Are you going to move into a new office soon? If you’re having trouble organizing everything, here are 8 great office space planning tips.
Moving into an office is a big event for any company. Whether you’re a growing business or moving into an office for the first time, there are a lot of things to think about. It’s better to be safe than sorry when planning a new office space and be prepared for whatever your business needs.
The type of office space planning you perform depends on the type of business your company does. It’s probably a good idea to make a checklist of all the items that will go into the new space. You’ll probably want to conduct a head count and start thinking about functions of the new spaces within.
When creating a space meant for productivity, there is a whole lot more to consider than profits and losses. Make yourself accountable and follow these guidelines to learn more about creating a safe and organized office space for your business.
Be Budget Conscious
It’s a lot of fun drawing up plans for a new office space but it’s important not to get carried away with ideas that will send you over budget.
Be aware of your budget and watch for the costs to add up when adding partition walls and purchasing new furniture. It might be a good idea to review prices on materials before you begin office space planning. Think about what is appropriate and cost-effective in your overall design.
Have a budget outline for each area of the office space planning design. Be prepared for costs to be re-arranged because of unexpected flaws in the design once construction and furniture placement begins.
Think Ahead
Determining the amount of space each employee requires individually is a good start when it comes to office space planning. Make plans for when the company grows and the added employees that will come with that growth. These plans should include additional office furniture, access walls or entryways and fire codes.
Design the space according to daily operations for current and active staff. Accommodate for additional employees considering desk space, break rooms and storage spaces, too.
Remember Storage
Hallways and copy rooms all account for extra space and square footage in your office space planning design. You’ll also need to have a storage room or rooms depending on your style of business and needs.
These spaces should provide plenty of shelving or room for filing cabinets and other office supplies. Think about the items that you don’t typically account for like pens, paper, staplers, extra mailing supplies, etc.
Design your storage spaces to accommodate for additional storage needs in the future. More employees means additional supplies and equipment. There may also be times when your office isn’t operating at full staff.
A storage space will keep unnecessary items out of the way, allowing your company to present a positive image to visitors.
Create Space for Visitors
Don’t forget about remote employees. You’ll need additional offices or cubicles available to this extra staff.
Visitors need a waiting area. Oftentimes businesses prefer to design the reception area for this purpose. Make it welcoming and offer refreshments.
Good office space planning incorporates a thoughtful approach to the appliances and furniture that will go into a space, as well as the number of guests you plan to have waiting at any given time.
Get Your Employees Involved
Promote enthusiasm in the workplace by getting your employees involved in the planning and ideas for the new office space. Give them options that you’re thinking of and get their feedback.
Make sure you’re available to your employees regarding office space planning designs. Motivate your staff to provide their input on cubicle or office size, color schemes, desk furniture, chairs, and break areas. Remember that your employees are the people that will utilize these spaces the most.
Allowing your employees to be involved will have positive effects on mood and performance.
Add a Personal Touch
As your employees think up ideas for the office space, help them individualize their spaces by adding features to your floor plan that make room for personal items such as photos and other gizmos.
Taking consideration of your employees’ personal wants and needs in an office atmosphere will create a sense of ownership for them. This leads to more productivity and even loyalty among your staff.
Add spaces for employee gatherings, such as additional break room space or pathways in the office that allow for easy communication.
Think About Office Equipment
You’ll probably want to incorporate some kind of style and ergonomic features in your office design, so it’s important to think about the amount of space this furniture and equipment will use. Filing cabinets may be required for some spaces. Some spaces or inner offices may require larger furniture.
Don’t forget to plan for light storage areas in the copy room for easy access to additional supplies like printer paper and ink cartridges. You’ll notice more productivity in the long run when your employees aren’t forced to make special trips to the storage room when paper runs low or ink runs out.
Incorporate Proper Lighting
Proper lighting is imperative for a healthy mood in the office. Studies have shown that mood and productivity are enhanced in an office with good lighting. Poor lighting, on the other hand, will create a sense of doom, making you and your employees less motivated and maybe even depressed.
You should try to incorporate as much natural light as possible with windows and glass doors. If natural light isn’t available, use soft and indirect artificial lighting that offers a welcoming touch.
Enlist a Professional for Office Space Planning
Take some pressure off yourself and enlist a specialist to help guide you through each process of planning an office layout. Professional designers are familiar with the logistics of office space planning. They can help you define your wants and needs to better establish the final space.
Contact the experts at one of our four locations when you’re ready to start your plans. We’re here to make this easy.