Let’s be honest — setting up an office isn’t easy.
If you’re an SME owner, you’ve probably faced the same dilemma: limited space, a growing team, and way too many furniture catalogs. Most small businesses in Indonesia start with good intentions, but end up making layout mistakes that hurt team focus, comfort, and even productivity.
The good news? They’re all fixable.
Here are 5 common layout issues we see a lot (and how to fix them before they hurt your business).
1. Too Many Desks, Not Enough Breathing Room
You’re growing. That’s great. But trying to squeeze 10 people into a space meant for 6? Not so great. Tightly packed desks create noise, tension, and honestly — no one enjoys knocking elbows while working.
What you can do:
Use modular furniture that fits your space (not the other way around). Leave walking space and try shared desks for hybrid teams. Your team will thank you — with actual focus.
2. Forgetting About Natural Light
It’s tempting to line desks along every wall… even the ones without windows. But when you block light, you also block energy. No one wants to work in a gloomy cave.
Quick fix:
Let the light in! Place workstations near windows (even if you only have one). If that’s not an option, go with light-colored furniture, glass partitions, and daylight-style LEDs. Trust us — it makes a big difference.
3. Putting Loud and Quiet Teams Together
Sales team next to accounting? Might sound okay on paper. But when someone’s trying to close a deal while another is reconciling numbers… it’s chaos.
Try this instead:
Zone your space. Group teams by work style. Add some acoustic dividers or a few plants (they help absorb sound too). It doesn’t need to be perfect — just a bit more intentional.
4. No Place to Think (Or Take a Break)
Not every office has room for a full-on lounge. But having nowhere to step away from your desk? That’s a recipe for burnout.
How to fix it:
Create a tiny breakout corner. One comfy chair. A whiteboard. A stool by the pantry. It’s the little things that give your team space to breathe — and spark new ideas.
5. Prioritizing Style Over Function
We get it. That Pinterest-inspired desk looks amazing. But it wobbles, has zero storage, and your back hurts after 3 hours.
Better choice?
Go for furniture that works. Looks matter, yes — but so does comfort, cable management, and flexibility. Especially when you plan to grow (and you are growing, right?).
Final Thoughts: Layout Is Strategy
You don’t need a massive budget to have a smart, beautiful, and productive office. You just need a plan — and the right partner.
At Aetrio, we help SMEs all over Indonesia set up workspaces that actually work: functional, ergonomic, and tailored to your team’s needs. Whether you’re moving into your first office or just need a layout refresh, we’re here for it.
Need Help With Your Office Setup?
Drop us a message. No pressure — just real advice. Let’s build a space your team actually loves to work in. Starting here.