2020 is here and it’s full of new business opportunities. Is this the year you’re finally going to turn your idea into a reality and start your own business? Or maybe it’s the year you’re going to really knuckle down and start kicking big goals! writes Chris Jbeily, Marketing Manager, Waterman Business Centres.
Whatever the case, there are a few logistics you’re going to need to consider – including, where to work from. Obviously, when you’re looking at what workspace you want to call home, facilities are number one on the consideration list. But there are some other crucial elements that you should contemplate which sometimes can be just as important.
Below is a list of other elements than just facilities that you should consider when choosing a new workplace in 2020. Here’s what to look for.
Commute time
When it comes to work-life balance, commute time is a major player. A longer commute can often lead to lower job satisfaction, including resentment towards working hours, work-life balance and productivity.
Furthermore, studies show that a long commute time leaves less time for other activities, such as exercising, spending time with friends and family, investing in hobbies and downtime. All areas which are vital for a person’s wellbeing.
Dr Sonia Nuttman from Deakin University’s Faculty of Health suggested that “Regularly battling peak hour traffic and travelling long distances to work leads to poorer mental health, stress and an increase in road rage incidents.”
Therefore, it’s vital to consider commute time and how it will affect you, your work-life balance and your overall wellbeing. Try to look at co-working spaces in your area, as more are popping up even in the (forgotten) suburbs.
Community
Being an entrepreneur or part of a small business can be extremely rewarding, but it’s also hard to do on your own. When it comes to where you spend your working hours, it’s important to choose somewhere with a real community you can be a part of.
Being a part of a community can alleviate occupational loneliness and help those who work solo feel a sense of belonging, understanding and togetherness. Plus, when tough decisions or situations arise, having a like-minded community around can ease the stress and help you make smarter choices.
As Gretchen Spreitzer, Peter Bacevice and Lyndon Garrett wrote for the Harvard Business Review, “Connections with others are a big reason why people pay to work in a communal space, as opposed to working from home for free or renting a nondescript office.
Parks and nature
When you’re staring at a screen all day, it’s important to take a break at some point to stretch your legs and give your eyes some rest from the monitors. Not only is this good for your joints, but short breaks are also proven to boost engagement at work.
And while you’re giving the emails some rest, it’s best to take these breaks by stepping out of the office and into some nature. A study in Finland showed that employees who take a short walk around a park, or take a moment of relaxation outside, during a lunchbreak will experience higher levels of concentration and lower strain in the afternoon.
This is why you should consider what parks and nature are around when looking at workspaces. Are there outdoor areas with greenery at the workspace? Or maybe a park nearby? Whatever the case, it’s important there’s some nature around.
Wellness and fitness
As well as getting in some nature during the workweek, it’s vital to get in some exercise. We know how crucial regular exercise is on our health and wellbeing. The World Health Organisation recommendations that all adults aged 18-64 years should aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise (the equivalent to 75 minutes of intense exercise) per week.
Finding time to exercise can be tricky, so it helps to have fitness facilities around your workspace where you can pop in before or after hitting the emails and spreadsheets. When weighing up your workspace options, take note of nearby gyms, yoga studios or other exercise facilities.
Choosing where to work from is an important decision, and one that should be made by determining not only what facilities certain places offer, but also how they affect your work life balance and overall wellbeing.
It’s important to take care of you too while you smash business goals in this new decade!
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