How much office space do I need for my growing business?
As your business grows, you might start wondering, “How much office space do I actually need?” It’s a tricky balance – too much space and you’re left paying for a lot of empty desks; too little and you’ll have employees accidentally elbowing each other during Zoom calls.
Finding that sweet spot is key to boosting productivity, morale, and the overall vibe of your office (especially if you’re in a creative or tech industry where brainstorming sessions and quiet coding time both need room to breathe).
Let’s take a closer look at how to figure out what works for your team – and why flexible office solutions might just be your new best friend.
Why office space matters for productivity and culture
Your office environment isn’t just about where people sit; it’s where they work. The right space can keep your team feeling energised, engaged, and, ideally, not counting down the minutes until they can leave.
According to the Design Council, well-thought-out office design can actually increase productivity by up to 20%. That’s a pretty solid boost, considering all you have to do is make sure the chairs are comfy and people have a bit of room to move.
A Dell study also found that 73% of UK workers said they’d consider jumping ship if their office space wasn’t inspiring enough. Who knew desks and lighting could have that much power?
All this to say, having a workspace that not only functions well but also feels right can make a big difference in how your team feels about their workday. Some people thrive in collaborative spaces, while others need a quiet corner to get into their flow. A flexible layout that offers both can keep everyone happy.
How much office space do you need per person in the UK?
Here’s where it gets a bit more technical; how much space does each person actually need to avoid bumping into their neighbours while also keeping things cost-efficient?
The British Council for Offices (BCO) suggests that a “sweet spot” for office space is 10-12m² per person, which not only boosts productivity but also keeps everyone comfortable, especially if you’ve embraced hybrid working. On average, that’s about 100-150 square feet per person, but this can vary depending on how your business operates.
For teams that love collaboration, you might want more space for breakout areas and communal workstations. On the flip side, if a lot of your team is working remotely, you could get away with fewer desks (and save a bit on rent in the process).
Here’s a quick look at typical space needs:
- Private office: 100–150 sq. ft. per person (for when you need peace and quiet)
- Open-plan office: 70–100 sq. ft. per person (for those who love the sound of collaboration)
- Meeting rooms and communal areas: 50–60 sq. ft. per person (because where else are you going to nail that client pitch?
Calculating the space your business needs
Now that you know how much space per person is typical, let’s walk through how to actually use those numbers for your own business.
- How many people are in your team?
This is the most obvious factor. Remember to account for future hires if you’re planning to grow in the near future when you do this calculation.
Start with the basics. Multiply the number of people on your team by the space you think they’ll need.
For example, if you’ve got 10 employees and you’re leaning toward an open-plan office, you’ll multiply 10 x 100 sq. ft., so you’ll need around 1,000 square feet of space to get everyone comfortably seated without crowding.
- What kind of work do you do?
Different industries and roles have different needs, and therefore require different layouts.
If your team thrives on collaboration, you might want to allocate extra room for breakout spaces and group work areas. Alternatively, if quiet focus is key, factor in more private office space at about 100-150 sq. ft. per person for those who need it.
- Do you need room for meetings or events?
Don’t forget the extras like meeting rooms, kitchens, and those essential coffee stations.
For these shared spaces, plan on about 50-60 sq. ft. per person. So, if you expect to regularly have five people in meetings, set aside at least 250-300 square feet for that purpose.
- Are you adopting a hybrid working model?
If a chunk of your team works remotely or in a hybrid setup, you could reduce the number of permanent desks. But you’ll still want flexible spaces for when everyone comes in, so consider hot-desking or shared workspaces to keep things versatile.
By applying these numbers, you’ll have a clearer sense of how much space your business needs – not too little, not too much, but just right.
And if you’re still unsure, you could start out in a flexible office space. These allow you to adapt your office size as your business grows, ensuring you always have the right amount of space.
How much space does your business really need?
It’s easy to overestimate your office needs. You get excited, think you’re about to become the next big thing, and suddenly you’re stuck paying for more square footage than you actually need. The trick is to strike a balance between comfort and efficiency.
For startups with smaller teams, or businesses experimenting with hybrid working, flexible office solutions give you a way to scale your space without going overboard. Start small, and expand as you grow. Chances are, you’ll find you need less space than you initially thought (especially if your team prefers to work from home).
It’s also a good idea to plan ahead. As your business evolves, your office should be able to adapt with you. Look for spaces with reconfigurable layouts, movable partitions, or hot desking to balance space, comfort, and cost effectiveness.
Future-proof your office space for growth
Speaking of evolving, the last thing you want is to be stuck in a long-term lease that doesn’t fit your business anymore. Flexible leases are your best friend when it comes to future-proofing. They give you the freedom to grow (or shrink) without the stress of being locked into something that no longer works.
Planning for the future doesn’t mean you have to predict every single change, but it does mean you should pick a space that can adjust as your team’s needs change. Whether you’re hiring new staff, expanding your services, or just shifting the way you work, make sure your office can grow with you without the hassle of a full relocation.
Choosing the right office space for your business
Finding the right balance of office space doesn’t have to feel like solving a puzzle. Think about your team’s size, the way you work, and how much room you’ll need as you grow, and you’ll be on the right track.
Whether you’re looking at flexible leases, virtual offices, or coworking spaces, the key is to shape your office to better suit your business needs.
