When it comes to setting up a co-working office space, the amount of space needed for each area can vary greatly. Private workspaces typically require an average of 150 square meters, while open workspaces require an average of 125 square meters and conference rooms need 50 square meters. However, traditional workstations usually require between 75 to 95 square feet per employee. Kitchens without seating need around 100 square feet, while private offices and conference spaces need 120 to 150 square feet.
In the past, the norm for office space was 200 square feet per person. This number has decreased in recent years to around 180 square feet per person. In comparison, WeWork's average is about 75 square feet per person. This is what people are used to in coworking spaces.
When it comes to making the most of your office space, it's important to consider how much space should be allocated to common areas. According to Enlighted, up to 40% of all office space is not used due to it not being rented or simply because it's too much. Very dense office spaces often have workbenches and large common areas for collaboration, recreation, and more. Due to the increase in remote working, a third of executives said they expect to need less office space in the next three years.
To make sure your office space meets the needs of employees for both collaboration and quiet work, you should consider how much space you should dedicate to common areas and conference rooms. As a general rule, traditional offices require 75 to 95 square feet per employee, while kitchens without seating need around 100 square feet and private offices and conference spaces need 120 to 150 square feet. If you're looking for more detailed recommendations, Office Finder has an office space calculator and guidelines for the types of common spaces. This calculator will provide you with an estimate of how much space your new office needs based on industry standards. Additionally, if you're hosting larger business meetings or training sessions and you're worried that your office space isn't large enough, consider renting a conference room at a nearby hotel.
