Small is the New Big: How to Downsize Your Office Space like a Pro

As we move away from a traditional ‘9–5’ working day, the need for office space outside of core hours is reducing, meaning that smaller footprint offices can be utilized. For this reason, many companies are considering downsizing their office spaces. But what are the key elements to take into account before implementing this significant change?

Here are 9 essential things to remember when downsizing your office space.

1. Consider the Needs of Your Employees

Before you start, it’s crucial to consider the needs of your employees. Downsizing can be stressful for staff, who may feel apprehensive about the change. It’s essential to listen to their concerns and ensure that the new office space meets their needs.

2. Review your Lease Agreement

It may be possible to sublet or renegotiate your lease terms if you no longer need as much space.

3. Implement a Hot Desking Policy

With hot desking, employees can share desks and other common areas, leading to big savings in space and costs. Try deskbird for free and learn how it can help you manage your office space.

4. Evaluate Your Current Space

Evaluate your current office space and determine what you can do without it. Look for unused areas, such as storage rooms, and consider repurposing them. Consider which departments or teams could be combined to save space.

→ Use deskbird to evaluate your office usage. The analytics feature lets you better understand how your workspace is used.

5. Review Your Technology Needs

Downsizing may require a change in technology needs. Evaluate your current technology infrastructure and consider which systems can be consolidated. It’s also essential to think about your future technology needs and how they may change with a smaller office space.

6. Explore Alternative Work Arrangements

Consider alternative work arrangements with smaller office space, such as flexible schedules. These arrangements help you maximize the use of your space and reduce the need for a large office.

7. Consider the Impact on Productivity

Downsizing can impact productivity, so it’s essential to consider how the change will affect your staff. Evaluate how the new space will impact the ability to collaborate and communicate with one another. Consider what changes you can make to ensure that productivity doesn’t suffer.

→ And if you are looking for more tips, read our best practices to gain 1 day of productivity every day.

8. Plan for Growth

Even if you’re downsizing now, planning for future growth is essential. Consider how your space needs may change as your business expands. Ensure that your new space can accommodate growth without making another significant change.

9. Communicate the Change

Effective communication is critical when downsizing (and handling changes in flexible environments). Be transparent with your staff about the reasons for the change and how it will impact them. Provide regular updates throughout the process and address any concerns they may have.

Downsizing your office space can be daunting, but careful planning and consideration can positively change your business. With these 9 factors in mind, your downsizing efforts will be the talk of the town, and your business will thrive!