Many companies today are opting for the open space formula for their employees. This type of arrangement offers a multitude of advantages to employees. However, open space does have some drawbacks. To learn more about this subject, read this article.
Open space is not a new concept. It appeared in the United States in the fifties. However, it is only recently that it has become fashionable among European companies. Unlike traditional offices, which are partitioned, open space refers to offices grouped together in an open space. Despite these disadvantages, more and more companies are continuing to adopt this way of working and are moving away from traditional workspaces.
For companies, open space is more of an economic choice. Indeed, by opting for open space, a manager can succeed in considerably reducing the surface area required to accommodate his employees. This also allows him to reduce the rent or the purchase price of the premises. This advantage is not to be underestimated if the company wants to set up its headquarters in an area where square metres are expensive. However, apart from the economic factor, many companies opt for open space to promote cohesion between employees. Freeing up communication has a huge impact on the performance of each team. Employees become more reactive, which promotes their productivity, and also the development of the company itself. The open space also allows to arrange the offices according to the needs of the company. For example, if the company is planning to recruit in the near future, it will be easier to add new office furniture by simply changing the layout of the premises.
In spite of all its advantages, open space has some drawbacks. Not all employees, for example, appreciate working under the gaze of others. Some employees need a certain amount of privacy to be at their best. Having to work in an open space can therefore be detrimental to their well-being and productivity at the same time. For companies whose work requires a high level of concentration, open space is therefore not an interesting solution. Ambient noise can also cause real discomfort. This option would also lead to many sick leaves within a company. This is because microbes tend to spread more quickly in these open spaces. To remedy this, very strict hygiene rules should be respected and strict medical monitoring should be implemented within the company.
A spacious workplace, separated by partitions where workers see and hear each other work. The open space has very quickly replaced the classic offices and is becoming the concept of the new head offices of large companies.
The open-space or open workplace is a concept whose origin is “open-plan offices” that was developed by the Shnelle brothers in 1950. A collective workplace separated nowadays by a partition, where different workers at different jobs are grouped together.
The open workspace breaks down the barriers between employees, a very good means for better communication and cohesion leading to teamwork. Noting that better communication naturally strengthens collaboration between employees and managers at all levels.
The company therefore provides a better condition for its employees while ensuring that everyone has the space and equipment necessary to do their job well.
A classic office is a place where the employee feels comfortable performing his or her tasks while at the same time finding their “home” through the personalization of the workplace.
Perfectly adapted to workers whose work requires confidentiality, a classic workplace or a partitioned space allows them to be more concentrated in carrying out their tasks.
This workspace encourages each employee to become more competent and improve their productivity. It also limits the pressure and stress of the worker who is not constantly under the gaze of his or her superior and colleagues.
An open space reduces the company’s real estate costs because this type of workspace already includes high-speed Internet access, the necessary equipment, free refreshment areas and professional cleaning services.
While a traditional office is a source of expense for the company because it is necessary to invest individually for each office for the purchase of furniture, heating equipment as well as the materials necessary for the realization of the tasks of each one.
An open-space workspace is a very good investment for a company because it limits the investment while giving a better working condition to its employees. While a workspace with classic offices requires a lot of investment on the part of the employer because each employee should have in his possession the furniture and the elements necessary for the realization of each person’s tasks. It is strongly recommended for companies with confidential tasks to carry out their work in the heart of a closed space.