The Apple Park in California is a striking circular building that resembles a spaceship and covers a vast area of 2,800,000 square feet, accommodating over 12,000 employees. Modern-day Office spaces have evolved beyond a mere workplace. How commercial properties measure and advertise office spaces exclusively in square feet can be perplexing and lead to scepticism about being overcharged.

Therefore, it is crucial to have precise and well-defined space parameters and measurements when looking for an office space for rent that meets your requirements.

It is generally recommended to allocate 80-100 square feet of office space per person to ensure a comfortable working environment and facilitate efficient communication, including 50 square feet per desk and additional space for communal areas. However, this guideline is not always applicable, and in some cases, offices in India offer 60-70 square feet of space per person.

Ultimately, the amount of office space needed for rent depends on the work’s nature and the desired working culture.

What is the recommended square footage for various facilities & amenities?

• Small meeting room (4-6 seater) – 120 sq. ft.
• Medium-sized meeting room (8-10 seater) – 180 sq. ft.
• Large meeting room (12-15 seater) – 240 sq. ft
• Board room (15 – 20 people) – 250 sq. ft.
• Training/conference room (20 – 30 people) – 300 sq. ft.
• Pantry – 100 sq. ft.
• Small server room (1 server rack) – 40 sq. ft.
• Large server room (4 server racks) – 120 sq. ft.
• Manager’s office – 100 sq. ft.
• Manager’s office with a small meeting table – 200 sq. ft.
• Director’s office with four-person meeting table – 250 sq. ft.

Other things to Consider:

1. Desk Layout

Designing an office Layout that optimises space utilisation while enhancing productivity and collaboration can be quite challenging. Here are some desk layouts that can help you achieve these goals:

• Linear Layout: This layout involves arranging desks in a straight line, typically facing a wall. It is a straightforward and effective layout that can be adapted to various office settings. Typically, a single desk in this layout takes up around 50 sq. ft.

• L-Shaped Layout: The L-shaped layout is similar to the U-shaped layout but with desks arranged in an L-shape instead. This can be an ideal option for smaller offices needing to make the most of their available space while still providing employees ample workspace. In an L-shaped layout, a desk typically occupies up to 100 sq. ft. Of space.

• Open-Plan Layout: The open-plan layout involves removing walls and dividers between desks, creating a spacious and open work environment. This can be a great option for fostering collaboration and communication, but it may not suit employees who require quiet and privacy to concentrate.

When deciding on the office layout that best suits your company, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of open and closed office spaces is crucial. Open workstations promote increased employee interaction and collaboration, fostering teamwork and facilitating brainstorming. They are also highly space-efficient. In contrast, closed office spaces provide more privacy for meetings and discussions with clients or colleagues, but they may not be as space-efficient as open spaces.

• When relocating to a new office space that is larger than your current team requires but potentially double your headcount in the future, several options are available to plan effectively. One option is to allocate ample space for everyone initially and then gradually reduce space as the company expands. However, this approach could impact employee morale and may not be ideal.

• Another option is to set aside space for new employees and close it off until it is required. This enables you to fill the space as new hires are made gradually. Additionally, you could consider licensing or subletting your empty desks monthly, earning income from the unused space until needed.

• This approach also provides flexibility to give notice to renters when desks are required for new hires. When deciding on the best course of action, it is essential to consider your company’s unique needs and culture and seek expert advice on renting out spare desks, if necessary.

• To ensure that your chosen location for your business is financially viable, obtaining reliable information on the price per square foot from a trusted real estate agent or service provider is recommended. This will assist in determining your priorities and aid in making an informed decision.

• When acquiring office space or signing a lease, it is essential to remember that you will be committed to it for a minimum of three to six years. To account for potential growth, adding 10% to 20% to the total square footage you have calculated is advisable. This extra space can serve as a buffer to offset the costs associated with prematurely ending a lease or relocating the office after a short period.

An Effective yet Simple Solution for Calculating Office Space:

Qdesq has developed a convenient and efficient tool called the “Calq office space calculator” that uses technology to help determine the appropriate office space for your business.

The calculator considers the number of employees, type of business, and other factors to estimate the necessary office space. It considers the recommended square footage per employee and calculates the total area required for your business. Using the calculator is easy – input your requirements, such as meeting rooms or communal spaces, and it will provide an accurate estimate of the square footage needed.

One of the main benefits of using the Calq office space calculator is that it saves time and effort by avoiding the need for manual calculations or guesswork, which can lead to poor decision-making.

The calculator allows you to compare the costs of traditional office spaces versus coworking spaces, helping you decide which option best suits your budget and needs.

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