Administrative Services Outcome 2 Describe the impact of changing working practices on the modern working environment Work Environment

2 CELLULAR OFFICE LAYOUT Able to work within a very private setting enabling them to concentrate on their tasks; carry out meetings; conduct phone conversations etc. Working in a very quiet and peaceful surrounding can motivate employees and help them to de- stress as they are able to focus on their work. Employees are able to design their own environment – provides the employee with responsibility and an element of control. Affords status to an employee Employers have to invest a lot of money into creating a large number of individual offices – this is an uneconomical decision regarding the costs associated with heating/lighting etc. Employees may begin to feel very isolated and lonely at work – this can have a very negative effect on their motivation and morale and makes promoting team work hard. Can cause them to be very ineffective and unproductive. It is very difficult for senior managers to monitor and control their workforce as they are effectively ‘hidden’ BENEFITS/ADVANTAGES COSTS/DISADVANTAGES

3 OPEN PLAN OFFICE LAYOUT Employees are able to share resources eg printer; photocopier; fax etc Space is used to its optimal level – reduces wastage Costs are minimised eg lighting and heating Can be designed to suit workflow Employees feel more motivated as they are working within a team environment – this type of layout promotes a very sociable setting which will ultimately contribute to the ethos of the organisation as a whole. It is very easy for senior management to monitor and control the workforce. Meeting rooms are available for private meetings The status of having your own office is lost – this can affect some people in a very negative way as they feel that their position has been taken away from them. Privacy has been lost. It can be very difficult in this type of setting to hold private meetings or to conduct a phone conversation. The noise level can adversely affect the workforce as some may not be able to carry out their jobs effectively due to the high volume of distractions. Unable to alter heating/lighting to suit personal requirements BENEFITS/ADVANTAGES COSTS/DISADVANTAGES

4 Effect on staff morale Ergonomics Furniture wall colours work stations lighting protective equipment ventilation noise control If the area/equipment is unsafe or insecure this can affect staff morale. Office Layout – cellular/open plan relating to space/privacy/work flow Lack of storage space and subsequent untidiness/health hazards Sick Building Syndrome View from offices