5 Ways to Put Empty Office Spaces to Better Use

Hybrid work has changed the way companies think about office space. With fewer people coming in daily, many offices have rooms, floors, or entire buildings sitting underutilized. But an empty office doesn’t have to be wasted space—there are ways to make it more functional, engaging, and valuable without major renovations.

1. Turn It Into an Internal Event and Training Space

Offsite venues can be costly, but most offices already have the space needed for team gatherings, planning sessions, and training programs. Repurposing underutilized areas for internal events gives teams a reason to come in and makes the most of existing real estate.

• Use large spaces for leadership summits, town halls, and all-hands meetings
• Host professional development workshops, guest speakers, and team-building sessions
• Design a flexible setup—movable seating, whiteboards, and AV equipment for interactive sessions

This helps turn the office into a purpose-driven space, rather than just a place for solo work.

2. Build a Team-Only Collaboration Hub

Not all work requires an office, but collaborative, high-impact projects often benefit from in-person sessions. Rather than keeping unused desks, companies can create a bookable project space for teams to use as needed.

• Replace assigned desks with reservable workstations for team sprints and brainstorming
• Use modular layouts that can be adapted for different team sizes and work styles
• Ensure the space is distraction-free—dedicated areas for focus work and discussion

This allows teams to come together when needed, without requiring daily office attendance.

3. Support Employee-Led Initiatives and Well-Being Programs

An office doesn’t have to be just about work. Providing space for employee-driven initiatives can strengthen workplace culture, improve engagement, and make the office feel like more than just a place to meet deadlines.

• Design wellness areas—quiet zones, meditation spaces, or fitness rooms
• Support learning and networking—space for employee-led clubs, mentorship groups, or knowledge-sharing sessions
• Encourage creativity—hackathons, side projects, and after-hours passion initiatives

When office space serves more than just work tasks, it becomes a place people actually want to use.

4. Host Industry Meetups and Thought Leadership Events

A great way to keep office space active is by opening it up for industry events and networking opportunities. Instead of letting large conference rooms sit empty, they can be used for:

• Roundtable discussions, leadership Q&As, and expert panels
• Meetups and knowledge-sharing sessions with clients, partners, or industry leaders
• Small-scale conferences and professional development workshops

This isn’t about renting space for revenue—it’s about building stronger connections within your industry while keeping the office dynamic and relevant.

5. Make the Office a Destination, Not an Obligation

For many employees, the office needs to offer something they can’t get at home. Instead of hoping people will return, companies can design in-office experiences that make the commute worth it.

• Plan meaningful in-person days—team offsites, leadership fireside chats, or product demos
• Enhance the work experience—on-site coffee bars, catered lunches, or wellness sessions
• Encourage teams to coordinate office days so employees don’t show up to empty floors

For companies looking to offset costs, extra office space can also be subleased to startups or used by vendors offering amenities that benefit employees.

Rethinking Office Space for the Future

Underutilized office space isn’t just a real estate challenge—it’s an opportunity to rethink how workspaces support teams, culture, and collaboration. Whether it’s dedicating space for focused teamwork, fostering employee initiatives, or making office time more engaging, companies that rethink their space strategy will be better positioned for the future of work.

Want to optimize your office space? See how Spacebase helps businesses manage their real estate smarter: https://spacebaseapp.com/request-demo/

Brooke Colglazier

Marketing Manager