Office space planning could be the difference between an inefficient business and one that optimises outcomes. With better spatial planning, you can ensure your workers are comfortable and that operations run smoothly, all while impressing clients with a professional image.
But how can you achieve this optimal planning? In this article, we’ll outline key factors to consider when planning the space in your office and how best to use it.
For personalised advice, contact our team at HQ Renovations today.
How we use Offices
How we use our office spaces has changed over the years, especially with the rise of flexible working. Flexible working embraces the need for multi-purpose and easily rearranged areas. It employs the use of open floor plans to encourage workers to collaborate and strengthen relationships.
This can help businesses prioritise different departments or areas of work as their needs grow and change. It helps them scale for the future, cutting costs and allowing them to take advantage of future opportunities.
Planning
Even a flexible workspace can be suboptimal if not used correctly. Planning your office space to optimise outcomes for your workers and your business is crucial to running it effectively. Here, we’ll outline the different factors to consider when planning, re-organising or updating your office space.
Budget
Before making any changes or planning them, it’s important to understand your current financial position. What is the total cost of your current space? How much do you pay in rent and utilities? Understanding where your money goes can help you plan accordingly.
For instance, if you are looking to renovate your space, you may have to shut down your business for some time. This could cut into your profits while you have to pay for construction and still maintain your bills. However, optimising your space will likely improve outcomes and even reduce current costs, such as energy bills.
Managing these factors can help you determine how much you can spend on optimising your space.
Lighting
Though natural and artificial lighting might not affect the square footage, it can significantly impact your image. Improved lighting can make a space feel larger, in turn boosting the mood of your employees and making you seem more professional.
This could involve updating the type of lighting you have in your office. Likewise, you could increase the amount or size of your windows. Depending on the position of your office, you may be able to include skylights to help workers feel less enclosed.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure can also have a large impact on your space management. For instance, a reliable internet connection can reduce the need for unsightly wires that take up space. Likewise, good infrastructure and spatial design ensure operations run smoothly between different departments.
Technology
Harnessing reliable and up-to-date technology can likewise increase your office space management. Often, they can streamline your processes as well as ensure your space appears clear and neat.
Further, improved technology can help you bridge the gap between hybrid and office workers. A video meeting room, interactive displays and smart workstations can improve operations and ensure the needs of distance workers are accounted for.
Accessibility
When planning your office space, it is also important to ensure accessibility is considered. Optimising your office for greater accessibility ensures all of your workers are comfortable. Likewise, it can help clients and customers feel welcome and accommodated in your space.
Ensuring your office space accounts for accessibility could be as simple as adjusting the size of your hallways and doorways. Further, automatic doors, elevators and railings help to ensure everyone can access your office safely and securely.
Getting the Most out of Your Office Space
When planning your office space, it’s important to find a balance between getting the most out of it and ensuring it is still comfortable and easy to use. Here, we’ll outline some key tips for optimising your space without sacrificing comfort and style.
- Utilise multi-functional furniture: This ensures worker needs are met without wasting valuable space.
- Optimise storage solutions: shelving can free up floor space without losing valuable storage.
- Define areas: defining areas can streamline operations and ensure all space is used accordingly.
- Embrace flexibility: Consider routinely re-organising spaces to experiment with space and find the right fit.
- Safety first: Ensure your office meets regulations and safety requirements to ensure your business is secure.
Trust HQ Renovations to Deliver
Office space planning can be a conundrum. You might quickly find yourself torn between comfort, practicality and safety, resulting in a poorly organised office layout. At HQ Renovations, we’ve had years of experience renovating and optimising different office layouts. You can trust our team to deliver renovations to the highest standards on time and within budget.
If you’re ready to get started on your office planning project, reach out to our team today. We’re always happy to help make your office dreams come true.
