Published on:

02 October 2023

Updated on:

12 October 2023

Read time:

2 minutes

Nathan Watson

Development Director

The office layout plays a pivotal role in enhancing productivity, collaboration, and ensuring your team feel comfortable and engaged.

Whether you are a business owner, office manager, or an office interior design specialist, understanding the office space requirements for a modern office layout is crucial.

This comprehensive guide, along with our office space requirements calculator, will help you determine how much space is needed for your specific office needs.

How much space is required per person in an office?

The first and most fundamental consideration is how much office space should be allocated per person in your office. The industry-standard guideline suggests around 100 square feet per employee.

However, this can vary depending on the nature of your business, your employees' roles, and your office layout preferences. For instance, administrative staff may only need 100 square feet, while engineers may need more room for technical equipment.

How much space do you need for office amenities and equipment?

Apart from individual workspaces, you must allocate space for essential amenities and equipment. This includes common areas, meeting rooms, kitchens, storage, and technology infrastructure.

To help guide you on these requirements, here are some common examples:

  • Meeting rooms: 100-300 square feet
  • Phone booths: 15-25 square feet
  • Kitchens: 100+ square feet
  • Print/copy stations: 25-50 square feet
  • Storage: 30+ square feet

How does working style impact how much office space you need?

Modern offices often feature a variety of workspaces to cater to different working styles. Understanding how these styles impact your space requirements is essential. Open-plan layouts encourage collaboration, while private offices provide solitude for focused tasks. Flexible seating arrangements accommodate a mobile workforce.

To facilitate diverse working styles in a modern office, you need a mix of spaces like:

  • Collaborative spaces: Open lounge areas, huddle rooms, creative labs
  • Focus work spaces: Enclosed pods, quiet booths
  • Private offices: For executives and managers
  • Amenities: Cafes, game zones, wellness rooms

Planning for future growth

Your office space requirements should not only cater to your current needs but also accommodate future growth. Expansion, new hires, and evolving work trends must be factored in during your planning. As your business grows, your office should have the flexibility to adapt.

Creating an efficient and future-ready office layout requires careful planning around your unique needs. At Office Principles, our team of workplace consultants use expert research techniques to get under the skin of your business, developing a strategy that will completely transform your office space and the way your people work.

Key office layout takeaways

Modern office layout and space planning is a process that requires careful consideration of various factors. From calculating the space required per person to accommodating different working styles, it's crucial to balance functionality and comfort. With the right approach, you can create an office environment that supports your team's productivity and well-being.

Before finalising your office space layout, remember to consult industry experts, like Office Principles, and consider real-world case studies.

Reach out to us for more information on optimising your office space or to discuss your specific project needs. Our expert team is here to assist you in creating an office space that maximises your business potential.

Meet the Author

A lauded, lead creative who has been fast-tracked throughout his career, thanks to a passion for the intricacies in providing unique design work, Nathan has an illustrious portfolio which reflects his talent and the scope of his work. Nathan’s role is to lead the design team, guiding and influencing distinctive and exceptional designs.