Where and how businesses operate is undergoing a huge shift. Some workplaces that transitioned to remote positions during the pandemic have found that continues to work best for them, while others see fully in-person as their way forward. Some are finding a middle ground with hybrid options. What they all share is a need for flexible options in a changing office space market.
Panel: Cindi Colburn, president, CEO Bedford, ceobedford.com
What changes are you seeing in businesses’ desire for flexible workplace options?
Open-mindedness to a facility like ours.
There is no longer a stigma of not owning your own building or renting a large space to operate your business. CEO Bedford is the solution to the “renting wasted space” problem businesses are having today. Your business is part of a professional work environment without the financial burden of all the extra expenses such as utilities, internet, equipment rentals, front desk staff, cleaning and maintenance, and much more. People come into our space and are amazed at what we have to offer and how easy it is to make the transition to a space like CEO Bedford.
Why is renting a meeting or conference room a good option for hybrid businesses?
One of my favorite expressions is “suit up and show up.” Today, so much is being done by email and telephone, but there is nothing like meeting with your clients personally, face-to-face. Taking the time to dress for the occasion shows your clients that they are important and worthy of your time.
At CEO Bedford, we have full-time, onsite reception staff to welcome your client, offer water and coffee, and provide your company with a professional presence while giving the business owner or associate the opportunity to do the behind-the-scenes work in the comfort of their home office. When you take time to meet with your clients, it really leaves an impression on them.
How does access to conference and meeting rooms contribute to enhancing collaboration and teamwork within a company?
We are hosting more and more inperson team meetings for businesses.
Our large conference room seats up to 14 people and is the perfect place to hold a monthly in-person collaboration meeting. It provides time to discuss business, catch up, and have lunch as a team. Zoom and Teams Meetings are convenient, but there is nothing like in-person conversation.
How can the use of a shared office space help remote organizations maintain a healthy work-life balance for employees?
Balance between home and work life is critical to a person’s mental well-being. CEO Bedford offers organizations hourly programs that give a company up to 40 hours a month of conference/meeting room time. This time can be used by any of the company employees upon scheduling, and has been quite helpful for employees who need to spend time away from their home office. We have also created the “Get-Away Suite” for companies to lease a full-time private office, and their employees divide the time among themselves as to who uses the office on what days. A full-time office rental provides several amenities, and the cost is far less than renting a larger space that will not be used.
How does your facility accommodate teams in need of group meeting space that may have some members inperson and some out of the area?
Wi-Fi and teleconferencing equipment are provided at no additional cost for groups to connect with teammates unable to make the in-person meeting. We have upgraded all our meeting rooms to have this capability, not only the conference rooms.
Can you share success stories of companies that used your space for their office needs? What lessons can others learn from these experiences?
We have seen so many successes from businesses after joining CEO Bedford. The greatest success is witnessing the sense of relief and peace of mind a business owner has once they realize all the benefits CEO Bedford has to offer. The cost of maintaining full-time space for several employees to work from home can be a great economic loss to a company.
Businesses that have downsized from unused space to CEO Bedford are ecstatic with the decision they made. We are not simply a co-working space but an executive business center offering a professional setting to meet clients and co-workers.
CEO Bedford offers full-time, all-inclusive office space at a fraction of the cost. One flat rate as opposed to making monthly rent payments in addition to utilities, cleaning services, plowing and building maintenance, internet, taxes, equipment rentals, is much more appealing to the business owner.
Peace of mind has by far been the biggest benefit.
