Help Your Employees Embrace a New Office Space

May 24, 2018 | Harvard Business Review | By Brandi Pearce and Pamela Hinds

Many organizations are moving to open office plans in the hopes of encouraging collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Sometimes it works, but often it doesn’t — and whether your open office plan is successful has as much to do with how people feel about the space as with the space itself. Leaders can help employees embrace a new office by doing several things. Before the move, convey the vision and purpose for the new space and explain how it aligns with company goals. Clearly (and truthfully) describe how the new space will contribute to the organization’s mission. After the move, model a positive and enthusiastic attitude about the new space. Your support and excitement will set the tone for the rest of the team. And encourage workers to adapt the space to their needs — give them the leeway to personalize it to their tastes and work styles. This will help people claim the space as their own.