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Hy,
For the story, I work in a small smart agency with a cool boss but he would like to change the individuals offices in open space to improve relationship and efficiency in the team. I don't really know if it's good or not for us (in term of collaboration, atmosphere, efficiency,..)
So please give me your opinion on the subject and don't hesitate to propose other organization layout.
The open office has been the trend for many years now. The main reason is to encourage collaboration. An open office is not enough to achieve this however. An open office with 6 ft.high cubes does not change much- people are still isolated. An open office requires some collaboration space- meeting rooms but more importantly places where casual interraction takes place. This is where most creative interraction takes place.
Many people resist this sort of change- it depends what you do. Some people do not work collaboratively well, or even need to. But here's the catch: in order for this change to be effective, the whole office culture has to change- that means everyone has to buy into it.
In a creative shop I think this is the way to go. The downside is- you have to go to a room to have a private phone conversation AND its not a s easy to be on CD when you should be working!
The open office has been the trend for many years now. The main reason is to encourage collaboration. An open office is not enough to achieve this however. An open office with 6 ft.high cubes does not change much- people are still isolated. An open office requires some collaboration space- meeting rooms but more importantly places where casual interraction takes place. This is where most creative collaboration takes place.
Many people resist this sort of change- it depends what you do. Some people do not work collaboratively. But here's the catch: in order for this change to be effective, the whole office culture has to change- that means everyone has to buy into it.
In a creative shop I think this is the way to go. The downside is- you have to go to a room to have a private phone conversation!
It has nothing to do with collaboration! It's all about saving money and control by depriving you of any privacy. I can't speak for all work places, but in mine you're not encouraged to talk about work matters. Everything's done over e-mails and IM's, even if the person happens to be in the cube next to yours. As annoying as I find that, it makes some sense - you have records. In short, the only "advantage" of the cubes is the unbearable noise, claustrophobic feeling, and fluorescent lights. It can, but in reality it doesn't facilitate any "collaboration"!
I work in a cubicle. This is my first cubicle experience and there is no privacy. Granted, most organizations want you working while at work. My company requires personnel to be at the management level or higher to be considered privileged enough for an office with a door. I feel this is appropriate since they do the hiring, the reprimanding, and the firing.
But I think the cubicle stuff has gotten out of control. I'd love to find myself in a true office again someday.
It has nothing to do with collaboration! It's all about saving money and control by depriving you of any privacy. I can't speak for all work places, but in mine you're not encouraged to talk about work matters. Everything's done over e-mails and IM's, even if the person happens to be in the cube next to yours. As annoying as I find that, it makes some sense - you have records. In short, the only "advantage" of the cubes is the unbearable noise, claustrophobic feeling, and fluorescent lights. It can, but in reality it doesn't facilitate any "collaboration"!
S.AZ- I think you are wrong. Of course it all depends of the type of work you do. Such a change usually involves a lot of expense, so its not about the money. Imagine- you have to tear out the hardwalls, re-do the ceilings and lighting, and then buy (or lease) the office systems furniture.
In my experience this has been driven by a sincere belief that walls are barriers to collaboration and that (if the work to be done is somewhat complex) people need to be unihibited about getting together and working things out. It also wastes time to have to leave your room and go to another's only to find out that that person is not there or is on the phone.
At my old office even the bosses were in open space (low walled cubes). If something sensitive had to be discussed they went to a conference room.
I agree with you about e-mails. It seems like the only way people can communicate any more and i find it totally annoying.
Thank you for your comments, my boss was sensitive to your "bad" experiences. But our office are old so we need to find something.
Do you know a modern and efficient example of office organization?
Thanks
Hy,
For the story, I work in a small smart agency with a cool boss but he would like to change the individuals offices in open space to improve relationship and efficiency in the team. I don't really know if it's good or not for us (in term of collaboration, atmosphere, efficiency,..)
So please give me your opinion on the subject and don't hesitate to propose other organization layout.
Thank you for your comments, my boss was sensitive to your "bad" experiences. But our office are old so we need to find something.
Do you know a modern and efficient example of office organization?
Thanks
Since this IS a relationship forum I think you are sleeping with the boss.
I worked for a company that got rid of all the traditional offices and went to an open concept plan where everyone was just 'out there'. JMHO but it caused a huge drop in productivity. HUGE!
One big negative was the noise level. It was never quiet. And if someone came up to converse with a co-worker, it distracted several other people trying to work. People are naturally inquisitive and nosy. Yes, they wanted to know the results of your annual gynecological exam and what subjects your kids had trouble with at school.
I'll never forget the day I got a job offer from a competitor who was also a customer..... You could have heard a pin drop. Everyone was listening so hard to my conversation on the phone that ALL work stopped!
Thank you for your comments, my boss was sensitive to your "bad" experiences. But our office are old so we need to find something.
Do you know a modern and efficient example of office organization?
Thanks
No suggestions for you with out have a drawing of your existing floor plan. BUT you might want to check out some systems furniture on line, such as Herman Miller's "Canvas" system. We're looking at that in an 8 X8 ft module right now where I work.
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but he would like to change the individuals offices in open space to improve relationship and efficiency in the team. I don't really know if it's good or not for us (in term of collaboration, atmosphere, efficiency,..)
Has your mind been checked lately...?
how to improve open office?
