Make the most of your office space and boost the balance sheet
For most businesses the cost of office space is the second-biggest expense after salaries. Working out how much room you need can make a big difference to the bottom line and improve communication and output. Follow these tips to get more from your floor space…
1. Measure desk use
Walk around your premises once an hour for a week and note how many desks and meeting rooms are being used. This will help you weigh up how much space you need and how much can be saved.
2. Set targets
Work out a limit of square feet per person and you could cut your needs by up to 20 per cent, without affecting workflow. If the figure divided by the number of staff is above 11 sq m, you can do better.
3. Use space sensibly
Space must be allocated by need, not job grade. This allows greater sharing of knowledge and better use of space. You need to challenge attitudes in hierarchical environments. Offer more freedom through technology, instead of a private office.
4. Work flexibly
Hot-desking, flexi-time and home working can save up to £16,000 a year for each work station. Measure work patterns to show how you can be more flexible.
5. Streamline storage
High-density storage walls could double up as office partitions, and floor-to-ceiling units on existing floors might boost storage capacity by as much as 50 per cent.
6. Clear clutter
A clear-desk policy makes sharing desks easier. Supply a bin for every five desks – it discourages pointless print-outs and makes emptying bins faster and cheaper.
7. Break-out zones
As well as being a social hub and meeting place, a multi-tasking, soft-seating area gives a temporary home to mobile workers.
8. Create brighter spaces
Open up a tight floor space with light, bright colour schemes. Use glass partitions instead of walls to separate departments and ensure every employee can see a window. Natural light improves mood.
9. Involve staff
It's vital to consider staff opinions as well as the financial needs of a company. Appoint a steering group to communicate plans.
10. Furniture of the future
Durable materials for more ergonomic work stations cost more, but they will stand up well to wear and tear.
Martin Atkinson is managing director of workplace planning firm PiMS Workspace www.pimsworkspace.com
