If you’ve been in your current office space for some time, you may see that what was once the ideal office space configuration is no longer working. Maybe your outside sales team no longer travels as much and spends more time in the office.
Or, your office now has many empty office cubicles because you’ve streamlined your processes.
If you’re reading this article, it’s likely because you have an office space planning problem in search of a solution. Here are a few space planning ideas to get you started.
Reclaim Valuable Office Space
Do you have a file room that’s no longer used? Perhaps your files are many years old and are rarely even accessed. As long as there is no legal reason you need to retain your files, recycle the paper, and reclaim the space.
That old file room might serve nicely as a new conference room. If you’re not quite ready to destroy all your old files, consider scanning them and saving them electronically. Disk space is pretty inexpensive these days and several software options will allow you to scan documents and make them searchable.
Repurpose Unused Offices
A large unused office can be reconfigured to comfortably house multiple employees. First remove existing office furnishings, cabinetry, and even the door. Office furniture such as bench desking can be ordered to fit the space.
If you have employees who used to occupy multiple cubicles, but now telecommute, consider repurposing that unused space as well. Cubicles can be reconfigured into new spaces for collaboration.
Create a relaxing and comfortable space
If you have unused spaces in your office, you can use them to create a relaxing space. A quiet space away from stress and work pressures so that employees can relax for a few minutes.
In this space, using comfortable chairs to sit and lie down can be a good idea. Also, using soft colors and natural light will double the feeling of relaxation in the space.
Try to use natural and green plants in the space to help improve air quality and reduce employee stress. You can also turn it into an informal interactive space by placing large tables and ergonomic furniture.
If the size of this space allows you, adding exercise facilities such as a small room for yoga, stretching exercises, or even a stationary bike can be a good idea.
Brainstorming spaces
In modern workplaces, creating a space to collect ideas and brainstorm is highly effective in increasing creativity and innovation.
These spaces help teams easily generate new ideas, solve complex problems, and achieve innovation and creativity. You can use whiteboards or special writing walls to equip these spaces.
Employees can quickly write down their ideas and show them to other colleagues. You can also use digital boards or large screens.
Using folding and portable tables can also create a comfortable and creative space for people.
Also, using teaching aids such as ideation cards, colorful posters, sticky notes, and even online brainstorming software is a good idea for carrying out the brainstorming process.
Create a training space or workshops
If you have extra space in your office, turn it into a training workshop!
Today’s businesses need to constantly update the skills of their employees. So creating such a space facilitates training and learning for them.
You can ask successful and senior employees in your company to teach high-level skills in different jobs to junior people.
By creating this educational and inspiring space, you multiply the motivation of your employees and strengthen innovation and creativity.
You can use projectors, suitable sound systems, and modular office furniture to equip your training space.
Additional Office Space Planning Resources to Explore:
- Is Bench Desking Right for Your Office?
- Efficient Cubicle Configuration
- 5 Critical Office Layout Considerations
- How to Maximize Office Space with Space Planning
- Renting Office Furniture
Need Help Envisioning What Your Office Could Be?
ROSI offers free office space planning and design to all of our prospective customers. Our trained staff creates 2D and 3D drawings to maximize square footage and support business objectives.
Our goal is to create incredible workspaces that boost productivity while upgrading the look of your office environment.
Contact ROSI Office Systems today to get started building your new workspace.
John Ofield is a recognized expert in the office furniture and office cubicle industry, with over 40 years of experience. As the founder of ROSI Office Systems, he specializes in space planning, custom cubicle designs, and high-quality commercial furniture. John’s expertise helps businesses enhance productivity and collaboration. He is also dedicated to mentoring entrepreneurs and redefining workspaces to inspire success.
