’s most trusted commercial mover and our experience ensures your move will be successful.

Moving a business is a major feat, but with our skilled moving crews, the task can be accomplished on time and within budget. Our background-checked, union movers pack, transport, and unpack all office goods. Move specialists can also help you plan every phase of the relocation.

We offer a wide range of convenient moving services, including short- and long-term storage, paperwork storage, and insurance contracts. Our trucks feature climate-controlled spaces, lift gates, and air-ride suspensions that will fully protect your fragile office goods and equipment during transport.

Chicago Office Movers is the preferred mover for major companies and smaller ones, too. We’ve managed moves for Alcatel Lucent and Northwestern University. You’ll receive excellent customer service and secure handling when you schedule your move with our office moving company.

Whether you intend to move office furniture, IT systems and servers, science lab equipment or everything in between, Chicago Office Movers will ensure your relocation goes smoothly. Our Chicago-based company is available for long-distance, international, and local moves.

Call our Chicago office at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) for an estimate and join the ranks of our satisfied customers.

Recycling, donating, or selling old office equipment are ideal ways to dispose of the outdated or underutilized goods. Recycling benefits the environment as well as the company, since it promotes an eco-friendly image. Here are six ways to best dispose of unwanted office goods.

Following environmentally friendly business practices begins with recycling old office equipment. Retailers frequently accept used electronics for free. E-waste can also be disposed of at the local sanitation department during certain periods of the year.

Businesses should consider recycling their used equipment for a number of valid reasons. Companies lessen pollution when they recycle old printers, scanners, and copiers. These types of equipment contain mercury, arsenic, and lead—which can pollute the soil and leach into the water supply.

Companies also save on energy when they recycle or repurpose equipment. By utilizing the office goods to their max, businesses help save on the energy invested into manufacturing new office equipment as well as the energy associated with disposing of old materials.

Donating old office equipment, such as computers, scanners, and copiers, to charities is another benefit. Companies that give their old electronics away to qualified charities are eligible to receive tax breaks. The donations may be considered in-kind donations for tax purposes.

What types of office equipment can be recycled?

Office employees use a wide range of office equipment that can be recycled. Computers and electronics are obviously recyclable items. Furniture, too, is a type of office equipment that can be repurposed. Even smaller items without significant value can be successfully recycled.

Books have value and can be donated to charity. Paper and plastic products as well as packing materials are other types of office equipment that businesses should recycle. Batteries, especially, should be recycled, since they contain harmful chemicals that should be kept out of the environment.

1. Drop off equipment at recycling centers

Recycling any of the abovementioned office equipment can be done by bringing them to a local recycling center. Learn the recycling regulations, which can vary between centers. Call ahead to know what can or cannot be recycled in a specific geographic location.

Prior to taking the old equipment to the recycling centers, wipe the devices clean of personal and business information. Instead of hauling the equipment to the recycling center, busy company managers might also consider having a specialist from an office clean-out company come to them.

2. Utilize recycling programs

Leading manufacturers and brands offer recycling programs. Best Buy accepts e-waste in its recycling program. HP, another technology giant, recycles old desktop printers when a new one is purchased. Trade organizations, like MRM, run recycling compliance programs and offer recycling options.

3. Donate the equipment

Discard old office equipment by giving it to a charitable organization. Used furniture, electronics, and supplies are welcomed by charities that use them to cut operating costs or that refurbish them to re-sell at a profit. Consider donating to national charities with local branches.

Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Amvets are happy to accept donations of used office equipment. However, each organization has use for certain items; call ahead to determine what goods they will or will not accept. Nationwide drop-off locations make donating convenient.

Consider giving the old office equipment to the local community. Businesses can donate to technical schools and after-school STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) programs. Children learn how to code on these old machines. High school theaters use goods, like phones, as props.

Here is a list of location in Chicago that accepts used furniture.

4. Repurpose office equipment

Outdated office goods may have little value to growing companies—however, old tablets and laptops can have incredible value to temps, interns, and contractors. Employees are not unknown to giving old computers and other hand-me-down equipment to their school-aged children.

5. Sell to employees

Business managers have the option of selling old equipment to employees. An office worker may be willing to buy a used office chair for $25, for instance, or have use for an old filing cabinet in their home office. Selling old equipment at a discount is a win for everyone.

6. Reach out to used furniture companies

Listing old office desks and chairs online can attract interest from used furniture companies. Resellers will also haul the goods away, sometimes charging a nominal price to do so. Try to negotiate a lump sum to dispose of all the furniture at once.

Whether companies recycle or donate old office equipment, they make a favorable impression. Companies that do their part to help preserve the environment are supported by environmentally conscious customers. Selling the equipment to employees at a markdown also inspires goodwill.

Discarding old office equipment can mean that companies are making room for updated equipment. If your commercial business has plans to renovate, you’ll need a professional office mover, like Chicago Office Movers, to help move the furniture, labs, equipment, and other machinery.

We offer a wide range of office relocation services to corporations that are in the midst of relocating, renovating, or constructing additional spaces to their commercial building. Convenient storage services are provided to businesses that need secure storage for large pieces of equipment and furniture.

Once your office goods are ready to come out of storage, our moving crews will carefully transport them to your building. Moving teams are also experienced in installation and assembly, so we can ensure your equipment is installed and ready to be used without further disruption to business operations.

The office equipment stored in our secure storage facilities is recorded in an inventory list, so you can keep track of your items. Our moving specialists are also available to guide businesses as they plan a move, transfer office goods, or decommission a leased space in preparation for a relocation.

Chicago Office Movers has relocated businesses of all sizes in Chicago, Illinois. Our dedicated crews have helped government agencies, commercial businesses, and educational facilities with their relocation and remodeling needs.

Give us a call at 312-244-2246 or fill out a contact form to receive a free estimate regarding your next move or furniture donation.

A fun office is a more productive one, simply because employees are motivated, creative, and enjoy team-building opportunities. These happy staff members look forward to working in their team environment. Here are strategies to give the office a dose of fun.

What are the benefits of a fun office?

Employees who work in a fun office generally feel happier, which in turn fosters a pleasant work environment. When company leaders give staff members an opportunity to get to know one another personally through fun work functions, they experience an invaluable boost in morale.

An office where hobbies are encouraged inspires employees. Office staff have the chance to transfer their creativity to work-related tasks. Collaboration also increases when office workers learn to work well together—and this occurs when they participate in fun activities.

Lastly, working for a company that values a fun office culture helps prevent burnout in even the most dedicated employees. Office managers who incorporate fun activities into the workday give staff a chance to relax from stressful projects and prevent overexertion.

1. Celebrate Birthdays and Milestones

Office managers are encouraged to celebrate every chance they get to improve the enjoyability of working in the office and increasing productivity. One of the simplest ways to achieve this end is to celebrate employees’ birthdays and workplace milestones.

Extravagant parties for birthdays or work anniversaries are unnecessary. Rather, inspire employees by hosting an ice cream social or happy hour. Team members love a celebratory atmosphere, which helps them feel like family. In turn, these bonded employees enjoy more productive collaborations.

2. Organize Office Sports Teams

Motivate staff by playing sports after office hours. Friendly competition results when teams are established by department or organizational rank; for example, team up company leaders against office employees. Sports that coworkers can play include baseball, volleyball, soccer, or basketball.

On a smaller scale, foosball and ping pong can be played in an office game room. Office workers release built-up tensions as they compete. Managers might even host board or card tournaments, where teams of employees have a chance to win attractive prizes.

3. Implement a Vision Board

Organizational goals are reached when office managers set up a vision board prominently in the workplace. Incorporate the company’s branding, logo, and colors. Then ask employees to add their personal career goals, which may prompt discussion about how to support professional growth.

4. Share Jokes

Workplace jokes add joviality. Share jokes via mass emails or group chats to bring smiles to the faces of colleagues. Choose jokes that align with the company’s mission; for example, offices that work in the field of childcare can create a list of amusing things they’ve heard kids say.

5. Praise Employees Publicly

Create a Wall of Fame that recognizes the accomplishments of employees. Company leaders can post photos of staff members with captions underneath describing the reasons for their recognition. Colleagues then have a chance to congratulate them on their professional achievements.

Offering consistent praise in the workplace enhances the productivity of team members. When adding a Wall of Fame to the office, establish a schedule to ensure that recognition is given on a regular basis. Enhance the Wall of Fame’s design so that staff enjoy viewing it.

6. Introduce an Office Mascot

An office mascot doesn’t need to dress up in a costume and dance. Rather, bring a cat or dog to the office and watch as employees improve their work-life balance, nurture productivity, and decrease their stress. A pet in the office rewards staff with higher levels of happiness and productivity.

Responsibilities come with bringing a pet into the workplace. Set up a schedule for employees to walk the dog or set up a food bowl for the cat. Employees benefit from taking breaks to walk the pets and sharing their workspaces with friendly felines or canines.

7. Create Multiple Workspaces

In today’s offices, staff are no longer tied down to a desk and chair. The most fun workplaces give employees flexibility with seating and desks. Integrate adjustable-height desks, multi-person tables, and stools. Mobile technology makes it easy to work anywhere in the office.

Team members will jump at the chance for a change in scenery. Even adding an option to work standing instead of sitting can be rewarding for some staff. Offer a variety of workspace and seating options to increase employees’ flow of creative juices.

8. Utilize Natural Lighting

Rows of fluorescent lighting do little for staff energy levels and productivity. Employees respond better to natural lighting, which can be increased by opening window curtains in the office. Or, install adaptive lighting, which emits cooler tones in the morning and warmer tones in the afternoon.

Sometimes, what an office needs is to relocate to a building with numerous windows, various workstations, and more collaboration spaces. When you have big plans to move your company to greener pastures, bring in the experienced office movers from Chicago Office Movers.

Our Chicagoland commercial moving service offers companies, both large and small, a range of conveniences to meet all their relocation needs. Moving crews from Chicago Office Movers are licensed and background-checked to give you peace of mind as they handle the office goods.

We also provide packing and unpacking services, a benefit for businesses that aim to resume operations immediately upon arriving at their destination. Our specialists can help you plan an efficient corporate move, which can take months to finalize, and then execute the detailed plan.

As one of the most trusted corporate movers in the area, Chicago Office Movers is ready to give you premium services at an affordable rate. We’ve moved a range of sensitive and bulky office property, from IT systems to science labs, for prestigious area companies, including Alcatel Lucent.

When you want to work with an award-winning commercial mover, choose Chicago Office Movers. We’re based in Chicago, Illinois, and we’ll relocate your business locally, long-distance, or internationally.

When your company has plans to move locally, long-distance, or internationally, call our Chicago, Illinois, location at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form for a free estimate.

Residential and commercial moves share one basic principle: moving items from the origin to the destination. Aside from this fact, the two types of moves are vastly different. Here are the distinguishing factors that differentiate a residential move from a commercial one.

Firstly, it’s important to be aware that moving companies specialize in either residential moves or commercial moves. A homeowner relocating to a new city will hire a residential mover. A commercial move is reserved for small or large companies moving to a new commercial property.

What are differentiating aspects of residential moves?

Moving to a new apartment or family home requires the services of a residential mover. The move is scheduled once the move-in date is finalized by the homeowner. Packing can either be done by the homeowner or be delegated to a full-service residential moving company.

Furniture can likewise be disassembled by the homeowner or handled by the full-service residential mover. The moving crews load all belongings into the truck, transport them to the destination and unload. If desired, the movers can unpack and dispose of all packing materials.

Residential moves can be scheduled months in advance or on short notice. Long-distance moves, for example, are best scheduled three months ahead of the expected move date. Moves can also be scheduled a few days in advance, but at least two weeks are recommended.

A residential moving quote is based on the size of the project. A large move that fills up the moving truck and requires the skills of several movers comes at a higher cost than a smaller move utilizing only a couple of movers.

Similarly, the expected number of hours to complete the move is factored into the moving quote. If the homeowner requires packing and unpacking services, an extra charge will be added. Regardless, professional residential movers prioritize handling even delicate items with care.

Heavy lifting by residential movers is often limited to household appliances, such as washers and dryers, microwave ovens, pianos, and large artwork. Residential movers are prepared with the equipment, like dollies, and the skill to conveniently transport items like these.

What are differentiating aspects of commercial moves?

A commercial move is similar in process to a residential move but far more involved. Businesses that may hire a commercial mover include retail stores moving to a new storefront, a small office relocating to a larger facility, or an entire factory or warehouse moving across town.

Companies aim to move during evenings or weekends to minimize the disruptions to business operations. In order to accommodate business customers, commercial moving companies are often available around the clock. Residential moving companies, on the other hand, work limited hours.

When a factory or warehouse is scheduled for an upcoming relocation, special moving equipment and machinery will be necessary. Heavy, bulky items will require the commercial mover to utilize forklifts, toe jacks, and hand trucks. Professional commercial movers are skilled in operating this equipment.

Major heavy lifting is expected during a commercial move. Companies may relocate photocopiers, vending machines and heavy wooden desks. Science labs may have a significant amount of lab equipment to relocate. Universities may move large libraries, and warehouses move vast inventory.

Commercial movers are trained and experienced in packing, loading, transporting, and unloading heavy equipment and bulky office furniture. The crews’ specialized skills give them the ability to transport the goods safely and efficiently from the old property to the new one.

A company must protect its sensitive documents during the relocation. Examples of important business documents include employee records and financial statements. Reputable commercial moving companies perform background checks on their movers, ensuring they are security-conscious. Always hire a mover that conducts a thorough vetting process.

Unlike a residential move, a commercial move involves coordinating employees. Professional move counselors from a commercial moving company are available to help employees prepare for the move. They also work with businesses to finalize the layout for the new commercial space.

Commercial moves require advanced planning. A company is highly unlikely to find a commercial mover that is available on short notice. Rather, corporate moves are scheduled several months in advance. Companies must account for not only the move but their employees’ needs, as well.

Businesses that work with a commercial mover have access to numerous services that are unavailable from residential movers. Large commercial moving crews mean that companies are ensured a timely response to unanticipated requirements. Recycling and storage management services are also offered.

Residential moves and commercial moves are dramatically different, and moving companies are structured to cater to either residences or businesses. A business that is planning an upcoming relocation should seek a highly rated commercial mover, such as Chicago Office Movers.

We are a full-service commercial mover that is prepared to help your company successfully relocate. Our moving crews are skilled in packing a range of office goods, transporting them safely in our climate-controlled trucks and unpacking the items to help you resume business as quickly as possible.

The moving crews at Chicago Office Movers are background checked, licensed, and trained to ensure that your sensitive company documents and materials are handled securely and confidentially. Our crews are experienced in handling equipment and machinery of any size during the relocation.

Our office moving services are comprehensive. We offer long- and short-term storage options, paperwork storage and add-on services that can be customized to meet the relocation needs of your business. Move counselors are available to help you efficiently plan your corporate relocation.

Chicago Office Movers has successfully moved countless prestigious local companies and universities, such as Alcatel Lucent and Northwestern University. We’ll provide your business with the equivalent level of excellent customer service and top-notch handling of IT systems, antiques and electronics.

When you are planning an upcoming corporate relocation, choose Chicago Office Movers. We’re trusted by numerous area businesses and stand behind the quality of our services. We’re available to handle your local, long-distance or international move.

Call our Chicago, Illinois, at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) office or fill a contact form for a free estimate today.

A lease for a commercial property sets the foundation for the business. The space can be used as an attractive storefront or as a permanent, physical place in which to conduct company operations. It’s important to negotiate the lease for the property so that the agreement is advantageous.

The entrepreneurial journey starts with signing the lease for a commercial space. A lease for a business property is complex, contains numerous variables and is long-term. While the agreement is a liability, it can also be an asset when negotiated favorably.

A lease details several major components, including the lease type or term as well as the amount of rent and security deposit. The document outlines permitted and exclusive use. Terms for maintenance, renovations and exterior appearance are included, as is subleasing.

Tip 1: Know the Different Lease Types

Business owners can expect to review and negotiate any one of five different types of commercial leases. Signing a net lease means the tenant pays for rent plus property taxes; the landlord covers the costs for maintenance, repairs, and additional incidental expenses.

In a double net lease, the business tenant pays the base rent and a portion of the property taxes, utilities, insurance premiums, and janitorial services. A triple net lease stipulates that the tenant pays for all costs associated with operating the building—making it most favorable to the landlord.

A percentage lease is one where the tenant pays the base rent plus a percentage of monthly sales, making this type of agreement common for multi-tenant retail locations. The fifth type is the gross rent lease, where the tenant and landlord split the costs equally to maintain the property.

Tip 2: Research Comparable Rents

Knowing the different commercial lease options gives the business owner an advantage during negotiations. Since knowledge is power, also gather information about the local commercial real estate market. Learn about costs of comparable properties in order to negotiate a fair price.

Tip 3: Determine the Length of the Lease

Long-term leases appeal to landlords, since they do not want to negotiate every year. Being willing to sign a long-term lease can result in lower costs. Business owners should consider going long-term to gain the upper hand at the negotiation table.

Businesses that benefit from long-term leases are those that rely on security and are location-dependent, such as restaurants. Short-term leases of one to two years are ideal for small businesses; a renewal option gives the tenant the chance to see if the location is a good fit and stay.

Tip 4: Uncover Hidden Costs

Negotiations are favorable when the details of all costs are made upfront. As mentioned, a gross lease includes all costs, while a net lease includes costs in addition to base rent. In most commercial leases, tenants are responsible for maintenance and upkeep costs of common areas.

A business tenant can estimate the costs of specific maintenance systems by learning about the conditions of those systems. Negotiate caps on the costs or higher rent in exchange for the landlord taking on all costs. Determine whether utility meters are separate or apportioned among tenants.

Tip 5: Request Favorable Clauses

Certain modifications benefit the tenant, such as a clause allowing that the property may be subleased should the company relocate or close. Ask the landlord to include a clause that restricts him from leasing out nearby spaces to similar businesses.

Negotiate a co-tenancy clause, which stipulates that the tenant may break the lease if a large, existing tenant that drives business to the company leaves. Be aware that prospective tenants may ask the landlord to be responsible for structural improvements before moving in.

Tip 6: Examine Termination Conditions

Reviewing the termination clause gives prospective business tenants an understanding of the circumstances under which they may terminate the lease. Negotiate an early termination right that allows a business owner to end the lease before the lease term officially ends.

A termination clause will be beneficial if the landlord sells the building, or the business grows at an exceedingly rapid rate and the business owner must move to a larger space. Without negotiating this clause, tenants who are forced to end the lease will be subject to contractual charges.

Tip 7: Utilize a Lawyer or Tenant Rep

Commercial leases are complex, making it wise to involve an experienced real estate lawyer or tenant rep. Legal professionals understand commercial leases and help business owners negotiate favorable lease terms and save costs in the long run. Tenant reps negotiate on the business owner’s behalf.

Negotiating a lease should be done right the first time, considering the agreement will affect the company in several important ways, including profit potential. Favorable negotiations impact rent, employee parking spaces, and other perks that can help the business run smoothly.

Once you’ve settled on a prime business location and have signed the lease, you’ll need a commercial mover to help you transition to the new space. Businesses large and small count on Chicago Office Movers to provide dependable, efficient corporate relocation services.

Our experienced office movers are ready to pack, load, and unpack your company equipment, whether that includes fragile IT servers, sensitive electronics, valuable artwork, or bulky office furniture. Background-checked crews load all goods carefully and securely into our climate-controlled trucks.

Chicago Office Movers offers comprehensive corporate moving services to ensure your complete satisfaction. Included in the relocation are convenient short- and long-term storage, paperwork storage, insurance and service contracts, and specialized moving experts to help you plan the corporate relocation.

Given our years of commitment to helping businesses relocate, we have garnered multiple five-star ratings and awards. Recognizable companies that utilize our services include University of Chicago and Alcatel Lucent. We’ll deliver the same unmatched customer service to your business.

Choose Chicago Office Movers for your upcoming local, long-distance, or international move. With affordable moving services and a dedication to excellence, we’re instrumental in ensuring your company relocates to greener pastures as smoothly as possible.

Call our Chicago, Illinois, office at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) today.