“THE LOOK AND FEEL OF AN OFFICE
REPRESENTS THE COMPANY AND REFLECTS
THE CORPORATE CULTURE; THE RIGHT
LAYOUT CAN ATTRACT CANDIDATES IN THE
HIRING PROCESS, AND KEEP CURRENT STAFF
FEELING ENGAGED AND SUPPORTED.”
– GREG SCILEPPI, ROBERT HALF, INTERNATIONAL STAFFING OPERATIONS
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separate Robert Half survey of HR managers revealed the majori-ty
(57 per cent) feel their workspaces are already collaborative, and
most don’t have plans to update their offices.
“Workspaces should be as unique and versatile as the employ-ees
who use them,” said Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half,
International Staffing Operations. “By taking into consideration
various work styles and preferences, companies can establish an
office design that encourages improved performance, comfort and
productivity.”
Organizations need to be aware of the effect office design can
have on current and prospective employees.
“The look and feel of an office represents the company and re-flects
the corporate culture; the right layout can attract candidates
in the hiring process, and keep current staff feeling engaged and
supported,” said Scileppi.
Robert Half identifies pros and cons of different workspace
configurations to help managers decide what’s right for their office:
■■ Private offices
Pros: Employees and management can make business and per-sonal
phone calls, hold meetings or have private conversations
without being seen or heard by other staff members.
Cons: They’re expensive and require more space to implement.
Workers who close their doors can seem unapproachable.
■■ Private cubicles
Pros: They provide some privacy.
Cons: Outside discussions can be distracting, and employees
worried about disrupting others might avoid conversations,
prohibiting collaboration.
■■ Semi-private cubicles
Pros: Professionals can see each other, making it easier to
have spontaneous conversations. This option offers an open
floor plan feel, but also allows workers to feel ownership of
their space.
Cons: Impromptu conversations can be disruptive to nearby
workers trying to focus.
■■ Open floor plan
Pros: This option saves on overhead costs, and is best for
roles, departments or industries that require a high level of
collaboration.
Cons: It’s not ideal for introverted personalities or those who re-quire
a quiet space for concentration. It also lacks private spaces
for confidential discussions.
■■ Combination of private and open spaces
Pros: It isn’t as disruptive as other types of configurations, and
allows for employees to gather in common areas.
Cons: It’s more expensive to implement and can take more time
to design this type of space. n
HRPROFESSIONALNOW.CA ❚ OCTOBER 2017 ❚ 13
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