{"id":3761,"date":"2019-05-30T18:45:00","date_gmt":"2019-05-30T22:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eptura.wpengine.com\/discover-more\/blog\/empty-office-space-ideas\/"},"modified":"2024-09-10T00:34:55","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T04:34:55","slug":"empty-office-space-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eptura.com\/discover-more\/blog\/empty-office-space-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Empty Office Space Ideas for an Efficient Workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Nai Kanell<\/strong>
\nDirector of Marketing
\nSpaceIQ<\/p>\n

Empty office space is only hurting your balance sheet. Every unused square foot is a lost cost. If you\u2019re paying for office space, you should find a way to put it all to work. There\u2019s no shortage of empty office space ideas, either.<\/p>\n

Before you rush to fill unused real estate with desks, keep in mind that not every area needs to be a traditional workspace. In fact, empty office space can be a blessing in disguise. It allows you to introduce employees to new workplace concepts. Here are five creative, practical ideas for turning empty office space into usable, purposeful work areas:<\/p>\n

1. Create a multipurpose area<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The easiest way to turn an empty space into a purposeful one is to recognize its unlimited possibilities. With dozens of potential uses, creating a multipurpose area is a catchall option.<\/p>\n

Make empty office space available on-demand, for any situation. In an instant, space becomes a conference room, a private meeting room, a project staging area, or a guest speaking room. For unenclosed space, create a lounge with a couch and a few chairs. It can double for a presentation space or collaborative meeting area.<\/p>\n

Remember, space is valuable not just to you. If you let employees know there\u2019s multipurpose space available, they\u2019ll find a way to make good use of it. Others will follow. Soon, your unused space will take on a variety of uses.<\/p>\n

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2. Transform it into an experiential space<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Repurposing empty office space starts with the people who\u2019ll use it. Experiential areas are a great option to boost morale, improve mental health, and foster collaboration.<\/p>\n

A lounge, game room, movie room, mediation studio, or quiet nap room are superb ways to reinvest in your workforce. You\u2019re already paying for the space, so a small investment in comfy chairs, a ping-pong table, or gaming system can make a huge difference in worker morale. Experiential spaces show employees you appreciate them and that you recognize their need for work-life balance. Plus, it ups your workplace\u2019s cool factor as a way to attract and retain talent.<\/p>\n

3. Explore hot desks and flexible seating<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Empty office space is perfect for hot desking (read more on what is hot desking<\/a>). Hot desk workstations allows for flexible work experimentation without interrupting the established office layout. Remote workers are the most-likely users, though flexible seating can benefit in-house staff. They can float between a \u201chome\u201d desk and flexible spaces depending on mood or a desire to collaborate with co-workers.<\/p>\n

Perhaps the best reason to use empty office space for hot desking is to accommodate the unexpected. Previously unused space is great for accommodating visitors, new hires, and remote staffers.<\/p>\n

4. Rent it out<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re at a total loss for what to do with unused office space, you can always offer it to other businesses. Renting office space is a creative way to recoup a little (or all) of the money you\u2019re spending on it. Co-working spaces are all the rage for freelancers and remote workers.<\/p>\n

The size of your unused space will dictate its rent potential. Offer larger areas for presentations, local organization chapter meetings, or a workplace for a smaller company. Use individual offices or smaller areas for temporary offices or private meeting rooms.<\/p>\n

Before you sublet any space, make sure you\u2019re lease agreement allows it.<\/p>\n

5. Spread out a little<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ask yourself why your office space is unused. Do you have empty offices, yet employees doubled up at desks? Is your workforce constantly tripping over itself? Empty office space could be the answer to stretching your legs and spreading your wings.<\/p>\n

Unused space may also present a growth opportunity. Evaluate different floor plans as your business grows. Utilizing empty office space makes the most of your existing lease and may delay a costly move\u2014not to mention the productivity increase you may see by strategically using unused space.<\/p>\n

Think outside the box<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Not every empty space is meant to be filled with a desk. Look at your staff and business, then ask, \u201cWhat types of spaces don\u2019t I have in my office?\u201d Put unused space to work in a way that offers the most for productivity, employee morale, and potential growth.<\/p>\n

Empty office space checklist<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Whether you\u2019ve got a single unused conference room or several unoccupied offices, unused space is going to waste in your workplace. Don\u2019t pay for what you\u2019re not using. Instead, find a way to transform it into a valuable addition to your office.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how to make the most of unused space:<\/p>\n