Each company has an idea of what the perfect office looks like to them. To some organizations expansive, sprawling campuses are ideal, while others might find that a small, intimate setting works best for them. Regardless of what a company wants, we’re often limited by space. But being limited by space doesn’t mean that designing your perfect office isn’t possible. By using customizable space-saving office furniture and a compact office design, you can easily provide your team with what they want and more importantly what they need.
A compact office design doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to be in a small, cramped office. With an intentional design and the right selection of small office space solutions, you can easily maximize your office space.
Challenges of Compact Office Spaces
Designing a small or compact office comes with its fair share of hurdles. There are several things to take into consideration when designing your office, that if done correctly, can create an effective and efficient office.
One of the biggest problems when utilizing a small office is the misuse of space. Impractical use of space can lead to employees using different parts of an office not intended for their original use. This results in inefficient work and less-than-ideal working conditions. Ample workspace prevents employees from using conference rooms, break rooms, and other common spaces for personal workspaces.
Another problem that often occurs in cramped or small office spaces is that employees don’t have their own personal space. Not only can the invasion of personal space make employees uncomfortable, but the lack of privacy might hinder their performance. Noise and visual distractions can have a negative impact on how well employees work and add unnecessary stress in the office.
A big problem in offices – especially compact offices – is the lack of socialization. In a time when socialization has become a focus in office design, it’s important to incorporate elements even into a compact office design. We need that human interaction and those connections between coworkers to create a cohesive work environment. However, that doesn’t mean you need unlimited space to do so.
Space-Saving Furniture Ideas
One of the main goals when it comes to designing a small office is saving space. Space-saving furniture helps you meet employee needs while creating a sleek, aesthetically pleasing space. The perfect space-saving furniture solutions are usually modular and multi-use pieces. These customizable pieces fit specific needs.
Strong Project’s modern office cubicles are the ideal solution to providing private workspaces but also can help retain elements of socialization and collaboration. Our adjustable modern cubicle creates a private workspace but also leaves room for employees to work together in an extended workspace.
A problem that offices of all shapes and sizes eventually encounter – especially compact offices – is storage space. Even though companies are embracing technologies that reduce the need for physical storage, it is still necessary. Our product collection of storage solutions incorporates pieces into workspaces, mobile pieces, and even common spaces.
Creative Layout Strategies
Compact office design doesn’t just mean picking the right furniture, it means putting it in the right space. The office layout you choose greatly depends on the scope of work. Do employees need privacy? Do they need a space for collaboration? It depends on the day-to-day. But that doesn’t mean it has to be one or another.
British American Business wrote a piece about the impact that office design and layout have on employees. Misuse of space, lack of functionality, and inadequate storage all have a major impact on productivity and employee satisfaction.
For many companies, concentration is a major part of employee success. In a smaller space, it’s even more important to ensure employees have those focused areas. Secluded or sectioned spaces that let employees break away and work free of distraction. These spaces shouldn’t come at the cost of eliminating socialization. It’s important to create spaces that encourage organic interactions.
Organic interactions can be encouraged by how well employees can move throughout the office and their accessibility to breakrooms. Common spaces that have shared seating, tables, and wellness areas can help employees leave the seclusion of their personal spaces. For more relaxed spaces and environments, employees can benefit from collaborative lounge seating. This helps employees escape from the rigidity of more structured workspaces.
Maximizing storage and functionality
Compact office designs are destined to fail if they neglect functionality. Using modular furniture in your office design lets offices rearrange and reconfigure the office as a company grows and evolves. However, elements of functionality are often not considered in office design.
A recent article on Extra Space discusses some additional ways to maximize space when working with limited storage options. To learn more about designing a compact office, you can find the article here.
The traditional filing cabinet hasn’t changed in decades. These bulky, brown, and grey storage solutions are so large they usually need their own dedicated space. Our modern storage is the perfect small office space solution. The contemporary aesthetic and functionality can easily be integrated into many of our pieces – especially our modern cubicles.
Can Your Company Operate in a Small Office?
For companies with 100 employees, limited space might be excessive space to a company with 50 employees. A compact space depends on the scope of work and the number of employees. These two factors also determine employee needs. With the proper small office design, functionality, and furniture selection, a company can operate in a less-than-ideal space.
What you need and want out of an office are two different things. However, working in a small space doesn’t mean your company can’t have both.
Ready to transform your small office space? Contact us for a consultation and discover the perfect space-saving solutions for your business.
For additional information about designing an office with limited space, check out our post: Workplace Design Ideas for the Small Office.
