OFFICE LAYOUT

Open-Plan (Flexible) Layout

More space for

work activities than individual rooms Easier to share/access equipment Often a more up-todate environment Less cluttered due to more space

Advantages of Open-Plan Layout

Easier for people to

see and communicate with each other Work area can be shared which leads to better use of space Management/Superviso rs may work in the same area reduces them & us scenario Team spirit and working together are encouraged

Disadvantages
Lack of privacy for

meetings Easier for unauthorised people to access files Theft may be more of a problem Difficult to concentrate due to noise and distractions

Traditional (Cellular) Layout

Layout consists of

smaller individual rooms for offices Due to the reduced size of the office fewer people work in each Offices may become cluttered as less room available

Advantages
Easier to have

privacy when needed In an individual office staff can organise furniture as they wish Less chance of unauthorized staff having access to confidential files

Disadvantages
Staff may not feel

they are part of a team Staff may feel isolated Less space available for storage and movement

Safe Working Practices and Procedures

Flexitime
Often large, modern

businesses operate flexitime

Allows employees to

start early or work late to build up hours which they can take at a later date

Flexitime
Employees must

work between a certain time(s) each day This is known as

Core Time

Most staff

appreciate the opportunity to get flexitime

Management Issues

Cost
May be a cost saving as overtime may not be

needed Business premises needs to be open longer therefore costs such as electricity may be higher

Management Issues

Time
Specific staff may not always be available to deal

with tasks Controls, such as timesheets must be carefully monitored

Staff Welfare & Health & Safety

Employees feel trusted resulting in high

morale As employees choose what hours they work they may work more efficiently Employees working longer hours must take longer breaks and be aware of VDU guidelines if using ICT equipment

Hot Desking
To provide flexibility

companies may have computers and desks available Not allocated to any specific employeee Allows staff to use when needed Must be booked in advance

Management Issues

Cost
Initial cost of equipments and furnishing Savings may be made as equipment is shared Employees must be trained to use new equipment

Equipment must be maintained and technical

support provided

Management Issues

Time
Access to shared equipment may cause time

delays

Staff Welfare & Health & Safety

Employees must be willing to share

equipment

All ICT equipment must meet health

and safety guidelines.

Homeworking/Teleworking
Involves using ICT

to carry out tasks Workers need a computer connected to a modem Allows files to be sent electronically Allows workers to live further away

Management Issues

Cost
Employees need equipment Equipment must be maintained

Employees must be trained to use the

equipment and software

Management Issues

Time
Employees need time to be trained and to gain

new skills Employees need to be able to do the work within the required timescale

Staff Welfare & Health & Safety

Staff must be willing to homework
Employees may need technical

assistance Employees may feel isolated Any ICT equipment must meet health and safety requirements.