When Open Plan Isn't Always Best

There are undoubtedly numerous benefits to open-plan offices, like increased collaboration and reduced real estate costs. This is definitely the case for my internship at a dance company in the CBD. The photos below capture just how open the office space is for the small staff of employees.

 

Office at Kings St Arts Centre.

 

This has been great for breaking down barriers between departments and encouraging a collaborative environment where even I, as the intern, have a lot of access to the executive director and am able to foster good relationships and increase interaction with all employees in the organisation.

An article in The Conversation indicated that, “two-thirds of employees prefer to build relationships face-to-face, and the majority prefer to build that connection in an ideal workplace.”

Cultivating open communication is obviously very important and helps all employees understand what each department does. However, there are pitfalls when it comes to the open plan office.

One challenging experience I had last week demonstrated the disadvantages of not having separate offices.

A heated discussion arose between two employees in the office, during the height of production for the company’s major season performance. Understandably, everyone was very stressed and under the pump to get everything organised for performance week.

The discussion went on for about 10 minutes, back and forth, not really getting anywhere. During this time no one else said anything and they just continued arguing in the room.

Reflecting back on this, I still don’t know how I should have reacted other than trying to keep focused on my work (any suggestions are very welcome!).

I do think the situation would have been avoided if they were in a separate office, however the open plan design doesn’t allow for that.

Their discussion needed to be had, but I believe they should have gone outside or at least not let it go on for an extended amount of time.

The topic of their conversation was actually centred around lack of communication, with lots of confusion and one employee feeling unsupported. It highlighted the significance of clear communication and the importance of writing things down so everyone has a record.

After all that, everything went well and the performances at the State Theatre were a success, and a great step for contemporary dance in WA.

Part of the MoveMe Festival at the State Theatre Centre of WA.

I’ve learnt that it is critical, in a time of extreme pressure and stress, to stay professional and remember to communicate effectively.

- Aimee