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members of a design team going over some office space planning blueprints

7 Office Space Planning Tips for Your Next Workplace

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    Your office space design is fundamental to your workplace because it creates an environment that employees find comfortable. Satisfied workers are generally more productive, so there’s motivation to get it right.

    Every office space has different needs, making it vital to develop a custom plan that meets your exact requirements for the interior of your workspace. Office space planning can involve factors like layout, interior design, and furniture, all of which come together to create your place of business.

    You can plan your office space before moving into a new building or as part of a renovation of your existing workplace. Planning is crucial to ensure that you end up with a productive work environment that keeps employees happy. This guide will take you through some office space planning guidelines that can help you create the ideal work environment.

    Office Space Planning Factors to Consider

    It’s a good idea to go over some universal factors that apply to every office space before the planning begins. The following considerations will help you develop an outline that you can use to create your design plan:

    • Office Capacity
      How many people will the office have to accommodate? The number you come up with will include all your full-time and part-time workers, in addition to any contractors and consultants you use. You can’t begin planning until you know how many people will be working in the building at any given time.
    • Amount of Space
      Hand in hand with the capacity of the workspace is its size. It would be great to have a workout room, a lounge, and a break room in the office, for instance, but these ideas aren’t possible if you don’t have the proper square footage.
    • Workspace Demand
      Some offices have large collaborative spaces because they require people to work together, while others separate employees because they need to be apart to achieve results. Consider the work being done and what will make your workers more comfortable and productive before beginning your renovation planning. 
    • Fixed Items
      There are items in your existing office space that you can move or remove and others that will remain permanent fixtures in your new workplace. That massive load-bearing post in the middle of your office, for example, isn’t going anywhere, so you must factor it into your planning. Learning what’s permanent and what could move can help. 
    • Potential Growth
      Will your company grow in the coming years? A thriving company could need a more versatile workspace or additional offices instead of lounging areas. Leave some space available for potential growth if you believe the business is looking to expand.

    Consider all these factors when creating an outline for your office space. They should guide your efforts to develop an actual plan to design a workplace that will fit your needs.

    a modern office with great natural lighting

    7 Tips for Optimal Office Space Planning

    Putting the outline in place gives you a set of parameters for developing your design. Following a few office space planning guidelines can ensure that you end up with a workplace that promotes efficiency and comfort at a price you can afford.

    1. Consider Your Budget

    It’s a good idea to develop an office design budget before all else. It’s unlikely that you have an unlimited amount of money to spend, so determining how much expense you can handle makes it easier to develop a plan.

    2. Offer a Variety of Options

    Creating an office space that’s as diverse as possible makes it more likely that all employees will be happy. Some employees might appreciate collaborative desks, while others might prefer quiet rooms. Fitting more variety into your space can help all workers perform at optimal levels moving forward.

    3. Remember the Furniture

    Make sure you invest in some comfortable furniture like ergonomic chairs and desks. Spending a bit more money on this furniture today could save money in the future by reducing employee health problems like carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, eye strain, and migraines. 

    4. Think About Technology

    Speak with members of your IT team about your office’s technological needs. You’ll need spots for all the devices your employees use today, including Wi-Fi routers, outlets, printers, and projectors, along with storage space for larger items that don’t receive regular use. It might also pay off to ask about new technology that could reach mainstream status in the coming years and its space requirements.

    5. Limit Décor

    You want your office to look as good as possible, of course, but overdoing it on the decor could misuse functional space that serves a better purpose. Items like plants and artwork add a bit of character to the office without taking up too much room, while things like statues and fountains might be a waste and could overwhelm visitors. The trick is to add aesthetic value without using up valuable space.

    6. Don’t Forget Lighting

    Putting some attention to the lighting in your workplace is advisable because it can drive productivity and employee loyalty. Working in high-quality lighting can also help employees sleep better at night while lowering energy costs for the business. The result is an excellent ROI on upgrading the lighting in an office.

    7. Leave Some Space

    There’s a lot of ground to cover when designing an office, but don’t forget to leave some space empty. This unfilled space can make the office feel more extensive and less cluttered, creating an altogether more comfortable environment. 

    Spend some time planning how you want your office space to look and feel to ensure you achieve the best results. Following these tips gives you a better chance of ending up with a work environment that both you and your employees love.

    Contact an Office Space Planning Expert

    A lot goes into office space planning, and there’s a good chance you don’t have much experience with some of the elements it will require. The Genau Group offers professional interior design and furniture selection assistance for workspaces around the Washington, D.C., area. 

    Our team can help create a workplace that promotes loyalty, morale, and happiness while expressing your organization’s brand image. Contact us today to set up an interior design consultation.