Space management is something every company should put on their list of priorities. As work patterns shift, downsizing is necessary to adjust to new realities in the economy and the nature of work itself. Smaller offices come with plenty of advantages, like being more sustainable, cutting down on distractions, and creating a stronger sense of community. Discover how the right-sized office can enhance productivity and strengthen company culture.
Do we really need more space, or do we just need to work smarter?
Office downsizing is a solution to uncertain economic times, societal changes, and a fickle workforce. Anyone designing an office space needs to start by asking that very question. Being a space manager these days is no picnic. The demands of the workforce are constantly changing, and currently more rapidly than ever in the post-pandemic world.
Practical benefits with a smaller office
If you are considering moving to a smaller office, there are several advantages, if you invest some time and energy in interior design and layout. Our physical surroundings do make a difference, and they’re even known to boost productivity. A study by Harvard Business Review found that thoughtfully designed office spaces can enhance productivity by up to 20%. Let’s dive into some of them.
Increased sustainability
When the office is right sized, you are not only able to reduce costs but also bring down emissions since you are able to cut down on everything from heating to electricity and cleaning supplies. Less money spent on office supplies, cleaning material and technical equipment means being able to invest in much-appreciated benefits for the employees.
Fewer distractions
A larger office space tends to accommodate more people under the same roof, which increases the risk of a noisy and busy environment. Especially if there are a lot of open spaces. With all the background noise, collaborative meetings and people coming and going, the distractions will increase. When it’s hard to focus, people tend to start chatting about their weekend plans with their colleagues instead of being productive. A smaller office space - on the other hand - usually offers a quieter and intimate work environment.
Cultural benefits with a smaller office space
A smaller office naturally fosters a stronger sense of community. With fewer people, it’s easier to build genuine connections, communicate openly, and create a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels seen and valued.
A stronger community
When people are seated closer together, they find it easier to express and share ideas. It’s also great for building trust and strengthening the team. Spontaneous meetings spark more in-depth conversations that often lead to innovative solutions to pressing issues.
Mindful and productive work environments
A smaller office space that welcomes hybrid workers promotes more mindful attendance. By allowing people to switch between the comfort of their home office and the official office, they can decide where to work each day based on their tasks. This freedom and flexibility foster a strong work culture where employees look forward to collaborating with colleagues in the office on specific projects.
The office becomes a place for collaboration, socializing, and increasing your skill set through training. Not just a space you visit daily to mark your attendance.
A smaller office provides an intimate and inspiring environment where each space is thoughtfully designed to foster creativity and collaboration. Forget endless hallways and rows of identical desks. Instead, enjoy a mix of comfortable lounge chairs, designated desks, and well-equipped meeting rooms. It’s about creating a space where everything has its purpose and place.
Keeping spaces free from clutter, a minimalist design and muted colours are some examples of elements that elevate a smaller office.
A great breakout space can make a big difference when the office space is smaller. It’s a place where people can have casual chats, meet with clients, or just take a breather during lunch. You don’t need loads of space, just some smart furniture placement to create welcoming and functional zones within your office.
Right-size Your Office with Data-Driven Insights
If you have decided to downsize, the right data can help you make smarter decisions. It can tell you exactly how many people are present each day in the office and identify fluctuations throughout the week or month. Seasonal factors like summer holidays, Christmas, temporary staff, and flu season also play a role in shaping office usage trends.
Flowscape not only provide resource booking, but also analytics tools to make the most of the flexible office. We are delighted to announce the launch of Asset Utilization Simulation! This efficient tool considers several key metrics of asset utilization, including booking data, sensor data, and much more, providing ample opportunities to monitor and adapt office attendance from both employees' and managers' perspectives. It is an effective tool to prepare, plan, and execute strategies for the evolving office attendance landscape, helping organizations stay agile in the new way of working.
Let data do the work for you
The move toward smaller office spaces signals a major shift in how we work. To stay ahead, companies need a strategic, data-driven approach. Understanding how space is used and optimizing it accordingly will be crucial. Future workplaces depend not only on a great location, but also on making every square meter count.
Read more from our blog
Optimize Your Hybrid Workspace With the Right Office Solutions
Crafting High Performing Teams in Hybrid Workplaces
Workspace Resizing in the Hybrid Era - Strategies for a Flexible Office