Meetings are all a part of work life, discussing important aspects of your business with employees that should help to improve business relationships and work ethic. However, some meetings feel like they take forever and leave employees feeling uninspired and unmotivated, reducing productivity within the workplace.
Increasing meeting productivity is the ideal way to encourage morale among employees, encouraging company-wide collaboration and creativity that will help to boost your business.
At Us&Co we’re big believers in creating productive meetings that leave your employees feeling inspired, but how can you bring this productivity into the workplace? We have come up with our top 10 ways to boost meeting productivity in the workplace, so you can find the right fit for your business.
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Creating Time
Time may not seem like an issue, but if you are planning a meeting you need to ensure that it will not affect anyone’s schedule, or cause stress to employees that are already struggling to cope with their workload.
Put all meetings into employees’ schedules, creating designated times for them to attend these meetings. Ensuring your employees have the time in their schedule for important meetings is a crucial step towards productivity and avoiding employee burnout.
Allow employees to come to you with any scheduling conflicts and give them the leeway to step out of meetings if needed, without worrying about consequences. If they must attend a meeting, try to work with their schedule to ensure they feel motivated when meeting time comes around.
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Only Schedule Meetings When Necessary
Have you ever heard mutterings of “That meeting could have been an email”? If so it’s an indication that you could cut down on the number of meetings you hold, only planning meetings where necessary.
Holding meetings that your team finds unnecessary can leave them feeling like time is being wasted.
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Create A Meeting Agenda And Stick To It
When planning a meeting you should have a clear agenda in mind. Think about the purpose of the meeting and create a detailed agenda to send to employees that allow attendees to prepare for the meeting in advance.
Creating a relevant agenda is the ideal way to keep your meeting on track and to ensure your meeting stays within time and purpose.
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Limit Meeting Attendees
One way to boost meeting productivity is to limit the number of people invited to attend the meeting. By only inviting a select few key attendees you can ensure you follow your agenda with those most likely to help gear the meeting towards your desired outcome.
Inviting too many attendees to your meeting can leave you with a room full of people who are unclear on the meeting’s purpose or their involvement, reducing productivity when they could have been working on something else instead.
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Ensure The Meeting Space Meets Your Needs
If you are planning to hold a productive meeting you need to ensure that your chosen meeting space has the facilities and features needed.
Whether you are having a meeting in your own meeting room or looking for one to use outside of the office, having issues with the space will have a negative effect on the productivity of attendees.
Ensure that if you plan to use technology, your meeting space has the required resources. Technical difficulties can lead to frustration and a lack of motivation in meetings, making the meetings take longer than planned.
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A Change of Scenery
Sometimes meetings can feel draining and repetitive, mixing up your meeting scenery can put a stop to these productivity issues. Why not try out a new meeting space for a fresh change of scenery? A new setting can help to engage and inspire attending staff for a productive meeting that leaves everyone feeling motivated and ready to get back to work.
Another way to add productivity and a change of scenery is implementing standing or walking meetings. Standing meetings get people up from their desks and help to keep the meetings short, whereas walking meetings are a fantastic opportunity to get out of the office and into the fresh air and sunlight.
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Keep Meetings Short And Sweet
Keeping meetings short and concise whilst following your pre-arranged agenda can boost productivity and reduce scheduling stress amongst attendees.
If you keep a meeting short, attendees will be motivated to get through all of their discussion points within the time frame, creating a productive meeting that doesn’t take up too much time out of people’s schedules.
Focusing on a single topic per meeting allows attendees to hyper-focus, without going off on tangents that leave the meeting feeling unresolved by the end of the given period.
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Create A Phone Free Zone
Removing phones from meetings is a great way to focus attention on the topic at hand.
Using phones during a meeting is unnecessary and can show a lack of respect for those speaking when used. Try having a phone basket in the meeting room, or encouraging attendees to leave their phones at their desks while the meeting takes place to avoid any distractions.
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Create Action Items
Ending your meeting with a recap of the discussion and a selection of tasks for attendees to complete can leave everyone feeling motivated and ready to work
Create a series of action items for everyone that attended the meeting, these items will motivate and inspire attendees whilst managing the workload brought on by the meeting.
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Recap
Once your meeting is over send out a recap of what was discussed and the mentioned action points to all attendees. Sending out the meeting minutes ensures that attendees remain motivated to complete the task at hand, resulting in a meeting with a productive outcome.
Participate In Productive Meetings At Us&Co
At Us&Co we provide flexible workspaces and meeting rooms that are the ideal space for productive meetings. Conveniently located in both London Stratford and Monument, Us&Co’s affordable meeting spaces are the ideal change of scenery for your next meeting.
Get in touch with our friendly team to book your next meeting at one of our excellent spaces, or check out our selection of meeting rooms today.
What Will Happen to Flexible Working in a Recession
2023 is beginning a little differently than previous years, with talk of a recession set to hit the UK this year.
Recessions can be worrying times for business owners and employees alike as some industries may struggle to generate the same sales as they have previously, meaning a reduction in other costs may be a prominent theme during this time.
But how will a recession affect the current popularity of flexible working for employees?
Flexible working can be the ideal solution for employees and employers alike, allowing people the flexibility to work from the office or from home at various stages of the work week.
At Us&Co we believe that a flexible workplace helps to motivate employees, which is why we have looked into the potential effects a recession may have on flexible working, and how employers can still benefit from it during hard times.
What is Flexible Working?
Flexible Working offers a choice in ‘when, how and where’ people work, whether that is remote, part-time or flexible hours. These possibilities have been added into contracts and company policies in recent years due to their motivational qualities for employees.
Flexible working became popular during the Covid-19 pandemic, allowing business to continue as usual while people were refined to their homes. It’s remained popular among businesses ever since, helping people to maintain their work life balance whilst still putting in excellent work, leaving people feeling happier with their roles and workplace.
However, with the potential of an upcoming recession predicted to begin in 2023, it is likely that some employers will be questioning the benefits of flexible working for their businesses.
How will a Recession affect Flexible Working?
With the introduction of a recession comes the potential for financial loss amongst businesses, which is why employers are looking at ways they can continue to provide jobs and services that don’t have a negative, long-term impact on their business.
With a reduction in finances, it is understandable that employers may want their staff members to be making use of a workspace that is paid for by company funds. It’s also understandable that they may want to cut costs wherever possible, however flexible workspaces during these times can be a gift rather than a curse.
How you can use Flexible Workspaces for your Business
Flexible workspaces, such as the affordable office spaces in London provided by Us&Co, bring employers the opportunity to offer workspaces to their employees without the need for a fixed contract on an office, allowing you to choose weekly meeting spaces, co-working desks or the occasional private office space for your team.
Flexible workspaces can help to increase employee comfort and productivity, whilst making well-being an important factor. Since 2020 it has been shown that flexible workspaces paired with a flexible work schedule have improved productivity at work whilst making sure employees are satisfied with their job in the workplace.
Workspaces like those found at Us&Co are typically open plan, encouraging engagement with team members and easy opportunities to work together or brainstorm.
They also utilise shared kitchens and socialising facilities with other businesses and site users, cutting the costs of additional expenses such as electricity or water bills, with these costs being built into the overall cost of renting a flexible workspace.
How removing Flexible Working could create Employee discord
Flexible working has become the norm in recent years, with remote or part-time working being the most common flexible work opportunities provided by employers.
As financial stress begins to unravel due to thoughts surrounding the recession, it is expected that some employers will begin to think about rolling back these opportunities as they try to bring in more structured working roles.
Removing flexible working from your list of business offerings can be a big negative for those in your team, especially if the flexibility of working from home helped to benefit their personal lives too.
From parents to carers and those with large commutes, flexible working has been a huge benefit, so removing this as a work perk risks pushing those people into looking at more reliable job opportunities, potentially with competitors or even outside of the industry if the benefits are better.
Adjusting Flexible Working Opportunities
Rolling back on flexible working completely risks demotivating your employees, which is why it may be a better choice to adjust your flexible work plans rather than removing them altogether.
If you are looking to adjust flexible working opportunities, try lowering your company’s ‘work from home’ threshold. If your current flexible working policies include five days working from home, with the parameters being to come into the office for meetings, lower this to two or three work-from-home days. This way you are still providing a motivating, flexible work opportunity to your employees, whilst building team members in the office on a weekly basis.
How Flexible Working can be a Benefit during a Recession
Flexible workspaces, like day offices or co-working day passes, can be a great opportunity for businesses to reduce costs during a recession.
Leaving large offices behind can remove a large expense from your company. Instead, having a once or twice-weekly office in a flexible workspace like Us&Co can provide you with an eco-friendly, budget alternative that allows you to implement set office days or book meeting spaces, whilst allowing your employees to work remotely otherwise. This can help to motivate employees, bring a work life balance to the forefront of your employee benefits, whilst also providing a financially viable solution during the recession.
Discover Flexible Workspaces with Us&Co
At Us&Co we offer a series of flexible workspaces in London to suit all of your professional needs. Conveniently located in both Stratford and Monument, Us&Co provides affordable office space in London.
Each office space has access to facilities and excellent technology to help make your experience in a flexible workspace run smoothly.
Get in touch with our friendly team today to find out more about our excellent spaces, or view virtual tours of our London Stratford and London Monument locations today.
The Benefits of Choosing a Flexible Workspace
The rise of flexible working has brought flexible workspaces to the fore in recent years. They may be nothing new but before the COVID-19 pandemic showed us the importance of a healthy work-life balance, the advantages were mostly confined to how they benefit employers rather than employees.
Today, there’s much awareness of how flexible workspaces are a win-win for employers and employees. From top to bottom, they can contribute to greater happiness and productivity, while fitting in with the fast-paced demands of the modern work world.
We’re big believers not just in flexible working, but also in having a workspace that complements this flexibility on every level. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what flexible workspaces are and how they can enhance your work environment.
What is a Flexible Workspace?
Flexible office spaces give occupants access to a professional work environment without the hassle of owning or renting outright. Most often, this is a serviced space that requires minimal upkeep on the occupant’s part, with a versatile series of rooms that’s often shared with other like-minded businesses (although not always).
The types of flexible spaces available include day offices, co-working spaces or even individual rooms such as meeting rooms or conference facilities that can be rented out for short periods.
This is especially useful for start-ups looking for an office that don’t want the long-term commitment of leasing a space indefinitely. However, the advantages can also extend to well-established businesses that need extra space quickly and conveniently – when hosting a conference, for example.
Some key features of flexible workspaces:
- Typically open plan to encourage engagement
- Shared kitchen and socialising facilities
- Breakout spaces and quiet zones to complement various workstyles
Flexible offices are designed to mould to the needs of employers and employees on every level, hence the multipurpose spaces on offer (as well as the bespoke payment plans that are often non-contractual).
Flex Space Benefits for Your Business
Businesses who embrace flexible offices report a range of benefits that extend beyond the added convenience. Below are some key advantages:
1. Highly adaptable spaces with reduced overhead costs
Traditional offices are iconic for their cluttered and often mundane layouts. Of course, a cluttered work environment can also be an unsafe one; the working world has had to evolve post-pandemic, and the more breathable spaces of a flexible office are perfectly suited to this evolution.
Flex spaces include all the pieces of furniture and equipment you’d expect to see in a fresh office (minus the specific essentials like laptops, etc.). There’s no need to uproot and ‘move in’ – your employees can simply turn up, plug in and get to work.
There’s also the possibility of changing the space to meet your requirements. If you’re looking to set up shop in a flex space for a longer period, you’ll likely be permitted to move the desks and chairs around to suit your needs. This effectively makes the space ‘yours’ without any long-term commitment.
Needless to say, this all amounts in little to no overhead costs. Your business pays a flat fee for the space you use; electricity, water and even beverages can be included.
2. Enhanced productivity
The lighter layout and versatile facilities can also contribute to greater productivity among your workers. They’re not ‘shackled to their desks’, so to speak, with access to spacious, multipurpose areas designed to improve productivity.
As mentioned earlier, this includes quiet zones for focused work and breakout areas for collaborative tasks. Say goodbye to noise-cancelling headphones and awkward huddles in tight spaces – comfort and convenience is the name of the game.
3. They encourage networking & collaboration
Growing businesses understand the importance of networking all too well. You never know what possibilities a watercooler conversation can open up.
Because flexible offices are large enough to accommodate multiple businesses of various sizes, there’s an indispensable opportunity to meet and work alongside other professionals. Co-working spaces are built to bring people together rather than separate them into cubicles, contributing to increased collaboration and, in turn, greater satisfaction.
As we continue to lean into the advantages of the digital era, the world is becoming increasingly interconnected. Flexible spaces designed in accordance with the co-working model are spearheading this revolution.
4. They contribute to a modern workplace culture
It’s a simple equation: happy employees = greater workplace culture. Workers are more savvy than ever about their work-life balance; they want an environment that enhances their happiness alongside their careers.
So, modern workplaces must offer a competitive work-life balance to attract and retain talent. Flexible spaces provide just that – greater freedom in the workplace and more scope for flexing around the work week, too. Because flexible workspaces can be tailored to your needs, you may choose to adopt a hybrid model whereby you have a set number of office days and working from home days. For modern employees, this arrangement is essential.
Find Your Flexible Workspace in London
If you’re based in and around London, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of flex space opportunities. If you’re looking to utilise one for your business, we’d love to hear from you.
At Us & Co, we run a series of professional, flexible workspaces in London. Beautifully fitted and conveniently located, they’re a boon to businesses who are looking for a co-working space that complements the modern lifestyle.
Get in touch today to find out more and view virtual tours of our locations below:
How to Choose the Right Location for Your Office
When it comes to running a small business, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing the right office space. Finding a location that promotes productivity, offers convenience and provides all the facilities you need can feel like a lot to juggle.
However, it’s not impossible to find a space that ticks all the right boxes. You just need to know where to start.
In this blog, we’ll go over some key things to consider when choosing office space. Whether you’re looking for a traditional office or a shared space that accommodates hybrid working, these steps will keep you on track to finding the right space for your business.
6 Considerations for Choosing Your Office Space
1. Does the location suit the business itself?
One of the most immediate factors in choosing an office space is its location. Where your office is based will have a major impact, not only on ease of access and the available nearby amenities but also on first impressions.
An office location that gels with what your business stands for will give off an unforgettable, harmonious impression. For example, if you’re working in a fast-paced, digital landscape, you’ll want to consider working in a busy central hub that attracts the clientele and stakeholders associated with your industry. Stratford in London is a good example, with many businesses moving to this increasingly popular location.
Your office location will have practical ramifications as well. Is it accessible via local transport links? Is there sufficient parking nearby for employees/visiting clients and stakeholders? An office is more than 4 walls and a handful of desks; to foster the desired level of productivity, it needs to be accessible to the people that pass through it as well.
2. Is it cost-effective?
This is one that’s probably at the forefront of your mind, especially if you’re a small or growing business. Think about the impact the cost of the space will have on your budget. It may be more cost-effective in the long run to go for a space that costs slightly more, but that you won’t have to move out of in 6 months’ time as your business grows.
In this case, a great solution is a coworking space. These afford flexibility, affordability and even productivity benefits, and are typically located in central hubs.
3. Are the rooms varied enough?
Multiple rooms with various functions aren’t just for large workforces – they’re essential for providing freedom and functionality to small businesses as well.
The flow of an office is vital for granting purpose to your business’s daily operations. Ensure that each employee has personal space for solo work as well as a primary meeting room. Smaller collaborative spaces for breakout tasks can be beneficial, and a recreational space to relax in can have positive effects on productivity, too.
Whatever your space requirements, keep in mind how available rooms might be assigned. This will also depend on your business; if your daily workflow emphasises collaboration, you’ll naturally want to assign more space to areas that facilitate group tasks.
If you opt for a coworking office space, you’ll have access to a variety of rooms that facilitate all manner of tasks, giving you access to what you need, when you need it.
4. Is the building well-maintained and regularly serviced?
Whether you’re looking to hire a cleaner yourself or choose a space that is regularly serviced by the landlord, this is another important consideration when choosing office space.
If you’re a small or startup business, you naturally want to avoid as much logistical hassle as possible. Choosing a flexible office space is an excellent option, as you’ll be able to turn up to work without worrying about even paying the electricity bill, let alone a cleaner. It’s all taken care of for you, allowing you to get to work with a minimum of fuss.
5. What do your employees want/need?
It’s surprising how few businesses ask their own employees what they want from their office space. Oftentimes, the people ‘on the ground’ will be able to offer points of view you may not have thought of otherwise. In the modern world where a work-life balance is more important to employees than ever, it’s important that they have some say in what their work life looks like. Businesses are increasingly catering to this, and these workplaces are often the most competitive for attracting new employees.
Consider how your office space can enhance your existing wellbeing policies, as well. This doesn’t mean you have to think about providing an in-house gym – it can encompass more realistic features such as standing desks and healthy lunch options.
It’s always worth checking in with your employees to see what they want from their future office space. Providing a work environment that they had some say in can be a powerful enhancement to productivity in itself.
6. Does the area facilitate networking opportunities?
This goes without saying, but networking is vital for young businesses. Being in the right place can ensure your path crosses some interesting people in your space, so think about how your office location can lend itself to broadening your network.
Are there similar businesses in the area? Even better, are there different businesses that do something unique, something you can learn from? Scoping out the networking environment – whether it’s in your building or nearby – is highly recommended.
Again, this is where coworking offices excel. By situating your business amongst other businesses of similar scopes, the opportunities for networking are limitless. Whether it’s chatting with someone from across the hall at lunch or engaging in one of those infamous ‘water cooler conversations’, coworking spaces facilitate networking as few other office spaces can.
Looking for the Perfect Office Space for Your Small UK Business?
If so, Us & Co may have just what you need. We run a series of workspaces in London in the following locations:
Our spaces are available on a flexible basis, allowing you to pay only for what you use. Get in touch today if you’d like to find out more about our office spaces and available meeting rooms for rent.
Related article: How to Find the Right Office Space as a Start-Up Business
Why Your Business Should Embrace Hybrid Working | Us & CoHybrid office working has shaken up the corporate world in recent years. The modern workplace is evolving into a space that facilitates a healthy work-life balance and the demands of a more flexible way of life post-COVID.
With the popularity of the hybrid model only rising, it’s time for all businesses to consider how they can provide this way of working to their employees.
With this in mind, this blog will cover what hybrid working is, as well as its benefits for both employers and employees. We’ll also briefly touch on how to start embracing the hybrid approach for your own business, with practical advice on making it work for you.
What is Hybrid Working?
Hybrid working is a workplace model that involves both remote working and traditional office-based work. It’s flexible by nature, offering employees greater control over their movements while allowing employers to utilise more flexible workspaces if a large office isn’t in the budget.
In short, it’s the perfect combination of legacy office working and modern, flexible remote working. From embracing practicality to improving productivity, the hybrid model allows businesses to step into the future of the workplace without totally abandoning the upsides of having a physical base.
The Benefits of Hybrid Office Working
The evidence suggests that the benefits of flexible working are a win-win for employers and employees. A hybrid office falls squarely in the ‘flexible workspace’ of the future – here’s how.
A Higher Emphasis on Work-Life Balance
We’ve already touched on the importance of a healthy work-life balance for modern job seekers. In this day and age, workers are much more mindful of the effects of their work life on their mental health. Perks and initiatives that champion them as people go a long way, as employees want to feel more in control of their working lives.
Of course, embracing a hybrid office model is not the only way to do this, but it can be a great option to help your organisation become more appealing to the modern workforce.
Improved Productivity
Studies show that an improvement in mental well-being equals greater productivity. We’re most productive when we feel in control and when we feel our personal needs are being met; giving employees the chance to embrace their jobs on their own terms can be just the incentive they need to improve their output.
If you want to make your business more competitive – both in the sense of being more appealing to job seekers and with a higher-quality output from improved productivity – the modern hybrid model could be the answer.
Simplified & Streamlined Meetings
Boardroom meetings have been dying out for some time now, with the COVID-19 pandemic proving that even essential face-to-face meetups can be conducted remotely. Modern technology makes it extremely easy for office workers to catch up, strategise and learn from anywhere in the world, let alone the country – it’s why there’s been such a rise in remote working.
Of course, this translates perfectly to the hybrid model, where meetings can be held at the convenience of attendees.
Now, not every business can afford to get rid of in-person meetings altogether – but conducting day-to-day meetings online is very possible, with no necessary sacrifice to productivity.
Financial Benefits for Employers and Employees
The hybrid working model can save a tremendous amount of money, not just for employees but for businesses themselves as well. The lower overheads that come from a reduced, form-fitting office space can be game-changing. You can essentially grow your workforce without paying for more space in some cases.
For employees themselves, the lower commuting costs can be extremely enticing, particularly in busy, central economic hubs. Hybrid office working is simply one of the most sustainable ways to carry out business in this day and age.
How to Set Up Your Hybrid Workspace
Below are our top tips for getting started with your business’s own hybrid arrangement. It’s by no means an exhaustive list, but these considerations should get you started in the right direction.
Choose the Right Hybrid Model for Your Business’s Needs
A hybrid office can take two possible forms:
- Employees have set days when working in the office. This can involve everyone being in the office on only a few days of the week, or on a rota whereby each employee is assigned days to come in.
- Employees ‘opt-in’ to their office days, giving them the control to choose when they work from home or from the office during core working hours.
Giving employees the power to choose when they’re in the office is perhaps the most popular model, as it affords them the best opportunity for a work-life balance that suits their (and your) needs. If your business allows for employees to do this (within reason, of course!), you might consider it the best course of action.
The rota option is great if you have limited office space – employees can hotdesk where needed to ensure they all enjoy office days and home days in a space that might be crammed should too many be in the office on a single day. Of course, this option requires more admin on your side, which is worth bearing in mind.
Bring Your Employees Onboard with Decision Making
Choosing the model doesn’t need to be the choice of key decision-makers alone. Bringing employees into this decision is a good idea, as the model is designed partly to meet their own needs. Therefore, having them join you in choosing the right model can be beneficial for all involved.
Consider Using a Flexible Workspace
Flexible workspaces and hybrid working are the perfect combination. With a flexible office, you can supercharge your business’ sustainability even further, whether you’re a large organisation or a budding start-up business looking for the right office space.
Flexible workspaces don’t have to completely do away with the traditional ‘9 to 5’ – in fact, they can enhance it in ways that are more conducive to modern lifestyles, making them ideal for moulding to the needs of a hybrid office environment.
Embrace the Hybrid Office with Us & Co
If you’re looking for an office space that flexes to your business’s hybrid needs, we’d love to hear from you.
Us & Co hosts a series of flexible workspaces for London and Dublin businesses, with an array of offices and meeting rooms that can mould to your needs. Whether you’re after a flexible but fixed office space or just need a day office to use sporadically, we can meet your needs to give you and your employees the work environment you need.
Get in touch to find out more, or book a virtual tour of one of our facilities below:
Stratford, London: The Perfect Blend of Business and PleasureDoes your business take you to Stratford, London? Stratford has quickly become a prime placement for businesses in London, with a diverse range of businesses and freelancers taking up residence in the area.
Working in Stratford provides excellent transport links to the rest of London, including the London Central Business District in Canary Wharf which can take less than twenty minutes using public transport, perfect if you have meetings to get to outside of the borough.
Stratford may be becoming a strong business centre in East London, but it also has a wide range of activities and locations to appeal to the visiting business person.
Working in Stratford
Stratford has become a thriving business location in the past decade, with a host of offices and businesses filling the area with unique ideas and exciting new ventures.
Us & Co Stratford is a professional workspace for freelancers, visiting business people and established businesses alike. Located a short walk from Stratford Tube, rail and DLR, Us&Co Stratford is in a convenient location for those with meetings across London.
Find some of the best flexible office spaces, meeting rooms and co-working desks to suit your needs, with options for contracted spaces or day passes.
If you’re planning on spending a few days in Stratford on business why not take a look at our workspaces to find the right one for you?
Stratford is also home to a large variety of activities and eateries to visit and enjoy in your downtime.
Visiting Stratford for Business
If you are planning to visit Stratford for business then there are a number of business-friendly hotels in the area. The Gantry and The Stratford Hotel are a short walk away through East London from Us & Co’s Stratford-based office building.
Planning to stop for breakfast on your short commute from bed to desk? The King Eddie has the perfect Full English to give you the energy to fuel your day.
What to Do in Stratford, London
All work and no play make for a dull stay in Stratford. You may love what you do, but everyone needs some downtime to relax every now and then.
Stratford has really bloomed since the 2012 London Olympics, putting Stratford on the map for business and pleasure alike. So what is there to do?
Since Stratford was the location of the Olympic stadium it couldn’t be easier to take a tour of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Gardens that have been erected in the outdoor stadium, and take in the beautiful park that shows the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The park was once completely paved but has been completely reimagined as a series of Pleasure Gardens, full of lush natural spaces as well as play areas and theatre spaces for people to enjoy in their off time.
Fancy taking a look inside the main Olympic stadium? Join a stadium tour and observe the Olympic stadium now that it has been converted into West Ham Football Teams’ home base. Or perhaps you’d like to see the London Aquatics Centre, the home of the London Olympics Swimmers, and make use of the world-class facilities before heading back to the office.
Looking for something a bit more thrilling for your day off? Take a slide down the ArcelorMittal Orbit. Built to coincide with the London Olympics, this is the largest metal sculpture in the UK. Head up just for the views across London, and either abseil down this eye-catching sculpture or take the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide back down. What better way to see Stratford, London?
Perhaps you like to unwind in the evenings by watching a play or heading to the cinema? The Theatre Royal Stratford East and Stratford East Picturehouse have you covered. Stratford has an abundance of entertainment for you right on the Us&Co doorstep.
Discover Delicious Food in Stratford
When visiting a place for business, knowledge of food locations is a necessity, and knowing where to eat in Stratford is an important part of visiting the area.
Here East sits right on the edge of Olympic Park and offers a wide range of dining options, from restaurants to Alfresco dining, there are options for everyone sitting right alongside the canal.
Head over to Breakfast Club for a late brunch before heading into the office, or pop over to MOTHER Works for some wholesome vegan options after work.
Need a place to unwind? Roof East sits on the roof of Stratford Shopping Centre and is the perfect place to take in both the views and the vino after a productive day at work. Stratford’s amenities have something for everyone, from lunch to after-work drinks and more.
These are just a few of the incredible eateries in the area, with more like The King Eddie and The Big Easy available to suit all tastes and lifestyles.
The Benefits of Working in Stratford
Working in Stratford provides the benefits of working in a well-connected London borough, with a small town neighbourly feel. Whilst being a convenient location for commuters, especially cyclists, Us & Co’s location in Stratford is great for businesses visiting London for meetings or short stay periods.
Stratford rental prices for office spaces are noticeably lower than for those in areas of London that are more centrally located. Considering the investments put into the area since 2012 you are getting exceptional locations that could be seen anywhere in central London, but at a fairer price.
Us & Co offers a variety of office spaces and bookable conference rooms that can be rented for business use in our Stratford office building. With high-tech equipment and amenities, they’re perfect for long-term let or short-term co-working day passes that allow you to interact with like-minded people.
Coming to Stratford, London?
If Stratford is in your plans for a business trip and you’re looking for the perfect place to work then get in touch with our team to find a plan that works for you. Individually or as a team, our collaborative space is ideal for conducting business in London.
The Best Offices in Stratford, London
Have you been looking for working spaces in Stratford, London, for your business?
Stratford has become a booming centre for business in London. With a diverse range of businesses already taking up residence in East London, including Cancer Research and the British Council, Stratford provides an inspiring space for businesses and freelancers alike.
What has Stratford got to offer?
Since the London 2012 Olympics, Stratford has flourished. Between meetings, you can take a walk through Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, or pop over to Stratford Shopping Centre for a post-work drink at Roof East. Or if you want to see some of the best views Stratford has to offer, you can take a slide down the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the UK’s tallest metal sculpture.
Coming from afar? The Gantry or The Stratford Hotel are a short distance away, making for an exciting morning commute through East London. After breakfast on your way to the office? Stop in The King Eddie for a Full English to power you through those busy working days, or head over to Here East’s Breakfast Club.
All of this and more is right on the doorstep of Us & Co’s Stratford-based office building. Central offices are few and far between but are a luxury that Us & Co has to offer.
Flexible Working Spaces
If you’re looking for an office to rent in Stratford that provides a range of options for your business, Us & Co has a variety of working spaces to suit all of your needs. Whether you are looking for a coworking desk, a full-time private office, or a meeting room for the day, Us & Co Stratford has something suitable for everyone.
Some companies prefer a private office for their business, and Us & Co are happy to provide one. Our offices can cater to a range of sizes, whether you need five desks or fifty, we have something for you.
Just starting out or freelancing? Embrace our productivity inducing coworking desks which can provide both privacy and networking opportunities. Mingle with other companies that may benefit you and your business.
Only need a desk for the day? Consider one of our day passes, perfect for a drop-in. Or purchase a bundle of day passes if you only need a desk for a limited number of days per month.
If the modern office spaces aren’t enough, the amenities may sway you. With free superfast Wi-fi, freshly ground coffee, and Full Air-Conditioning, what more could you ask for? A club space is available for all of our members to use as a fantastic breakout area. There’s also an on-site support team to help with any queries that may arise.
High-tech Meeting Rooms
Will your business need a lot of room for meetings? We offer meeting rooms from £15 per hour, equipped with you really can’t go wrong.
Perhaps you only need a small space for interviews? Us & Co Stratford has a three-person meeting room perfect for your needs, including an HD Screen for sharing presentations.
Or maybe you need something a little larger? Our fourteen-person boardroom offers the latest in AV technology, as well as a screen that doubles as a whiteboard, ideal for large meetings and presentations.
Located a short walk from Stratford station, our meeting rooms can be booked by the hour, full day or half a day, giving you all the time you may need to brainstorm.
Conference Suites
Us & Co Stratford offers a modern conference suite that is adaptable for a range of meetings, conferences and events. With complimentary Wi-Fi, this space can accommodate between 24 and 72 people for either a full or half day.
The ground floor conference room can be rearranged into four different layouts and capacities to suit your needs. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in all the natural light you might need.
There is a large breakout space next door, offering refreshment stations and the potential to book out the two adjoining meeting rooms if needed.
Environment, Sustainability and Wellbeing
As a London-based, large building, we are aware of our impact on the world around us. Whilst we aim to provide the best possible working environment for our customers, we also aim to provide the best possible care to the environment around us.
With the goal to become Carbon Neutral by 2030, we have been working hard to reduce our use of single-use plastics, as well as installing the latest equipment for energy efficiency.
All of our furniture has been sourced responsibly, and with longevity in mind.
Wellbeing is a key factor to those at Us & Co, which is why all of our buildings are supplied with newly filtered air and large windows to provide natural light whenever possible.
We also provide wellness social events for our members, which include Yoga or Pilates classes that have been organised by our building teams. Cycling to work with your own carbon footprint in mind? We have bike storage on site.
Transport
Being in East London, our Stratford office is close to many different transport links.
Just a minute’s walk from our doors will find you at Stratford High Street Station, where it is only a potential fifteen-minute DLR to Canary Wharf or thirteen minutes to City Airport.
Stratford Station is approximately a six minute walk from us, leaving you an eleven minute tube ride from Bank Station, or nine minutes from London Liverpool Street Station. If you’re intending to catch the Eurostar, it is less than twenty minutes by train.
Stratford International is fifteen minutes from us, allowing you a quick walk before catching your train.
For buses, it is just a fifteen minute walk over to Stratford City Bus Station.
We provide bike storage and showers for any cyclists that may wish to use our exemplary office spaces.
With all of this in mind, we pride ourselves on offering the best for our customers.
If you are looking for the best offices in Stratford then look no further! Get your team together in this collaborative space, for some forward thinking. Find out more by contacting our team.
The Benefits of Coworking Spaces for StartupsFinding the right office space for your startup business can make a world of difference for your organisation. It has the power to position your brand for success, especially in the early stages of life as a startup.
Before we dive into the plentiful benefits that this modern office setup can have for your business, let’s answer the question: what exactly is a coworking space?
What is a Coworking Space?
A coworking space is a public workspace that can be hired as and when you need it. They appeal particularly to part-time and drop-in workers who have flexible schedules, so they can swing by the ‘office’ when they need to, without paying for space they’re not using.
Increasingly, however, they’re appealing to new businesses that need office space without the routine hassle that comes with maintaining their own building.
What Makes Coworking Spaces Perfect for Startups?
The popularity of coworking spaces has blossomed in recent years. They’re an accessible, stylish and flexible place to work, making them particularly attractive to entrepreneurs and professionals from a range of backgrounds.
This appeal, which transcends any single profession, is a key draw of coworking and one we’ll cover in more detail throughout this article.
7 Benefits of Coworking Spaces
Below are some of the key benefits of coworking for startups. While not an exhaustive list, this gives an idea of how you can expect your business to profit from embracing this modern way of working.
1. Highly flexible working
Coworking is flexible by nature. You only pay for the space when you use it – whether that’s a week at a time or just for a day.
Getting a startup off the ground is not a 9-5 job. It requires flexibility, the days often running at odd hours. This is what makes the partnership between startups and coworking spaces so appealing; they are tailor-made for each other.
2. No overhead costs
Startup businesses are busy. You want a workspace solution that keeps your schedule as clear of admin tasks as possible, allowing you to focus on the tasks that matter.
Coworking spaces are managed by the building, meaning you don’t have to worry about cleaning and maintenance. You simply turn up, plug in and get to work.
3. Enjoy a workspace that scales alongside your business
Because coworking spaces are designed to cater to multiple businesses, it stands to reason they’re also flexible when it comes to the size of your startup.
The early stages of business growth can be unpredictable; you may go on a hiring spree and suddenly need more space. Or, perhaps you’ve been working with contractors for a short while and the partnership is coming to an end, meaning you don’t need as large a workspace.
Coworking arrangements are perfect for this level of unpredictability; because you can hire them as and when needed, you can adjust the number of desks you need as well – on extremely short notice if necessary.
4. Networking opportunities
Networking is one of coworking’s greatest strengths. You’ll be sharing a workspace with professionals from a diverse range of industries and sectors. Some will overlap with your own, others won’t; regardless, it’s a great way to meet new people and form new partnerships which can have a proactive impact on your business.
Coworking spaces also typically have an adjoining recreation area, where you can exchange ideas and ways of working in a relaxed way – or even find new clients right on your doorstep.
5. Access to a wider network of talent
With professionals from a broad range of specialisms in close proximity, coworking spaces are great not just for networking, but for recruiting as well.
In the early stages of your business growth, you may need to outsource tasks that your existing team can’t perform. When coworking, you have essential access to talent outside your organisation’s current capacity, some of which may be looking to partner with a business just like yours. You never know who you might strike up a conversation with – so, get networking!
6. Maintain a professional image
Even as a startup, a professional appearance is everything. Coworking is the best of both worlds because:
- It offers a flexible workspace that you can use when needed; no more, no less
- It shows key personnel and stakeholders that your business is taking strides to operate in a stable and permanent capacity
Professionalism says a lot about a startup and having an office address – even if it’s a coworking office – can make a world of difference in attracting new talent and making a good first impression with investors.
7. Accessible and centrally located
Last but not least, coworking spaces are often situated in central locations, positioning your business in the perfect location without breaking the bank. Central offices are a luxury that few organisations can afford, but even startups can benefit from life in economic hubs with the aid of a coworking space.
One example of excellent accessibility comes from the long-awaited and recently launched Elizabeth Line, which eases travel to and from central areas throughout London. For businesses using Us & Co’s office spaces, for example, getting to our Stratford location has become a breeze.
Give Your Startup a Boost with a Coworking Space at Us & Co
Like the sound of an easily accessible, well-kept, flexible and sociable workspace?
Us & Co is a series of professional workspaces in London and Dublin. We currently house a number of startup businesses in each of our 3 locations, so if you’re looking to join them in our attractive coworking spaces, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us today to find out more about our flexible office spaces for rent, or book a tour of our facilities below.
8 Tips for Planning Your Next Team Training Event
In a corporate setting, the word ‘training’ is often met with a groan. However, it doesn’t need to be this way – teaching your team new skills has the potential to be engaging and enriching when done right.
As with any corporate event, the successful execution of your corporate team training hinges on the strength of its planning. The old cliché rings true: “If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail.”
Making the Most of Your Next Corporate Team Training Day
To help your next team training event make a lasting impression and engage your employees, we’ve compiled this list of 8 steps to follow when in the planning stages.
1. Start Planning Well in Advance
First and foremost, it’s important to start the planning process early. We recommend getting the ball rolling at least a couple of months in advance – depending on the size and scale of your event, you might want to allow even more time.
For example, if your training event is localised to hosting attendees from a single department, it won’t require as much planning as a company-wide training day. Assess the scale of the training and plan accordingly.
Planning early is important for the following reasons:
- It lessens the inevitable stress of planning an event at scale
- It gives you plenty of time to identify and address any logistical hiccups that might crop up
- It allows you plenty of time to market your event internally. Giving your employees a heads up in advance can go a long way
2. Know Your Budget (and Stick to It)
This goes hand-in-hand with knowing the scale of your event. Budgeting is an important task in the first phase of planning, so consider how many people will be attending, how long it will go on and where it will take place. This will give you some idea of the budgetary requirements for the day, allowing you to plan accordingly.
Alternatively, you may be given a specific budget to work with right off the bat. In this case, you should stick to it, erring on the side of frugality when weighing up costs.
Some of the key areas for training expenditure might be:
- A venue (if you’re planning to host the training away from your regular offices)
- Catering – will you offer lunch or just traditional refreshments?
- Travel/parking for attendees
- Guest speaker – if budget allows, this is great for generating interest in the event
Each event will be unique, so carefully consider the budgetary requirements for your circumstances.
3. Designate Tasks to Your Team
Every successful event relies on the cohesive team behind it. One of the best things you can do is to assemble a trusted team of organisers to help you plan for success.
When you have your rough plan of action, choose the right people to help you bring it to fruition. This will depend on what you want from your event; the more intricate it is, the more hands you’ll need helping behind the scenes.
With the right team, you’ll mitigate organisational stress and free yourself up to focus on the tasks you do best.
4. Don’t Forget Refreshments!
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to provide refreshments for attendees. This is one of the surest ways to keep them engaged.
For full-day training, consider how you will facilitate lunch for everyone. Some event venues will provide catering services, while others will offer vouchers for nearby eateries. Or, if you have the means, perhaps you’ll choose to handle catering yourself. Whatever you choose, consider the venue carefully, as this could have sway over the best course of action.
5. Accommodate Virtual Attendees
In a post-COVID world, perhaps not all your attendees will be able to make the training in person. If this is the case, be sure to plan for accommodating those dialling in via video call.
For virtual attendees, it’s also important that you make the process for joining the event clear ahead of time – send a virtual invite for the meeting in advance and consider the logistics of hosting virtual attendees alongside physical ones.
Learn more about finding the right workplace solution post-COVID-19 in our blog.
6. Plan Your Training Material Carefully
Whatever the theme of your team training – be it onboarding, cybersecurity, ethics, time management or anything else – choosing the right training material is key.
Perhaps you’ll be training your team with material produced in-house. If this is the case, familiarise yourself with it thoroughly in advance to make the training as seamless and free-flowing as possible.
Also, consider how the material will line up with other factors on the day. For example, if your training relies on audience engagement, consider the practicalities of this within your meeting space, as well as how you will engage those attending virtually.
7. Engage Attendees with Practical Tasks
Employees are most engaged when they’re actively participating in the training, rather than being spoken at for extended periods.
Aim to incorporate interactivity into the training to encourage participation – whether that’s through group-based activities or by inviting attendees to share their experiences and opinions on any given topic. This is also a sure way to help attendees survive a long meeting in general!
8. Choose a Convenient Location with Good Facilities
Last but certainly not least, the location of your training is often instrumental in its success.
Choosing a meeting room or events venue in the right location and with the right facilities will play a large role on the day. A fully serviced meeting room in a central location is the clear winner, so if this is the route you choose, look out for the following facilities and perks:
- Flexible hire solutions that cater to day-long and longer-term hires
- Fully serviced and thoroughly cleaned facilities
- On-hand staff to assist with setting up/any issues you run into
- A fully stocked kitchen and lounge area to offer networking opportunities to attendees
- A convenient, central location with proximity to local amenities including parking and restaurants
Read our top tips on what to look for when hiring a meeting room in our blog.
Enhance Your Corporate Team Training with Us & Co Today
Us & Co is a collection of professional and flexible workspaces in London Stratford and London Monument, catering to all your business needs – be it a day office space or a hired meeting room in which to host your next work event.
With our meeting facilities and conference rooms for hire, you can make your next team training day a memorable and smooth experience. Contact us to find out more or book a tour of our facilities today.
How Co-Working Can Improve Workplace ProductivityCo-working spaces are one of the most exciting evolutions of the modern office. Flexible, affordable and extremely convenient, they represent a new way of managing your team’s work environment, with a range of benefits that can supercharge productivity and creativity.
Workplace solutions post-COVID-19 have had to adapt to move with the times, which has influenced the rise in popularity of co-working. In this blog, we’ll run through some of the noteworthy improvements incorporating a co-working space can have on your office routine – from both a productivity and practicality standpoint.
The Productivity Benefits of Co-Working
Below are some of the top benefits that working in a co-working environment can have on the productivity of both you and your employees.
All the Facilities & Amenities You Need
Most of the appeal of co-working comes from the convenience of having everything you need provided on arrival. From fresh coffee to superfast Wi-Fi, you don’t need to lift a finger when it comes to improving the quality of your workspace – it’s all taken care of for you.
Common facilities and amenities you can find at your typical co-working day office include:
- Wireless connectivity and charging points at every desk
- Co-working offers workstation privacy without causing isolation
- Meeting rooms and spaces for teams of all sizes
- Fully stocked kitchen with tea, coffee, bottled water and fridge space
- Common areas perfect for facilitating networking with other workers
- Desk storage (perfect if you plan to use a workstation frequently but don’t want to pack up shop each evening)
Having easy access to all these essentials allows you to get on with your day without worrying about organising these other essentials, which in turn can aid your productivity.
Embrace the Power of ‘Contagious Productivity’
One of the biggest strengths of co-working is the opportunity to work in the same space as other professionals in completely different lines of work. From pioneering creatives to bona fide data whizzes, you’ll be co-working with other experts who embrace productivity from a range of unique perspectives.
Research shows that productivity is contagious. By working with similarly motivated but very different people, you’re in the perfect environment to give you the impetus you need to keep working at peak performance.
Enjoy a Cross-Pollination of Ideas with Other Workers
Contagious productivity is only one side of the coin. If you’re a keen networker, you can capitalise on this environment by sharing ideas and modes of working with professionals from other industries, in turn boosting your creativity and refreshing your perspective when you need a break from the routine of your work.
This cross-pollination of ideas is vital in the modern working world, and co-working spaces are where this concept can be lived out in an everyday work environment. Inhabitants of a co-working space enjoy a sense of community that few other working spaces can cultivate, resulting in an increase in productivity in your workplace.
A New Way to Keep Your Home and Work Lives Separate
There’s no denying the convenience of working from home. It’s become an essential part of modern office life, but it can be tricky to transition between work and home life when your whole day revolves around the same space.
Co-working offers a flexible work environment, while conveniently freshening up your routine, giving you a means of separating business and pleasure with minimal hassle. With a day pass, you can use a co-working space at your convenience without being tied to going into the office every day.
However, both options have their advantages, so nothing is stopping you from using co-working and working from home together – it’s all about what works best for you.
Flex to Your Business’s Practical and Financial Requirements
Flexible working is a win-win for employers and employees. Aside from the ability to optimise your working day from a personal standpoint, a co-working environment can also be used flexibly according to the needs of your business.
If you need an office space at certain times throughout the month but don’t have the finances to rent an office space full-time, a day office is a perfect solution.
Choose the optimal space for your needs by only hiring the office space when you need it, effectively cutting costs while providing a collaborative space for your team.
Your Office’s Upkeep is Handled by the Building Staff
Let’s face it: organising cleaning and routine upkeep of an office can be an administrative hassle, especially if your days are busy enough as is. With a co-working space, this is all taken care of, minimising any hassle that might crop up because of a routine inconvenience.
If any issues arise – such as a connectivity problem or running out of kitchen supplies – it’s a simple case of chatting to the on-hand building admin, who will be able to sort out the issue as needed.
For more information, read our handy guide on everything you need to know about hiring a day office.
Increase Productivity in the Workplace with a Co-Working Space
If you’re interested in finding out more about renting a desk or office space in a co-working environment, we’d love to hear from you.
At Us & Co, we run a series of comfortable, modern office spaces for rent in London and Dublin. Whatever size of space you’re looking for – be it for a single desk or space for a larger team – we’re designed to accommodate you.
Get in touch with our team today to find out more about hiring a co-working space at Us & Co.