You are just starting to work with an architect on designs for a new office spac

Question

You are just starting to work with an architect on designs for a new office space for your fast-growing tech startup. She proposes a design that does away with private offices, includes two or three personal cubicles with flexible dividers, and provides lots of flexible open spaces for casual and arranged meetings. She also proposes a shift to “hotdesking” for the sales representatives because they spend a lot of time away from the office. This means that they will not have permanent space and will instead “sign up” to use temporary cubicle desks when they come into the office. You really like the total design concept because it supports collaboration and teamwork while also saving space and facilities costs as the firm grows. But, you’re worried about possible resistance from employees who are used to having private offices and their own desks. You sit down to write a list of “pros” and “cons” for the architect’s proposal. You also make some notes on how to engage the staff with these ideas in order to head off any problems.

What’s on your list and what’s in your notes? What kind of change leadership approach do you think will be most likely to work with this group and situation?

Explanation / Answer

My notes will consist of PROS and CONS of the suggested workspace design.

PROS:

CONS:

The startup environment should be open always because the interaction between the people will be more. I will make my employees realize the importance of having this design. Different teams need to collaborate to work effectively and cross-functional work becomes more efficient. People should be okay with working in a company like this because we are not putting any barriers and giving complete freedom to choose their place of choice to sit and work. So the employees should not face any problem.

The change leadership should be innovation and collaboration driven. The management should support the new initiatives and provide the employees the freedom to express their ideas in front of everyone at anytime in the office. Do not hide any business decisions and maintain transparency in the system. The management should okay with employees being flexible with their timings as long as they are productive and doing good work. The company should the employees to get engaged in the training and team building activities. Always appreciate even a small piece of good work from any level employee to boost their confidence. All these factors will make the employees love the workplace and also encourage them to achieve more.

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