What We’ve Learned from Working with Leading Recruitment Companies

Based on our experience, recruitment companies often operate full-time from the office or maintain a hybrid setup with a strong emphasis on in-office presence, this makes their workspace an essential part of their culture and operations. This means the office needs to be more than just a place to work—it’s a hub for collaboration, client meetings, and team engagement. As a result, recruitment firms often opt for offices between 3,000-7,500 sq. ft., depending on their team size and growth plans. 

Effective space planning is essential for recruitment offices, where the right balance between open-plan areas for collaboration and private meeting rooms for client calls and interviews is key. The goal is to create a workspace that enhances productivity while staying adaptable for future growth.

As the design and build partner for Randstad, the world’s largest recruitment company, we’ve gained unique insights into how recruitment firms are evolving their office environments. After completing their Luton head office, we’re now working on their Manchester, Newcastle, and Birmingham offices. A clear trend is emerging: they are increasing the number of boardrooms and meeting pods, while slightly reducing desk space. This reflects the shift toward flexible working, but with desk capacity still exceeding the average daily office presence to accommodate future growth.

When it comes to the style of office recruitment companies are after, it’s all about striking the right balance. These firms are driven by both professionalism and a dynamic, forward-thinking energy. The office vibe tends to lean toward high-end corporate interiors—think sleek finishes, modern furniture, and sophisticated branding—with a splash of creativity and colour to inject personality and vibrancy into the space.

We’ve found that recruitment companies want to impress clients from the moment they walk in, while also ensuring the office feels lively and engaging for the team. A mix of polished boardrooms, vibrant breakout areas, and high-tech collaborative spaces tends to work best, offering a balance of formality and fun.

A key element of our office design process is ensuring that every space feels soulful. While many recruitment companies follow certain trends, your office design should ultimately reflect your brand, values, and team culture. We dive deep into understanding these elements to create a workspace that’s uniquely yours. When the design is centered around who you are as a company, everything else—functionality, aesthetics, and layout—naturally falls into place.

Location is always a key consideration, and for recruitment companies, being in the heart of London’s most vibrant districts is a must. Many of our clients have gravitated towards Shoreditch, Bank, Liverpool Street and London Bridge—areas that offer the perfect blend of centrality, accessibility, and culture.

These locations not only provide a prestigious address but also position recruitment firms in the midst of a thriving business community. Being surrounded by like-minded companies and industries fosters networking opportunities and keeps them close to potential clients and partners.

A recruitment office isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a high-performance environment that enhances productivity, attracts talent, and leaves a lasting impression on clients. Recruitment is a competitive industry, and having an office that can keep pace with the energy of the team while showcasing the firm’s success is essential.

A well-designed office space can:

• Boost team morale and retention: Employees want to work in environments that reflect their company’s ambition and offer spaces for collaboration, relaxation, and focus.
• Impress clients: First impressions count, and a standout office space sets the tone for professionalism and success from the get-go.
• Support growth: As recruitment companies grow, their office needs to be flexible enough to accommodate new team members and changing working styles.

At Soul Spaces, we understand the unique needs of recruitment firms. Whether it’s finding the right location, creating a high-energy vibe, or designing a flexible space for future growth, we’re here to help recruitment companies create workplaces that work for them.