Whether you’re a small business or an established company, you probably have offices. How well you manage them can make a big difference on your profitability and success.
The right space management can optimise your space usage and lower costs. Incorrect space management will increase your overheads and decrease the efficiency of your employees and operations.
In this article, we will show you how to manage office spaces in the most productive way possible, so that you get all the benefits of having an office without any of the drawbacks. So keep reading to learn more!
What is office space management?
Office space management is the practice of optimising the use of any space you work in by taking into account a variety of factors, such as office layout, furniture, technology and more. In short, it’s the process of creating an office space that is designed to amplify the success of your employees and operations.
Office space management is much more than just picking out a paint colour or deciding on the furniture that goes into the office. It is about understanding the psychological and sociological impacts of the environment and then using that knowledge to create the best space for your employees.
Office space management is all about creating an environment that has as few distractions as possible. It is about making sure that everything from the lighting to the colour of the walls to the noise levels and more are set up in a way that gets the most out of your employees. It is about creating an office space that is conducive to productivity and creativity and removes barriers that may be holding you back.
Why is office space management important?
When you rent or buy office space, you’re making a significant investment in your business. When done right, this investment can significantly increase your productivity and improve the efficiency of your operations.
When you manage your office space well, it gives employees the right tools to do their job better, more efficiently and more creatively. In turn, this increases the overall productivity of your team and allows you to create a better experience for your clients and visitors.
On top of that, the right office layout can help you save money by lowering your overheads. With the right management, you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your office space.
Overall, office space management is extremely important because it can make the difference between a highly productive and successful business and a poorly managed, inefficient operation.
Cultivating the right environment
The first step to maximising the effectiveness of your office space is to cultivate the right environment for your employees and business. You want to make sure you’re picking out a location that is not only convenient for your team but also provides the right atmosphere for optimal productivity.
When it comes to the atmosphere of your office, it is important that you consider a few key factors:
Noise
Noise can be extremely distracting and chaotic for employees. It can prevent them from being able to focus on their work and get the job done. This is why it is important that you select an office space that is not too noisy, or use noise sensors to help lower any adverse noise.
Lighting
Not only does the right lighting help with aesthetics, but it can also affect your employees’ mood and outlook on work. Appropriate lighting is beneficial for a number of reasons, chiefly because poor lighting can hamper employee wellbeing and productivity. Also, well-managed lighting can reduce utility bills, and who doesn’t want that in the days of rampant energy costs?
Temperature
An office that is too hot or too cold can lead to reduced productivity. It can cause employees to get sick or disrupt their work process and overall morale if they become uncomfortable or agitated. With that in mind, it is important that you select an office space that has the right temperature, or by using sensors that monitor any excessive temperatures so you can adjust them if needed.
Space
To be able to work effectively, your employees need the right amount of space, and a good variety of different spaces. This means that you should look for an office that has enough room for everyone but not too much space as this can lead to unneeded distractions. It’s also important to effectively plan your office space, including any breakout rooms and meeting areas. There’s a psychological aspect to space management, so don’t be afraid to dig deeper to truly understand how office space is planned and executed.
Furniture
Your office space and furniture should be functional and have a purpose. It should have everything your employees need and nothing that they don’t need. Comfortable furnishings and a variety of different chairs and desks to suit individuals’ preferences will help prevent distractions and keep employees focused on the task at hand.
Managing your space with effective furniture placement
Another important office space management strategy is furniture placement. When selecting the layout for your office furniture, it is important that you keep in mind all of the factors that we mentioned above.
This includes the noise level of your office space, as well as the lighting, temperature, and space. Furniture placement can have a significant effect on how your employees work, so it is important that you put thought into it.
You should make sure that you don’t put your desks too close to each other, as this can lead to distractions. You should also avoid putting your desks in a linear formation, as this can make it easier for people to overhear each other’s conversations.
Instead, you should put your desks in a square or rectangular formation, with enough space in between each desk so that employees can focus on their work. You should also avoid putting too many desks in one space, breaking up banks of working desks with more comfortable, informal areas.
Utilising technology in your office space and workspace
Another key factor to consider when managing your space and creating an ideal office environment is technology. You want to make sure that your office space is equipped with the latest and best technology so that your employees can be as efficient as possible.
This can include anything from having the right internet and Wi-Fi speed to having the right computers, software, or air conditioning. The tech in your office can have both a functional and psychological impact, so it is important that you get it right.
On top of that, you also need to take into account the design of your office space, as this can have an impact on the productivity of your employees. For example, you want to make sure that your office space is not overcrowded. An overcrowded room can make people feel overwhelmed and unproductive. It’s easy to monitor this with technology. Workplace occupancy sensors and desk booking tools will give you the insight you need to understand how your space is being used.
Wrapping up
Choosing the right office space is extremely important. All of the decisions you make when selecting the layout and design of your office can have a significant impact on the productivity of your employees.
That’s why it is important that you take all of the factors into account when choosing your office space. If you select the right environment and get the technology right, you can significantly improve your employee’s productivity.
With the right office space, you can create an ideal environment for productivity, wellness and creativity, while also removing any barriers that may be holding you and your team back.
