Many business leaders follow the open office setup in the hope that it will increase productivity among employees. It is a design where there are no cubicles or dividers that set employees apart. It is where everyone can see one another and know what is going on.
During the introduction of this design, many people thought it would work as it promotes transparency. Employees cannot use their work time to play video games or watch YouTube videos. After years of implementing this office design, various employees expressed frustration. These are the reasons why this setup does not work.
People need privacy
Although the workplace is an area where people work together, it does not mean that everyone needs to sacrifice their privacy. It is still essential for people to not feel exposed. Besides, responsible employees will do their tasks regardless of office design. Those who are irresponsible will do other things even in an open office setting. The focus needs to be on disciplining those who do not follow the rules and not sacrificing people’s privacy. The value of office doors should never be underestimated.
It is chaotic
Offices can be messy depending on the tasks that everyone needs to finish. Some people have to move around to talk to other employees, call outside contacts, deliver supplies and many other things. However, not everyone will do the same things. Others need a quiet environment where they can think of fantastic ideas. The messy setting could hinder them from finishing things on time.
It shows a lack of trust
In any business, employees and employers need to trust each other. Employees trust their employers to pay them the agreed wage and assign them appropriate tasks. On the other hand, employers expect their employees to finish the tasks required. An open office setting is a sign that employers do not trust their employees and they need to remove the barriers to force them to work. It only creates resentment among employees instead of feeling motivated to work.
No one will take responsibility
The idea of an open office is that everyone shares responsibility. For instance, everyone needs to clean the common area. This concept only works if people take responsibility. If no area belongs explicitly to them, they will not care. In the end, only a handful of people will bear responsibility while others will not care.
Everyone will start hating each other
Being in an office is like being in an intimate relationship. You cannot be together all the time since you could end up feeling frustrated with each other. The same thing will happen at work. You also need space among employees. If they see each other the entire day, they will start hating each other.
Since this setup does not work, you might want to consider checking WintechModular.co.uk for modular buildings which can serve as offices where employees work peacefully and without disturbance from others. It is an environmentally friendly option, and it could work regardless of the nature of the business.
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