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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Testimonials
It’s a brilliant location with plentiful parking, easy to reach by road or public transport.
The range of small, medium and large office suites has provided us with the flexibility to tailor the space and cost to meet our requirements without moving away from the building.
As a small business, the convenience of helpful support staff to greet visitors and send a receive mail and parcels is a real bonus, as is the availability of dedicated meeting rooms and available at short notice for customer meetings and product presentations.
A365 LIMITED
Tenant at St James Business Centre since 2013
Since moving into St James Business Centre, we have found the team to be extremely friendly, helpful and accommodating. They have supported us on our journey from our start-up phase where we initially needed a small serviced office space through to us moving into our new larger offices. As the business continues to grow, it’s reassuring to know we will be able to remain at the business centre for the long term as Langtree gives us the flexibility to move into larger office space and when we need it.
FORETWO:GROUP