10 Ways to Maximize a Small Office Space

Don’t let limited square footage in your company’s workspace keep you from taking advantage of the open office trend. The less space you have, the more you should strive to implement open floor plan ideas to ensure productivity and worker satisfaction. Emagispace® offers these 10 practical and creative ways to maximize the space you’re in — without breaking the bank.

1. Spring Cleaning

It may not be at the top of your to-do list, but it’s a necessary evil. Before you start implementing office organization ideas, start with a deep cleaning of the area. Reorganize supply closets and clear off desks to get a more realistic idea of exactly how much space you have and what items, such as furniture and equipment, you need to make room for. Take the opportunity to scrub all work surfaces and have the carpets and floor professionally cleaned.

2. Flexible, Multi-Purpose Spaces

Having fewer separate offices leaves room for shared desks and tables, which can be configured in a number of space-saving ways, giving you more room. Consider using desks and tables on wheels that can be easily rearranged, contributing to a more collaborative work environment. The idea of not having a set desk, known as “hot desking”, is a growing concept that works well in small office spaces. Privacy pods utilizing our signature EmagiKit™ technology cut down on noise and provide space for phone calls, as well as a place for employees to concentrate on intensive projects without distractions.

3. Let the Light Shine In

If your office has windows, remove any coverings that block the natural light from coming in. It is scientifically proven that exposure to natural light helps boost your employees’ satisfaction levels, contributes to better health, and improves the work environment overall. Consolidate work tables around the bright windows to get the most benefit. If you don’t have windows or good natural light, invest in overhead down-lighting, such as a track with LED lights or recessed LED lighting (not up-lights that illuminate the ceiling but throw shadows everywhere). Add small LED desk lamps that can mimic the sun’s rays; avoid floor lamps that take up precious space.

4. Look UP – Not Out

While expanding your office’s square footage may not be an option, think about expanding vertically. Too often walls are not effectively utilized in office space. From vertical shelving to wall organizing units, make these oft-neglected surfaces do double duty.

5. Less is More, and Color is Key

Practice minimalism in your open plan office, a growing trend in homes and offices around the world. An inexpensive idea is to just have less stuff, or consider renting a storage unit rather than cramming your space with items you don’t use day-to-day. Have outdated computer equipment? Consider making a donation to a local school or nonprofit organization, and reap the tax benefits (and the good karma).

If you have less décor or equipment on display, you can invest time in exploring color theory options that promote productivity and happiness for your employees in an open plan office.

6. The Ground You Walk On

Interior decorators recommend using wall-to-wall flooring instead of having rugs on a carpet or hard floor, as they can “chop up” the space. Commercial carpeting or a durable wood or wood-like surface is easy to clean and maintain. It’s best to avoid hard floor tiles that may create an echo and make phone conversations challenging for your staff. Lauri Ward, author of Use What You Have Decorating, is a fan of carpet tiles that come in a variety of colors, thicknesses, and styles, and don’t have to be glued down. “If coffee spills on a tile, it can be lifted up, cleaned off, and put right back in place. And if a tile gets completely ruined by ink, you can take a spare out of the closet and replace the damaged tile on the spot,” Ward advises.

7. Check Out Free Design Software

Office planning software like Room Sketcher and apps like MagicPlan have some basic functions that are free to take advantage of in your quest for the best office layout. In some cases, hiring a professional may still be necessary, but utilizing free software before engaging a design pro could save you many dollars in the long run.

8. Brainstorm with Employees

It’s important to take the time to include your whole team when trying to figure out the best small office layout. Different strokes for different folks – some people need peace and quiet, while others thrive in a collaborative environment. The point is, you should never assume. This includes deciding which furniture is the most practical and functional. One idea is to start a Pinterest page where employees can post their ideas, kind of like a vision board of their ideal office space.

9. Encourage Telecommuting

What if you’ve implemented many great office organization ideas, but the space isn’t enough, and moving is not an option? Smart scheduling can help – encouraging employees to spend a day each week working from home frees up tight office space, and gives them more flexibility and freedom. It will create the illusion of a larger office with fewer bodies, but with the same amount of work being done.

10. Research Innovative Design

Emagispace® offers state-of-the-art open-plan office solutions, allowing you to design and build any type or size of structure you need, from desks and cubicle neighborhoods, to privacy walls, to full conference rooms and offices. Our reusable, environmentally-friendly materials are available in any color or design pattern you can imagine, with less labor and less cost. Contact us today to discover how we can make your open floor plan ideas come to life.