OFFICE LAYOUT

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OFFICE LAYOUT
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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Disadvantages

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

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Safe Working Practices and Procedures
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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

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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

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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

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Management Issues

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

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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

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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

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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

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Management Issues

• Time
• Access to shared equipment may cause time delays

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Staff Welfare Health Safety

• Employees must be willing to share equipment
• All ICT equipment must meet health and safety
  guidelines.

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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

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Management Issues

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

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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

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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.