THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Cellular Office
This type of office has separate rooms which usually has about 4 or 5 employees working within it.
Advantages
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It is easier for employees to concentrate on their work as there is less noise
It is more secure as doors can be locked and therefore suitable for confidential work.
Each room can be designed to meet the needs of each department.
Disadvantages
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It is more difficult to supervise employees when they are in different rooms
Equipment costs can be high as more photocopiers, scanners etc would be needed in separate rooms.
Communication is more difficult because employees are in different rooms.
It is difficult to expand departments which could result in overcrowding in some rooms.
Open Plan Office
This is one large office space without individual rooms with areas separated by partitions.
Advantages
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It is easier to adapt working area when departments get bigger or smaller which means better use can be
made of the space available. More space is available as there are less fixed walls and doors.
It is easier for staff to communicate with each other.
Supervision is easier as everyone is in one big office.
Team work is easier and better communication leads to a friendlier atmosphere.
Equipment eg fax, photocopiers can be shared more easily between departments.
Disadvantages
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It can be noisy and difficult for employees to concentrate.
It is more difficult to keep information secure.
It is difficult to have private meetings.
It can be difficult to have lighting, heating and ventilation to suit all employees.
Office Ergonomics
The working environment is important to the well being of the employee and employers try to improve the
environment by:·
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Use of appropriate furniture and equipment to make it easier for employees to do their jobs.
Decorating the office to make it a nice place to work.
Ensure adequate lighting, ventilation and heating.
Ensure that employees that need to concentrate have a quiet working conditions.
Advantages of good office ergonomics
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Increased morale of employees leading to increased productivity
A safer environment should reduce accidents and therefore absenteeism.
A healthier environment should reduce absenteeism
Stress levels of employees should reduce.
Flexible Working Environment
The way people work has changed dramatically over the last few years with some workers working away
from the office either at home or while travelling whilst others will still work from an office all the time.
Flexible Working Practices
Homeworking and Teleworking
Homeworking as the name suggests involves the employee working all or part of the time at home. Obviously this type of working is only suitable for certain type of work which does not require face to face meetings with customers or employees. Teleworking involves employees either working from home or whilst
travelling and using ICT to link to the office. Teleworkers use email, fax or the telephone to keep in touch
with the office.
Advantages of Homeworking/Teleworking
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Employers can reduce costs from renting smaller premises and having to buy less equipment for the office.
Employees can avoid rush hour traffic saving time and money.
Working from home allows employees to arrange their job around their personal circumstances eg picking up children from school.
Employees will experience less stress which will increase their morale and motivation.
It is easier for employees with disabilities to work from home.
Disadvantages of Homeworking/Teleworking
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It is more difficult for employees to be supervised when at home.
Some employees feel isolated not being in the office which can affect teamwork.
Some employees may find it difficult to concentrate on work at home and there may be more distractions.
It is difficult for employers to call meetings at short notice.
Hot Desks
At times, homeworkers/teleworkers may wish/need to come into the office to work and therefore need to
book a hot desk. This is a workstation which can be booked for a certain period of time. When finished the
employee needs to clear all their work for the next employee to use.
Hot Rooms
This is a meeting room that a homeworker/teleworker can book for meetings with customers. Like hot desks
the room has to be cleared when finished.
Carrel
This is an individual booth where an individual employee can work on his/her own. It is particularly useful
in an open plan work area when an employee needs peace and quiet to concentrate. Carrels also need to be
booked in advance.
Touchdown Area
This is an area which can be used by homeworkers/teleworkers who may need to come into the office for a
short period of time to send an email or fax. Touchdown areas need not be booked ICT equipment is situated on high tables with stools.
Job Sharing
This is when 2 employees agree to share a full time job. One employee may work in the mornings, the other
the afternoons or the 2 employees may choose to work separate days. Salary and holidays have to be shared
in proportion to hours worked.
Flexitime
This is when employees can vary the times they start and finish work provided they work the required
number of hours over a period. Although there is some flexibility at the start and finish of the day, all employees would require to be in work during certain times called ‘core hours’. Flexitime is particularly useful
for employees who have family commitments and need to drop/pick up young children from school. Employees can save flexi hours and take off a full day or half day in lieu. Flexitime increases employees motivation and absenteeism is likely to fall as employees are can fit in dental/doctor appointments using flexi hours.
Shift Work
This is used by organisations that are opened 24 hours a day. Typical shift may be day shift, evening shift
and night shift. Some employees can stick to the same shift all the time whilst others will rotate shifts. It is
helpful for some employees to work shifts which may fit in with child care arrangements.