29-10-2020 09:00
Workshop on Open spaces at EU institutions versus traditional work spaces

A woman and a man talking in a new office at Marr Plaza Business Center.
A woman and a man talking in a new office © Belga/ITAR-TASS

The workshop on open spaces at EU institutions versus traditional work spaces will focus on the difference between different kind of offices spaces. It will answer the question on advantages and disadvantages, how Covid-19 has influence on the use of office space and employee well-being at work. The workshop will also focus on the current situation in the EU institutions regarding work spaces.

The concept of open office spaces is a topic of discussion. While it could contribute to the reduction of costs, improve team work and communication it affects employees overall well-being and productivity. The future of open office space is unsure with the outbreak of Covid-19, as diseases spread faster in an open office space where people are closer to one another. Some researchers suggest that open office space will continue for those companies that need a high level of team work and to save costs in the long term. The use of open office space should be based on the common goal of the company and they should communicate these goals to their employees. The best way to let employees adjust better to an open office space is to include them in the designing process. This will make the goals of the new work environment clear and helps them to create the best working space for them. In the end this could help to avoid the pitfalls of open office spaces.