At Custom House Belfast, we understand business owners' challenges when determining how much space they need. Whether you're a startup seeking your first dedicated workspace or a larger company planning to expand, the size of your office plays a significant role in both daily operations and long-term growth. From accommodating staff to creating an environment conducive to productivity, getting this decision right is essential.
With our flexible office solutions, tailored to businesses of all sizes, we provide a workspace that grows with your needs. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key factors to consider when choosing the right office size and help you understand how to make an informed decision for your business.
What To Consider When Choosing The Size Of Your Office
1. Consider your current and future headcount
The most obvious starting point is to assess how many people you need to accommodate. However, it’s not just about your current team size—you must also factor in growth. A common mistake is choosing an office that fits your immediate needs but quickly becomes cramped as the business expands.
Think short and long-term and ask yourself if your business is on a growth trajectory and if you will be hiring in the next 6-12 months. If so, it might be worth opting for a space that accommodates that future growth without feeling too oversized in the short term.
Flexible workspaces like those at Custom House are ideal because they allow businesses to scale up or down as needed. Whether you need space for a team of two or 200, we offer office solutions that grow with your business. Check out our large offices or small office spaces to see how we can help.
2. Analyse your office layout and functionality
Office size isn’t just about square footage—it’s about how you use that space. You need to think about more than just desk space. Consider meeting rooms, breakout areas, and collaborative workspaces. Your office should reflect how your team works.
Key Layout Considerations:
- Private offices: if your team requires privacy, secure spaces or needs to make confidential phone calls, you’ll want to prioritise private bespoke offices
- Meeting rooms: if you regularly meet with clients or host team discussions, then a dedicated meeting room may be essential
- Breakout areas: often underappreciated, these areas can significantly enhance productivity by giving employees a place to relax or collaborate informally
At Custom House, our offices are designed with functionality in mind, offering access to meeting rooms, private booths for calls, and shared breakout spaces. This mix ensures that businesses of all types can operate efficiently while putting wellbeing at the heart of their team.
3. Consider office density
In addition to overall size, you’ll need to think about how densely packed your office is. The "office density" refers to the amount of space per employee, and it has a significant impact on employee satisfaction, comfort, and productivity.
According to general guidelines, the average amount of space needed per employee ranges from 100 to 150 square feet. However, this can vary based on your industry. For example, creative agencies may need more space for collaboration, while a software firm might prioritise desks for individual work.
At Custom House, our flexible workspaces can be customised to provide the level of density that works best for your team. You have the option to create more open or private workspaces depending on your team’s needs.
4. Assess the need for amenities
Amenities play an essential role in creating a comfortable and engaging workspace in modern offices. When choosing your office size, consider the additional facilities your team might need beyond just desks and chairs.
Important amenities to consider:
- Meeting Rooms: fully equipped, plug-and-play meeting spaces are essential for presentations, brainstorming sessions, or client meetings
- Kitchens: breaks are an essential part of the workday, and having a fully stocked kitchen can make a big difference to team morale
- Wellbeing amenities: these often enhance the workday experience, promoting employee wellbeing and creating a vibrant community.
Custom House Belfast offers unique perks like an on-site gym and wellness studio, showers, and even special deals at our Hub Café. Learn more about serviced offices here.
5. Budget and flexibility
When choosing the right office size, budget is naturally a significant consideration. However, flexibility can be just as important—especially if your business is growing or adapting to market changes. Opting for a flexible lease can help you avoid being locked into a space that might not suit your needs in a few months or years.
At Custom House Belfast, we offer flexible lease options designed to accommodate businesses at every stage of their journey. With no deposits or upfront fees and all-inclusive pricing, you get the workspace you need without the financial pressure of long-term commitments. Here are 5 powerful reasons to join us.
6. Location and accessibility
Choosing an office that’s easily accessible for your team, clients, and partners is another critical factor. The location of your office can impact employee commute times, client visits, and overall morale.
Custom House is ideally situated in the heart of Belfast, offering convenient access to major transport links, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to establish themselves in a prestigious location.
Make Custom House Belfast Your New Home
Selecting the right office size is about more than just space—it’s about functionality, comfort, and the ability to scale. Custom House Belfast offers flexible office solutions designed to meet your unique needs – check out our walkthrough video.
Interested in finding out more about our office spaces? Get in touch today to explore how Custom House can become your business’s new home.