A while ago you started your own business and now it has grown. This is awesome but it comes with a new set of needs. It can be a very exciting transition and also is a time for planning. For most businesses, you will have clients coming in and out as well as having more than one person per department. Making sure that everyone can be productive and happy in an office setting is a top priority. We at Carolina Services have put together some office space planning guidelines and have laid them out for any business of any size.

When looking for a commercial space for your next office, there are some office space planning guidelines to keep in mind. First is convenience. It becomes a treat to come to the office when it is situated nicely in town. Imagine spending your break strolling down the street and grabbing a quick bite and eating it outside on a nice day.  It is also a good idea looking at a new space with an open mind. If you need more space but you don’t have the square footage, try building up. Put some offices or conference rooms on a second floor which will free up space on the main floor for your growth.

Just like in a home, every business needs a welcoming area. A reception area is key because it shows your clients a first look at what your business is all about. This area does not need to be fancy. The basics are a desk with a computer, a phone, and an employee with a smile. The most important thing about a reception area is that it needs to have a comfortable sitting area for waiting clients.

For the main work area there are a few office space planning guidelines that will keep your workforce happy and productive. The main floor is where everyone will work. An open floor plan for the main work space is the best and keeps productivity high. Departments should be grouped together so department managers can keep an eye on those working with them and so everyone can bounce ideas off of each other easily. Lastly, make sure common equipment like a copier or printer is easily accessible in a central area.

There are other spaces in the work place that are considered common areas but not used in a constant way. These would be conference rooms that can be conveniently accessed for meetings between employees or meetings between employees and clients. Make sure these have a good balance between private and communal and there are set ways of reserving rooms. Another common place is the lunch or coffee break area. This should be a space that has at least a table and chairs for people to eat away from their desk or be able to gather for a quick break and a chat during the day. Usually these are equipped with a small refrigerator and a microwave for those who bring their lunch to work.

Let our staff at Carolina Serviceshelp you take our office planning guidelines and apply them to your next office!

Photo by: ciiwa