Madison, Wisconsin, (September 25, 2001) -- A study done by design firm Flad & Associates indicates that across America, individual workspaces are shrinking and show no signs of stopping.

The firm's recent study of 60 Fortune 500 companies was conducted to develop a common language relating to space reduction. A cross-section of firms representing several sectors were contacted, including individuals from financial, telecommunication, consumer products, pharmaceutical and technology firms.

The key series of questions focused on size of workstations and support space, as well as plans for further reduction. The study concluded that:

1. Companies are continuing to reduce individual workspaces 2. Team and group space has been increasing 3. Companies are reducing the number of space standards 4. Companies are reducing the number of private offices (with the exception of the computer software industry) 5. Ninety-five percent of the companies surveyed are employing some form of alternative officing strategy, primarily for their sales and marketing departments 6. The most typical individual workspace sizes found in this study are - 6'x6' and 6'x8' for open workstations - 8'x10' for closed offices - an average of 1-2 space standards for closed offices, but an average of two standards for open workstations

Although this survey shows individual workspaces shrinking, Flad Design Principal William J. Bula, AIA, notes that one trend Flad is seeing is the addition of amenities such as informal gathering areas, cafes, and fitness centers. According to Bula, "This trend serves to counterbalance the individual loss of space. The team areas and other group spaces compensate and give employees areas in which to interact and share ideas." For more detailed information about this survey or design trends, Mr. Bula can be reached at 608-238-2661.

For more information, please contact Laura Stillman at (608) 238-2661

Pearl: This research was done out of Flad in Madison - 644 Science Drive, Madison WI 53711 608-238-2661.