When hoping to boost office performance, there are a lot of different variables to consider: from culture and social events to incentives and bonuses. But the environment in which you’re expecting your staff to work also plays a huge role.

More specifically, the amount of space you give your staff to do their jobs has a direct impact on how well they can do it. Tom Howard wrote some interesting opinions on this in The Times in October, which we think are food for thought.

Office Space is Expanding Again

Howard describes how, back in 2001, the average office density was just shy of 15sq m per desk. As capacities grew and office spaces stayed the same, employees were gradually packed together to have a mere 9.6sq m each by 2018.

That’s a 36% reduction in space since the start of the millennium. However, the pandemic has proven to us all that having a personal bubble is more important than ever. 



Agile & Hybrid Spaces are Required

With increased space being the aim, it’s worth re-evaluating your workplace layout at the same time. When doing so, consider whether the current space Is supporting the different working styles in your team and provides the right atmosphere for staff to feel comfortable. For example, is there a space for people to wind down and take a break when necessary?