Thirty-five percent of Americans who can work from home now do so all the time. Many workers have also settled into a hybrid schedule by combining remote work with days in the office.
With the likelihood that many of your employees aren’t all in the workplace at the same time, calculating your ideal office size has gotten more complex in the digital age. Too much space can put unnecessary strain on your business budget. Too little space can be disruptive if your business grows or changes.
So how much office space will you need for a smooth and streamlined workplace? Let’s take a look at how to find out.
In this article
Assess Your Current Employee Situation
On average, you need between 120 and 350 square feet of office space per employee. Providing enough space is important for employee well-being and comfort. With the help of quality janitorial services, ample space makes it easier to maintain a clean office.
You’ll also need to consider your employees’ schedules. For example, if many of your 30 workers are remote or part-time, 20 hybrid workstations could be a better option than a dedicated space for every employee.
Consider Any Growth Plans
Before leasing an office space, you should review your business plans for the coming years. If you’re launching new products or services, for example, you may need to hire more staff to cover the extra work.
The kind of staff you hire will also have an impact on the amount of office space you’ll need. While administrative staff can work from home, you might prefer to have reception staff or team leaders in the office at least some of the time.
Design Your Ideal Office Layout
If you want an open-plan office, you won’t need as much space as you would with a traditional hard-wall layout. Your type of business will often dictate which of these options suits your business best. Law firms work best with private rooms while open-plan offices are perfect for call centers or sales teams.
Many businesses adopt a combination approach. This often includes open-plan spaces for desk-based tasks and teamwork assignments alongside private rooms for managers and formal meetings.
Factor in Any Variables
Physical space isn’t the only factor when evaluating whether an office is right for you. For example, good ventilation and natural lighting are vital for employee well-being and productivity. A smaller yet bright space with good air quality is likely preferable to a spacious yet poorly-lit or badly-ventilated office.
The building location and facilities are also key to your final decision. Ample parking, spacious bathrooms, elevators, and reliable office maintenance services can all make a space more accessible and welcoming. These factors are especially important when considering disabled employees or clients who use service animals or mobility aids.
Determining Your Ideal Office Size
Having to change offices mid-lease to accommodate more staff is inconvenient and expensive. Likewise, excessive unused office space wastes business funds that could be better spent elsewhere.
While there is no one-size-fits-all way to determine how much office space you’ll need, the considerations listed here should prove useful for everyone trying to decide on their ideal office size.
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