Choosing the right office size for your team can save money, improve productivity and give your business room to grow. Here’s everything you need to know when planning office space for a team of around 50 employees.
How Much Office Space Does a Business with 50 Employees Need?
The answer depends on far more than simply multiplying the number of employees by an average desk size.
Today’s workplaces are designed very differently from offices ten years ago. Hybrid working, collaborative spaces, meeting rooms and employee wellbeing all play an important role in determining the ideal office size.
As a general guide, a 50-person business typically requires between 4,000 and 7,500 sq ft of office space, although every business has different requirements.
The Traditional Office Space Calculation
Historically, businesses planned on approximately 100-150 sq ft per employee.
For a team of 50 people this equates to:
- 100 sq ft per person = 5,000 sq ft
- 120 sq ft per person = 6,000 sq ft
- 150 sq ft per person = 7,500 sq ft
However, these figures are only a starting point.
Modern workplaces often need less desk space but more collaboration areas, breakout spaces and meeting rooms.
Factors That Affect How Much Office Space You Need
There are many factors that contribute to the total sq ft required in your office space. Hybrid working can often lead to smaller office space needed as hot desking and shared workstations may work for your business. A company employing 50 people may only need desks for 35-40 employees on any given day, reducing the square foot needed.
Additionally, if your business regularly hosts client meetings having dedicated meeting rooms within your office maybe suitable. In turn, this will significantly increase your space requirements.
Breakout & social spaces can contribute to staff retention while improving productivity. Office spaces can provide breakout lounges, kitchen facilities, coffee areas, informal meeting spaces and quiet working areas.
We understand that moving office is expensive and disruptive, which is why many growing businesses search for offices with 20-30% future capacity. Securing a slightly larger premises often makes more financial sense than relocating in a year’s time.
Something that is often forgotten about is the storage requirements for businesses office space. Depending on your company you may need additional filling cabinets, product storage, IT equipment or employee lockers. Businesses with significant storage needs often require considerably more space than service-based companies.
How Much Desk Space Does Each Employee Need?
Desk sizes vary depending on your workplace layout. Typical allocations include:
- Compact workspace: 60-80 sq ft
- Standard workstation: 80-100 sq ft
- Executive workspace: 120-150 sq ft
Remember that circulation space, meeting rooms, kitchens and welfare facilities all sit outside these figures.
Example Office Size for a 50 Person Business
Here’s a typical layout for a modern workplace:
- 50 workstations
- Reception area
- Boardroom
- Three meeting rooms
- Kitchen
- Breakout space
- Collaboration area
- Quiet room
- Print & storage area
- Comms room
- Welfare facilities
This type of office would usually occupy around 5,500-6,500 sq ft, depending on the layout.
Common Mistakes Businesses Make
Often companies make one of two mistakes. Choosing too small, or choosing too large.
Choosing an area that is too small leads to overcrowding, reduced productivity, limited meeting space and an expensive relocation within a few years.
Alternatively, choosing an office space too large can often mean higher rent, greater utility costs, wasted space and increased business rates.
Finding the right balance is key.
Should You Allow for Growth?
Absolutely. If your business expects to grow from 50 employees to 60 or even 70 over the next few years, your office search should reflect this. Planning ahead can often save significant relocation costs and minimise disruption to your business.
How TGE Property Can Help
At TGE Property, we help businesses across the UK find office space that fits both their current needs and future ambitions.
Rather than simply searching by square footage, we take the time to understand:
- Your headcount
- Hybrid working policy
- Meeting room requirements
- Budget
- Growth plans
- Preferred locations
- Lease flexibility
Whether you’re looking for a serviced office, managed workspace, or a traditional leased office, our experienced team can guide you through the entire process.
Get in touch with TGE Property today to discuss your office requirements and let us help you find a workspace that supports your business now and into the future.