The layout of the office has a big impact on employee relationships, and a bad layout can precipitate the lack of them. In this world of cubicle culture, it’s crucial for businesses to recognize the damaging effects of isolation. Businesses must promote openness and communication, and that’s a matter of architecture as well as policy.
Boxed
The typical cubicle, with its chest-high walls and near-box shape, does not promote openness and communication. Despite the open top and the close proximity of neighboring cubicles, fellow workers can’t see each other, they can only hear each other.
It’s tempting to treat the cubicle as a personal nest in which to hide away from the world. That kind of isolationist mindset combines with the irritation and mental confusion of hearing other people without seeing them to create a negative attitude. That hurts communication.
Open Up So Others Can Open Up
Look at the most successful companies today and you will see an open design. Some abandon cubicles in favor of a sea of desks; some reduce the wall height so employees have some privacy but still have line-of-sight across the room.
Whatever the specific mechanic, such an open design forces employees to be more social and promotes team interaction. This will improve morale and efficiency. Whether it’s jokes tosses across the room, or a knowing wink at a new development, interaction on both the visual and aural levels helps people get along.
Architectural Concerns
Different workplaces lend themselves to different designs, which is why it’s important to study the tips of experts like Armando Montelongo when shopping for real estate to help find the best office space for each company’s specific needs.
Whatever the company’s nature, hiding the employees away from each other can only hurt any chance of success.