Hybrid work changed the math of office space. When people come in a few days a week, the old rule of one desk per person no longer fits. But cutting space without a plan can leave teams crowded on the days everyone shows up.
Start with how people actually use the office
Before you decide how much space to lease, look at real usage. Which days are busy? Which teams come in together? Are meeting rooms full while desks sit empty? Badge data, room booking records, and a simple survey can tell you more than any rule of thumb.
Design for peak days, not averages
If most people come in on the same days, your space has to work for those days. Average attendance can be misleading. Plan for typical peaks, then use shared desks, flexible rooms, and scheduling to handle the rest.
Change the mix, not just the size
Many companies find they need fewer assigned desks but more meeting rooms, collaboration areas, and quiet space for focused work. The right answer is often a different layout, not just a smaller footprint.
Build in flexibility
Your needs will keep changing. Lease terms can help: expansion and contraction rights, the right to sublease, and shorter or phased terms. Flexible or coworking space can cover overflow or new teams without committing to more square footage.
Think about the whole cost
Less space usually means lower rent, but a redesign has costs too. Factor in build-out, furniture, technology, and moving. A good deal balances the savings against what it takes to make the space work.
The bottom line
There's no single right number of square feet per person anymore. The right amount of space comes from understanding how your team works, planning for real peaks, and keeping the flexibility to adjust.