With many people still working from home, there are some changes in the way that businesses are operating. Telecommuting has become more efficient with Zoom, Skype, and integrated workspace technologies, but sometimes it’s not enough. Sometimes employees are needed in the field or to make face-to-face decisions. During these times, using corporate apartments for short-term housing is a great way to support the needs of employees on the go. Corporate apartments allow employees to temporarily relocate so they can accomplish their goals. While every situation is unique, it’s likely that employees in corporate housing aren’t commuting to work or out on the field every day and will still need a good place to work remotely. As many of us know, hotels aren’t exactly conducive to productivity. Instead, you want to be able to set up a home office wherever you go. To help you get the most out of your short-term housing, here’s what to look for when using your corporate apartment as a home office.
- Reliable WiFi Capabilities and Connectivity
You cannot work from home without Internet connectivity—it’s impossible. You need to have access to a WiFi network that’s going to provide you with the strength and speed required to do your job. When searching for a corporate housing solution, reliable WiFi capabilities and connectivity should be at the top of your list. Access to high-speed, WiFi internet should be included in the rental price. There are plenty of corporate housing options that offer this, so if you are looking at a company that either charges extra or doesn’t have an available network, look elsewhere.
- Ample Space for Productivity
Trying to work on a cramped surface is frustrating and completely unproductive, especially if you need more than a small laptop to do your job. Find a corporate apartment that has enough room to be productive. You’ll want either a desk or a large dining area where you can spread out and take advantage of your space. This also helps you to better compartmentalize your day as working from home often makes it difficult to separate your job from your personal life. By simply navigating through different “zones” in your corporate apartment, you’ll be better able to stay focused when you need to and relax when you don’t.
- Easy Accessibility to Work or Clients
If you’re in an industry that requires to you be onsite, commute to the office, or visit with clients, you want to make sure that your corporate apartment is in an easily accessible location. While some people think that this requires you to be in the heart of the city, it’s not always the case. There are plenty of suburbs in Illinois with direct access to Chicago. All you need to do is look for a corporate apartment that’s conveniently located near one of the Metra train stations, like The Marke of Elmhurst. This will give you a quick, efficient way to commute without wasting time sitting in traffic. Make sure that you look into the location of prospective corporate housing in relation to your worksite and any client office or sites that you may need to travel to. Staying somewhere that has easy accessibility will make your life more enjoyable and much more productive.
- Included Amenities
Another thing to look for when using a corporate apartment as your office is the included on-site amenities. Some corporate housing buildings give their residents access to a business center or small private area while others have a range of luxury features. Depending on your needs, you may find your time more enjoyable in a corporate apartment that has a private outdoor area for residents, an internal gym equipped with both cardio and strength training equipment, an indoor or outdoor pool to enjoy during your time off, or even a private movie theater for some much-needed R&R after hours. Make sure to check each of your prospect’s business center amenities so you can take advantage of printing, faxing, and scanning services without having to find the nearest FedEx. Some corporate apartments also have conference rooms or individual desks that mimic the feel of a real office. If you’re traveling with pets, inquire about their designated pet zones and any other pet-related amenities. Many properties may have just one or two of these luxury features, but there are also plenty of options available that give you access to everything listed above and more. For comprehensive luxury amenities, browse the corporate apartments at 73 E. Lake St.
If you’re planning to stay in a corporate apartment in the city of Chicago, find a property that offers a sky lounge with breathtaking views of the city and plenty of space to find your own quiet area. State and Chestnut boasts unbeatable views with ample patio space for everyone.
- Comfort and Cleanliness
To get the most out of your corporate apartment, comfort is non-negotiable. This includes both comfort in the furniture and apartment itself along with feeling safe in your space. For maximum comfort levels, it’s nice to have separate areas where you can work, relax, and sleep. This alone makes corporate apartments more appealing than a simple hotel room. Similarly, since many like-minded individuals are staying in corporate housing, there’s no risk of excessive noise levels from other residents like you’d have in a hotel. With secure access to your apartment and included security features such as a 24-hour door person, you won’t have to worry about any potential disruptions or unwanted guests.
- A High Walking Score
Since you’re only going to be living in a corporate apartment for short-periods of time, it’s not always necessary to have a vehicle—especially when you’re strategic about location. To get the most out of your stay, find a corporate apartment that has a high walking score. Many properties in Chicago provide you with a plethora of options for entertainment, nightlife, and restaurants all within walking distance. However, each neighborhood in Chicago offers something different, so take the time to do some research on where you’d like to be. Since parking and even the act of driving around the city can be hectic, having the ability to walk everywhere tends to make things less stressful. If you’d prefer housing in the suburbs, that’s okay too. There are still options that allow you to get where you need to go on foot.
While many employees who travel for work will need to make at least a few in-person appearances, right now, working from home continues to be the norm. To give you everything you need for a productive home office, it’s essential that you find a corporate housing provider that goes above and beyond. Corporate Suites Network has everything you need to stay efficient while working from home and offers corporate apartment options in prime locations across the city of Chicago and beyond. We’re a member of the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP) and are one of the few U.S. members to achieve the iSAAP Quality Assurance Provider, which speaks to our high-quality apartments, customer service, and responsible business practices. Our corporate apartments come equipped with high-speed Internet at no extra cost to you, carefully selected furnishings, and an array of luxury amenities. Call or email us today to learn more about Corporate Suites Network’s locations throughout Chicago and beyond.