Office Space Planning for Growing Teams
Updated:
January 8, 2025
10 minutes
The Evolving Role of the Office
In the past, the office was the primary place of work. It was where employees came every day to do their jobs. However, the rise of remote work has fundamentally changed the role of the office. Today, the office is no longer just a place to work; it is a place to connect, collaborate, and build culture.
For scaling eCommerce brands, the office can serve a number of important functions:
• Collaboration hub: The office can be a place for teams to come together for brainstorming sessions, project kick-offs, and other collaborative activities.
• Culture hub: The office can be a physical manifestation of your company culture. It can be a place to host team-building events, celebrate milestones, and create a sense of community.
• Brand hub: The office can be a place to showcase your brand to customers, partners, and potential employees.
• Focus hub: For some employees, the office can be a place to escape the distractions of home and to do deep, focused work.
Office Models for Scaling Brands
There are a number of different office models to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. The right model for your business will depend on a variety of factors, including your team size, your budget, and your company culture.
1. Remote-First
A remote-first model is one in which the vast majority of your team works remotely. You may have a small office for occasional meetings and collaboration, but it is not the primary place of work.
Pros:
• Low cost: A remote-first model can save you a significant amount of money on rent, utilities, and other office-related expenses.
• Access to a global talent pool: With a remote-first model, you can hire the best talent from anywhere in the world.
• Increased employee flexibility: A remote-first model can give your employees the flexibility to work from wherever they want, which can be a major perk.
Cons:
• Challenges in collaboration and culture building: It can be more difficult to foster collaboration and a strong team culture in a remote-first environment.
• Potential for burnout: Without the clear separation between work and home that an office provides, some employees may struggle with burnout.
2. Hybrid
A hybrid model is one in which employees have the flexibility to work from both home and the office. There are a number of different hybrid models, but the most common is one in which employees are required to come into the office a certain number of days per week.
Pros:
• Flexibility and collaboration: A hybrid model can offer the best of both worlds: the flexibility of remote work and the collaboration and connection of an in-person office.
• Reduced office costs: A hybrid model can allow you to reduce your office footprint and save money on rent.
Cons:
• Complexity: A hybrid model can be more complex to manage than a fully remote or fully in-person model.
• Potential for a two-tiered culture: If not managed carefully, a hybrid model can create a two-tiered culture in which in-office employees are seen as more valuable than remote employees.
3. In-Office
An in-office model is one in which all employees are required to work from the office every day.
Pros:
• Strong collaboration and culture: An in-office model can make it easier to foster collaboration and a strong team culture.
• Increased serendipity: An in-office model can increase the chances of spontaneous conversations and interactions that can lead to new ideas and innovations.
Cons:
• High cost: An in-office model is the most expensive option.
• Limited talent pool: An in-office model can limit your talent pool to the people who live within a commutable distance of your office.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Space
Once you have decided on an office model, the next step is to choose a space. There are a number of key factors to consider when choosing a space, including:
• Location: The location of your office will have a major impact on your employees' commute times and their overall quality of life. You should choose a location that is convenient for your employees and that is in a safe and desirable neighborhood.
• Size: The size of your office will depend on the number of employees you have and the type of work they will be doing. You should choose a space that is large enough to accommodate your current team and that has room for future growth.
• Layout: The layout of your office will have a major impact on your team's productivity and well-being. You should choose a space that has a mix of open and private spaces to accommodate different work styles.
• Amenities: The amenities in your office can have a major impact on your employees' satisfaction and well-being. You should choose a space that has amenities such as a kitchen, a break room, and a fitness center.
Designing a Space for Productivity and Well-Being
Once you have chosen a space, the next step is to design a space that will support your team's productivity and well-being. There are a number of key design principles to consider, including:
• Flexibility: The design of your office should be flexible enough to accommodate different work styles and to change as your business needs change.
• Natural light: Natural light has been shown to have a positive impact on mood, productivity, and well-being. You should choose a space that has plenty of natural light and that is designed to maximize its impact.
• Biophilic design: Biophilic design is a design approach that seeks to connect people with nature. This can be done by incorporating natural elements, such as plants and water features, into the design of your office.
• Ergonomics: You should provide your employees with ergonomic furniture and equipment to help them to stay comfortable and productive.
Conclusion
Office space planning is a major decision for any scaling eCommerce brand. By carefully considering your office model, your space requirements, and your design principles, you can create a space that will support your team's productivity, well-being, and long-term success.