Privacy vs. Social Settings in the Workplace
When you first hear the word “work” there are many different reactions you might have. More times than not there is a negative response. We hope to change the connotation to a more positive one. The two main settings in the workplace are private and social settings. The workplace is constantly changing and evolving with time. Everyone that works is different in their own ways which means their work style is also different from the others they work with. There is often a difference in preferred work styles and work settings between generations. Studies have shown that baby boomers prefer to work privately, Generation Xers prefer open settings, and millennials prefer a flexible setting and schedule that has less interaction with the people around them. There is no “correct” work style or work setting. The goal is to create a work environment and setting that allows everyone to not only be successful with their own style, but also comfortable.
Work Settings
Creating a work setting that allows employees to feel comfortable is key. In today’s world the workplace is best when it is functional and flexible. Everyone has a setting that they work best in and that setting is different for each employee. Those who prefer working in privacy will enjoy enclosed offices with workstations that have panels taller than six feet. Those who enjoy in-between work settings work best with collaboration hubs, conference rooms, and workstations with panels lower than six feet. Lastly, those who enjoy a social work setting might prefer an open office space with tables and no panel separation, break rooms, and lounge areas. The key to achieving the best setting for employees is by giving them choice and control in the environment that they work in. Giving a variety of places employees can work is especially important. If you have an office that is open where everyone is free to walk around, you want a space where employees can go and sit down in a more in private setting and vis versa. Providing a variety of places employees can work goes a long way and can potentially increase productivity. When employees have choice, they are happier. The happier employees are, the more productive they tend to be, which helps everyone in the end.
Work Styles
Everyone has a different style in which they work. Having a work setting that allows different work styles is often beneficial. As stated previously, baby boomers prefer to work privately, Generation Xers prefer to work socially, and millennials prefer a flexible work schedule that has less interaction with the people around them. The people who prefer working in privacy might enjoy focused, heads down, individualized work with no collaboration, and a more stagnant workflow. People who have in-between work styles prefer collaborative teamwork and a more fluid workflow. Lastly, those who prefer working socially might enjoy short work breaks, small pockets of time during the day, and lunchtime to work. In an office it is common to have employees from multiple generation groups, resulting in differing work styles. Creating an environment that allows several different work styles allows employees to be happier which increases their productivity.
Facility Design and Location
The design of an office influences the work setting and styles of its employees. Two major factors that influence the way people work within an office are acoustical and visual privacy. It is important to have both in a workspace. Employees that prefer a more private workspace will work best with complete acoustical control and adequate insulation. Visually, they prefer full-height walls with other opaque finishes. Employees that have in-between work styles prefer white noise and sound masking. Visually, they work best with screens and panels with semi-transparent glass. Lastly, those who enjoy working socially do not need acoustical control. Visually, they prefer open space and glass used for transparency.
Here at Snow Financial Group, we accommodate for all work settings and styles to achieve the best performance for our employees. In our new office space, we thought deeply about our employees and how we could make our space fun and enjoyable while still maintaining an efficient quality of work. We took and the itinerary of historic downtown Covington came to mind. After four years of planning, our NEW office location now lies in the heart of downtown Covington, Louisiana. A small city just South of New Orleans that has been consistently growing since the devastating storm, Hurricane Katrina. Covington is a charming place to spend the day (or weekend) among fine galleries, eclectic shops, excellent restaurants, and more. The historic district is just steps away from several bed and breakfasts and the renowned Southern Hotel. Working in a place like Covington allows our team to love our work setting, location and what we do even more. We would love for you to stop by and get the full experience!