One for the boss: 4 ways make open-plan offices more productive

Modern open-plan offices can be difficult to manage. With different generations working in the same space, not everybody will find the layout to be the most conducive to their way of doing things. MashableUK recently came up with four great tips for managers to make their environment more productive.

1 Discuss the office design
One of the most effective ways for leaders to help employees understand the benefits of their office space is openly discuss it with them. Be honest about your vision and how you think it impacts the company’s culture. People like being involved in anything that might affect them, so this is a great way to make them feel a part of the planning process.

2 Support the needs of all roles
Different job functions carry very different environment requirements – some need a quiet place to concentrate, while others may be handling sensitive information and need privacy. Ensure there’s a space for everyone and inform the whole company about how to utilise that space. Set out some guidelines for people to signal that they need to concentrate, such as wearing headphones or using coloured blocks to show you’re free to speak.

3 Be sensitive to generational differences
Research by Herman Miller, the world’s largest office furniture manufacturer, shows that open-plan offices can accommodate a wide range of generational differences, giving Millennials, Baby Boomers and GenXers everything they want out of their space. However, it’s important for managers to provide the tools to make the arrangement work for everybody.

4 Listen to your staff
If an employee expresses a concern about their environment, listen to them. Don’t let their words go in one ear and out the other simply because it might be inconvenience to meet their needs. It’s easy to make cheap minor adaptations to help employees focus, such as installing white noise machines or buying portable barriers for staff to create privacy cubicles.

Read the original article at on.mash.to/1QCR7n4