How Much Office Space Do You Need For 10 Employees?

Finding the perfect office space can be challenging, especially for small businesses that may not yet know how much space they need or how it will impact their plans. In this guide, we break down costs, explain pricing calculations, and help you determine the right space for your business.

The office space required depends on workspace layout and employee needs. For example, a business seeking small office space with basic amenities would need approximately 90 to 110 sq. ft. Whereas, for a serviced office, this number drops to around 35 to 40 sq. ft, as many amenities are built into the centre rather than the individual office space. A general guideline is:

• Open-plan office – 100 sq. ft per person in a leasehold office (1,000 sq. ft total) or approximately 400 sq. ft for a serviced office.
• Private offices, breakout areas, and meeting rooms – Allocate around 120-150 sq. ft per person, meaning leasehold office requirements will be around 1,200 to 1,500 sq. ft. For serviced offices, these spaces are rented on demand, so reviewing contract terms for meeting room usage is important to avoid extra costs.

Office Space Visualization

If this is your first offer, we appreciate it might be difficult to visualise the amount of space that you need. Below you will find some visual aids to help you paint a picture of the size of space you may need..

• 1-3-person office = 130 sq. ft (18 sqm) – Comparable to a single garage.
• 5-8 person office = 516 sq. ft (48 sqm) – Comparable to a double garage.
• 10-15 person office = 1,080 sq. ft (100 sqm) – Comparable to a football pitch 6-yard box.
• 15-20 person office = 1,404 sq. ft (130 sqm) – Comparable to half a tennis court.
• 50-70 person office = 5,337 sq. ft (496 sqm) – Comparable to half a five-a-side football pitch.
• 70-100 person office = 7,128 sq. ft (662 sqm) – Comparable to a football pitch penalty area.
• 100-150 person office = 10,505 sq. ft (976 sqm) – Comparable to an 8-lane, 100m athletics track.

Pro Tip: Many office providers use an industry term referred to as “high-density” space, meaning a four-person office may accommodate only 2-3 people. This is common in Central London and other populated cities, where space per person can drop below 30 sq. ft.

How Is Office Space Cost Calculated?

Office space cost is typically calculated per desk or per square foot. For example, if an office is 1,000 sq. ft with rental costs of £75 per sq. ft per year, the annual cost would be £75,000 (£6,250 per month). If you are considering a lease, don’t forget to factor these additional costs in.

• Business Rates – Some serviced offices include them, but traditional leases do not. Find and check your local business rates here.
• Service Charges – Cover maintenance of communal areas.
• Utilities & Internet – Included in flexible office agreements but typically separate in leased spaces.

If you are seeking a served office space here are some general prices that you can use to estimate your cost per desk.

• Prime Central London (Mayfair, St James’s, Soho, City of London): £800–£1,500 per desk/month.
• Mid-range locations (Shoreditch, Victoria, South Bank, Fitzrovia): £500–£900 per desk/month.
• Outer Zones (Stratford, Hammersmith, Camden, Canary Wharf): £250–£600 per desk/month.

Want One Simple Bill? You Want a Serviced Office.

For businesses needing small office space, a serviced office or coworking spaces offer cost-effective, all-inclusive pricing with flexible contracts. Pricing varies based on location and amenities.

To explain further, serviced offices provide you with a fully furnished workspace, building management services, and various amenities, typically catering to desk-based businesses. Although deemed slightly more expensive than a traditional leasehold office space, you’re paying for flexibility and simplicity. Sometimes referred to as notification (the new buzzword) you simply rent the space that you need whilst benefiting from all the bolts so Emma is around you. If something goes wrong with an air-conditioner or alighting system is the responsibility of the landlord not you to correct it.

Amenities Included

• Furnished workspaces ready to move into.
• Meeting rooms of different sizes for collaboration and networking.
• Communal kitchens and breakout areas.
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi, printers, and internet connection.
• Heating, air-conditioning, and water.
• Ample parking.

Service as Standard

• On-site staff ensuring high facility standards.
• Cleaning and maintenance services.
• Staffed reception desks.
• Dedicated receptionist and administrative support.
• IT infrastructure and internet connectivity.

Planning For Future Growth

Beyond your current needs, consider your business’s future growth. To secure favourable license terms, providers typically require a 12-month commitment, so ensure your space accommodates future employees.

If you need help navigating the London office market, our team is here to help you. With expert on-hand guidance, we’ll take you through the different options available and work with you secure to the best space for your budget.

For more information call 020 3838 2008 or contact us today.