How do you feel about your current workstation? If your office has a unique layout, you may have some employees who have no windows or need to walk 50 steps to access the breakroom. Some businesses are considering not assigning employees workspaces and instead, allowing them to choose their workspace. Here are some of the pros and cons of not having assigned seats in the office.
Pro: Project-Specific Spaces
Without an assigned workspace, you’ll be able to find a place to work based on your tasks. If you’re working on a group project, you’ll be able to work from an area with plenty of space to accommodate other laptops and comfortable group seating. Need to work on something by yourself? You’ll be able to work from a quieter space.
Con: No Desk Personalization
Without an assigned seat, you won’t be able to hang up portraits of family, or personalize your workspace with your own accessories. Employees may also not be able to bring in plants to add greenery to their workstations.
Pro: Less Clutter
Since more than one person will potentially use a work surface during the day, the paper trail that’s left behind is minimal. Chances are, employees may be more considerate about what they leave behind, as they need to leave the workspace clean for someone else.
Con: Lack of Privacy
Most offices that don’t have assigned seats tend to be open layout offices. If not implemented correctly, your employees may have trouble finding private spaces to focus on important tasks. If you want coworkers to know that you’re busy, wearing headphones can be a simple way to prevent others from disturbing you.
Pro: Better Networking Opportunities
When you’re not sitting next to the same people every day, you get to meet people from other departments. Maybe one day you’ll be sitting with a designer while the next you’ll sit with someone from accounting. This could help you with a project you’re working on.
Con: Higher Risk of Illness
According to The New Yorker, employees in open office layouts take 50 percent more sick leave than those in traditional layouts. Not having assigned seats can also mean that germs can spread easier. Ensure that all workspaces are filled with antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes. Also consider posting signs around hand-washing areas to remind people to disinfect desks and workstations at the end of the day.
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