Running a small business from cramped quarters? Maybe you’re squeezed into a converted garage, working above a shop, or sharing a tiny office with your entire team.
Most small business owners assume workspace design is a luxury they’ll consider once they’ve made it big. The reality is completely different – when every square metre counts and every pound matters, smart design isn’t optional.
Let’s explore why getting your workspace right could be the smartest move you make for your growing business.
When Every Corner Counts
Small businesses can’t afford to waste space on fancy reception areas that nobody sits in or meeting rooms that are used only twice a month. Every square metre needs to earn its keep.
Take a typical small office – maybe 200 square metres split between six people:
● In a badly planned space, you’ll have desks crammed wherever they fit, boxes of supplies eating up floor space, and people constantly bumping into each other.
● In a well-planned space, those same six people have room to breathe; everything has its place, and the whole operation runs more smoothly.
Excellent workspace design begins with understanding your space, your team, and priorities, and building everything to support that rather than fight against it.
Laying Down the Fundamentals
Quality high-speed internet, proper lighting, and comfortable furniture form the foundation of any productive workspace. Slow Wi-Fi frustrates everyone and wastes time on simple tasks, whilst poor lighting leaves people feeling tired and strained.
The Basics
People need comfortable desks and chairs with proper ergonomics – it’s non-negotiable, with minimum standards set by Health and Safety England (HSE) and the government. You’ll also need temperature control and adequate ventilation.
Natural Light
Natural light is absolutely key and ought to be your first port of call for when you go about upgrading your space. If you’re working with artificial lighting, LED panels that mimic daylight work far better than harsh fluorescent strips.
Biophilic Design
Adding plants and natural materials costs very little but changes how a space feels. Even a few green plants and some wooden accessories can transform a sterile office into a warmer and more comfortable space.
Plus, with plants and a few ornaments, you’ll break up the likely grey and white walls into something more colourful.
Furniture and Storage
Consider modular furniture that adapts as your team grows, acoustic solutions that dull echoey, loud spaces, and excellent cable management to clear spaces and cut trip hazards.
On that last point, there are many cheap cable management gadgets available online – there’s nothing more stressful to the eye than bundles of cables stacked up in desk corners!
Planning for Tomorrow
Small businesses evolve quickly – your workplace should adapt. Consider these factors when planning:
● Furniture that accommodates team growth
● Technology infrastructure that scales up easily
● Layouts that work for different team sizes
● Storage that expands with your business needs
Building flexibility from the start costs less than constant music chairs down the line.
Professional Office Design Services From Spaceway
Many small businesses think design expertise is too expensive, but top-quality advice often saves money and can springboard you to greater productivity and success.
Otherwise, you could spend months rearranging furniture, buying pieces that don’t quite work, or missing obvious improvements.
At Spaceway, we work with growing businesses to maximise their existing spaces and budgets. We focus on practical solutions that deliver tangible improvements rather than expensive cosmetic changes.
Ready to improve your workspace? Contact Spaceway for a complimentary survey and practical advice on optimising your space for business success.