They promote teamwork – but also contribute to a noisy work environment.
They simplify access – but don’t allow much privacy.
They’re light and airy – which means you can often smell what your co-worker is having for lunch.
Cubicle work spaces can be great. They open up office space and are ideal for closely knit work teams. But they also have their fair share of drawbacks, such as a lack of both sound and visual privacy, which can make it difficult to concentrate.
If your organization is like most, you don’t have the budget to completely overhaul your work environment so that it best suits your needs. So today, A.R. Mazzotta is sharing a few tips to help your team thrive in an open floor plan – boosting productivity and employee satisfaction.
- Save personal issues and drama for non-work areas. Employees are going to talk about what’s going on in their life with their co-workers. It’s human nature. Suggest that they save these personal conversations, especially troubling ones, for the break room – or better yet, after hours.
- Provide a separate place for eating. Food smells easily waft over cubicle walls and can be distracting (or downright annoying) to co-workers. Give your employees a place to enjoy their meals away from the noses of those who are actively working.
- Remind employees of the importance of cleanliness. When nobody has an office door to selectively close, appearance and hygiene are a higher priority. Tactfully remind staff members to take care of grooming in the restroom (flossing at one’s desk is a big “no.”).
- Promote a clean work environment. Germs, especially airborne ones, spread more easily in an open work environment. Schedule time and provide supplies for employees to regularly clean their cubes. Require contagious employees to stay home until they are well.
- Dedicate private space for focus work. Make sure your staff has access to a quiet, closed-door location they can reserve for activities that require concentration or privacy.
- Create a cubicle code of conduct. Then share it with your employees! As you bring on new staff, realize that they may not understand the “rules of engagement” when it comes to an open floor plan. Train your team on proper cubicle etiquette and share frequent reminders in memos, emails and even your company newsletter.
Another great way to boost your company’s productivity? Provide the support your team needs to stay focused on top priorities. As a leading Connecticut employment agency, A.R. Mazzotta can quickly pinpoint talented people who can help alleviate bottlenecks, fill last-minute staff gaps and reduce burnout. Give us a call today to learn more.