Office Space for 100 Employees: Avoid Mistakes, Plan Smarter
Planning office space for 100 employees isn’t just about desks. It’s about productivity, comfort, compliance, and cost-efficiency. Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra or anywhere in Australia, the question is the same: how much space do we actually need to work well?
Let’s break it down based on Australian guidelines, industry best practices, and what works in the real world.
What’s the Minimum Office Space Per Person in Australia?
In Australia, Safe Work Australia and the Property Council of Australia recommend a minimum of 10 m² per employee. This includes not just desks, but circulation and common areas.
For 100 staff, that equals a minimum of 1,000 m².
This figure assumes a very basic, open-plan setup with no private offices, limited meeting rooms, and no breakout zones. It meets compliance but may not support productivity.
Ideal Office Space Requirements by Workspace Type
Depending on your layout and work model, your actual space needs may vary:
| Office Layout | Area per person | Total for 100 people |
|---|---|---|
| Open-plan only (desks and aisles) | 10–12 m² | 1,000–1,200 m² |
| Open-plan with collaboration and storage | 12–15 m² | 1,200–1,500 m² |
| Hybrid (hotdesking with breakout areas) | 8–10 m² | 800–1,000 m² |
| Traditional (private offices and meeting rooms) | 15–20 m² | 1,500–2,000 m² |
Sample Office Layout for 100 Staff (1,200 m²)
If you’re aiming for a functional, modern workplace, here’s a sample breakdown Aurora might recommend:
| Space Type | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 80 Workstations | 500 m² | 6–8 m² per desk including aisles |
| 20 Hot desks or flex-use | 80 m² | For casual or rotating staff |
| 4 Meeting rooms | 100 m² | Mix of 4-person, 6-person, and 12-person rooms |
| 2 Quiet rooms | 20 m² | For calls or focused work |
| Kitchen and breakout | 150 m² | Communal eating and recharge area |
| Reception | 50 m² | Optional front-of-house space |
| Storage, lockers, print | 100 m² | Includes utility zones |
| Bathrooms | 100 m² | As per building code |
| Circulation areas | 100 m² | Includes aisles and accessways |
Total: approximately 1,200 m²
Factors That Impact How Much Space You Need
Team Size vs. Seating Ratio
Are all 100 employees in the office daily, or do you operate a hybrid model? Hot-desking and staggered attendance can reduce your space needs by 20 to 30 percent.
Office Functions
Do you need client-facing zones, showrooms, warehouse access, or dedicated collaboration areas? These will increase your total commercial office layout footprint.
Growth Plans
Planning for scale? Build in extra space for future staff or modular layouts that can adapt to changing needs.
Workspace Styles
Modern workplaces favour open and flexible layouts with fewer assigned offices and more informal project zones, breakout areas, and quiet rooms.
Aurora’s Office Fitout Advice for 100 Staff
If you’re planning office space for 100 employees, here’s how Aurora can help:
Start with a 3D Floor Plan
Send us your building layout and we’ll create a fast 3D drawing so you can visualise your commercial office layout and move quickly to decision-making.
Deadline-Driven Fitouts
We ask for your install deadline and reverse-engineer a plan to meet it. If needed, we can store your furniture until your site is ready.
In-Stock Products, Delivered Fast
We stock desks, chairs, mobile drawers, screens, and more. These are ready to deliver and install within one week in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, and across Australia.
Full Service Installation
Unlike flat-pack providers, Aurora includes office furniture installation, rubbish removal, and aftercare support. Your team walks into a fully operational workspace with no loose ends.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
“The biggest delays happen when people just order boxes of flat-pack furniture and forget installation. That’s where costs and timeframes blow out.”
— Dean Grace, CEO, Aurora Office Furniture
Clients often lose weeks and face unnecessary staffing costs while waiting for installers or trying to coordinate multiple suppliers. Aurora is one of Australia’s trusted office furniture installation companies, handling everything under one roof so you don’t have to.
Our End-to-End Service Covers Everything
We manage the full process from start to finish, including:
- Office furniture installation
- 3D plans and custom layouts
- Rubbish removal and site cleanup
- After-sales support and warranty
- Furniture storage until your deadline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much space per person is legally required in Australia?
At least 10 m² per person, including circulation. However, 12 to 15 m² is recommended for comfort and productivity.
Can I reduce space with hybrid working?
Yes. Hotdesking or part-time attendance can reduce total required space to 800 to 1,000 m² for 100 staff.
Do I need breakout spaces?
Yes. Breakout zones help support collaboration, reduce noise, and improve employee wellbeing.
How fast can you deliver for a 100-person office?
Aurora can deliver and install within one week using our in-stock product ranges and efficient scheduling process.
Do you offer 3D layout plans?
Yes. We provide tailored CAD and 3D layout plans to help you visualise the space and move forward with confidence.
Ready to Plan Your Fitout?
Plan Your Office for 100 Staff. Get expert layouts, fast delivery, and complete support from one of Australia’s top office furniture installation companies.
Office Space Planning Guide: How to Fit Out for 100 Staff
Need help planning your office layout?
Download our free guide packed with practical insights, floorplan samples, and expert tips tailored for teams of 100. Learn how much space you really need, explore different layout styles, and avoid the most common fitout mistakes.
Perfect for HR, Operations, and Office Managers in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, and across Australia.
• Minimum and ideal space per employee
• Sample 1,200 m² floor plan for 100 staff
• Tips for hybrid work setups
• Installation checklist and deadlines
• Bonus: Fitout timeline and budgeting tips
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