How to Create Synergy Within your Workforce
How many times have you walked into an office and all you see are closed doors and cubicle walls? When activity and movement are low, you get the feeling that the business is not thriving and generally it’s not. This closed office environment usually prevents companies from collaborating and creating an inspiring office culture. However, does switching to an open office environment fix this situation? The answer, well, that depends on the company. You have to understand the pros and cons of an open office environment, in order to find the balance that will promote the environment you desire.
At DSD Business Systems we realized the need to open our office environment and promote collaboration. Our departments weren’t communicating and employee’s work stations were separated by 3 different hallways. Earlier this month, we made the switch from a closed office environment, with little sunlight, to an open office environment lined with large windows. Now, only the highest level managers have offices and the remainder of the staff utilize workstations. The staff can now easily communicate with one another, allowing everyone to gain a better understanding of the entire company.
MOBILE
When we made this switch to an open office environment, it was important to find the utilities that could fit with our expanding needs. We made sure to purchase furniture that was modular and mobile. This allowed us to have conference room spaces that can change with our varying conference needs. We now have the option to setup a room as classroom style, two smaller conference rooms, or one large conference room. This dramatically reduced our office space footprint and business efficiency. Having a business in a market that is constantly improving through change, it was important for us to have the ability to change and adapt as well.
AESTHETICS
When creating a new office environment, it’s very important to focus on what type of workstations you select. We found the old style square cubicles and workstations that don’t provide any private space would not fit our needs. On one hand, we wanted a more open environment to promote collaboration. On the other, staff still has focus work and we wanted to provide areas where they could do that. Finding a perfect balance between the two was our goal. When providing an open environment, make sure to utilize sound masking where appropriate. This will help with interruptions and having to listen to unwanted conversations. In our new offices, we provide rooms that can be used by each department for private calls and any other work they need to focus on. We also have open workstations with 5ft dividers to create private space, several conference rooms and within the workstations we have collaborative areas with chairs and tables.
BALANCE
It’s about providing that balance between a closed work environment and an opened work environment that fits your company best. Both closed and opened environments have pros and cons, but if you bring in a combination of both, then you’ll have an ideal work environment. The debate between opened and closed work environments will never end because everyone has a different point of reference. What’s important to remember is that there is no definite answer; you must find a perfect balance between the two extremes.
Written by Kayley Bell, CFO & COO at DSD Business Systems
