Post Updated: April 21, 2022
Small office design can be a challenge. You want to make the most of the space you have, but you also need to be able to work efficiently. In this article, we will outline some tips for small office design that should help make your office more functional and productive.
How to make the most of small office space
There are a few things that small business owners can do in order to make the most of their small office space. One of the most important is to use every inch of space wisely. This may mean using storage solutions like shelving and cabinets to store supplies and equipment, or it may mean using furniture that can be multi-purpose. For example, ottomans can be used as both seating and storage.
Another way to make the most of small office space is to choose furniture and decor that is both stylish and functional. For example, opting for pieces that double as storage or that can be used in more than one way will help to save space. In addition, selecting items in light, neutral colours will help to make the space feel larger and more open.
Finally, it’s important to keep the office organised and clutter-free. This can be accomplished by having a place for everything and making sure that items are put away when not in use. Keeping the desk clear will also help to create a feeling of spaciousness.
Tips for designing a small office
A great modern office doesn’t need to be large; in fact, there are plenty of benefits to being a little on the smaller side. Whilst it’s important to be smart about reducing clutter and finding storage alternatives, designing a great space requires a bit more insight and planning. Here are our top tips for designing a small office that facilitates communication, brings in business and keeps everyone happy.
Use a layout that reflects your organisational structure
You should consider the flow of internal direction when designing the office – it’s not just about the business model, it’s about how you plan on running the business. The positioning of each employee matters – their placement reflects the flow of direction of the business. A manager, for example, may sit in the middle so that they can see what everyone is working on and give employees ample opportunity to approach them.
Create a flexible, open environment
Research has found that open, small-scale offices actually increase the exchange of information, create a positive social environment that supports learning, accommodate greater flexibility, and don’t hinder the ability to work productively. In other words, cubicles don’t always work – they can actually make employees less productive. Although privacy will be a problem, this can be met through the addition of private spaces.
Reflect your businesses’ attitude
If you see clients in your office, it should be an accurate reflection of your business objectives. Try to understand how customers might view the business and ask yourself what sort of image you want to represent. If you don’t see clients, you should also consider how the space represents itself to both current and future employees. The architecture itself reflects an attitude – how you choose to practice and communicate, for example.
Use frugality to your benefit
Do you have any existing office furniture, such as a couple of workstations or couches, that you can continue to reuse? This can help you to save money on replacement pieces, allowing you to invest in more expensive pieces that you don’t already own. What sort of atmosphere are you looking to create? The furniture doesn’t all have to match and the comfort of your employees should come before everything else.
Create small perks for big impact
It is important to address whether you should spend money on little perks (such as a decent coffee machine) or whether you should just pay your employees more. Having a small office actually gives you the opportunity to offer these sorts of perks, as they’re not that expensive to keep replenished and they’re something employees appreciate. Having access to a coffee machine all day every day is highly valuable.
So what are the pros and what needs to be considered?
How small office design can improve productivity
Small office design can have a big impact on productivity. The way your office is laid out can affect how well your employees work together and how efficiently they get their work done. Due to this small space, you need to make sure it accommodates well to your employees in both the design and layout. Creating a small office design that is both functional and stylish can be a challenge, but it is worth the effort.
The benefits of small office design
There are many benefits to small office design. Perhaps the most obvious is that it can save you money. A well-designed small office requires less furniture and fewer resources, which can lead to significant savings. Small office design can also help you make better use of the space you have. By carefully planning the layout of your office, you can ensure that every inch is used effectively.
Another benefit of small office design is that it can improve communication and collaboration among employees. When everyone has their own dedicated workspace, it can be difficult to interact with others. However, by incorporating collaborative areas into your small office design, you can encourage employees to work together more effectively.
The importance of ergonomics in small office design
Ergonomics is the study of how people interact with their environment. When it comes to small office design, ergonomics is essential. After all, if your employees are not comfortable in their workspace, they will not be as productive.
There are a few simple ergonomic tips that you can follow to improve small office design. First, make sure that desks and chairs are the right size for your employees. Second, consider using standing desks or adjustable-height desks to give employees the option to sit or stand while they work. Finally, make sure that there is plenty of natural light and that the temperature in your office is comfortable.
When dealing with a small office, we hope that the tips outlined above have enabled you to come up with the perfect design. We do, however, understand that knowing how to use the space effectively can still be a challenge, which is why we hope that you’ll take advantage of our space planning services. We can create an effective fitout for offices of all shapes and sizes, even the small ones.
