Today, working in open space is more and more coveted solution by companies. The idea is to bring the offices of all the employees together in one open space.
This solution has many benefits, including increased collaboration and autonomy of employees.
We take a look at the pros and cons of working in open spaces.
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Open space: a symbol of modernity
In the early 21st century, collaborative workspaces have continued to grow. For many companies, open-space (or “open platform” in French) is an innovative and creative collaborative space. Information is better disseminated and communication between employees is direct.
To some extent, the open space emphasizes a particularly modern relationship to work. Working in an open space blurs the hierarchical links between members and enforces the notion of equality between employees and their manager. This trend is part of the development of horizontal management and more agile work environments.
Thus, the concepts of space saving and flexibility are exclusively present. For open-space advocates, creating a conducive workspace is part of corporate strategy and becomes an asset for cultivating the motivation, creativity and performance of diverse employees.
Open Space finds its counterpart with peers for entrepreneurs.
Opening an open space: advantages and disadvantages
Whatever your field of activity, the choice between open space and divided offices depends on a variety of criteria. An analysis of the advantages and limitations of open positions in today’s professional environment.
1. Reduce Expenses
It is no secret that starting a business is still a process that requires investment. Today, it is often inaccessible to acquire or rent premises with sufficient space in the city.
This is the reason why more and more companies are opting for open spaces. This option allows access to offices at a lower cost by customizing the required surface. Saves space that can be used for other activities.
Hence open space is an excellent solution to reduce rental expenses.
2. Work in a Quiet Environment
Working in an open-plan space means you have to accept to cohabit with other employees permanently. This is why it is not recommended to have an open plan space for some types of flair.
If you are looking for a quiet and intimate work environment, a collaborative space is not suitable. An open space is a particularly dynamic and noisy workplace. There are actually many exchanges, whether professional or personal.
Note that such an organization can be particularly hostile to workers who are quite considerate and reserved. This is not a good way to create a calm atmosphere.
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3. Look for Teamwork
By working in an open space, all employees are invited for greater cooperation. An open space is a way of coming into direct contact with another.
Creating a collaborative space is a great way to fight against worker segregation. Information, as well as files and ideas, are better disseminated within a shorter time frame. Communication becomes freer and each employee becomes more available and responsive.
Open-space is an ideal option for fostering teamwork and developing a strong corporate culture. The company is more productive and the employees feel fully invested in their projects.
4. Carry out secret missions
Some people work on sensitive and/or confidential assignments. Indeed, an open space is a place where all employees exchange and coexist.
If the company is working on new software, patented innovation or confidential information, then the risk of leakage increases.
Therefore, there is a danger of undermining the legal and economic security of the company. In addition, open space can promote the loss of documents.
Open space is a very bad solution if the company works on sensitive and confidential assignments.
5. Develop a Network
In an open space, each employee is required to work together. Thus, people of different positions and ranks will be able to coexist around a common project. Even if hierarchy exists, it is undermined by a strong sense of belonging.
Working in one place is gradually establishing the notion of horizontality within the company. Each one cooperates with respect to the others in an individualized and complementary approach.
Open space fosters direct and more personal contacts between company members. With less anonymity, other employees become members of our network. They can help consolidate professional projects more easily.
Open-space is a good way to increase the network of each member of the company.
6. Minimize Sources of Stress
According to a recent study, working in open space can lead to several psychosocial disorders (depression, psychosomatic disorders, distraction, etc.). In fact, to work in an open space you have to work with a large number of employees, and even more so with different personalities.
Surrounding noise, or a conflict with an employee, can have more serious consequences. The risk is heightened when there is no way to isolate yourself from your stressors.
Open space is one solution that can fuel tensions in the face of poor management of personal and professional conflicts.
If the implementation of an open space is attractive, this work organization does not suit all companies. The challenge for managers is to begin by defining the characters and desires of their employees.
It is also strongly recommended to create a regulation defining the rules of community life. Note that the world of work is constantly changing. This is why other forms of work are emerging, such as teleworking, which allow them to accomplish their missions from their home.
Articles written by Amouri