The effects of integrated workplace strategies on commercial office space
| Type | Journal |
|---|---|
| Author(s) | Chilton,J. J. , Baldry,D. |
| Publication year | 1997 |
| Notes | ID: CHILTON1997A; The papers uses a case study for the development of ideas, and introduces the reader to the idea of an "Intergrated work place", this is defined as: $"a unified system which creatively combines the nature of the physical settings and teams of people who understand business objectives, work processes, human resource management, information technology and information use, communications, change management and space planning" p. 188 $The paper addresses the question "If productivity is linked to workers' perception of their working environment, should more be done to improve it?" the answer is yes, and this is supported by a study by the $British Office Market $which found that 96% of managers believed that a well designed building contributed to a positive on the productivity of the staff. Three units within an interantional energy company were used to develop the ideas of "Integrated Workplace Strategies".The workplaces were re-engineered and then a post-occupancy study was undertaken to assess the employees evaluation of thier workplace. The post-occupancy questionnaire addressed many issues, but it could be said that generally there was a range of responses and not all were positive. Specifically,with regards to performance charactieristics, they felt that thier productivity was reduced . $"Overall ability to do work requiring high levels of concentration was reduced because of increased noise and disruption in the workplace" p 192 $The paper then goes on to raise the main paradox with regards to open plan offices and that is increased communication and teamwork verses requirement for peace and quiet with no distractoins or interruptions. "$There is, therefore, a conflict between the increased potential of communication and interaction of groups within departments, and the distraction arising from opening up work-spaces." p193 $The paper concludes by identifying unresolved issues that require further research these being: - What are optimum densities for identifiable work functions? - How can conflict between higher densities and increased distractions be resolved?$ $- How can noise be suppressed in open plan offices? - How do organizations identify the right work place strategy for theirt needs? Ooverall a good paper which raises a range of issues that need to be addressed when considering work place design. |
| Publication | Facilities |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue | 07-Aug |
| Start page | 187 |
| End page | 194 |
| Availability | In File |
| Relevance to practice | High |
| Ease of application | Medium |
| Stage of application | Design and Implementation |
| Evidence base | High |
| Readability | High |
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