Your office layout says more about your business than you may realize. It’s part of your brand identity; not just for your customers or clients but also for your employees.
Office layouts need to meet your objectives including things like accessibility, traffic flow, employee tasks, sound control, and more. Writing down your objectives can help you decide what office space layout works best for you.
The Importance of Having an Office Layout That Works
Choosing the right office layout can:
- Increase productivity
- Reflect your organization’s brand philosophy
- Create efficient communications among your teams
- Enhance teamwork and effective supervision
- Guide traffic flow
- Control noise levels
- Be a great first impression
Types of Office Layouts
To choose the right office layout it’s important to consider the different types of office layouts available as well as their pros and cons before deciding which type best suits the needs of your organization.
1. The Co-Working Office Layout
The co-working office layout is generally used by start-ups or by those who are self-employed and need a professional space. These layouts tend to be good for networking, however, there’s more opportunity for distraction in this environment and there’s limited privacy.
Pros of the Co-Working Layout
- Inspires Productivity: Being surrounded by motivated professionals in a co-working environment can inspire employees to work more efficiently.
- Flexibility: Co-working spaces are more flexible than traditional offices due to their scalability and diverse work environments.
- Cost Savings: By sharing lease expenses and gaining access to amenities that might otherwise be financially out of reach, co-working spaces provide financial advantages.
Cons of the Co-Working Layout
- Noisy: Co-working layouts encourage communication and collaboration which may not be suitable for all businesses. For example, a law firm, dealing with confidential client information, may find this layout distracting.
- Shared Amenities: In a co-working office layout, employees may have to share desks and office equipment. This lack of security and limited access to resources could lead to increased workplace conflict.
2. The Traditional Cubicle Office Layout
Created in the 1960s, this three-sided space gives employees a sense of ownership over their space. This style tends to be very popular and often the most cost efficient. It can, however, interfere with functional communication among teams as the partition walls create barriers.
Pros of the Cubicle Layout
- Privacy: Ideal for introverted workers, cubicles offer the type of privacy that they need to be productive without lots of distractions. Cubicles can also prove to be ideal environments for sales staff that spend much of their workdays on the phone with clients and partners.
- Increased Productivity: Fewer distractions and more independence can help enhance productivity in the workplace.
Cons of the Cubicle Layout
- Dull Workplace: It can be argued that the privacy and autonomy that cubicles offer are also their own worst enemy. In fact, in some environments, cubicles can transform a workplace into a dull one where social interaction and collaboration is minimal.
- Aesthetically Displeasing: In the 1980s, cubicles were hailed for their design. Now, they’re largely loathed for it.
- Limited Privacy: In many environments, cubicles don’t even offer the privacy that is hoped for when it comes to noise reduction.
3. The Open Office Layout
This form of office layout has no barrier between workstations, although the area can be sectioned off with clever use of furniture and accessories. It’s a very cost-efficient layout but the lack of privacy can make employees feel uncomfortable. An open office layout is a popular choice for very collaborative workplaces such as creative agencies and tech start-ups.
Pros of the Open Concept Layout
- More Collaboration: If you think your employees are at their best when they’re collaborating, sharing ideas and regularly interacting, then the open concept office might be the best option for you.
- Lower Workplace Stress: Some studies indicate that open concept offices can help decrease stress in the workplace by creating more of a team environment.
Cons of the Open Concept Layout
- Adds Stress: Fortune magazine argues that in some cases open concept offices can have the opposite effect of what they strive for. The publication argues that open concept offices can actually be detrimental to productivity and creativity. To learn more, read Fortune’s article on open office floorplans.
- Too Distracting: A lack of privacy can lead to lapses in productivity. And since it’s unlikely that your workers are going to agree with each other 100 percent of the time, this type of office layout could create some tension between people in the office as well.
4. The Private Office Layout
The private office design creates enclosed spaces. Just as the name suggests, these spaces are private and enclosed right up to the ceiling. Private offices take up a lot of space, can be less cost-efficient but they do allow employees the opportunity for a quiet workspace and a more secure space for confidential conversations.
Pros of the Private Office Layout
- Increased Security: The private office layout provides a secure environment for phone calls, video conferences, and meetings, minimizing the risk of eavesdropping or interception of sensitive communications.
- Enhanced Focus: Private office layouts offer a quiet, controlled, and personalized work environment free from the common distractions found in open-plan offices.
Cons of the Private Office Layout
- Lack of Team Culture: Since employees are working from their own private offices, it might be difficult to cultivate a teamwork culture where employees have strong personal connections with their colleagues.
- Less Flexible: The layout of a private office may limit collaborative opportunities since there are no shared or open-plan workspaces.
5. The Mixed Use Space Layout
A popular solution for many organizations is to create a mixed use space where there are some offices, cubicles, breakout rooms, and communal areas. Different companies envision mixed use workspaces in various ways, but one common thread unites them: flexibility, adaptability, and the potential for evolving over time. This type combines the different features of all layouts to create something customized to your needs. This layout is great for businesses that have a mix of teams who need privacy and teams who are highly collaborative.
Pros of the Mixed Use Space Layout
- Versatile: Mixed use layouts cater to various work styles and tasks, accommodating small meetings, one-on-ones, focused work, and group collaboration all within the same space.
- Improved Morale: Providing diverse workspaces acknowledges different employee needs, potentially boosting satisfaction and productivity.
Cons of the Mixed Use Space Layout
- Difficult to Manage Distractions: The blend of different work environments could lead to distractions, as employees may be tempted to socialize in communal areas rather than focusing on tasks.
- Design Challenges: Designing a cohesive mixed use layout that balances aesthetics, functionality, and the needs of different teams can be complex and require thoughtful planning and management.
6. The Hoteling Office
Did you know that many businesses use a hybrid approach, called hoteling? Hoteling is a flexible office arrangement where employees do not have assigned desks. Instead, they reserve or “check-in” to a workspace as needed. This layout is commonly used in hybrid work environments, where employees split their time between working remotely and in the office.
Pros of the Hoteling Office Layout
- Cost-Effective: Since not all employees are present in the office at the same time, hoteling offices require less physical office space resulting in lower lease and utility costs. There are also lower operational costs for maintenance and office supplies.
- Efficient Use of Space: In a hoteling office, desks and office resources are only used when needed. This creates a dynamic and adaptable office environment that can quickly respond to changes in workforce size or needs.
Cons of the Hoteling Office Layout
- Loss of Team Cohesion: Frequent changes in seating arrangements can disrupt team dynamics and make it harder for employees to build strong working relationships.
- Lack of Personal Space: Employees may miss having a dedicated workspace where they can keep personal items and create a comfortable environment. This lack of personalization can affect their sense of belonging and comfort.
Choosing the Best Office Layout is All About Balance
Choosing the best office layout is all about striking a balance between the needs of you, your business, and your employees. Although choosing an office layout can seem daunting, you don’t need to go it alone. The Summit Properties team can assist you in finding the right office space layout for your organization’s needs. Contact us today at (519) 914-2766 to get started!