Swedish Government Agencies Eye Major Savings Through Office Space Optimization

A recent report from Riksrevisionen reveals that Swedish government agencies could potentially save up to 4 billion kronor annually by optimizing their office spaces. The report emphasizes that the current average office space allocation of 22 square meters per employee is significantly higher than the suggested optimal space of 15 square meters. In a move towards better efficiency, the Tax Agency has adopted a target of 12 to 14 square meters per employee in its upcoming office solutions.

Other government entities have also shown varying approaches to office space. The Tandvårds- och läkemedelsförmånsverket (TLV) has dramatically reduced its office space allocation from 19 to 10 square meters per employee between the years 2014 and 2023, facilitated by a hybrid work model which allows for a combination of remote and in-office work. Conversely, the Strålsäkerhetsmyndigheten (SSM) has increased its office space per employee from 34 to 40 square meters, citing specific operational necessities related to safety and laboratory functions as justification for the expansion.

These variations highlight the absence of universal standards for office space allocation in government agencies, although typically, recommendations suggest 15 to 20 square meters per employee, which can include shared workspace.