Open space
What are the advantages and limits of open spaces?
What is an open space?
Open space or “open space” is an increasingly common arrangement in companies. It consists of opening up the work surface by eliminating partitions to bring teams together in one single space.
What are the avantages?
If open space has been a hit for several years now, it’s because they increase the productivity of companies in several ways:
- Foster communication between teams
- More friendly working environment
- Better responsiveness of teams
- Space saving, therefore financial gain
Working in an open space allows you to benefit from a more interesting team cohesion: the employees of the different departments can communicate more easily and more directly. No need to go through e-mails, exchanges are fluid and fast and responsiveness is increased.
Well-being at work is also affected, the teams are less isolated, and open space models are appearing more and more pleasant and comfortable. Some models provide “chill” spaces in a cozy atmosphere, relaxation rooms with the essential table footballs, ping-pong tables. There are also cafeterias, quieter meeting rooms.
The spaces are shared and the equipment is thus pooled. This model therefore considerably reduces costs and reduces the necessary office space thanks to the decompartmentalization.
What limits?
Noise, promiscuity, lack of privacy: working in an open space is also the subject of debate. This organizational model involves a noisier environment which can distract or even stress the rest of the teams. Open spaces therefore work if they are well thought out! The layout must combine organization and creativity, individual spaces and collaborative workspaces. We must not neglect confidentiality spaces as well as places conducive to communication: think about an adapted space planning, provide phone boxes, meeting rooms, creativity rooms.