OFFICE LAYOUT

1. OFFICE LAYOUT

2. Open-Plan (Flexible) Layout More space for work activities than individual rooms Easier to share/access equipment Often a more up-to-date environment Less cluttered due to more space

3. Advantages of Open-Plan Layout Easier for people to see and communicate with each other Work area can be shared which leads to better use of space Management/Supervisors may work in the same area – reduces them & us scenario Team spirit and working together are encouraged

4. Disadvantages Lack of privacy for meetings Easier for unauthorised people to access files Theft may be more of a problem Difficult to concentrate due to noise and distractions

5. Traditional (Cellular) Layout Layout consists of smaller individual rooms for offices Due to the reduced size of the office fewer people work in each Offices may become cluttered as less room available

6. Advantages Easier to have privacy when needed In an individual office staff can organise furniture as they wish Less chance of unauthorized staff having access to confidential files

7. Disadvantages Staff may not feel they are part of a team Staff may feel isolated Less space available for storage and movement

8. Safe Working Practices and Procedures

9. Flexitime Often large, modern businesses operate flexitime Allows employees to start early or work late to build up hours which they can take at a later date

10. Flexitime Employees must work between a certain time(s) each day This is known as Core Time Most staff appreciate the opportunity to get flexitime

11. Management Issues Cost May be a cost saving as overtime may not be needed Business premises needs to be open longer therefore costs such as electricity may be higher

12. Management Issues Time Specific staff may not always be available to deal with tasks Controls, such as timesheets must be carefully monitored

13. Staff Welfare & Health & Safety Employees feel trusted resulting in high morale As employees choose what hours they work they may work more efficiently Employees working longer hours must take longer breaks and be aware of VDU guidelines if using ICT equipment

14. Hot Desking To provide flexibility companies may have computers and desks available Not allocated to any specific employeee Allows staff to use when needed Must be booked in advance

15. Management Issues Cost Initial cost of equipments and furnishing Savings may be made as equipment is shared Employees must be trained to use new equipment Equipment must be maintained and technical support provided

16. Management Issues Time Access to shared equipment may cause time delays

17. Staff Welfare & Health & Safety Employees must be willing to share equipment All ICT equipment must meet health and safety guidelines.

18. Homeworking/Teleworking Involves using ICT to carry out tasks Workers need a computer connected to a modem Allows files to be sent electronically Allows workers to live further away

19. Management Issues Cost Employees need equipment Equipment must be maintained Employees must be trained to use the equipment and software

20. Management Issues Time Employees need time to be trained and to gain new skills Employees need to be able to do the work within the required timescale

21. Staff Welfare & Health & Safety Staff must be willing to homework Employees may need technical assistance Employees may feel isolated Any ICT equipment must meet health and safety requirements.