Curious about how much office space your company actually needs? Find out here! We cover everything from legal requirements to practical tips, helping you choose the space that’s just right for your team.
Choosing the Perfect Office Space: How Many m² Do You Need?
Finding the ideal office space to rent is not always straightforward. There are many factors to consider: location, the look and feel of the building, rental price, and of course, the size of the office. But how many square metres do you actually need? The answer depends on several aspects, such as legal requirements and the specific needs of your company.
Legal standards for a safe and healthy workplace
The amount of office space required is partly determined by Dutch workplace regulations, specifically the Arbeidsomstandighedenbesluit (Occupational Health & Safety Decree), Article 3.19. This legislation states that workplaces must provide sufficient space for safe and healthy working conditions. In practice, this means employees must have enough room to move around. If individual workstations don’t provide enough space, additional areas must be available for employees to use.
To keep monthly costs manageable, it’s smart to know exactly how much space you need.
The NEN 1824:2010 Standard
According to the NEN 1824:2010 standard (a Dutch guideline), an office should provide at least 4 m² per person for a standard workstation. This minimum allows space for a desk and basic mobility. However, depending on the type of work, more space may be required. For example: 2 m² extra for meetings, 1 m² for spreading out large drawings, or 2 m² for special computer-related tasks.
Choosing between private facilities or shared amenities
The total square metres you need can be reduced if you make use of shared facilities, such as meeting rooms or a communal kitchen. This is a trade-off every company faces: do you invest in private amenities, or keep costs lower by sharing facilities with other tenants? Either way, it’s essential to think carefully about your company’s preferences, needs, and budget.
How to calculate the space your office needs
Calculating the required office size is a precise task. It takes into account the building’s grid system (often based on a 1.80 metre module), along with circulation space and desk dimensions, which together determine the total m² needed.
A helpful tool for this calculation is the Sollf m² Office Space Calculator. With it, you can make choices based on the number of workplaces, the desired quality class (economy, comfort, or business), and any additional space requirements. The calculator provides a solid estimate of how many square metres are needed to give every employee a comfortable workstation.
Keep in mind: as the number of employees increases, the need for space doesn’t always grow linearly. Larger companies often need more private meeting rooms or dedicated facilities. As your business grows, you’ll likely need more space to ensure everyone has a pleasant and functional workplace.
Tax benefits of VAT-eligible rent
Did you know there can be tax benefits when renting office space? By choosing VAT-eligible rent, you may reclaim VAT as input tax, effectively lowering rental costs. This fiscal benefit is especially attractive for companies that mainly provide VAT-liable services or products to other businesses.
Standards as a guideline
It’s important to note that the Dutch government views these standards mainly as a guideline for complying with legal requirements. This means there’s flexibility in how you apply them, as long as the office environment remains safe and healthy. In other words: use the standards as a reference, but focus on what your business really needs to grow and thrive in a comfortable workspace.
By considering all these factors, you’ll be well on your way to renting the perfect office space that fits your company’s needs. This way, you’ll create a workplace where employees can feel at their best and perform at their peak every single day.
