Profiting from open office spaces – Flexible working environment at GIZ Pakistan

What are “Open Office Spaces”?

GIZ Pakistan is committed to modernising the workplace to adapt to the changing needs of the staff. As part of our progressive approach, we offer open office space and flexible working options to our staff. They have the flexibility to choose their preferred workspace based on their tasks and requirements, whether it's in the office or remotely. This approach promotes a dynamic work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation, while also providing the freedom and flexibility to work in a way that suits individual needs. We believe that this modernisation of our workplace will enhance employee satisfaction, productivity, and the overall success of our support measures.

The flexi-work options in practice

We adopted this approach across all our offices in Pakistan, but our Lahore colleagues took it to the next level. They have redesigned their office space considering the diverse needs of the staff members which makes the space utilisation more effective and efficient. The office boasts a modern setup that offers a range of facilities. These include workstations, which are fully equipped with all the necessary IT equipment, including access to a centralised printing and scanning facility. In addition, there are dedicated meeting rooms and several quiet spaces that staff can reserve for in-person or virtual meetings. For informal discussions or catching up over coffee, there are also open spaces available. Overall, these options provide a flexible and collaborative working environment for the team to operate efficiently and enable them to provide optimal support to our partners and achieve the best possible results for our target groups.

How is it benefiting the Lahore team?

I had an exchange with the Lahore colleagues to get their feedback on this approach. One of the key points of discussion was its positive impact on fostering effective communication and collaboration among the team members. By having open office space and flexible working options, interaction with colleagues from other projects has enhanced. They now have a better understanding of other projects and speak with one voice when representing GIZ to external stakeholders. This "one face" approach strengthens GIZ Pakistan’s image and reputation as a reliable partner.

Furthermore, it facilitates optimal use of the available spaces. Depending on their tasks, the colleagues can make use of the different facilities that best suit their needs. “Today you want to prepare for a workshop with a colleague, so you sit together. Tomorrow, you want to draft ToRs, so you sit elsewhere where you can concentrate. Having these different options is important for the success of our projects”, says Romina Kochius, Cluster Coordinator for Sustainable Economic Development, Training and Employment.

In addition to promoting better interaction and collaboration, open office space also encourages resource sharing. For example, carpooling among employees can be encouraged, leading to a reduced carbon footprint and cost savings. Moreover, efficient event management can be facilitated by keeping common areas clutter-free, making it easier to set up and manage events such as workshops, seminars, and team-building activities.

Amina Siddiquee, Administrative Specialist for TextILES at GIZ Pakistan, says: “Open working space has given us a platform to network through informal working environment, discussing collaboration and integration options either dealing with partners or possibilities of resource sharing. It has induced ownership, inclusiveness, and care for each other.”

GIZ Pakistan – a flexible employer

GIZ Pakistan strives to become a flexible employer. We recognise the importance of work-life balance and mental health of the staff. We offer several flexible working options to the staff. By encouraging our staff to maintain a clutter-free and organised workspace, we can create a more professional and conducive work environment, leading to improved productivity and success in the long run.