Should Managers Have Offices? 

Contemporary trends in office spaces have found that a dedicated office is no longer necessary for management. One of the key reasons is the trends towards a remote or hybrid work model. A lot of office workers favour working remotely. Why? They can focus better, work more effectively together, and save money.  The way we […]

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By Manjali Khosla | Last Updated: December 29, 2022 | 12 min read

Contemporary trends in office spaces have found that a dedicated office is no longer necessary for management. One of the key reasons is the trends towards a remote or hybrid work model. A lot of office workers favour working remotely. Why? They can focus better, work more effectively together, and save money. 

The way we work is changing because of this new trend toward open floor plans. Traditional offices are being replaced by open-plan offices by businesses. Open-plan areas offer a relaxing setting for teamwork among co-workers. Employees can ask questions and share ideas with one another because they can see what everyone is doing with ease. 

Why, exactly, do managers need offices then? If you stop to think about it, owning an office has many advantages. Even if you work remotely, you can make use of the benefits. This article looks at both sides to help you make informed decisions about the best office layout for you and your co-workers. 

Traditional Office Layouts 

Managers’ closed offices convey the message that they are in command and superior to everyone else. They are aware of what must be done and how to go about it. This form of management is quite dated. Previously, managers had to keep an eye on every area of their staff members’ work. Managers today must inspire their teams and ensure their engagement. 

There are still some advantages to managers working from private offices: 

Pros 

  • Privacy – Cubicles offer seclusion and a sense of private space. Sometimes, while working on confidential projects, it is important to give managers a private space to work out of. 
  • Noise reduction – They create a physical barrier that blocks out noise and minimises interruptions, allowing them to focus on critical aspects of their role and new projects. 
  • Reduces the spread of germs – The spread of germs and contagious diseases across the office can often be prevented or significantly reduced with the use of cubicles. (However, it is always preferable for a sick employee to stay home from work.) 

Cons 

  • Discourages communication and cooperation among team members – Physical impediments make it harder for cubicle workers to collaborate and communicate. 
  • Obstacles to vision – Less openness makes it harder for managers to connect with their teams. Body language plays a key role in building this connection as a team, which is obstructed when the manager is behind a closed door. 
  • More costly – When cubicles are involved, changing office layout and design is more challenging since they must be correctly removed and reassembled. 

Clients and co-workers notice if you separate your office from your team. Managers and staff can collaborate well while maintaining their privacy in shared-use offices. Office design does not always have to be detrimental to employees’ productivity or mental well-being. 

Open Space Offices 

Open offices are becoming increasingly common in companies. In fact, open workplaces are less expensive than conventional office facilities, according to the Harvard Business Review. While dropping walls might seem like a terrific way to save money, there are some drawbacks to consider. 

For instance, research shows that staff members in open offices may communicate with one another less often about work-related topics. Overall productivity may decline as a result. What about individuals who favour working alone? Are they being forgotten about? 

No, not always. Companies are increasingly providing seating rotations for their employees. This arrangement helps in controlling the daily flow of people. They make sure everyone gets enough rest and does not become overextended. How therefore do you decide whether to supply seating for managers in your office? 

There are strategies you may use to maximize manager productivity while reducing distractions in an open-plan office. Here are some thought-starters for making your workspace conducive to productivity for management: 

1. Give Managers Access to Private Meeting Rooms 

While keeping everyone in one large area can seem like a clever idea, it is ideal that offices are helpful to both individual and group performance for brainstorming and innovation. Allowing team leaders to book private offices or meeting rooms to work on certain projects can help make them more productive and less prone to experiencing distraction. This also makes sense in scenarios when managers need to focus on their work without interruptions. 

2. Having Enough Quiet Areas 

Creating spaces where people can go to contemplate alone may help promote peaceful focus. These might be meditation rooms, recreation centres, or even little study nooks. Give each person their own space if you can.  

3. Make Sure Everyone Has Access to Power Outlets 

In an open-plan office, this is often overlooked. However, you would not want a manager to run out of laptop charge in the middle of a presentation. It is important for each team member to have access to a clear desk space with power points to conduct their day-to-day activities well. Similarly, ensure there is enough storage space to keep their daily ware, like stationary, journals, etc.  

  

Offices are no longer just for working in. Teamwork involves more than just being able to see one another. Modern offices need to be designed to promote a healthy work environment. Additionally, you must ensure that you are promoting a culture in which everyone feels free to express their thoughts. Many people believe that ideas are the source of collaboration. However, cooperation at times results from interaction! 

  

  

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