
Allow employees to work away from their desks, in a different room on a couch, or listen to music or podcasts.” 2. “Give your employees the freedom to get work done in a physical setting that they work best in. Melger also said that the power of choice is a big motivator, particularly in open offices. This will help your employees feel heard and like they have a say in the office culture. Instead, make a point of leading by example and gathering feedback on a consistent basis to see what is working in your office space and what isn’t. The problem with this is that it can lead to resentment and discord if these unwritten - and unsanctioned - rules are not understood or followed by everyone. If you don’t implement expectations as soon as you move into your open office, your employees will create their own office rules as they go along. “Putting an emphasis on ritual or culture-building practices are great ways to foster a better space,” said Alec Melger, global HR generalist at Design Pickle, “whether that’s designating spaces to be more secluded or quiet or creating companywide signals for quiet time without seeming imposing.”

Set clear expectations for your open office.Īs a business owner or office manager, you need to start out on the right foot with your open office by implementing a clear set of rules and expectations for employees. To that end, here are six open-office etiquette tips. But that proximity can be a curse just as much as a blessing, depending on how team members conduct themselves in the workplace. Open offices can strengthen bonds between colleagues, as they ensure employees work in close quarters instead of being siloed in cubicles or private offices.
#Memo for no eating inside the office free#
That said, there are ways to make an open office a functional, collaborative workspace that doesn’t drive employees up the wall.Įditor’s note: Looking for cubicles for your office? Answers the questions below to receive free information from a variety of vendors. Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with co-workers at a communal table, or only a computer monitor away from the CFO can be stressful and distracting. However, studies have shown that open offices often don’t contribute to productivity and that many employees dislike them. A trend that started as the answer to the soul-sucking cubicle farms popularized in the ’80s and ’90s, the open office promised collaboration, equality, productivity and an identity as the cool workplace on the block.

Open offices have become a ubiquitous hallmark of modern companies. This article is for business owners interested in creating and maintaining enjoyable and productive office spaces.

