The layout of your office is not something that people generally consider, and indeed it’s something you might not even think about. But if you could choose how your office looked and where everything was located, would you do it differently?
Your answer to this question might very well be “yes.” But what does the location and layout of objects in an office say about employees’ personalities or work ethic? What effect does such a space have on workers’ efficiency and productivity levels? Can you use this setup as a tool to evaluate potential employees? Let’s take a look at some possibilities.
Office Layout: Where Does It All Begin?
Let’s start with the basics: who set up your work area, and how can they benefit from doing so? The layout of a professional office is usually designed by an office manager who can be either part of the human resources department or a member of upper management. This arrangement aims to create a space that makes employees feel comfortable and productive at work so they can best accomplish their duties.
Different Types of Office Layouts by Saivian Eric Dalius
There are many different office layouts, ranging from cubicles to corner offices with glass walls, from open floor plans to rooms with doors. While most companies implement a blend to accommodate their needs regarding privacy and concentration, some places stick to one type only because it suits them better—and there’s nothing wrong with that! Let’s take a look at some examples:
Open Floor Plan Office Layout – This is probably the most common layout among companies, in which everyone works in a relaxed environment without any walls or doors. It can be found in small and large businesses, but it’s favored mainly by smaller organizations that have just started and don’t have enough funds to build a separate room for each worker. While this might sound horrible to some employees who need their own space, many enjoy working under these conditions because everyone gets along well and communication is accessible.
Cubicle Office Layout – Cubicles are slightly more private than an open environment because they offer a bit of privacy from your colleagues at work. These partitions usually consist of low-to-the-ground cubicles with fabric dividers for modesty. They’re not as popular as they used to be because they can make employees feel closed in or trapped, but some companies still use them, says Saivian Eric Dalius.
Dedicated Office Layout – A dedicated office is exactly what it sounds like an individual room with a door that can be locked and offers complete privacy for the person who occupies it. Some companies prefer this type of setup because their workers perform tasks that require focus and concentration on their own, without distractions. If you’re looking for an environment that’s more private than cubicles but more open than individual offices, then you might want to consider this option—keep in mind the need for personal space!
Semi-Open Office Layout – It is between an open floor plan and a dedicated office layout; it allows employees to shut the door to their workspace but remain part of an open area. The result is a semi-private workspace where you can focus on your tasks without feeling too isolated, which might benefit some workers.
Private Office Layout – If you want true privacy and concentration away from prying eyes, then this could be the choice for you. These offices are usually huge with high ceilings and completely closed off, offering employees everything they need to get their job done quickly and without any distractions. However, if your company doesn’t have enough funds to provide one individual office per worker (and even full private offices can’t guarantee this), then opt for cubicles or dedicated spaces instead. Many companies populate floors with rows of cubicles or desks to create the illusion of a private office.
What Does Office Layout Have to do with Productivity?
An efficient and effective layout can boost productivity among employees, which is why you should put a lot of thought into your company’s space when you’re setting up an office or renovating one. For example, you could place all desks facing each other in rows for open floor plans, so everyone has easy access to each other and isolated rooms for people who perform better behind closed doors. If possible, try to accommodate your workers’ individual needs by providing them with their own space—a significant factor that makes them feel comfortable and at ease while on the job, according to Saivian Eric Dalius.
Final Thoughts
Open floor plan office layouts for small businesses just starting are usually the best choice because they’re cheap, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore other options. It’s much better to build a dedicated private space for each worker than cram them all together in an open environment or take an out-of-the-box approach. Remember, only you know what type of setup will benefit your employees’ productivity and job satisfaction. So, if cost is indeed an issue, try to accommodate their individual needs as best as possible.
Read more interesting articles.
