The right design of an office must consider the organization’s processes and objectives. Different space layouts and options support different objectives of companies depending on how that company works. The layout will influence the productivity, flexibility, culture, and interaction of the staff, so it is important to get it right. Office layouts include workspaces, meeting spaces, and support spaces. The best office layouts include elements of all three. Keep reading to better understand the components, and implementation of each space type.

Work Spaces

Open Office

Open offices refer to spaces that are in an open room without walls and cubicles for division. Each employee has a desk and is located around colleagues from the same department. This layout can be good to encourage collaboration and team support, however, it is important to have adequate acoustics to ensure that your staff can also concentrate.

Cubicles

Cubicles are spaces that are semi-enclosed and have lower partitions than the ceiling height. These are good for areas where interaction between employees is less needed. Use the Cubicles pic

Private Offices

These spaces are for activities that are confidential and demand a lot of concentration. They are also good for work that involves many meetings and telephone calls that could be distracting for others.

Study Booths

It is often key to add a few study booths or quiet rooms for short-term use in which high concentration or confidentiality is needed. These can be placed closer to open areas since they are used on a short-term basis.

Meeting Spaces

Meeting Rooms

Meeting rooms consist of an enclosed space for collaboration, presentations, and other scheduled meetings. Smaller meeting rooms usually consist of two to four seats whereas a larger meeting room would have a large conference table with five to twelve seats.

Meeting Spaces

These spaces are in the open or semi-open areas and should be close to work areas for quick and easy access. These meeting spaces are suitable for informal and short interactions where employees can quickly discuss a topic and return to their desks.

Brainstorm Rooms

A brainstorming room is enclosed and fits around five to twelve individuals. Here employees can have brainstorming sessions and workshops with the use of a whiteboard or projection wall.

Support Spaces

Personal Storage Areas

As hybrid work becomes more popular, personal storage has become more important for offices. These spaces should be located close enough to workstations but far enough distractions are reduced. Use the Personal Storage Pic

Cafeteria/Coffee Area

Your staff must be supported with the resources they need. Sometimes coffee or tea is what they need to refresh and get back to work. Cafeterias are important to ensure that your employees take time away from their desks to eat and have a break. Use the Cafeteria Pic

Break/Lounge Areas

These areas are important to build good team relationships. They encourage employees to take a chance to have a break and chat for a few minutes before returning to their work. Use the Lounge Area Pic

Print and storage areas

Many organizations still need printers and storage space for office supplies. These areas should be located close to workstations to ensure employees don’t have to go far. Low-rolling cabinets can be used for storage to increase flexibility.