how many desks does your team need a private office sizing guide
Getting the size of your office wrong is expensive either way. Too small, and your team is cramped, distracted, and already planning a move. Too large, and you pay every month for empty chairs. The good news is that sizing a private office doesn't need guesswork. With a few numbers about your team's attendance, growth, and the way you work, you can land on a desk count you won't regret. If you want a flexible starting point while you work it out, our coworking space in Makati City lets you test real usage before locking in a private setup.
Start With Headcount, Then Adjust for Attendance
The first instinct is to count everyone on the payroll and buy that many desks. That works only if everybody is in the office every day.
Count who actually comes in
List every person on your team, then note how many days a week each one realistically works from the office. A team of ten where everyone is in five days needs ten desks. A team of ten on a hybrid schedule may peak at six or seven people on any given day.
Find your peak day, not your average day
Size for your busiest day, not the average. If Tuesdays and Wednesdays are your team days and eight people show up, eight is your working number, even if Fridays only see three.
Decide whether desks are assigned or shared
If everyone keeps a fixed seat, you need one desk per person who is regularly in. If you're comfortable with shared desks, you can plan for fewer desks than people. Assigned seating feels more settled, while shared seating saves space and cost.
Add Room for Growth
A private office should fit your team for the term you're signing up for, not just the day you move in.
Think about the next 6 to 12 months
Ask how many people you expect to hire, bring on as contractors, or welcome as interns in that period. A common approach is to build in a modest buffer above your current peak rather than sizing exactly to today's team.
Don't overbuy for hopeful plans
Growth plans change. If your hiring forecast is uncertain, it's usually smarter to choose a slightly smaller space with a clear option to expand than to pay for desks you may not fill.
Account for More Than Desks
A desk count is only part of the picture. The space around the desks decides whether the office feels comfortable or crowded.
Meeting and collaboration space
Do you hold daily stand-ups, client meetings, or interviews? If so, decide whether you need a meeting area inside your office or whether you can book shared meeting rooms when needed. Using shared rooms can free up space for more desks.
Storage and equipment
Teams that handle documents, samples, or hardware need cabinets, shelves, or a corner for equipment. These take up more room than most people expect.
Walking space and comfort
A rough rule of thumb many planners use is to allow around 5 to 10 square metres per person once you include circulation space, though this varies with your layout and how you work. Desks pushed shoulder to shoulder may fit on paper but rarely feel good in practice.
A Simple Sizing Method
Try this step-by-step approach:
- List your team: Count employees, regular contractors, and anyone with a fixed seat.
- Check attendance: Find your peak in-office day over a typical week.
- Choose assigned or shared: Decide whether each person needs their own desk.
- Add a growth buffer: Include the people you expect to add in the next 6 to 12 months.
- Add support space: Allow for meetings, storage, and walking room.
- Pressure-test it: Visit the space and picture your actual team in it.
A quick example
Imagine a team of twelve. Everyone is in on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but on other days only five or six show up. You plan to hire two people in the next six months. Your peak is twelve, and with two more hires you'd need around fourteen seats if everyone has an assigned desk. If you're open to shared seating on lighter days, you might plan for fewer desks and put the savings toward a meeting area. The right answer depends on your culture as much as your headcount.
Private Office or Dedicated Desks: Which Fits Your Team?
Not every team needs a fully private room.
- Dedicated desks in a coworking space suit smaller teams, startups still finding their size, and anyone who values flexibility over privacy.
- A private office suits teams that handle confidential work, need a branded space, or want a closed room for calls and meetings.
If you're not sure, begin with dedicated desks and move up as the team grows. It's often easier to scale into privacy than to scale out of an oversized lease.
Questions to Ask Before You Commit
Once you have a desk count, check the practical details with any provider:
- Can I add or remove desks as my team changes?
- What's the minimum term, and what are the renewal conditions?
- Are meeting rooms included, or billed separately?
- What fees apply beyond the desk rate, such as deposits, VAT, or after-hours access?
- Can I tour the actual space and see how many people fit comfortably?
Work With a Space That Can Scale With You
At LgoConnects, we help freelancers, startups, and growing teams find a workspace that matches how many people they have today and how many they expect tomorrow. With locations across Metro Manila, including BGC, Ortigas Center, and Quezon City, we offer some of the cheapest and most affordable workspace pricing in the Philippines, so you can size your space to your team without overpaying. With locations in BGC, Ortigas Center, Makati, and Quezon City, LgoConnects offers some of the cheapest, most affordable workspace rates across Metro Manila, Philippines, with day access starting at only ₱499 per day. Availability, layouts, and rates can change, so confirm current details when you inquire.
FAQ
How many square metres do I need per person?
A common rule of thumb is roughly 5 to 10 square metres per person including circulation space, but the right figure depends on your layout, storage needs, and how much of your team is in the office at once.
Should I size my office for my full team or my peak attendance?
Size for your peak day. If your team works hybrid, you may need fewer desks than total headcount, as long as you're comfortable with shared seating.
How much growth room should I build in?
Plan for the hires you realistically expect in the next 6 to 12 months, and prefer a flexible provider that lets you add desks later over paying now for uncertain growth.
Is a private office better than dedicated desks for a small team?
Not always. Dedicated desks give consistency at a lower commitment, while a private office gives more privacy and branding. Choose based on your work, not just your headcount.
Can I try the space before choosing a size?
Yes. Book a tour, and consider starting with a smaller arrangement so you can see how your team actually uses the space before expanding. You can choose from our BGC, Ortigas Center, Makati City, and Quezon City locations, all at some of the most affordable rates in Metro Manila, starting at only ₱499 per day.
Ready to Size Your Team's Space?
The fastest way to confirm your numbers is to see the space with your team in mind. Book a tour or request a quote for a dedicated desk or private setup, and we'll help you choose the right size. Day access starts at only ₱499 per day.
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