5 Downsizing Tips: How to Get More With Less

Downsizing your office can seem like a daunting task. Whether your move is due to a change in staff numbers or financial circumstances, we understand the challenges of adjusting to a new workplace. From larger office design plans to smaller interior switches, to us, it’s important that your office downsize doesn’t impact your business goals.

Every single day, we commit to delivering exceptional office refurbishments in Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas. We create offices where every space serves a functional purpose. We therefore have first-hand experience of smaller workplaces that perform just as efficiently as larger ones. In this article, we’ve shared some practical and creative tips to help you increase workplace performance when you’re decreasing physical space. Read on to learn more.

Tip 1: Optimised Space Planning

Turn your office downsizing into an opportunity to improve your office design. With help from our in-house commercial interior designers, you can upgrade your work environment to ensure it better supports your staff, creating a space they’re sure to love.

We’ll start by assessing the space you have available, considering the flow of movement, team dynamics and nature of your work. From this, we’ll then create the ideal office plan, bespoke to the patterns and preferences of your team.

One thing to consider is whether you would benefit from an open-plan office or modular workspace; an open floor plan can create a sense of spaciousness, whilst strategically placing workstations and collaborative zones throughout will ensure you make efficient use of your available space. For more advice on this, you’re always welcome to enquire with our interior experts.

Tip 2: Encouraging Natural Light

It’s common knowledge amongst interior designers, contractors and architects that natural light, as well as brighter colours, are key to giving the illusion of space. When skilfully used, you can brighten a room to create an open and airy work environment. On top of this, optimising the reach of natural light throughout your office can offer your business many benefits. If this is something your company is interested in, consider the following techniques:

• Install a Suspended Ceiling – A system that uses light coloured and reflective ceiling tiles can bounce natural light throughout your space, as well as make your office ceiling appear higher than it actually is.
• Install Glass Partitioning – Glass partition walls are not only a modern addition to have in the office, but also allow plenty of daylight to pass through into the workplace, keeping your office bright and connected.
• Consider Colour – Colours are a powerful tool used in interior design to influence moods, as well as create the illusion of space. Whilst lighter ceiling tiles can make a room seem taller, darker flooring can provide the illusion of expansion.
• Optimise Your Office Design – The overall design of your office is the real key to making efficient use of space. Whether this involves creating an agile work area that can be used for multiple work tasks, or repositioning individual workstations to a better-suited position, our team have the skills to help.

Tip 3: Modular Office Furniture

If your business is undergoing an office refurbishment or renovation whilst downsizing, we recommend upgrading your furniture. To make your space seem bigger, invest in minimalist furniture with clean lines and a cohesive design to appear less cluttered in a reduced space. Soft fabrics and breathable materials are also key to creating an open, airy environment.

Another aspect to consider is multi-functional and modular commercial furniture that can adapt to various room configurations as and when needed. For example, space-saving desks, stackable chairs, demountable partitions and collaborative furniture are all excellent options to achieve this.

Tip 4: Smart Office Storage

Office storage solutions are arguably the cornerstone of downsizing success. When used strategically, you can remove visual clutter, as well as organise important documents. We recommend maximising vertical space with floor-to-ceiling shelving units and cabinets, or try hidden storage areas such as under-desk drawers. After all, a tidy desk means a tidy mind!

Tip 5: Introduce Meeting Pods

If downsizing has meant you’re short on space inside, consider taking work outside! We supply meeting pods that can provide soundproof hubs, ready for a range of different work-related needs. As these pods are easy to install, you can create your own space in the available space outside.

From meeting rooms to breakout zones, these pods are multifunctional and impressive for any visitors. They are a creative solution to install a space, inside or out, for a variety of agile working – we even use them at our very own headquarters. They are also weatherproof, so there’s no need to worry about the typical English weather!

Office Experts in Gloucestershire

Whether you are looking for fresh office designs to smaller downsizing tips, no job is too big or too small for our contracting team in Gloucestershire. For help with your downsizing project, get in touch with a member of the team to discover how we can help you get more from less.