Planning office space refers to organising your office furniture in a manner that maximises the office space, improving productivity. A well-planned office design is able to improve work efficiency as well as retain and motivate employees.
In this post, we will delve into some vital factors to consider when planning your office space interior design and how they can change depending on the office size.
Employees’ well-being and work requirements
Theoretically speaking, you should consider your employees’ well-being and the nature of your company when designing your office space, whether large or small. First, take into account the size of your company and the daily work requirements, such as working arrangements. The rise in hybrid work systems also affects the furniture type and the number of furniture required.
Additionally, with the rise of hot-desking, a small office that offers six desks for six employees may now shift towards three shared desks, freeing up space for soft seating for conducive and comfortable collaboration between different departments.
Capacity and square footage
Another key concern when planning your office space is capacity and available space. Capacity refers to the total number of employees the space is able to accommodate comfortably. With that, you will have to consider the available square footage of your office. For example, if you are looking to have an open office concept with minimal walls, then the ideal guideline is allocating at least 100 square feet per employee for optimal comfort.
If space is a concern and you have a smaller office, then you might need to consider other work options, such as hot desking or a hybrid work system, as you might not be able to accommodate everybody in the office.
Room size
The minimum requirements for circulation areas and room size and height must be considered when planning your office design, whether you are going for a more modern open office concept or a traditional one. Particular attention must be given, especially to offices situated at more unique locations, such as basements or attics.
Collaborative areas – even for small offices
A significant aspect of a successful enterprise is the collaboration between teams and departments. We always recommend our clients ensure a designated space for open gatherings and conversations. Open spaces like these make it easy for your employees to access other areas of the office. Collaborative areas should not be limited to just larger offices. Even small offices with smaller teams can benefit from having collaborative areas.
Breakout spaces
When space is limited, it is vital that you still create practical and flexible spaces. One of the best ways to do so is by creating breakout spaces which are informal, small spaces where employees are able to enjoy some downtime while taking a break from their usual workspaces. You can do so by using modular furniture or breakout furniture design to separate work and rest spaces specifically.
Conclusion
However big or small your office may be, successful commercial office design planning is vital to a healthy and happy working environment. At OSCA Asia, we take your office design to the next level, bringing you award-winning designs that align with your company’s values. If you are looking to engage an office renovation design firm to bring your vision to reality, then we are one of the best commercial interior design firms in Singapore to do that. Contact us at https://www.osca.asia/ to get started today!
(Published in March, 2023)