How Much Office Space Do You Need?

If you’re asking, "How much office space per person do I need?"—you’re not alone. Whether you're a solo founder scaling up or an established business moving into a new office, figuring out the right amount of space is key. At Method Spaces, we specialise in private, serviced office spaces—not co-working or hot desking—so this guide is designed with businesses like yours in mind.

No fluff, no guesswork. Just practical advice to help you choose the right space for your team—so you’re not overpaying or squeezing people in.

What Does "Office Space Per Person" Actually Mean?

When we talk about office space per person, we mean the total space needed for each person to work comfortably. That includes their desk, circulation space, and access to shared amenities like meeting rooms, kitchens, and breakout areas.

In a serviced office setup, much of the shared infrastructure is already in place. That means your team gets more usable space per person without needing to lease extra square footage.

Average Office Space Per Person: What’s Standard?

There’s no universal number, but industry averages offer a good starting point. Here's a breakdown:

In serviced offices, the layout is often more efficient thanks to shared amenities like kitchens, meeting rooms, and breakout zones. That means you can often work with less private space per person while still maintaining comfort.

How Much Office Space Do I Need Per Person?

Here are some quick examples to help you visualise what different team sizes might need in a private serviced office:

Remember, these numbers include both desk space and access to shared facilities—key elements of serviced office layouts.

Why Getting the Right Space Matters

Too little space feels cramped and chaotic. Too much space means you’re paying for desks you don’t use. In a serviced office, you get flexibility—you can scale up or down depending on how your team grows, without being locked into long leases.

At Method Spaces, we help businesses avoid the extremes by offering serviced private offices that are just the right fit.

OSHA Office Space Requirements for Health and Safety

There’s no legal minimum square footage per person set by OSHA, but there are important workplace safety guidelines that affect how you use space.

Some of the key requirements include:

• Clear exits and walkways
• Sufficient space between desks and furniture
• Proper lighting and airflow
• Safe access to essential facilities like toilets and kitchens

Even in serviced offices—where layouts are often pre-designed—these standards are taken seriously to ensure every team has a safe and comfortable environment.

Serviced Offices vs. Traditional Leases

When it comes to choosing how much office space per person you need, the type of space you’re leasing makes a big difference.

With serviced offices, you typically get:

• Private office suites sized for your team
• Shared access to meeting rooms, kitchens, and breakout areas
• A single monthly fee covering utilities, cleaning, internet, and more
• The ability to scale up or down easily

This means you can often go leaner on your per-person square footage without sacrificing comfort—because you’re not footing the bill for every square metre yourself.

Private Offices vs Co-working: What’s the Difference?

If you're comparing your options, here’s what sets serviced private offices apart:

If your business values consistency, focus, and professionalism, a serviced private office is the way to go.

What’s Included in a Serviced Office?

One reason serviced offices simplify space planning is that the essentials are already covered. At Method Spaces, all our office suites include:

• Fully furnished private rooms
• High-speed internet
• Utilities and cleaning
• Kitchen access and breakout areas
• Access to meeting rooms
• Reception and postal services

That means you don’t have to allocate extra space (or budget) for things like equipment storage, communal areas, or admin.

Planning Ahead: Will You Grow Into Your Space?

When choosing your office, think six to twelve months ahead. Do you expect to hire more staff? Will more people return to the office post-hybrid? A bit of extra space now could save you a disruptive move later.

The good news? At Method Spaces, we offer flexible terms and can often help you upgrade to a bigger suite within the same building.

Why Manchester Businesses Choose Serviced Offices

Manchester’s business scene is thriving—but so is competition for quality office space. Serviced offices offer a smart solution for companies who want:

• Ready-to-move-in space with no setup hassle
• Affordable pricing compared to city-centre long-term leases
• Room to grow without committing to more than you need

Whether you're in tech, design, recruitment, or consulting, serviced offices in Manchester offer a balance of professionalism, privacy, and flexibility.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Guess. Plan Smart.

Getting the right amount of office space per person doesn’t have to be complicated. Use the benchmarks above, and lean on providers like Method Spaces who specialise in helping growing businesses get setup without fuss.

You get privacy, flexibility, and space that grows with you.

FAQs: How Much Office Space Per Person?

What’s the average office space per person in the UK?

Typically, 100–150 sq ft per person for private offices. This includes desk space and circulation.

Do I need to provide breakout space too?

Not separately—in serviced offices, this is already built into the building’s shared areas.

Can I grow my team without moving offices?

At Method Spaces, yes. We offer flexible terms and the ability to move to larger suites when you're ready.

How is a serviced office different from a co-working space?

You get a fully private office, furnished and ready to go, with your own key, branding, and privacy—without managing utilities or upkeep.

Looking for private, serviced office space in Manchester? Get in touch with us today—we’ll help you find a space that fits your team (and your future).