Co-spaces!

The supposed aim of open-offices was to create more engagement and collaboration in order to increase productivity. By getting the walls down, the barriers of communication were removed. On one hand, some are happy about better teamwork and an atmosphere of openness, but on the other hand, some are complaining about noise, inability to concentrate, and the loss of private space. Like everything has its pros and cons, open office concepts have their strengths and weaknesses! The question of whether they function in real life is a subjective question which will depend on the nature of work, person, and organisation. 

Psychologists talk about “personal space” as an invisible zone – a hypothetical bubble that governs proxemic behaviour. A closed door maybe be accepted as a boundary, but staring at a scree in an open office will make people seem available. But let’s be honest: it is necessary to draw a line somewhere! In our everyday lives also, we automatically use “necessary” distance as the situation allows it; be it in public transports, open markets, et cetera. A violation of personal space can happen by any means: loud talking, conversation about a funny holiday last weekend, food smell, or intense perfume! It can also get worse if someone is being curious and looks over a colleague’s shoulder, peeping into his/her system or offering unsolicited advice!

Organisations now understand both side of the situation. They are developing diverse and individualised ways of managing the space. Modern office planning has come a long way – furnishers coming up with ways to have open closed spaces! Room temperature and conditions are being managed effectively. With the onset of co-working spaces, the game of office space has changed altogether. Now, people rent out office spaces instead of buying/making one, and in co-working you can choose which type of space you want and you can always change that depending on your work.