#Japan #Tokyo #startups #Officci #Sun Front

Survey Reveals Startup Executives' Challenges in Office Selection

A recent survey conducted by Sun Frontier Realty Inc., targeting 500 executives holding senior positions in companies with fewer than 100 employees, revealed alarming insights into the struggles faced by startup leaders in choosing office spaces. The survey, which gathered data on office rentals, highlighted that approximately half of the startup leaders are grappling with difficulties in their office selection process.

Market Recovery and Its Impact

In recent times, the office rental market has shown signs of recovery, particularly in urban areas, characterized by a decrease in vacancy rates and an uptick in rental prices. However, despite this optimistic outlook, many startup executives find it increasingly challenging to locate suitable properties that meet their evolving needs for business growth and workforce planning.

The survey underscored that along with clear criteria such as "rental prices" and "location," there exists a psychological burden, termed as "mind cost," stemming from the unpredictability of future expenses. This complexity often hinders decision-making when selecting an office location.

Key Findings: Difficulty in Finding Suitable Office Spaces

Among the respondents, about 30% expressed that the most significant challenge was that they could not find properties that suited their preferences. Following closely, 16.2% stated they were uncertain about which office environments were relevant to their business needs. This indicates that nearly half of the surveyed executives are facing challenges directly related to the office selection process.

A critical insight from the survey was that concerns regarding unpredictable costs at the time of lease termination ranked as the third most common issue. This highlights that, in addition to initial conditions like rental prices and location, the uncertainty surrounding future expenses creates additional burdens in making informed business decisions.

Key Considerations in Office Selection

When asked about the most crucial factors in their office selection process, 23.8% of executives indicated "rental costs," while 17.0% pointed to "location." Initial costs followed closely with 10%. However, elements contributing to workplace quality such as "comfort" (9.8%) and "infrastructure facilities" (5.8%) are also relevant considerations that executives keep in mind. This reflects that while cost and location remain primary concerns, aspects related to the overall work environment are also becoming increasingly important in the decision-making process.

A Practical Focus on Cost Information

In the context of searching for office spaces, executives highlighted the importance of understanding initial costs and the availability of pricing simulations. Approximately 21.0% indicated that understanding initial financial burdens was paramount, while 18.6% valued the ability to simulate pricing effectively. This indicates a strong desire among startup leaders for transparent and comparable cost information from the outset of their search.

Lack of Awareness of Office Search Platforms

Interestingly, nearly 70% of startup executives reported that they were unaware of office search platforms available to them. This gap highlights a significant issue in the accessibility of necessary information for those in search of suitable office environments.

Supporting Startup Office Choices with Officci

In response to these challenges, Sun Frontier Realty seeks to create a supportive environment for startup executives through its platform, Officci. This platform is designed to simplify the office selection process by presenting essential property information clearly.

Key Features of Officci:
1. User-Friendly Search Capability: The platform allows users to filter property listings according to their budget, recommended seating capacity, and other criteria like area and features.
2. Diverse Range of Office Types: Officci primarily offers "setup offices" that come equipped and ready for immediate occupancy, ensuring a fast transition for startups seeking to establish their bases.
3. Content Rich in Resources: The site is replete with useful content, including checklists for moving procedure and cost estimation, making it an invaluable tool for first-time users.
4. Application Support: The platform also offers support for lease applications, drawing from extensive experience with startups during their initial phases.

About Sun Frontier Realty Inc.

Founded in April 1999, Sun Frontier Realty Inc. is dedicated to revitalizing and managing office buildings in urban Tokyo. With a strong commitment to customer-centric solutions, the company aims to create a sustainable and thriving business environment. For those looking for office solutions, their comprehensive services span all phases from acquisition to management and leasing, ensuring a complete, hassle-free experience.

Contact Information:
Website: Sun Frontier Realty Inc.
Address: 1-2-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 14th Floor Toho Hibiya Building