If you have never thought much about your office seating arrangements, now might be a good time to consider the impact it has on the amount of work that gets done each day. According to statistics, more than half of every interaction a worker has is with their immediate neighbor. So, it makes sense to place employees together by the job type.
By simply moving teams together, productivity rises, and problems decrease. Why? Because team members have more interaction, which increases brainstorming and enables them to work together more easily. Training is enhanced too by pairing new employees with older established ones.
Special Circumstances to Consider
Whether you are moving to a new office, or are simply looking for a more efficient layout, shuffling employees around can help bolster office mood and make your staff more creative. But what are some of the things you should consider when moving desks and cubicles?
Temperaments
Before pairing certain people in the same zone, consider whether or not their personalities match. While it may work well to pair people with similar personalities together, you can also create a new office dynamic, or even social cliques may hurt the day-to-day operation. Likewise, forcing complete opposites together can be stressful. Instead, look for balance. Someone who is outgoing may help bring the introvert out of their shell while the calm personality can help to stabilize those who are more anxious.
Noise Levels
Some workers are distracted by noise and putting them in a high traffic area can thwart their progress. Consider the job that needs to be done, the personality of the person it is assigned to and any other circumstances that may warrant placement in a quieter zone.
Privacy
Certain employees need more privacy than others. If a certain team is working on a high-security project, they may need to be removed from the general populace for a while to give them the ability to speak and interact freely.
Temperatures
Is there someone in your office that is always freezing? Sitting them near the air conditioning vent or a fan is going to make for an uncomfortable workday and they will be much less productive. However, a simple move across the room can be very beneficial to the entire office.
Space
Giving every employee the space they need to be comfortable and creative is essential to doing a good job. Someone who feels cramped in a small cubicle will not be able to do what is necessary. And, giving someone more space than they need is unnecessary. When assigning desks and office space, be sure to consider the employee’s size, tasks and more.
Moving Offices is a Great Time to Create New Seating Arrangements
If you are in the process of moving or renovating your office space, take this an opportunity to shuffle your teams to give everyone the best chance of doing their best. For more information on office layouts, contact Expert Relocation Systems and talk with one of our professional crew members today!