Whether big or small, every office needs to be kitted out fully in order to function efficiently and productively. While setting up an office isn’t rocket science, it pays to make a plan (and a budget) to get your business running quickly and smoothly. There are essential items of equipment and furniture you’ll need for the bare bones, and various other requirements to make the place comfortable and professional for staff and visitors alike. Whether you’re building a new office from scratch, or simply refreshing your workspace, here are some of the essential items you’ll need for your business

Desks and chairs

Let’s start with the obvious – offices need desks and chairs for both you and your employees. Desks come in all shapes and sizes and can be found to suit all budgets. Adjustable desks are becoming popular, which allow the user to sit or stand – studies show that sitting all day can be bad for health. Chairs are also varied, but the emphasis is placed on ergonomic design, allowing workers to be productive without discomfort. Again, these can be found to suit all budgets, and if money is tight the second-hand market offers good options.

Computers

It goes without saying that offices need computers. The type of business you do determines the kinds of computers you’ll use – you may need basic machines to run office applications and handle admin, or you may need state-of-the-art computers for graphical capabilities, etc. The pandemic has shifted many businesses’ focus to remote work, so laptops might suit your needs better than desktops. 

Printers

Though some offices aim to be paperless, most businesses will require some printed materials. Choosing the right printer for your office depends on the level of usage it will get among other factors. Printers can be inkjet or laser, and again, choosing between them depends on your requirements and budget – inkjets are initially cheaper, but cost more to maintain, whereas laser models are more expensive to purchase, but become cost-effective the more you use them.

Other hardware

Your business may require additional electrical equipment such as a scanner or a fax machine (though the latter is becoming obsolete). Often these are built into a printer, but you may need a stand-alone scanner for security passes or other items.

High-speed internet

Every office has to be connected to the internet, and the faster and more reliable the service, the better. Choose the most reputable provider in your area, and make sure you have good-quality cables and a powerful router. Remember, as well as connecting to your customers via social media and other channels, you need to be able to access servers or cloud storage, run databases, etc.

Telephone system

Although smartphones and tablets have made landlines all but obsolete for consumers, an office telephone system is still a basic requirement. This allows reception to field and screen calls, employees to quickly contact one another, and provides reliable service in case of a mobile network outage. 

Lighting and temperature

Ambient conditions have been shown to have a profound effect on the happiness and productivity of office workers. Natural light is the best, so if you have windows, make the most of them. But most offices don’t have that luxury, so controlling conditions is essential. The light temperature in an office should be cool or neutral, and many offices now opt for relaxing zones with warmer temperatures to allow workers to rest and recharge during a busy day. Likewise, air conditioners should be modern and fully functional, to maintain a comfortable environment no matter the weather outside.

Kitchen facilities

An office needs a place where workers can store or prepare food and beverages. The amount of staff working in the office, and budgetary concerns, tend to determine the facilities on offer. You may opt for a coffee machine, or choose to provide coffee and tea bags. A fridge with adequate storage space should be provided, as well as a sink large enough to accommodate your worker’s needs. Fresh water should be available throughout the office. Most offices aim to cut down on single-use plastics, and bigger companies often provide workers with reusable water bottles.

This list covers the basics of most office requirements. While there are a number of factors to consider when running a successful business, making sure your workspace is properly equipped means your business can hit the ground running.