Today, we’re continuing our series on upgrading or moving your office.

So far, we’ve talked about the factors of pricing and location. Now let’s dive into something hard to define, but still important when you are considering the quality of your office space: the environment.

I’m referring to two things: the physical environment, as well as the emotional and social one.

The physical environment is the area around your office. Do you like the neighborhood? Is it safe and well-kept? Does the office space have amenities like a kitchen, copier, clean bathrooms, or a parking lot with good access?

The emotional and social environment is also important. What are the people like? Are they friendly? If it’s a co-working space, are they keen on helping each other? Do you like the general vibe?

A couple of years ago, when I knew I was leaving my college job, I checked out a local co-working space in the next town over. I immediately got a snobbish vibe, like the owners thought they were the coolest cats in town. I didn’t feel welcomed.

On the other hand, last year I rented an office at a different co-working space for a month and loved it. The people were super friendly and the vibe of the space was fantastic. They held a lot of community events at their space and it was clear they really cared about people.

However, I didn’t rent an office there because the only ones they had available were slightly bigger than a shoe box. Another checkmark against that space was their policy that you could only work there during business hours. That was a big NO in my book because I often like to work on Saturday mornings or, occasionally, in the evening.

I like the vibe of the space where I am now. It’s close to my house, and the owners and property manager are all super nice. Yet, it’s also a professional environment, so it has lifted me up to another level just by being in this space. In addition, I can come and go anytime I like, day or night.

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that your environment doesn’t matter. It matters greatly. As much as it depends on you, choose to work and write in a space that values you and helps lift you to another level.

And if you are just fine working from home, that’s great also. But be honest with yourself: are you happy with that environment? If not, what can you do to improve it? You may want to revisit the series we just finished on clearing the clutter.

Today’s Challenge: Whether you’re working from home or considering an outside space, think about the physical and emotional environment. Is it helping you be more productive and have a better state of mind? If not, what can you do to change or improve it?