1.4 office Layout

Question 1

2 main office layouts

Answer 1

Cellular

Open plan

Question 2

Cellular Office Layout
Disadvantages

Answer 2

-Wastes space
-Difficult to supervise activity
-Employees may feel isolated
-Uneconomic, eg lighting/heating
-Cannot share resources and equipment, like printers

Question 3

Cellular Office Layout
Advantages

Answer 3

-Privacy
-Quiet as the door can be closed
-Status in receiving own room
-Can regulate heat/light to suit own needs

Question 4

Open Plan layout
Advantages

Answer 4

-Less space is wasted
-Easier to supervise
-Promotes team working
-Resources can be shared, eg printer/copier
-Staff do not feel isolated as there is a more sociable layout

Question 5

Open Plan Layout
Disadvantages

Answer 5

-Can be noisy and difficult to concentrate
-Lacks privacy
-Does not give status of “own office”
-Can’t regulate heat/light to individual needs
-Increased distraction and interruption by other employees

Question 6

Ergonomic Environment

Answer 6

Furniture
-Adjustable desks and Chairs, surface space, tidy & comfortable

Wall colours
-Calming, clean, fresh colours that open up the room

Lightning
-Natural, minimise glare and ensure the area is bright

Ventilation
-Good circulation, air conditioning open windows for fresh air

Noise control
-Floor materials needed to be considered, location of printers

Protective equipment
-Adjustable, wrist-rests, anti-glare screens

Question 7

Staff welfare

Answer 7

-the organisations duty of care to make empowered feel comfortable, supported and confident in their job

-improved motivation
-increased productivity
-less staff resistance
-lower staff turnover over
-decreased staff absenteeism
-improved customer service