If you’re looking to get people back into the office you need to create a space that people want to be in. When people can work from anywhere, the office needs a purpose - think collaboration, productivity, and motivation. If all you’re offering is a desk and a computer, people will stay home, but if you give them something they can’t find anywhere else they’ll be more likely to come in.

Whether you’re using a traditional office layout or employing a hot desking or hotelling model, you should be intentional about the way you set up individual workspaces, conference rooms, and meeting areas. Here are some tips to help you design the right office floor plan for your team.

Assess your Current Space

If you’re renovating or reorganizing an existing office, start by surveying your team. No one knows what your people need better than them.

Which spaces aren’t being utilized? Which areas of the office are consistently overcrowded? You might find that you’re short on meeting rooms or don’t have space for focus work. Gather data on elements like:

• Seating 
• Noise levels
• Amenities
• Accessibility

These insights will inform your floor plan and help you design a space that meets the needs of everyone on your team.

Design for Productivity and Flexibility

Your office should be a welcoming space that encourages employees to do their best work. As you reimagine your space, keep these elements in mind:

• Flexible Layout: Let your teams decide what they need to be productive. Hot desking or desk hoteling offers your teams the flexibility to choose where in the office they want to work. Near coworkers or in a focus area - they can pick the seat that best meets their needs. Modular office furniture also allows people to easily convert spaces and create ideal setups.
• Easy Office Navigation: Simplify workplace experience as much as possible. Ensure that both employees and visitors in your office can easily find what they need. Clearly mark things like photocopiers, printers, kitchenettes, and restrooms. Maintain open hallways and label exits for fire safety.
• Diverse Workspaces: While many companies are moving to open office layouts, you still need quiet work areas for one-on-one meetings, phone calls, and projects that require deep concentration. Create private and semi-private spaces to help employees stay productive. 
• Natural Light: Nobody wants to work in a dark office. Whenever possible, maximize the number of workspaces near windows to give employees access to natural light. Research shows that factors like lighting, noise and air quality can affect your employees’ concentration and productivity.
• Branding: Your physical space is an opportunity to build your brand. You can display your logo, use your brand fonts in signage, and even select office furniture in your brand colors.
• Workplace Amenities: Wow your guests and boost morale with great perks and amenities. Make sure your reception area has a beverage station, comfortable seating, plenty of outlets, and free Wi-Fi. Some offices provide benefits like an onsite fitness center or an in-house chef. If you have a limited budget, simple perks like complimentary snacks can go a long way.

Even if you’ve spent a lot of time drafting your new office floor plan, you’ll inevitably need to make some tweaks along the way. Whether it’s converting an under-utilized conference room or boosting your Wi-Fi signal, don’t be afraid to make changes. Hybrid work isn’t a one-time project. Build the best possible workplace by listening to employee feedback.

Want to learn how Robin can help you improve your workplace? Schedule a demo or start your free trial today to see how our app can help streamline feedback, desk booking, and office mapping.

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