How To Use Office Space Effectively

The office should be an extension of your company brand – it should reflect who your company is and its unique personality. You also need to focus on how your employees work and engage with each other in the office space. Productivity, employee health and well-being should be key considerations, along with sustainability.

Good for Business

Using office space effectively should help create an environment that’s motivational and inspiring for your employees. Having a positive and pleasant office workspace is not only good for employees, it makes good business sense, as engaged employees will be more productive, thus increasing the effectiveness of your business. Putting people at the heart of your space planning can have a positive effect on your bottom line.

Future Proofing

Firstly decide on the amount of space required for your business and the employee headcount. Also, if you think your company is going to grow over the short to medium term, factor in additional space or have an expansion option in place with your landlord, should this be required. Likewise, it also makes sense to choose a location that can accommodate space reduction, if economic conditions become challenging.

Planning is Essential

Careful planning is vital for effective use of the office and getting employees engaged in the planning process as early as possible makes sense. Bringing employees into the process and giving them direct involvement and ownership can boost morale and help bed in any changes, which in turn generates pride in the office. Effective space planning can actually save space and create an inspirational and sophisticated workplace, with a layout that works for your business and utilises the space to best potential, at the same time as getting the best from your workforce.

Consider Employee Wellness

There are a whole range of considerations and office design factors that can have an effect on employee productivity and wellbeing - it is important to think about whether your office is fit-for-purpose and also, ways in which you could improve effectiveness and efficiency in the way you and your team work. Always seek to push boundaries in employee wellness and provide the best possible environment for your people and clients. It is also important to think about other factors such as air quality, natural light and sustainability measures.

Branding the Office

When considering office design, always keep your company branding in mind. Utilise your brand identity and colours to create a bright and dynamic vibe to your office, but always in line with your company culture. If you have clients visiting your office, remember to view designs from a client’s perspective too, as it is vital to portray the impression that you wish to achieve.

Office Layout

Desk clusters are an ideal way to save space and if you’re on a budget, consider bespoke office tables that extend, so they can be altered and turned into meeting or brainstorming areas. Hot desking can be an effective way of making better use of office space, but careful consideration needs to be given to effective cleaning due to Covid-19.

Consider Flexible Working Trends

Remember with more employees flexing their working pattern and working a percentage of their time from home, you may not need quite as much space as initially envisaged. However, rather than having less space, you should consider making the most of the available space, for alternative uses, such as collaboration zones, breakout and meeting areas. Removing barriers is important, to allow employees to work alongside each other as a team and also giving them access to different spaces which allow for concentration, creativity and collaboration.

Create a De-cluttered Environment

Many companies have clear desk policies these days and a de-cluttered office environment makes for a more organised and professional working environment. Consider investing in good storage facilities, in order to keep things organised and to maintain a clean and clear office.

Set a Budget

Are you utilising your existing space to the full potential? Very often, with a little bit of planning, you can refurbish your existing office to maximum potential without spending a fortune, but always set a budget at the outset and appoint a project manager, to keep costs on track.