Identify the Space Requirements for Each Employee
There is no "one size fits for all" answer when it comes to deciding how much office space your company needs, but 100 square feet per employee is a good place to start. This should equate to roughly 50 square feet for office space and 50 square feet for shared spaces like break rooms or conference rooms.
Some businesses choose to use slightly less space per person to save money because the cost per square foot is significantly high in more desirable locations, especially in big cities. So what's the solution? Instead of crying over the space issue, all you can do is switch to space-saving furniture, avoid adding unnecessary furniture and put communal spaces to best use.
How Much Space Is Required for Amenities?
You can visualise the lobby, office cubicles, conference room, break room, and other spaces in your head. But how much actual space do these areas take up? Will there be enough space for all of the required common areas?
The average space allocation per employee refers to all areas of the office that they can access, not just their workstation.
You can get an idea of the typical sizes for various types of work areas within your overall office space by referring to the figures below:
- Large meeting room - (4-8 people) (150 sq.ft.)
- Kitchen area - (100)sq.ft.
- Tea point - (61-187)sq.ft.
- Games area - (200-1000)sq.ft.
- Workgroup areas - (80-100 sq.ft.per person)
- Reception area - (75 sq.ft.per person)
- Lunch rooms - (15 sq.ft.per person)
- Conference room - (20-30 people) (300 sq.ft.)
- Hallways - (20% to 30% of the total usable area)
Furthermore, the above are some estimated numbers to help you get a sense of how much space you may require.
Does Working Style Influence Office Space Requirements?
Before moving to the new space, we suggest you be well-versed with your preferred working method. You can make an informed decision about implementing new working practices or how to improve the way your office currently functions by conducting a workplace study to gather information about your workplace.
The degree of flexibility offered by most modern offices when it comes to selecting the best working style for your business will depend on the type of work you do. Even minor variations will affect how much space you require.
Should You Think About Growth Strategies?
It is crucial to plan for future growth when determining office space requirements. If you don't plan for future expansion, you might find yourself out of space after hiring new employees.
The cost of breaking a lease early, combined with the costs of finding and moving to a new office, can be a costly affair. It is advisable to add 10% to 20% to the total square footage while calculating future growth. Building your expected growth allows you to expand your business without meeting costly interruptions.
Future Commercial Real Estate
To provide an outstanding employee experience and give people a reason to come to work, businesses are expected to invest in their real estate and/or office space.
While people are unlikely to spend five days a week in the office, workplace elements such as company culture will be emphasised to help strike a balance between hybrid and office-based workers.
Conclusion
The secret to a successful and future-proof Office Design is Workplace Consultancy London. We fully immerse ourselves in your company to comprehend your culture, brand, and work styles through extensive staff engagement and meticulous data collection. Check out GXI GROUP as we offer a flexible office solution that enables you to grow into larger spaces or contract into smaller offices as needed.
