Maximizing Productivity and Comfort: A Guide to Calculating the Right Amount of Office Space
The extravagant Apple Park in California is circular in shape and resembles a spaceship. The campus spans 2,800,000 square feet and houses over 12,000 employees! In today's world, office spaces serve as more than just a workplace; office layouts have dramatically evolved in recent years.
However, the commercial Real Estate Industry often measures and advertises office spaces exclusively in square feet, which can be confusing for many people and lead to suspicion of being overcharged.
Therefore, it is essential to have clearly defined space parameters and measurements when selecting the perfect office space.
Generally, to ensure a comfortable working environment and facilitate efficient communication, it is recommended to allocate 80-100 square feet of office space per person. This includes 50 square feet per desk and additional square feet per person for communal areas. However, this recommendation is only sometimes necessary to operate; many offices in India provide 60-70 sq feet of space for their employees.
Ultimately the amount of office space required depends on the type of work you are involved in and the type of working culture you are trying to create.
What is the recommended amount of square footage for various facilities & amenities?
● Small meeting room (4-6 seater) – 120 sq. ft.
● Medium-sized meeting room (8-10 seater) – 180 sq. ft.
● Large meeting room (12-15 seater) - 240 sq. ft
● Board room (15 – 20 people) – 250 sq. ft.
● Training/conference room (20 – 30 people) – 300 sq. ft.
● Pantry – 100 sq. ft.
● Small server room (1 server rack) – 40 sq. ft.
● Large server room (4 server racks) – 120 sq. ft.
● Manager’s office – 100 sq. ft.
● Manager’s office with a small meeting table – 200 sq. ft.
● Director’s office with four-person meeting table – 250 sq. ft.
Other things to Consider:
A. Desk Layout
Designing an office layout that maximizes space while promoting #productivity and collaboration can be challenging. Here are some desk layouts that can help achieve these goals:
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1. Linear Layout: This layout involves arranging desks in a straight line, often facing a wall. It is a simple and efficient layout that can be used in a variety of offices. Generally, a single desk in this layout spans 50 sq.ft
2. L-Shaped Layout: The L-shaped layout is similar to the U-shaped layout but with desks arranged in an L-shape instead. This can be a good option for smaller offices that need to maximize space while still providing employees with ample workspace. In an L-shaped layout, desks take up to 100 sq ft of space.
3. Open-Plan Layout: The open-plan layout involves removing walls and dividers between desks, creating ample open space. This can be a good option for promoting collaboration and communication, but it may not be suitable for employees who need quiet and privacy to focus.
B. Open workstations vs closed office spaces:
There are pros and cons to open and closed office spaces, so it's essential to consider what will work best for your company's needs. Open workstations allow for increased interaction and collaboration among employees, which can be beneficial for brainstorming and teamwork and are much more space efficient.
However, closed office spaces provide greater privacy for meetings and conversations with clients or colleagues but are comparatively less space efficient.
C. Room for Growth
When moving into a new office space larger than your current team requires, however, you anticipate doubling your headcount in the future; then there are several options available to plan ahead accordingly. One option is to provide ample space for everyone initially and then gradually reduce space as the company expands. However, this approach may not be ideal as it could impact employee morale.
Another option is to set aside space for new employees and close it off until needed. This allows you to gradually fill the space as new hires are made. Alternatively, you can license or sublet your empty desks monthly, allowing you to earn income from the empty space while it's not in use
This approach also provides flexibility to give notice to renters when desks are needed for new hires. It's important to consider what will work best for your company's unique needs and culture, and seek advice from experts on how to rent out spare desks if necessary.
D. Cost Calculations
It is recommended to obtain information on the price per square foot from a trusted real estate agent or service provider. This can be beneficial in determining your priorities and ensuring that the location you choose for your business is financially feasible. It's important to keep in mind that when acquiring office space or signing a lease, you will be committed to it for at least three t to six years.
To accommodate potential growth, adding 10% to 20% to the total square footage you calculated is advisable. This additional space can serve as a reserve that can offset the higher costs associated with prematurely ending a lease or relocating the office after a short period.
An effective yet simple solution for calculating office space:
At Qdesq, we have created a tech-enabled tool called “Calq office space calculator “, which helps you determine the office space your business requires. It's a tech-enabled solution that saves time and effort by providing quick and accurate calculations. This calculator is designed to give you a rough estimate of the office space you need based on the number of employees, type of business, and other relevant factors. It's a user-friendly tool that considers the recommended square footage per employee and calculates the total area required for your business. This way, you can make informed decisions about the size of the office you need and avoid costly mistakes.
Using the Calq office space calculator is simple. All you need to do is input the number of employees you have, the type of business you run, and any additional requirements, such as meeting rooms, reception areas, and communal spaces. The calculator then estimates the total square footage required for your office space. One of the most significant advantages of using the Calq #officespace calculator is that it saves time and effort.
You don't have to calculate the square footage manually or rely on guesswork, which can be inaccurate and lead to poor decisions. Instead, the calculator does the math for you, giving you a quick and accurate estimate of the space you need. In addition to calculating the amount of space required, the Calq office space calculator also helps you compare the costs of traditional office spaces versus coworking spaces. This feature allows you to decide which type of workspace is best for your business based on your budget and specific needs.