For many small businesses, space can be a major problem. Packing employees and all the necessary furniture and equipment into a tight space isn’t easy. Besides that, if a workspace is too crowded and cluttered and employees are overcrowded, those issues can interfere with creativity and productivity.
If space is an issue for your business, making every square foot count is essential. Open office layouts can give your employees room to move without sacrificing the equipment they need to do their jobs. With a little planning and the right open office solutions, you can make the most of the space you have.
Forgoing Walls
One of the most effective ways to maximize space in a small business is to eliminate walls. Though some people like to be separated from their coworkers and have their own private workspaces, walls can take up a great deal of space and greatly limit your flexibility. If you arrange furniture and equipment just the right way, employees can still have their space without walls. They’ll also be able to connect and collaborate on projects more easily.
If you need designated areas for individual work and team projects, you might consider creating specific zones in your business rather than separating everything with walls. For example, you could devote half of a room to desks and the other half to collaborative space. Leave a little room in between the two for employees to easily transition from one to the other. Alternatively, you can use shelving as dividers. That gives you the benefit of separate spaces with the functionality of added storage.
Finding the Right Furniture
Secondly, finding the right furniture can make a major positive difference in small workspaces. Compact desks can give employees room to work without taking up unnecessary space. Modular pieces can be reconfigured based on employees’ specific needs or the requirements of different projects. While you’re looking for space-saving furniture, though, it’s important to keep employee comfort in mind. These days, you’ll find a variety of desks, chairs, and other pieces that are both compact and ergonomic.
Additionally, multifunctional furniture can make a world of difference where space is limited. Pieces in this category might include seating with built-in storage or tables with built-in shelves or drawers. Desks with integrated electrical outlets and USB ports can give you added space, flexibility, and convenience as well. Those are only a few of the possibilities.
Choosing the Best Lighting
Many people overlook the importance of lighting in small spaces. Granted, it doesn’t give you more square footage, but it can definitely make an area look and feel more open and spacious. Natural light also offers an array of added health benefits for your employees. Studies show that it may ramp up their creativity and productivity as well. If your space doesn’t have windows, consider using bright, warm lighting, light-colored furniture, and mirrors to create similar effects.
Making the Most of Minimal Space
Trying to run a business with limited space can be difficult. With the right measures, though, you can make the most of the space you have. Eliminating walls, choosing the right furniture arrangement, and using furnishings that serve multiple purposes can help you pack more functionality into a small space. Making the space look and feel larger and more open with the right lighting can make a positive difference as well. In the end, it’s not about how much space you have; the key to success lies in how you use it.