What is a typical workplace like? Probably containing assigned offices or cubicles. But is the situation the same today? Not at all. Flexible setups like shared workspaces or open floor plans are gaining much recognition. It is true, especially for companies that are following a hybrid work culture.
It creates a dilemma for business owners to keep both the on-site and remote employees happy while having the office space they want to come to. And managing office space is the answer to all such issues. It is the process of auditing and keeping track of your physical business space.
Here we have come up with a comprehensive guide to office space planning for business owners where your employees can thrive to the best of their potential.
What is Office Space Planning?
Space planning is organizing the furniture present in your office in a way to maximize the space and enhances the productivity of the employees. Furthermore, setting up your work environment in the best possible manner by optimizing space usage is what is termed office space planning.
Without organizing the space, a chaotic workplace tends to hinder the productivity and efficiency of the employees.
Why is office space planning important?
Managing office space allows your employees to make strategic decisions clearly. It accommodates their needs smoothly, and consequently, the work environment becomes more responsive and pleasant. Moreover, planning an office space results in energy efficiency, increased collaboration from the employees, less wastage of space, and ultimately a thriving on-site culture.
But how to do effective office layout planning? What factors affect office space plans? Let’s find out.
Factors that affect office space planning
Budget
You cannot just dive into executing the plans without taking the budget into consideration. Set a budget, see the things you require and how much time it will take to complete, and then begin the process. Thus, budget is the first step to successful office space plans.
Capacity
Capacity is defined as the number of individuals you can accommodate in a particular space comfortably. If your office building planning requires rearrangement, consider the available space and how you can make the best use of this. Professionals help you in planning an office space effectively so that you can get the desired output from your workplace.
Fixed Features
Fixed features dramatically impact the office layout planning and its functionality. Have enough space for the elements like bathrooms, windows, stairs, entryways, doors, and fire exits. Keeping fixed features in mind helps you steer clear of last-minute improvisations, as these can hinder the effectiveness of the layout.
Compliance
Workplace governance standards can largely influence office space planning. Compliance means considering fixed features or considerations like fire exits, ventilation, and power outlets. Know the safety regulations and compliance standards to give excellent output in terms of a better work environment that can avoid hazards and lawsuits.
Strategies for Effective Office Space Planning
Make a plan
Before you start buying anything, see how much it will cost to imply those changes. Managing office space gives you the best results once you hire professionals for space planning. Don’t forget to consider the requirements of every individual employee of your company. Listen to their thoughts on what type of workplace they like to work in. Making a thorough plan of everything leads to the desired results.
Include your employees
It has been found that there is higher job satisfaction when you allow your employees to take control of their own workspace. It indicates that you let your staff free to arrange the furniture in the way they want. For instance – Some employees require a private phone booth to answer emails. But they enter the shared space if they have to collaborate with their co-workers in the afternoon.
Consider lighting
Proper lighting affects your productivity, mood, and overall well-being. Make a note of the spaces in the office that do not have proper exposure to light. Nothing can beat natural light. But it is also true that you can’t have it for all spaces. That is where ceiling lights work well, or you can also think of installing sunlight desk lamps.
Keep the growth aspect in mind
Growth is an extremely important aspect of office space planning. You need to look into a few aspects. Some of them are –
How many employees will you add in the next six months to 1 year?
How are you planning to set up their workspace?
What impact will it have on the common spaces?
Answering these questions will help you in perfect workspace planning. It will keep you away from reorganizing and redecorating your office at frequent intervals. Undoubtedly, occasionally reorganizing the office is healthy. But if you require it to do too often, things can get time-consuming and costly.
To make a long story short
You cannot deny that office space plans are beyond just rearranging the furniture. It also includes taking care of the lighting, leaving some floor space open, and maintaining the décor. Whether you want to renovate the existing space or shift to the new one, keep the above-mentioned things in mind to arrive at the appropriate decision.
Hiring professional help can always ease things for you. And LS Office is right there at your beck and call to get you the office space you want. Give us a chance to do what’s best for you, and you won’t regret it. Let our professional design and optimize the workspace for your business so that you can achieve all that you want.
Comments