Workplace Features to Look For to Balance “We” and “Me”

Some people prefer privacy and space for focused individual work, while others find that the workplace is a good setting for collaboration.

Creating an office space that is both functional and visually appealing makes the workplace a pleasant place to be.

Offices need to have areas that can meet each of those specific needs to provide the best employee experience. But, it can be difficult to find the ideal mix.

So, how much of each is optimal, and what kinds of office designs can strike the balance of “me” and “we” space?

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Choosing The Right Space For The Right Job

People collaborate in various ways, and spaces should reflect this. Also, the transition to hybrid work has produced a new demand for face-to-face workplace interactions.

Renovating conference rooms is a great way to transform the office environment for employees who want to collaborate.

This can include changing:

  • Furniture,
  • Room size,
  • Design,
  • Technology.

Individual workspaces where people can make sales calls or write reports will always be needed.  These focus-oriented things require a quiet place without distraction.

People need different types of space for uninterrupted work, which comes down to privacy.

A strategic mix of closed work options will meet the various privacy needs of different employees.

This could mean cubicles for those who prefer to see things and soundproof pods for those who prefer to hear things.

Aside from private spaces for heads-down work, “me” areas are an important way for people to step away from the demands of a busy office.

Providing comfortable and separate areas for employees to clear their heads, stretch, and refocus can improve the workplace experience.

Why Is Balance Important?

To create the best workplace strategy for the best employee experience, keep in mind that the right mix in space planning is often a flexible blend rather than a hard divide.

People should be able to collaborate as well as work alone to be creative and productive. They may meet to generate ideas and then choose to develop them while working alone.

Too much collaboration can result in: wasted time, a lack of accountability, and groupthink.

Too much independent work, on the other hand, can result in: slowed learning, decreased performance, and burnout.

When it comes to office spaces in Huston, New York, or California, the most important thing to remember is that employees should be able to choose the type of work they want to do.

This meets the needs of the employees while also creating a trusting working environment that encourages a positive office culture.

The Best Practices For Balancing Individual Work And Teamwork

If you go too far in either direction, there can be consequences. How do you walk this fine line while ensuring that your team reaps the benefits of collaboration without feeling as if they can never get a second alone for focused work?

Follow the 80/20 Rule

In most cases, the 80/20 Rule applies to productivity. It claims that only 20% of the effort yields 80% of the results.

If your team works a standard 40-hour workweek, simple math shows that they’d spend about eight hours per week working together, with the remaining 32 hours dedicated to their individual tasks.

This is a good way to ensure collaboration while dedicating the majority of your team’s time to individual projects.

Define Roles And Responsibilities

The majority of people fail to follow rules because they are unaware of what is expected of them, according to research.

To clarify each employer’s tasks and responsibilities, use checklists and assignments.

Don’t underestimate the importance of clarification. Assigning action items and owners improves your collaborations as well as your individual work.

Collect Feedback

Do you know how your team members feel about the balance of collaboration and individual contributions? Asking them is the answer.

Maybe one person enjoys frequent, collaborative projects, whereas another feels most productive when they have time alone.

Conclusion

Understanding the importance of a “We” and “Me” balance in the workplace, you can choose the ideal mix of open spaces for meetings and private workspaces based on the needs of your team. While the ideal mix will differ from office to office, employee to employee, and even day to day, one thing is guaranteed; a positive workplace experience.

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