Be a Team Player: Practise Good Open-Plan Office Etiquette

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Be a Team Player: Practise Good Open-Plan Office Etiquette

Our stunning new 144 Oxford open-plan workspace includes a wide variety of shared spaces which support greater interaction amongst colleagues.
Information and conversations now flow more freely increasing collaboration across the board.

It’s all very positive, however it is important to be mindful of a few things like noise pollution within a shared space. Below we’ve outlined a few best practices to ensure our open-plan working environment is always a pleasant and productive place to be.

1. Be Mindful of the Noise You Make

With fewer restrictive walls to get in the way of great ideas, sound travels much more easily throughout the open-plan office. It’s best to keep your voice at an indoor level when talking to others and be mindful of group chats that can get loud.

Always make use of your MS Headset when joining an online meeting and keep your cell phone on vibrate. If you do need to take a call make your way to one of the many soundproofed spaces, like the Chat Booths or Glass Pods.

This should go without saying, but if you do enjoy listening to your favourite tunes while working, do use headphones.

Help cut down noise pollution and use these soundproof spaces:

These pods, equipped with lighting and plug points, are great for when you need to do some deep work, thinking or make a call.
These noise-cancelling booths, fit for one, are ideal for private phone conversations or extended online chats.

2. Time for a Meeting? Move to the Right Space

When you need to get together with colleagues for a meeting, conference call or workshop, gather in the appropriate space. There are several meeting rooms across the floor that can be booked in advance (catering for different technical requirements) with a few which are available at short notice.

If you do think the occasion calls for something a little less formal, try out the Pause Areas and Writing Board Spaces. Both are great for collaborative brainstorming sessions and situated away from the shared Flexi Zone.

By making use of the right space at the right time you’ll ensure fewer distributions during your own session while not creating distractions for your colleagues.

Consider the spaces below when it’s time to meet:

With their presentation screens and video conferencing features, these rooms are great for when the team needs to get together.
Each room is perfect for those confidential meetings and private conversations, especially with smaller groups.
Situated away from the bookable Hot Desks, these zones are a great place to meet when you’d prefer a comfortable, open-plan setting.
These pods, equipped with lighting and plug points, are great for when you need to do some deep work, thinking or make a call.
Equipped with writing boards, pens and erasers, these spaces are the creative setting your next brainstorming session needs.
Featuring laid-backed and comfortable seating, these areas are perfect for catching up with colleagues or a quick time-out.

3. Always Keep Your Hot Desk Clear and Tidy

Our Clear Desk Policy is there, in part, to ensure you are welcomed by a neat and tidy desk when you sit down to work. Remember to always clear away all your belongings at the end of the day. Secured lockers are available when and if you need one.

Please do not eat at your desk: no one wants to share in the leftover grit and grime of your mid-morning brunch. When enjoying your favourite hot or cold drink make use of a receptacle with a secure cap lid. Closed cups are available if you don’t have your own. These must remain at 144 Oxford. DO NOT take them home.

They help to prevent nasty spills, especially if you bump into someone as you move throughout the office.

 

4. Respect Your Colleagues Space and Privacy

We’re all unique in our own remarkable ways which is to say, not everyone is exactly like you. Some of us need more personal space, others are fine with a little less. Be mindful of your colleagues and try to avoid having people crowded around your desk.

If you do feel the need to have a private conversation (on the phone or in person) there are plenty of options available. Chat Booths and Glass Rooms are great spaces to break away to for those sensitive talks.

Finally, try not to stare at your colleagues’ screen or browser: no one enjoys the feeling of someone peering over their shoulder.

5. The Golden Rule: Be Considerate

If all else fails and you’re not quite sure what to do, ask yourself whether your behaviour is helpful or harmful to the person sitting a few metres away from you. Popping more paper into the communal printer is. Dousing yourself with pungent body spray in the open-plan office, probably not so much.

If you see behaviour that’s less than ideal, remain respectful and helpful, gently nudging the “transgressor” towards a more appropriate ideal.

These 5 simple tips help ensure that 144 Oxford remains a pleasant and productive place to work, free from as much conflict as possible. Some of them might sound like common sense, but it’s easy to get swept away in the hustle of the day and forget about how your behaviour impacts those around you.

Do your bit. Be considerate so we can all reap the rewards and enjoy the benefits of sharing such a dynamic, open-plan space.