Wasting Office Space? Guide to office space utilisation - DENTON 

As businesses adapt to new ways of working, one challenge stands out: how can companies maximise their office space and reduce unused areas? With more workers back in the office or following hybrid models, organisations need to ensure their office spaces are being used efficiently. The key lies in optimising space utilisation through smart office layout planning, flexible workspaces, and strategic design. 
In this article, we’ll explore how to approach office space utilisation, including the benefits of flexible workspaces, designing offices for movement, and how our workplace consultancy service can help guide these decisions. 

The Importance of Office Space Utilisation

For years, companies have grappled with how to optimise office spaces, especially as more people adopt flexible working models. Organisations must consider how office layouts and work environments can better serve both the business and its workforce. Simply put, office space utilisation is about getting the most out of your space – ensuring it’s not just filled, but used effectively.
Recent data shows a significant gap between target and actual utilisation rates. While 79% of organisations aim for a utilisation rate of 65% or more, the actual utilisation sits at 38%. This gap reveals a key opportunity for businesses to rethink their space strategy. Companies need to go beyond traditional office layouts and focus on creating adaptable, efficient workspaces that maximise employee engagement and support the business’s evolving needs.

Many offices have underutilised areas that could be better integrated into the overall design. These “dead zones” or unused spaces can often be transformed into functional areas that support workstyles like quiet zones, break areas, or collaborative hubs. For example, a corridor or storage space could be repurposed as a flexible meeting room or a creative lounge. By ensuring that every corner of the office serves a purpose, businesses can make the most out of their square footage, turning unused areas into valuable resources.

Workplace Consultancy: A Key Partner in Maximising Space Utilisation

To truly understand how effectively your office space is being used, it’s essential to start with a thorough assessment. Workplace consultancy provides the data and insights necessary to evaluate your current space utilisation.

Through methods such as observational studies, space audits, and data analysis, workplace consultants can uncover patterns in how employees interact with the space. Heat maps, work patterns, and spatial needs analysis all offer valuable insights that highlight areas for improvement – insights that aren’t always apparent from a surface-level inspection.

By examining these elements, workplace consultancy helps you make informed decisions about your office layout and usage. For example, a consultant may help identify underused areas, opportunities for more flexible workspaces, or ways to enhance productivity and employee wellbeing. This in-depth evaluation forms the foundation for creating a more efficient and purposeful workspace.

At DENTON, we offer workplace consultancy services to help businesses understand their space’s potential.

Learn more about how workplace consultancy can help your business.

Agile Workspaces and Employee Experience

As work environments evolve, companies must recognise that the employee experience plays a critical role in office space utilisation. Employees now expect flexibility – the ability to choose where and how they work. By designing agile workspaces, you can create a dynamic environment that supports various working styles. This could include hot-desking, quiet zones, collaboration hubs, and flexible meeting areas, all designed to enhance productivity and collaboration while keeping space usage efficient.

Identifying the right balance of these agile workspaces can help businesses create an environment that adapts to changing needs and maximises space usage, ensuring employee productivity and satisfaction.

Designing for Movement: Maximising Every Inch of Your Office Space

When it comes to office design, creating an environment that encourages movement and interaction is crucial for both efficiency and workplace wellbeing. Designing for movement means considering how employees flow through a space, how they access workstations and meeting rooms, and how collaborative areas can be utilised to promote spontaneous communication and teamwork.

By focusing on the flow of people and the ease with which they can move from one area to another, businesses can ensure that their office space isn’t just a collection of rooms, but a dynamic environment that fosters productivity. Simple design elements, like open walkways, clear pathways, and flexible furniture, can make a big difference in how employees navigate the space, reducing friction and encouraging collaboration to maximise office space usage.

When designing for movement, it’s essential to consider the needs of everyone, including those with disabilities. By ensuring the office is accessible to all – through wider aisles, ramps, and adaptable furniture – businesses can optimise space utilisation, making every area functional and supportive of all employees.

Refurbish or Relocate: The Dilemma of Optimising Office Space

When it comes to optimising office space, businesses often face the dilemma of whether to refurbish their current office or relocate to a new office space. Both options can provide value, but the decision depends on your organisation’s needs and long-term goals.

Refurbishing your existing space can be a cost-effective option, especially if your office has untapped potential. By reconfiguring layouts or repurposing underused areas, you can create a more efficient and flexible environment without the need for a move.

However, if your current office no longer meets your needs, relocating to a new space may offer the opportunity to start fresh with a layout that better supports your team and business growth.

The right choice depends on evaluating how your current space can be maximised or whether a new location would provide the best long-term solution for your business.

Need help deciding? Read our guide on whether to refurbish or relocate your office space.

DENTON: Strategic Office Space Utilisation

At DENTON, we understand that maximising office space utilisation is about more than filling every desk or expanding into a larger office. It’s about making sure every square foot is working efficiently to support your employees and your business goals.

If you’re unsure whether to refurbish, relocate, or rethink your office layout, focusing on space optimisation can help guide the decision. By carefully assessing how your space is used and aligning it with your objectives, you can create a more functional and responsible office environment.

Ready to maximise your office space? Get in touch for expert advice on creating a workspace that works harder for your business.