Leveraging a Smaller Office Footprint for a Competitive Edge
In today’s competitive job market, workspace quality can make a big difference in attracting and retaining top talent. Companies that offer well-designed, enticing office spaces often stand out to job seekers, giving them a critical edge over competitors. For one of our clients, this was a reality they couldn’t ignore: competitors were attracting top talent with inviting, modern office environments, while their own workspace was beginning to feel outdated and uninspiring.

The Challenge: Creating an Appealing Workspace on a Budget
Facing pressure to enhance their office space, our client needed to get creative to stay in the game. They wanted to upgrade their office’s image to improve employee satisfaction and attract the best candidates. However, their budget constraints were a real concern. Investing in their space wasn’t an option due to prohibitive rental levels, but they knew that doing nothing would cost them in the long run.

The Solution: Moving to a Smaller Office with Greater Impact
After exploring several options, our client decided to take a bold step: they moved to a smaller office space. Downsizing may sound counterintuitive for improving workspace appeal, but for this client, it made perfect sense. By moving to a more compact space, they freed up enough budget to invest in a ‘wow’ interior that featured quality design elements, modern furnishings, and thoughtful layouts tailored to their needs. Not only that, but they were able to secure a location in a more desirable area, adding to their office’s appeal.

The Results: Employee Satisfaction and Talent Attraction
The benefits were immediate and significant. The smaller, more compact spaces creates a team atmosphere like never before. Employees engage in a central kitchen space many times daily – a true heart to their organisation. Employees feel more engaged and positive about their work environment, with many reporting a boost in morale. The refreshed space also projects a more modern, attractive image to potential recruits, providing a strong selling point for the company in hiring conversations. Matching corporate space with individual style is key – employees resonate with the design vibes, which have moved away from the corporate to a more relaxed and homely feeling. Downsizing with an eye for design and location ended up being a winning strategy, allowing the company to compete effectively for top talent while staying within budget.

Key Takeaway: Smaller, better offices
This example highlights an important strategy in today’s corporate landscape: a smaller footprint can offer substantial advantages. By leveraging a reduced space with a smart, creative approach to design, organizations can achieve both financial savings and a more engaging work environment.

So, how might your organization benefit from a smaller, better office?
Get in touch today to discuss how a smaller footprint might be the way forward for your company too.

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About the Author

I'm Robin Wycherley, Interior Architect and founder of Itu Design. I've lead a small team of expert designers here in Helsinki for over ten years. I'm responsible for creative design, coordination and communication, and I'm present in all our projects from beginning to end.