Features of the concept of Open Space

The concept of Open Space is based on democratic principles, when the boss and subordinates work in the same room, blurring the boundaries between statuses and the principle of joint, teamwork. Long-term observations of the work of people with such an office organization have allowed sociologists to conclude that the Open Space principle is great for companies whose work is based on creative work, for example, advertising agencies, editorial offices, and design companies. Also, such an organization of space is justified in the banking sector or in any other areas that are distinguished by teamwork or constant work with clients.

The disadvantage of such an organization of the office may be the impossibility of concentration, noise and lack of personal space. But these shortcomings can be minimized if you correctly approach the organization of jobs, take care of sound insulation and organize recreation areas. It is important to remember that Open Space is not just the organization of a large number of jobs, it is a modern concept of office organization, which includes jobs, negotiation areas, places for recreation. And all this should be available to any employee at any time.

Before placing workplaces, it is very important to take into account the working relationships in the team and the interaction of employees with each other. Taking into account such knowledge, one should select office furniture and form workstations for several workplaces, place workplaces in proximity or, conversely, at a certain distance from each other. The manager's desk is usually placed separately and at some distance from other workplaces. Sometimes the manager's office is placed on some elevation or separated by translucent partitions.

The use of partitions is also justified in the organization of employees' workplaces. You can use stationary screen partitions, transformable or mobile partitions between tables. Partitions with a sound-absorbing coating are especially preferred, they can save you from a lot of unpleasant moments associated with unnecessary noise and discomfort for employees. Partitions can be glass, deaf or combined, they can have different heights, but the optimal height above the table is about 120 cm.

All office furniture with such an organization of space should be selected in the same style. This approach will greatly facilitate the task of redevelopment of workplaces or when expanding the staff of the company. It is also important to select matching furniture for meeting areas, so that, if necessary, two small meeting rooms can be combined into one large one.

It is important to make cabinets, shelving, shelves and other storage systems the least visible and disguise them as partitions or use them as partitions. At the same time, both high and low cabinets can play the role of partitions, with which you can zone the space.

Do not forget about the kitchen area and relaxation area. This is where employees can switch, take a short break and relax. In addition, it is in such zones that informal communication of employees takes place over a cup of coffee, which undoubtedly contributes to more fruitful collaboration.

It is important to take care of proper lighting of workplaces. When organizing an office according to the Open Space type, the ideal option is to combine general overhead lighting with individual lighting at each workplace. This significantly reduces fatigue and increases the personal comfort of the employee.