OFFICE LAYOUT

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

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

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

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

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

Disadvantages

Staff may not feel they are part of a team

Staff may feel isolated

Less space available for storage and movement

Safe Working Practices and Procedures

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

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

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

Management Issues

Time Specific staff may not always be available to deal

with tasks Controls, such as timesheets must be carefully

monitored

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

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

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

Management Issues

Time Access to shared equipment may cause time

delays

Staff Welfare & Health & Safety Employees must be willing to share

equipment

All ICT equipment must meet health and safety guidelines.

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

Management Issues

Cost Employees need equipment Equipment must be maintained Employees must be trained to use the

equipment and software

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

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.