Office Space Optimisation Guide
By Marcus Chen · November 20, 2025
How to right-size your office space for hybrid work. Data-driven approaches to understanding utilisation, optimising space allocation, and reducing costs while improving employee experience.
The Real Estate Challenge
With hybrid work becoming the norm, most companies face a fundamental mismatch: they’re paying for office space designed for 100% occupancy while seeing only 40–60% utilisation on average. Industry benchmarks: average hybrid utilisation 45–55%, peak day utilisation 70–85%, trough day utilisation 25–35%, and an optimal desk-to-FTE ratio of 0.6–0.8 for hybrid teams.
Measuring Current Utilisation
Before making any changes, you need accurate data. Track average daily attendance, peak vs. trough analysis (busiest and quietest days—typically Tuesday–Thursday peaks), team presence patterns (which teams come in on which days), space type usage by desks and meeting rooms, and time-of-day patterns.
The Hybrid Work Opportunity
Rather than simply having fewer people at desks, forward-thinking organisations are reimagining what the office is for: a collaboration hub optimised for team interactions, a culture anchor that reinforces company values, a flexibility enabler with varied spaces for different work modes, and a talent attractor with a compelling reason to come in.
Right-Sizing Strategies
Reduce footprint by subletting unused floors or moving to a smaller space. Redesign the space to replace individual desks with collaboration zones, social hubs, and focus rooms. Consider a hub-and-spoke model with satellite offices or coworking memberships closer to where employees live. Whatever you choose, design for your peak attendance—not your average.