Generally speaking, when a major project or even an office renovation occurs, one of the first things that most businesses tend to look into is another temporary workspace so everyone can stay productive. But here’s the thing: when it comes to setting up a temporary office, well, it’s not nearly as straightforward as you might think.
Actually, there’s a bit more to it than just plonking down a desk and calling it a day. So, whether it’s a construction site or a pop-up event, you want to ensure it’s practical, comfortable, and efficient, even if it’s only for a short time. Now, with all of that said, here are a few things to mull over when creating a temporary workspace that works.
How Much Space Do You Really Need?
The first thing to think about is space. You don’t want to end up feeling like you’re working in a glorified cupboard, but at the same time, you don’t want a massive area that feels wasteful. The trick is to figure out exactly how much room you’ll need. Are you running a solo operation or managing a whole team? Do you need space for meetings, storage, or just a few laptops and some paperwork?
Since this is going to be nothing more than a temporary solution, you usually have a few options to choose from such as renting a trailer, 20ft containers, or even a prefab insulated shed. But all of these are great for being a pop-up workspace, and they give everyone more than enough room to move around (especially the trailer and containers). Plus, they’re easy to transport and set up wherever you need them.
Location, Location, Location
Now, this one is super obvious, but location is key, and not just for convenience. On construction sites or in other challenging environments, your temporary office needs to be in a safe, accessible spot. You definitely don’t want it positioned right in the path of a digger or crane. So, just make sure it’s close enough to the action but far enough away from any potential hazards.
It’s also worth considering how connected your office will be. You’ll need access to power, internet, and possibly water if it’s a longer-term setup.
Comfort is Key
Let’s be honest: working in a temporary office isn’t exactly a five-star experience, but it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable either. You just really have to keep in mind that you’re going to want your team to be able to focus on the task at hand, not worrying about being too hot, too cold, or squinting at a screen in poor lighting.
Just make sure to sort out heating or cooling, depending on the season, and good lighting so no one’s working in the dark. So, the three options mentioned earlier can work, and some of them offer ventilation, too (like the trailer).
Practicalities
Now, this is last but certainly not least, don’t overlook the practicalities. You really need to keep in mind that even in a temporary office, you’re going to need power, plumbing, internet, and storage. If your site is a bit remote, you might need a generator or temporary power solutions. This is something that a lot of people tend to forget as well.
