Research suggests that introverts are more productive in the quieter environments. While a busy, open-plan environment might not be their ideal place, the use of a quiet corner; a place to think, a small meeting room or even a cubicle could prove invaluable. As a business centre operative, you may already see the opportunity here. It’s all about creating workspaces to suit individuals, so they can be increasingly productive and thus thrive in their working environment.
Glass walls, open meeting spaces and ‘screenless’, bench-style workstations may be aesthetically pleasing and on-trend. This new way of working has been put into place with the hope to increase motivation and productivity, unfortunately it seems only to just cater for certain personality types.
A simple screen, individual breakout space or enclosed space can encourage individuals such as introverts to work at their full potential, providing an invaluable space to work within.
The problem with the ‘modern day office’ and planning is in the way that it is approached and it’s essential that businesses are not lured into thinking that the open-plan workspace will magically create divine levels of collaboration. Whilst creating the ‘future office’ lies within the realms of creating a space that works for everyone, a workspace needs to provide an environment that can motivate individuals and encourage productivity from its workforce. It is easy to get caught up in the aesthetics and gimmicks, yet it is equally important to consider how a new work environment provides for all its employees whilst catering to all individuals in the extrovert-introvert spectrum.
Many open-plan offices tend to lack a variety of workspaces and not everyone in an office works the same way or does the same work. A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach is outdated and not realistic. A layered approach may be the key to catering to different personalities – designing a diverse space is essential. Noise interruptions and lack of privacy are definitely a problem in open workspaces and not everyone in an office works the same way or has the same role which is why giving employees a variety options in a space is the key to success.
An open-plan office with rows of benches and desks is monotonous, in short the ‘tinned sardine approach’ is not a desirable factor. Creating different settings and zones for those individuals that need some quiet time to focus can really help and even boost morale within the work environment. Appropriate labelling of spaces such as ‘the library’ and even establishing some rules can encourage a sense of protocol amongst employees.
Sarah Bays and Steve Bays of Century Office explain: “At Century Office we work with our clients and try to understand every aspect of their organisation, however small or large. This includes understanding their daily work practices, the existing layout and creating a space that meets the needs, personality and requirements of each individual within that organisation.
“Rather than following the latest trends, we advise clients on how to make the best use out of furniture and how different settings, i.e. breakout areas, can be used to reduce stress whilst increasing productivity and collaboration in the workplace. Whilst a space dedicated to hot-desking or quiet spaces can encourage and provide employees with the option to work on individual tasks in order to meet that all-important deadline, most of our clients are usually surprised that they can reconfigure their existing layout without breaking the bank or compromising on the quality of the furniture.”