Space per Employee
Evaluate office density by dividing net usable floor area by the number of people sharing the space. Use the result to validate lease assumptions, redesign seating, or support health-and-safety reviews.
Confirm compliance with workplace safety laws and consult a space-planning professional before reconfiguring offices.
Examples
- 450 m² with 30 people ⇒ 15 m² per employee (comfortable collaboration space).
- 180 m² with 25 people ⇒ 7.2 m² per employee, typical for open-plan offices.
- 1,000 m² with 80 people ⇒ 12.5 m² per employee, aligning with many corporate standards.
FAQ
Should I include meeting rooms and kitchens?
Yes. If employees regularly use those spaces, include them in the usable area so the density reflects real experience.
How do building codes influence the result?
Check local occupancy regulations—they may set minimum square metres per person or egress limits that override internal targets.
What if employees work in shifts?
Use the largest group on-site at any one time. For staggered shifts, you may achieve lower density without compromising comfort.
Additional Information
- Formula: Space per employee = Usable floor area ÷ On-site headcount.
- Common targets: 9–12 m²/person for open-plan tech offices, 12–18 m²/person for teams needing collaboration zones, and 20+ m²/person for labs or specialized environments.
- Account for circulation paths, breakout areas, and storage—these count toward net usable space even if not permanently assigned to a desk.
- For hybrid workplaces, consider peak-day headcount rather than total staff to avoid overestimating space needs.