5 tips to improve work in an open space
5 June 2013
Read by 1597 persons
More and more companies are using this type of workspace organization. However, this proximity requires a certain amount of savoir-faire and well-respected rules. The first argument for choosing open space for a company is of course economic. If managers are rubbing their hands together, it is a completely different story on the side of some employees who see only negative aspects.
Increased stress, constant noise, difficulty concentrating, intimacy reduced to nothing are all complaints launched at the open space... But, solutions exist to remain efficient and benefit from this spatial reorganization!
1. Reduce all sound levels
Endless phone conversations, noisy benches, the colleague who has an impossible voice, comings and goings... It's certain, the ear is subjected to a high decibel regime. We will not talk about certain possible technical adaptations. We will discuss the role and responsibility of each person in creating a user-friendly and sustainable workspace. Here are some rules to follow:
- Don't call your colleague on the other side of the office. Send them an email or move closer.
- Do you want to inflict the latest ringtone downloaded the day before on your colleagues? Turn down the volume.
- Do you have an urgent private call to make? Your colleagues may not want to know that Aunt Josiane will be staying in the annex because the cousins are already in the basement...
- Don't eat in the open space. It's not very nice to pollute the atmosphere with a rustic sandwich or the leftover "leeks-sausages" from the day before... Leaving leftover coffee at the bottom of your bin won't refresh the atmosphere either.
- Be discreet. Disobliging or provocative remarks made aloud in an office are not conducive to team building.
2. Clean desk operation
Are you overflowing everywhere and can't fit into your drawers anymore? Is this also the case with your desk storage? Are you invading your neighbor's space? Do something! Get into the habit of tidying up in the evening before leaving by tidying away documents, crumpled paper, files, used cups, snack wrappers... In short, show a minimum of friendliness.
3. Intervene if necessary
If your work is slowed down, don't hesitate to ask your colleagues for a little more calm. Always contextualize your request: "Excuse me, but I really need to concentrate to finish the figures I have to present to management tomorrow..."
If you can't reason with your colleagues, go see your hierarchy. At worst, demand a job rotation every six months! In any case, stay calm or ask your colleague to follow you elsewhere to have a firm discussion.
4. Isolate yourself
When the situation in the open space becomes untenable, try to isolate yourself as much as possible. Use noise-cancelling headphones, earplugs, headphones... You can also isolate yourself in a free meeting room or "small aquariums" to finish a file or make an important phone call to a client. Also use these rooms to organize small group meetings.
5. Take advantage of the benefits of open space
Two major positive aspects can be highlighted: enhanced communication and faster integration of new recruits. Take advantage of this permanent brainstorming space to make quick and effective decisions.
The hierarchy will also be less rigid since the open space layout limits the barrier between you and your manager. Don't be afraid to regularly involve your manager in your daily work.
Finally, the open space will allow you to be aware of everything that is going on in the company and to learn different techniques from your colleagues.
L.Dp - Source Capital.f
References.be
Posted online on June 5, 2013.
Increased stress, constant noise, difficulty concentrating, intimacy reduced to nothing are all complaints launched at the open space... But, solutions exist to remain efficient and benefit from this spatial reorganization!
1. Reduce all sound levels
Endless phone conversations, noisy benches, the colleague who has an impossible voice, comings and goings... It's certain, the ear is subjected to a high decibel regime. We will not talk about certain possible technical adaptations. We will discuss the role and responsibility of each person in creating a user-friendly and sustainable workspace. Here are some rules to follow:
- Don't call your colleague on the other side of the office. Send them an email or move closer.
- Do you want to inflict the latest ringtone downloaded the day before on your colleagues? Turn down the volume.
- Do you have an urgent private call to make? Your colleagues may not want to know that Aunt Josiane will be staying in the annex because the cousins are already in the basement...
- Don't eat in the open space. It's not very nice to pollute the atmosphere with a rustic sandwich or the leftover "leeks-sausages" from the day before... Leaving leftover coffee at the bottom of your bin won't refresh the atmosphere either.
- Be discreet. Disobliging or provocative remarks made aloud in an office are not conducive to team building.
2. Clean desk operation
Are you overflowing everywhere and can't fit into your drawers anymore? Is this also the case with your desk storage? Are you invading your neighbor's space? Do something! Get into the habit of tidying up in the evening before leaving by tidying away documents, crumpled paper, files, used cups, snack wrappers... In short, show a minimum of friendliness.
3. Intervene if necessary
If your work is slowed down, don't hesitate to ask your colleagues for a little more calm. Always contextualize your request: "Excuse me, but I really need to concentrate to finish the figures I have to present to management tomorrow..."
If you can't reason with your colleagues, go see your hierarchy. At worst, demand a job rotation every six months! In any case, stay calm or ask your colleague to follow you elsewhere to have a firm discussion.
4. Isolate yourself
When the situation in the open space becomes untenable, try to isolate yourself as much as possible. Use noise-cancelling headphones, earplugs, headphones... You can also isolate yourself in a free meeting room or "small aquariums" to finish a file or make an important phone call to a client. Also use these rooms to organize small group meetings.
5. Take advantage of the benefits of open space
Two major positive aspects can be highlighted: enhanced communication and faster integration of new recruits. Take advantage of this permanent brainstorming space to make quick and effective decisions.
The hierarchy will also be less rigid since the open space layout limits the barrier between you and your manager. Don't be afraid to regularly involve your manager in your daily work.
Finally, the open space will allow you to be aware of everything that is going on in the company and to learn different techniques from your colleagues.
L.Dp - Source Capital.f
References.be
Posted online on June 5, 2013.
