As businesses, executives make a conscious effort to expand everything from the profits, goals to the team—growth is always ideal. However, not every company has the room to do so. But just because you have minimal workspace doesn’t mean you need to hold back on creativity. Even if you have a compact office space, you can make it feel and become bigger by introducing elements, making employees comfortable, happier, and productive. Here are five ways to help you maximize your workspace—helping you manage office design and spice while improving overall efficiency.
Opt for Smaller Pieces
Using smaller-scaled pieces is an excellent way of conserving space while providing the necessities employees need. After all, why take up so much valuable space for a single desk? For extra-large furniture or tables, you can replace them with smaller and modular versions. You can keep your large and bulky tables and cabinets for when you have more room and space. In the meantime, you can store them safely and securely in storage containers in your city.
Prioritize Workplace Cleanliness
Unorganized and messy workspaces may seem busy and out of control, especially when you have little to work with—leaving employees disgruntled or even discouraged, which can significantly affect company performance. That’s why aside from maximizing every bit of space, make sure to promote a calm and environment. Enforcing simple rules such as prohibiting coats at office desks can go a long way.
Additionally, if your company handles a ton of paper documentation and other clutter, consider investing in office furniture with extra storage spaces such as filing cabinets and benches, improving your office’s overall appearance while adding more storage space.
Provide Flexible Workspaces and Schedules
If you have too many workers in your physical workplace, consider instituting work-from-home policies a couple of days a week, alternating workers to give them the freedom of working at home while ensuring your office is always populated. Additionally, if most of your employees work independently throughout the day, consider providing ‘breakout spaces they can meet at and discuss large-scale strategies. These places can be something as simple as stackable desks arranged into a large table.
Reinforce Workplace Culture through Careful Design
Ideally, you’d want your office space to have a ‘distinct vibe,’ helping your employees feel more connected to their jobs. Branding shouldn’t be limited to your official sites and business cards—it needs to expand to your physical office as well, especially if you have a small space. Plus, the smallest’ touches’ can make your employees more comfortable in what little room they have.
Simple additions such as motivational posters and painting your office with the same theme as your company’s logo may positively affect your employees. Additionally, these spaces are vital for improving collaboration while giving your employees a place to relax and chat, enhancing creativity, productivity, and overall company culture—making things feel less ‘rigid.’
Purge Everything for a Fresh Start
Depending on how many things you have in your workplace, this may be more challenging to do. However, clearing out everything is an excellent way to evaluate how large your space is and determine the best ways to use them all. The idea is to have an office free from clutter and keep the bare minimum of furniture possible, ensuring employee satisfaction. So, remove anything unnecessary.
Although the process may be a bit crazy initially, taking the time to assess the amount of space you have from the start can help you organize your office to be as functional as possible. Don’t let your cramped cubicle get you down, and assess for success. The more time workers spend time at their desks, the more crucial it is for you to have an efficient and compact workplace—and the tips mentioned can help you get the most out of a small workspace, improving workplace efficiency and productivity.