How to manage decibels in the open space office?
Noise remains public enemy number one in the open space. So why not invite your employees to change some of their habits to lower the ambient volume? Let's go on an "all ears" tour of the open space.
1
CORRECT THE COLLEAGUE WHO SPEAKS LOUDLY AND (TOO) OFTEN
The colleague with a very loud voice, the colleague who can't help commenting loudly on his or her progress, the talkative person in the department who never misses an opportunity to start a conversation. Ask your colleague to speak more softly. Everyone will thank you for it!2
LIMIT RING TONES
From morning till night, phones are ringing in the open space. The volume is sometimes so high that it is impossible to concentrate. Set a good example and pick up your phone on the first ring. Choose a short melody or a light. Switch off the calls if you are in a meeting and use e-mail or instant messaging instead.3
ALL THIS HUMMING ...
In open-plan offices, the first to arrive and the last to leave, know that switching on and off of computers, photocopiers and printers, makes a lot of noice. To protect your ears, move these machines to an adjoining room and slide the towers under the desks.4
DEMARCATION FURNITURE
Do you find it hard to concentrate if your desk is close to an aisle? Some companies use "demarcation furniture" to move paths to the edges of open spaces. Discuss this with the relevant department.5
A CLEVER REPOSITIONING OF THE OFFICES
Same floor space, but improved ergonomics! By positioning the desks in the four corners of a square space - so that the employees are back to back - everyone gets a bit of privacy, away from the glances and voices (which carry forward).6
A "CHAT" ROOM AND A "SILENCE" ROOM
The office of tomorrow will be nomadic. Your winning trio: an open space for exchanges, a room for conversations (welcoming clients, Skype sessions, etc.) and a room for working in silence. Ready to try?7