How to Work in an Open Floor Plan Office
A Cornell University study recently found that the more "open" an open plan office is, the more conducive it is to overall work effectiveness when communication and interaction are a crucial part of the work process. While most employees prefer "closed" office plans, the study concluded that work environments that are more open create more opportunities for observing and learning from those with more experience and different skills.
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Instructions
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Be a Good Colleague
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Do not eavesdrop. Eavesdropping on colleagues is sometimes hard to avoid. If you find yourself unable to stop listening in to personal conversations, try earplugs if your company allows them.
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Do not interrupt colleagues. Interrupting can be a problem in an open floor plan office because it is much easier to do. Be extra sensitive to the fact there are no office doors to knock on. Always ask "Do you have a minute?" or "Is this a good time?" if your colleague looks busy.
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Reduce unnecessary noise. Do not play your personal music if others can hear it.
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Cover your nose when sneezing and if you are sick and contagious, do not come to work.
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Do not eat strong smelling food at your desk. Keep your work area clean.
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Do not display anything around your desk area that could be offensive to your colleagues, since they will have to look at it whether they want to or not.
Increase Your Focus and Concentration in the Face of Distraction
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Use natural or full-spectrum lighting to direct your focus. Desk lamps with full spectrum lighting can help direct your eyes on the work in front of you, rather than on what is going on around you. Full spectrum desk lamps make details and fine print much clearer and colors more vibrant.
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Use the open floor plan to communicate appropriately with colleagues. Shouting across the room might be acceptable in a newsroom or on a stock trading floor, but in an office environment, it could be frowned upon. Know your office's culture and understand communication etiquette.
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Use the open floor plan to spark new ideas and network appropriately. If you see or hear a conversation that you might otherwise have missed in a closed-door office, and you can contribute to it effectively and appropriately, consider doing so. The greatest benefit of an open floor plan can be to encourage brainstorming and teamwork. Use that to your advantage.
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References
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- Photo Credit Office image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com
