A practical guide for startups, remote teams, and growing businesses
Renting an office in Vienna can feel like a big step — especially when your team is growing, hybrid, or working across time zones. How many square meters do you really need? And how much is too much?
Whether you're moving out of coworking, scaling from five to twenty people, or just exploring your first location in Austria, this guide will help you estimate your space needs based on team size, work style, and flexibility.
1. The Rule of Thumb: 10–15 m² per Person
But wait — it depends.
Traditionally, office planners have used a benchmark of 10 to 15 square meters per person, depending on the layout and working culture.
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10 m² per person: Efficient open-plan layouts or coworking-style environments
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12–15 m² per person: Private offices, quiet zones, more meeting space
So if you’re a team of 10, that’s roughly 100–150 m² of space — but keep reading before you jump to conclusions.
2. What Kind of Team Are You?
Different workflows = different space logic
Not every team needs the same type or amount of space. Ask yourself:
Hybrid Team
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In-office 2–3 days/week
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Some desks can be shared (hot desks)
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You might only need 70–80% of the “full” square meterage
Focus-Driven Team
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Needs quiet, private workstations
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More demand for individual space
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Consider 15 m² per person or more
Collaboration-Heavy Team
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Frequent meetings, brainstorming
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More shared zones and breakouts
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You can save on desks, but need extra for soft spaces
Remote-First with Vienna HQ
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Few people in regularly, but need representation and meetups
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Go small — even 30–50 m² may be enough
3. Don’t Forget the “Extras”
You’re not just renting desks
When calculating space, make sure you also account for:
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Meeting rooms (internal and client-facing)
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Kitchen or coffee area
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Reception or waiting zone
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Breakout and relaxation areas
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Storage (printers, files, server rooms if needed)
A good rule: Add 20–30% extra space on top of your desk plan to accommodate all these functions — or choose a space that includes them as shared amenities (e.g., coworking buildings).
4. Comparing Traditional Offices vs. Flexible Workspaces
| Workspace Type | Space Required | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Lease | Full sqm per person | Stable, on-site teams | Custom fit-out needed |
| Coworking (Shared) | ~6–8 m² per person | Freelancers, early startups | Shared amenities |
| Private Team Office | 8–12 m² per person | Hybrid and fast-growing teams | Often all-inclusive |
| Hot Desk Memberships | No fixed sqm | Remote workers, consultants | Use what you need |
5. What You Actually Pay in Vienna
Vienna offers a wide range of office types — and space efficiency can save you money.
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Coworking desk: €200–500/person/month
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Private office (all-in): €350–700/person/month
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Traditional lease: €14–28/m²/month depending on district
Tip: In Neubau or Mariahilf, you might find flexible spaces with lower sqm usage — and great vibes.
Final Thoughts: Size Is Only Half the Story
Choosing your office size isn’t just about square meters. It’s about how your team works, how often they meet, and what makes them thrive.
Start small, choose flexible terms, and grow into your space — not out of it.
Workaround can help you find the right-sized space in the right location
At Workaround, we help you compare office options in Vienna by size, price, and flexibility — from compact team hubs to full-floor solutions. Use our filters to match your team’s size and workflow — and move in stress-free.