How Much Space Do You Really Need When Planning an Office in New Zealand?
When it comes to planning an office in New Zealand, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much space you actually need. It depends on various factors like your company size, culture, and the type of work your team does. However, there are some general guidelines and key considerations that can help you get started, and Pocketspace Interiors is here to guide you through the process with expert workplace strategy consulting.
Square Meterage Rule of Thumb
On average, you can expect to allocate 8-12 square meters per employee in a traditional office setup. For an open-plan office, you’ll likely need closer to 8-10 square meters per person, while private offices or spaces requiring more equipment might demand 10-12 square meters per employee. However, these numbers can vary based on factors like the need for meeting rooms, breakout spaces, and flexible workstations.
Private vs. Public Space Ratios
When it comes to the private vs. public space ratio, a good rule of thumb is the 60/40 rule. This means 60% of the space is dedicated to collaborative and public areas (like open workstations, meeting rooms, and lounges), while 40% is reserved for private spaces (including private offices, phone booths, or quiet rooms). The ratio will depend on your business model — a creative agency, for example, may lean more toward collaborative spaces, while a law firm might require more private offices.
Office Space Checklist:
Employee Count: How many people will be in the office?
Type of Work: Does your team need privacy or collaborative spaces?
Meeting Rooms: Are dedicated meeting spaces required?
Breakout Zones: Create areas for relaxation and informal collaboration.
Tech Requirements: Do you need high-tech features like video-conferencing setups?
At Pocketspace Interiors, we can help you navigate these decisions, ensuring your office design maximises productivity and employee satisfaction. Whether you’re working in a shared space or planning a larger custom office, we’re here to help create a solution tailored to your needs.
