The world of work has changed, and so have our offices. With remote and hybrid work becoming the new normal, many organizations are reimagining their workspaces to keep pace. Some have already found their sweet spot, but others are still on the hunt for that perfect blend of space, comfort, and productivity. If you’re in the latter camp, don’t worry — you’re not alone, and there’s a solution that might be exactly what you’re looking for: facility space assessments.
Chris Barns, vice president of real property consulting at R&K Solutions, which provides professional services and software to optimize real property and facilities portfolio management, explains the importance of these assessments: “Facility space assessments provide a clear, data-driven view of how office spaces are being used. By measuring factors like occupancy rates, space allocation per employee, and how different areas are utilized, you can spot inefficiencies or underutilized zones,” he says. “From there, you can make informed decisions to repurpose or redesign areas that aren’t supporting business operations, thereby improving workflows, comfort, and productivity.”
From creating corners for deep focus to designing collaboration-friendly zones, a facility space assessment can help you transform your office into a place that truly meets the needs of today’s workforce. Let’s dive into a few ways you can make the most of your space so it feels just right for everyone and contributes to a positive workplace culture.
1. Prioritizing employee well-being.
When it comes to designing a workspace, comfort and well-being should always come first. A facility space assessment can uncover opportunities to make your office a happier, healthier place to work. Maybe it’s adding a bit more natural light, setting up quiet zones for focused work, or creating relaxed areas where people can recharge. These small tweaks can make a major difference.
Think about it: A little extra sunlight streaming in can do wonders for mood and energy levels. And who doesn’t love a comfy nook where they can escape the hustle and focus on a big project? Start by asking your team what they need most so you can make changes that really matter. As Barns says, “Involving employees in the process is essential to gain insights into areas that may be underutilized or not meet their needs, leading to more targeted and impactful improvements.”
In the end, a space that’s designed with well-being in mind doesn’t just boost morale; it creates a workplace where people genuinely want to be. Happy employees mean better engagement, and better engagement means a stronger, more connected team.
2. Boosting productivity.
We all want to get more done in less time, and your office layout can play a big role in making that happen. A well-organized space can reduce distractions, create better flow, and make it easier for people to focus. It’s all about creating an environment where everyone can do their best work.
Simple changes can have a big impact. Think about rearranging the layout to eliminate unused spaces or investing in furniture that can do double duty. Movable partitions can turn open areas into private spaces when you need them, and flexible seating can make it easy to switch between solo work and group brainstorming sessions. Here’s the best part: Optimizing your space doesn’t just boost productivity; it can save you money, too. By using your existing resources more efficiently, you’ll cut down on unnecessary expenses, which means more budget to put toward the things that matter, like team development and new projects.
3. Adapting to the modern workforce.
The workplace is evolving, and to keep up, your office space needs to evolve, too. Today’s workforce is all about flexibility — hybrid work, remote teams, and the need for spaces that can adapt to whatever the day brings. That’s where regular space evaluations come in. By taking a fresh look at how your space is being used, you can make sure it’s working for everyone, whether they’re in the office every day or a few times a week.
Creating flexible, versatile spaces is key. Picture a meeting room that can easily become a video conference hub or a desk setup that can switch from collaborative work to quiet time with just a few adjustments. Add in tech upgrades that make it easy for remote and in-office employees to stay connected, and you’re well on your way to creating an office that works for everyone. When your office can adapt to new challenges and ways of working, it becomes a place where innovation thrives. That’s the kind of energy that sets teams up for success in the long run.
Barns has seen the benefits of these changes firsthand: “We’ve made shifts in our own spaces, adopting flexible workstations and reservable meeting areas, which has allowed us to optimize how our teams collaborate while reducing underutilized areas.”
Maximizing your office space can dramatically change how your team works and feels every day. By taking the time to assess and adjust your space, you can create a workplace that truly supports your team’s well-being, productivity, and adaptability. So, why not take a closer look at your space? With a few small changes, you could create an environment that sparks creativity, connection, and success for everyone.