There is no ideal office layout. Unfortunately this isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ kind of deal, which means you may have to try and try again before you find a layout that works for everyone in your company.

But what better time to throw back the curtains and enter a new age for your office than at the end of 2016 – the year of doom and gloom. Have a little look at our list and see which layout will suit your office needs for 2017 and beyond.

Open plan

Fast becoming a classic, the open plan office space is both loved and hated by employees.

While the community spirit of being able to see every individual in the office can bring colleagues together, it can push them apart just as easily.

Noise and distraction are ultimately the factors that create controversy in the open plan office, not to mention inability to create one temperature that everyone is happy with.

However, there are some businesses that open plan works particularly well for. If you’re a small and close-knit team that needs to regularly speak to discuss clients, projects or campaigns, the open plan office could work very well in your favour – just do your best to find a happy medium on the thermostat!

Cubicle

What’s often seen as an outdated office model could in fact be the perfect solution.

For some industries, cubicles are more beneficial than an open plan office – especially in industries where intense concentration is required.

If an office full of partitioned cubicles is too much to consider, try separating areas up and having a section of cubicles before you go the whole hog. That way you won’t waste your money on a layout that doesn’t work, and you’ll be able to get feedback from your staff before deciding whether to make the switch.

Bonus tip: if you want to try the cubicle but don’t want to seem outdated, make an effort with some high-end equipment, and hide those wires! This will make the work space seem less cluttered with a clean finish.

Multipurpose workspaces

That brings us neatly on to multipurpose workspaces. These are places where one office type isn’t enough, as a variety of tasks take place that require different types of areas for the best staff productivity.

Many offices now incorporate a quiet room or one-on-one meeting space that allows a few people to share ideas, rather than a large meeting that often struggles to get anything done.

This also allows people the freedom to work in different areas, increasing the productivity of the general workforce.

Changeable spaces

If you’re not 100% on a multipurpose workspace, a changeable one could be a better fit for your small business.

These are areas that require only temporary changes, so it’s the perfect solution if you’re looking to try out a number of different spaces before you commit to one. They’re also ideal if your industry requires various types of work which will require varying office layouts.

While we may not have seen many changeable workspaces in the UK yet, they’re a trend that’s looking to become larger in 2017, so keep you eyes peeled for that all-important modular furniture.

What office layout does your small business use? Let us know in the comment section below!