Workstation

Anatomy of a workstation: what it really includes

A workstation is not just a 120×60 cm desk. It encompasses several components that companies often forget to account for.

The direct surface area of the workstation. The desk itself and the immediate circulation space around it (to push back the chair, stand up, access the workstation). Count 4 to 6 sqm per workstation in direct surface area.

The share of common spaces. Each workstation "consumes" a fraction of the meeting rooms, kitchen, toilets, circulation areas and reception. This share represents 2 to 5 additional sqm per workstation. This is why the overall ratio sits between 8 and 12 sqm GFA per workstation.

Furniture. A height-adjustable desk (€200 to €600), an ergonomic chair (€300 to €800), a storage pedestal (€100 to €200). Furniture budget per workstation: €600 to €1,600 depending on quality level. Average lifespan: 7 to 10 years.

IT equipment. An external 24" monitor minimum (€150 to €300), a USB-C dock or docking station (€80 to €200), a keyboard and mouse (€50 to €100). In hot desking, this equipment is shared, each employee arrives with their laptop and plugs in.

Connectivity. An accessible power socket (ideally 2 per workstation), a wired network point or Wi-Fi with guaranteed bandwidth (minimum 10 Mbps per simultaneous user). Workstations in open plan also require access to phone booths or quiet zones nearby.

Total cost of a new workstation (furniture + IT + installation): €1,000 to €2,500 in CAPEX. In an operated office, this cost is included in the monthly flat fee, no upfront investment.

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The different types of workstations

The assigned workstation (fixed desk). Each employee has "their" desk, with their belongings, their photo, their mug. This is the classic model, still the majority in French companies. Advantage: sense of belonging, personalisation. Disadvantage: the workstation is paid for even when the employee is working remotely, in a meeting or travelling, i.e. 40 to 60% of the time.

The shared workstation (hot desking). No workstation is assigned. Employees sit wherever there is space or book via a booking tool. Advantage: maximum space optimisation (flex ratio of 0.6 to 0.8 workstations per employee). Disadvantage: loss of personal reference point, requires a strict clean desk policy and standardised equipment.

The team zone workstation (neighbourhood). A compromise between the two: each team has its reserved zone, but workstations are not individually assigned. Marketing employees always sit in the "marketing zone", but not necessarily at the same desk each day. Advantage: team proximity preserved + flexibility. This is the rising model in 2025-2026.

The focus workstation (focus booth). A closed, acoustically isolated individual space for tasks requiring deep concentration: writing, coding, financial analysis. Not assigned, used occasionally, 1 to 3 hours. Ideally, plan 1 focus booth for every 10 to 15 employees.

The informal workstation (lounge working). Sofa, armchair, coffee table. A relaxed space for tasks that don't require a formal desk: reading, short calls, light brainstorming. Increasingly requested by employees, but often undersized in fit-outs.

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How many workstations for how many employees?

This is the key question for any fit-out or relocation project. The answer depends on your way of working.

100% in-person company: ratio 1:1. One workstation per employee. This has become rare, except in industry, healthcare or professions requiring permanent physical presence.

Hybrid company (1-2 days of remote working): ratio 0.8 to 0.9. For 100 employees, plan 80 to 90 workstations. The slight surplus absorbs the Tuesday and Wednesday peaks.

Advanced hybrid company (2-3 days of remote working): ratio 0.6 to 0.7. For 100 employees, 60 to 70 workstations suffice. Requires a booking tool and a clear flex office policy.

Full remote company with occasional gatherings: ratio 0.3 to 0.5. The company maintains a space for team meetings, workshops and social moments. Workstations are only occupied 2 to 3 days a week.

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Workstation ergonomics: what the regulations say

The French Labour Code and the recommendations of INRS (National Institute for Research and Safety) set minimum standards for workstations:

The screen must be at eye level (top edge at horizontal gaze level), at a distance of 50 to 70 cm. Laptop screens alone do not meet this standard. An external screen or a riser stand is required.

The chair must be height-adjustable, with a reclining backrest and lumbar support. The employee's feet must touch the floor (or a footrest). The "office chair" budget is rarely the item to cut.

Lighting must be 300 to 500 lux on the work surface, without glare on the screen. Natural light is recommended but not sufficient, a directable supplementary light source is often necessary.

Acoustics: noise levels must not exceed 55 dB(A) for intellectual work. In untreated open-plan offices, this often reaches 65 to 70 dB(A), a level that can impair concentration.

Temperature: between 20 and 24°C in winter, with a recommended maximum of 26°C in summer.