1. The Work Environment Ergonomics – is an attempt to look at the office environment, and its impact on the individual. As a result many organisations have re- designed the work environment, placing more emphasis on factors such as health and work productivity – poor office layout, ventilation, lighting and even décor.

2. Office Layout There are 2 main types of office layout: CellularOpen Plan This type of layout consists of individual offices An open-plan layout can be totally open – without any kind of partition of space at all Or ‘landscaped’ which uses plants, furniture and partitions/screens to create work areas within one large space

3. Cellular Layout AdvantagesDisadvantages Status Quiet – can close the door Difficult to supervise activity Can regulate heat/light to suit own needs Wastes space Cannot share resources eg printers Privacy Employees may feel isolated Uneconomic eg lighting/heating

4. Open Plan Layout AdvantagesDisadvantages Easy to supervise Can be designed to suit workflow and work groups Resources can be shared eg printer/copier Staff do not feel isolated – social layout Can be noisy Lacks privacy Less wasted space Does not give status of ‘own office’ Cannot regulate heat/light to individual needs

5. Work Flow No matter what office layout is chosen, it must ensure the correct workflow. Workflow describes the flow of people and paper around the office If the layout leads to unnecessary movement around the building and results in delays, hold-ups and frustration then there is a problem of design

6. Good Design Principles Locate associated work areas together eg sales and marketing No unnecessary physical barriers to get from A to B Common services/equipment sited centrally for all to use

7. Design should meet employee needs Open-plan layouts should be landscaped to ensure the disadvantages of this kind of layout are minimised and the advantages maximised. For example, Built-in private areas Use ergonomically designed furniture to allow privacy (desk dividers, modesty panels Locate group workspaces to house teams/sections together

8. Ergonomic Environment The working environment should take account of individual needs, including health and safety issues. Features of a good ergonomic environment include: Systems furniture – desks/chairs that adjust to fit work, equipment, individual requirements Wall colours which are relaxing, minimise glare, and please the eye Lighting – non-glare, desk-top lamps where appropriate Ventilation – good circulation or air, but no draughts Noise control – appropriate choice of glazing, walls and floor coverings to reduce noise Workstations which ensure privacy and ownership of space Protective equipment for use with ICT eg wrist-rests, anti-glare screens

9. A well-designed, well laid-out ergonomic work environment reduces the risk of ‘sick- building’ syndrome and has a huge impact on both the individual and the organisation –Improves morale and motivation and helps productivity –Ensures effective flow of work –Promotes health and safety at work –Gives a positive image for the organisation –Can be cost-effective as a result of the above