Maybe you’re a startup, or maybe you haven’t yet scaled to the point where you’re ready to break into a brand new office space. Regardless, a small office footprint isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as you can maximize its overall potential. Big things happen in small offices, whether it’s garage startups evolving into billion dollar tech conglomerates, or super-rich social media companies getting their start inside a college dorm room.

Whatever the size of your current office, you’ll want to take steps to make it the most productive it can be. In this article, we’ll start with the little things, before moving onto the key components of a well-functioning small office space. Stick to these tips, and your workspace will work for you, instead of against you. 

TRIM THE FAT

Every office space is burdened with extra clutter. It’s inevitable, which is why companies should take the time to do the occasional bout of spring (or summer, or fall, or even winter) cleaning to make sure the office is lean and in tip top shape. Like it or not, most companies end up hoarding things they no longer need, from outdated computer peripherals, to physical records and files, and more. Streamlining the office involves identifying what can stay, and what can go.

For instance, if you can transfer your records and files to a digital medium, that’ll save a ton of space normally taken up by bulky cabinets and drawers. Similarly, that old copier in the middle of the office floor could be taking up valuable space that could be regained by going with a newer and more compact model. And, of course, desk clutter can build up over time, so encourage employees to tidy up and get rid of things they don’t need. If they require space for valuables and other belongings, consider office furniture options such as smaller cabinets, or fluidconcepts’ own fantastic and convenient modular storage lockers.

FIGURE OUT FOOT TRAFFIC

Identifying and mapping out daily foot traffic is another way to enhance your small office space. The less room there is, the harder it is for employees to navigate around one another, and that can make things difficult in a bustling and energetic environment. Figure out where most of the traffic is coming and going throughout the day, and reorganize the layout of your office furniture to create as much room for these pathways as possible.

This is where modular office furniture again plays a vital role in maximizing the potential of a small office space. fluidconcepts believes strongly in the power of modular office furniture, since it can be configured and deployed in a number of different configurations to suit any space. Investing in modular office furniture is a lot cheaper than picking up and moving your entire operation to a new, and more costly space. In other words, don’t move unless you really have to. Instead, utilize the space you have until there’s absolutely no more room to grow.

THINK FLEXIBLE

When you’re trying to squeeze as much out of your small office space as possible, it pays to get clever. Don’t just think about square footage - think vertical, as well. How high can you go, and what exactly can be placed on things like storage shelves and dividers in order to free up some horizontal space? 

That’s for you to decide, but the premise is always the same - to free up more elbow room. Décor is the easiest to reposition when it comes to thinking vertically, since most of it is simply there to lend beauty and class to the office. With these decorative items out of the way, you’re free to push desks back a bit, place a copier or cabinet in the corner, and create more breathing room to move around and operate more efficiently.

DON’T NEGLECT LIGHTING

One facet of a small office space that many overlook is lighting. The smaller the space, the more prone it is to choke out lighting, cast more shadows, and create a gloomier environment. Mitigate this by seeing how much natural lighting you can allow into your space, or invest in LED lights that can mimic the look and feel of sunlight. 

Or, go another direction, and use pot lights or restaurant lights to create a more hip and urban vibe that will create a nice aura. This kind of lighting can help employees relax and feel more productive. If at all possible, ditch fluorescent lighting altogether, as it can cause eye strain, headaches and undue stress.

CHOOSE DESKS & CHAIRS THAT WORK

As mentioned earlier, office furniture plays a vital role in maximizing the potential of a small workspace. That includes chairs, desks and tabling options that can accommodate employees without stretching out and taking up what limited room you have. Modular desks and tables systems from fluidconcepts are designed to be configured to fit any office layout. You’re limited only by your imagination.

Contrast this with traditional office furniture that is rigid and unyielding. Without the benefit of modularity, your workspace will be forced to adapt to the furniture, as opposed to the other way round. Great modular office furniture is ready to play ball with any space, no matter how tight it might be, so make sure to invest in it so that your office runs at peak efficiency, every day.

CONCLUSION

fluidconcepts fully understands the relationship between modular office furniture and a company workspace, and we’ve designed our products to suit both small and large layouts. Flexibility is a number one priority, and you can capitalize on this feature to build out the most productive office imaginable, even if it has yet to move into a larger building.

For more information or advice on how to choose the right modular office furniture products for your office space, contact us today. We’ll work with you to provide options that will best suit your workspace.