Open Space Survival Guide
9 July 2010
Read by 1600 persons
Ringing cell phones, temperature conflicts, difficulty concentrating... You work in an open space! Behind the promise of an architecture conducive to productivity are many stressors.
"I can't stand Julien's ringing phone anymore," Christophe hisses through his teeth. "I'm freezing, Philippe turned off the heating again," Virginie says. "I have the solution for your file," whispers Arnaud, always ready to help, but in an intrusive way... Working in an open space is far from a dream. So what does the term open space mean? It's a platform that groups several workstations without any partitions. A configuration, in reality, not very conducive to professional well-being.
Strong relational constraints in open space
"Working in an open space can be like a journey on a compartmentalized train," says the doctor. The difference is that a journey is limited to a short duration, not a professional career. Proximity is great, leading to a real lack of intimacy, often detrimental. Starting with a quality of life that rests on details, which are not always details. For example, the room temperature, the noise level, and also the smells. These different parameters are rarely perceived unanimously. "A phenomenon exacerbated in open space," warns the doctor. More than anywhere else, they can create disagreements and lead to many tensions. A context that requires hyper-communication, preferably non-violent, and targeted tips.
Thermal comfort
"In winter I'm always cold," complains Odile, the most fashionable person in the office. "Dress warmer," replies her colleague, in a wool suit. When working in an open space, thermal comfort can quickly become a source of conflict. Cleavage and turtlenecks clash in winter, and the battle over air conditioning or fans rages in summer. The solutions: "Conform to the majority and communicate more," suggests Dr. Sauvegrain. You'll have to get used to it, in winter, dressing warmly is a must. This does not prevent you from expressing yourself, of course. Finding a middle ground is often possible.
Constant noise
"I know all about my colleague's love affairs," complains Florence. Noise pollution takes many forms, starting with private confidences and communications. As a result, everyone is in direct contact with each other, whether they are depressed, fickle, or cinephiles. Information that sometimes interferes with professional collaboration. Also at issue is "pro" noise pollution. "Being persuasive for salespeople requires presence and a sometimes very loud tone," admits Dr. Sauvegrain. The new vogue of "conference calls" amplifies the noise nuisance aspect. Concentrating becomes tiring, even difficult. The solutions: "Try together to establish a way of working," suggests the doctor. Open space requires you to be aware of your needs and to assert them. Enforcing your territory becomes essential. To partition the space "differently," you can identify the quieter hours for your periods of reflection. For private conversations, go outside and isolate yourself; it's better.
Image pressure
In a group, the pressure of image is strong. There are those who change clothes every day, others don't. A detail that becomes omnipresent in open space. "Self-image is then essentially based on what one shows, clothes, hairstyle," notes Isabelle Sauvegrain. The constraint of conforming to the group is greater, lest one expose oneself. The solutions: Self-assertion techniques are recommended. To take advantage of this situation, it is interesting to question one's identity. How to be part of the group while remaining oneself?
Determining stress factors
"In the context of open space work, determining stress factors is essential," says Dr. Isabelle Sauvegrain. There are three: individual, relational, and organizational. Identifying them allows you to take a step back, to address them, and to respond to them. When they are personal, don't hesitate to warn your colleagues without falling into drama. When stress is relational, start by identifying what bothers you about someone: their phone, their perfume, their voice... And communicate, first about your feelings and what might suit you both. Finally, when stress is organizational, point it out. And be methodical. There is often a solution; it's a matter of finding it... And if you really can't stand the open space, be patient... It seems that it is already going out of fashion in favor of more humane arrangements... Your company will inevitably catch up...
Published November 28, 2008
Posted online July 9, 2010
doctissimo
"I can't stand Julien's ringing phone anymore," Christophe hisses through his teeth. "I'm freezing, Philippe turned off the heating again," Virginie says. "I have the solution for your file," whispers Arnaud, always ready to help, but in an intrusive way... Working in an open space is far from a dream. So what does the term open space mean? It's a platform that groups several workstations without any partitions. A configuration, in reality, not very conducive to professional well-being.
Strong relational constraints in open space
"Working in an open space can be like a journey on a compartmentalized train," says the doctor. The difference is that a journey is limited to a short duration, not a professional career. Proximity is great, leading to a real lack of intimacy, often detrimental. Starting with a quality of life that rests on details, which are not always details. For example, the room temperature, the noise level, and also the smells. These different parameters are rarely perceived unanimously. "A phenomenon exacerbated in open space," warns the doctor. More than anywhere else, they can create disagreements and lead to many tensions. A context that requires hyper-communication, preferably non-violent, and targeted tips.
Thermal comfort
"In winter I'm always cold," complains Odile, the most fashionable person in the office. "Dress warmer," replies her colleague, in a wool suit. When working in an open space, thermal comfort can quickly become a source of conflict. Cleavage and turtlenecks clash in winter, and the battle over air conditioning or fans rages in summer. The solutions: "Conform to the majority and communicate more," suggests Dr. Sauvegrain. You'll have to get used to it, in winter, dressing warmly is a must. This does not prevent you from expressing yourself, of course. Finding a middle ground is often possible.
Constant noise
"I know all about my colleague's love affairs," complains Florence. Noise pollution takes many forms, starting with private confidences and communications. As a result, everyone is in direct contact with each other, whether they are depressed, fickle, or cinephiles. Information that sometimes interferes with professional collaboration. Also at issue is "pro" noise pollution. "Being persuasive for salespeople requires presence and a sometimes very loud tone," admits Dr. Sauvegrain. The new vogue of "conference calls" amplifies the noise nuisance aspect. Concentrating becomes tiring, even difficult. The solutions: "Try together to establish a way of working," suggests the doctor. Open space requires you to be aware of your needs and to assert them. Enforcing your territory becomes essential. To partition the space "differently," you can identify the quieter hours for your periods of reflection. For private conversations, go outside and isolate yourself; it's better.
Image pressure
In a group, the pressure of image is strong. There are those who change clothes every day, others don't. A detail that becomes omnipresent in open space. "Self-image is then essentially based on what one shows, clothes, hairstyle," notes Isabelle Sauvegrain. The constraint of conforming to the group is greater, lest one expose oneself. The solutions: Self-assertion techniques are recommended. To take advantage of this situation, it is interesting to question one's identity. How to be part of the group while remaining oneself?
Determining stress factors
"In the context of open space work, determining stress factors is essential," says Dr. Isabelle Sauvegrain. There are three: individual, relational, and organizational. Identifying them allows you to take a step back, to address them, and to respond to them. When they are personal, don't hesitate to warn your colleagues without falling into drama. When stress is relational, start by identifying what bothers you about someone: their phone, their perfume, their voice... And communicate, first about your feelings and what might suit you both. Finally, when stress is organizational, point it out. And be methodical. There is often a solution; it's a matter of finding it... And if you really can't stand the open space, be patient... It seems that it is already going out of fashion in favor of more humane arrangements... Your company will inevitably catch up...
Published November 28, 2008
Posted online July 9, 2010
doctissimo
