Network Society Bad for Teamwork

Posted on October 25, 2008 at 9:23 pm by Simon

Many companies opt into choosing a partitioned office set up grouping office furniture together in an attempt to facilitate new ways of communication between staff.  Communication is then encouraged via the company intranet rather than face-to-face.  The main aim seems to be to minimize the amount of standing around chatting that can happen in other set ups.

However many companies adopting this mentality are damaging their work practices and the general happiness and productivity of staff.  The ‘network society’ has some serious disadvantages whereas a more open plan style as is found in serviced offices is more conducive to creative and open thinking.  Internet communication does not encourage team work whereas an open plan office facilitates innovation and creative thinking.

With workspace comfort ranking so highly with employees companies can’t afford to ignore the set up of the office.  Employees expect comfort, good lighting and comfortable temperature control.  The impact on staff from a psychological level if the working conditions are poor and cramped is very powerful and can seriously impair the productivity of the company.  Staff turnover can soar and in the long term your bottom line will feel the negative effects.  Choosing a serviced office can take away the headache of thinking about office outfit but ensure that staff are happy with their surroundings.