There are many reasons to consider downsizing your office space. It might be that your business is expanding and you need to find a larger office. Or perhaps you’re changing the nature of your work and don’t need the space you used to have.
Whatever the reason, reducing office space can save you a lot of money and time. However, it’s not always easy. You have to consider how you’re using your office space, what furniture is needed, and if it will all fit in the new place.
To help you with this process, here are some tips and tricks for reducing office space and workstations without breaking the bank.
Choose modular furniture for a low-cost solution
First of all, you need to know what furniture will be necessary. Will you need desks or workstations? Cabinets for storage? Tables and chairs? Calculate the space each piece of furniture will take up.
Once you have an idea of what you need, it’s time to look into buying or renting. If you’re buying, consider second-hand furniture from a thrift store or yard sale. It will still be in good condition and cheaper than new.
If buying new ones doesn’t feel right, consider getting modular furniture for your business. Modular pieces are trendy office furniture that can be rearranged to fit different spaces. They can be used for any type of workstation, and are easy to move around.
Use a shared workstation for cost-effective collaboration
Another way to save money is by using a shared workstation. This is an ideal solution for offices that need more space for collaboration, but don’t want to buy their furniture. Also known as a hoteling system, shared workstations allow employees to reserve a desk on demand.
They can be used by any number of employees and can be moved around as needed. This option saves money by eliminating the need for separate workstations, is very flexible, and helps employees collaborate more easily.
Shared workstations can be beneficial for any business. This is because the proximity to other people often ensures that employees are always available for meetings, calls, and spontaneous discussions. It also means they can easily switch desks to suit their current work status.
Implement creative storage solutions
Having an organized office space is crucial for any business. When downsizing, you have to consider exactly how your employees are using storage in their current space. Is it space-efficient? Are they storing unnecessary items?
To be sure your employees are getting the most out of their storage, consider installing adjustable shelving. This will let them adjust the space as needed, and ensure they’re using it as efficiently as possible.
Plus, if you want to do it on your own, you could buy your materials from online platforms like Banner Solutions to make it easier. By doing so, you’ll be able to reduce the amount of space you need for storage, which means more room can be used for other features.
Consider working from home part-time
You should consider allowing employees to work from home when needed. If your office space is small and doesn’t need to be used every day, consider allowing employees to work from home and telecommute occasionally.
This means they won’t need a designated office, and it will save you money on office space. Plus, employees will be more engaged and efficiency should improve. Of course, you should set some guidelines and protocols for this, but it might be the solution you’re looking for.
Moreover, remote working or telecommuting is becoming common for many businesses today and it is a great way to save the planet while cutting costs. This is because it reduces office space, traffic flows, and air conditioning, which all help with reducing energy consumption.
Find an office space with flexible lease options
Finally, consider looking for an office space that has flexible lease agreements. This is the most difficult solution but will save you a lot of money in the long run. For example, some office spaces allow businesses to share a floor, which means all the furniture is already in place.
If you’re sharing space with others, you can also negotiate shared utilities. This will reduce the need for separate phone and internet lines, which can save you money. Besides, a shared office space can be a great way for businesses to network and build professional relationships.
Reducing office space is not always easy, but it can save you a lot of money. Consider the options above, and you’ll be well on your way to a leaner, greener office space.
