Dear all,

I think it is critical to point out that the Google open office environment is unique to Google and it's organizational culture.
I have always found this topic fascinating and studied it in my MPA. This particular open office environment will not work for every office as the article sent earlier points out.

Pros:
That you will hear everything your colleagues say and discuss business related which is good (learning environment). And can be bad if the communication should be kept confidential.
You never know who might be listening (guests and otherwise) who may misinterpret what is being said.

Cons:
That you will hear everything your colleagues say and discuss personally related which is bad (disruptive). And can be extremely bad if the communication
should be kept confidential. You never know who might be listening (guests and otherwise) who may misinterpret what is being said.

Personally, it really depends on the office culture and how people work together. Guidelines should be set for proper office etiquette for the open office model.

Personal phone calls should be kept to a minimum. IF necessary then those employees should step outside to take calls.  Frequent personal calls can be disruptive and noticeable further creating
friction in the office environment.

Either way you decide, good luck!

Michael

Michael L. Gillespie M.P.A., M.A.
Administrative Analyst Specialist/Research Compliance Officer
California State University, San Bernardino
Office of Academic Research
5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino, CA. 92407
Phone (909) 537-7588
Fax (909) 537-7028
Email: xxxxxx@csusb.edu

The fundamental healing axiom, "first do no harm."

-----Original Message-----
From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org] On Behalf Of Vincelli, Diana
Sent: Friday, January 17, 2014 12:51 PM
To: xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org
Subject: Re: [RESADM-L] Central Office Floor Plan & Work Environment

Natasha,
I think we are all pretty good communicators and agree how important it is.
Within pre-award, we each have our own responsibilities but meet often (in pairs or all 5 of us) to update and discuss; also have a pretty much open door policy between supervisor and the rest of us.
The post award/grants accounting group is in a different building with a different supervisor, but we work with them daily by phone and email. We meet face to face at least once a month - more as needed - which has been very helpful for discussing issues and getting caught up on changes or problems, or upcoming major submissions or awards.
To answer your question,  we do all get together monthly, which is sufficient for us; but we certainly don't need this all-day every-day!
Note that people have different working styles; one may prefer quiet and a closed door; another might like more verbal interaction with a neighbor. We can accommodate both in our present office configuration.  We do have as part of our suite a good-sized conference room with a table that seats 6, chairs for more, a white board, etc.

Best,

Diana Thompson Vincelli
Director of Grant Support
Office of Foundation, Corporate & Government Relations (FCGR)
(mail) 28 Westhampton Way  (location) 104 Puryear Hall University of Richmond, VA  23173-0001
804.289.8005   fax 804.287.1433   mobile 804.426.6907

-----Original Message-----
From: Natasha Stark [mailto:xxxxxx@GSU.EDU]
Sent: Friday, January 17, 2014 3:10 PM
To: xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org; Vincelli, Diana
Cc: Natasha Stark
Subject: Re: Central Office Floor Plan & Work Environment

Hi Diana,

As a Director have you found that having your staff in a private office has in any way hindered collaboration among your employees?  One of the arguments being made for proposing this configuration is that it will foster collaboration among the 14 of us who comprise the pre- and post- award staff.  And are there any circumstances or conditions under which you would want to have everyone sitting in the open looking and listening to each other (the space as presently proposed would either have no walls or very low walls that would allow us to both see and hear each other on a continuous basis).

Thanks!

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