If you’re looking for a way to encourage collaboration in the workspace, turning your open office into a co-op work environment may be the answer. By giving employees more control over their work environment, they will be more likely to take ownership of their work and collaborate with their colleagues. Today, we will discuss some tips on how to turn your open office into a co-op work environment!
Introduce Collaborative Spaces
One way to encourage collaboration in the workspace is to create a space that is conducive to working together. This can be done by making sure there are plenty of places for people to sit and work together, as well as providing collaborative tools such as whiteboards and markers. You should also make sure that there is enough space for everyone to move around freely.
Encourage Communication
Another way to encourage collaboration in the workspace is to encourage communication between employees. This can be done by setting up regular team meetings, or by encouraging employees to use instant messaging or video conferencing tools. You should also make sure that there are plenty of opportunities for employees to give and receive feedback.
Lose the Cubicles
Cubicles should be left in the 1990s where they belong. If you want to encourage collaboration in the workspace, it’s important to create an open and inviting environment. This can be done by getting rid of cubicles, or by making them smaller and more open. You should also make sure that there is plenty of natural light in the space.
Use Larger Desks
You can also use larger desks to encourage collaboration in the workspace. Instead of having employees sit at individual desks, you can have them share larger desks. This will allow them to work together more easily, and it will also make it easier for them to give and receive feedback.
Create Breakout Areas
Another way to encourage collaboration in the workspace is to create breakout areas; these are incredibly effective in open plan offices. They provide employees with a place to take a break from their work, and they also allow for impromptu meetings and brainstorming sessions.
Make Use of Technology
Next, you can make use of technology to encourage collaboration in the workspace. There are several different tools that you can use, such as video meeting tools, collaborative platforms, and online chat platforms.
Encourage Social Interaction
Also, you can encourage social interaction in the workspace by organizing social events and activities. This will help to build relationships between employees, and it will also make the workplace more enjoyable; you won’t believe how much one social event will transform the collaborative environment in your office.
Use Standing Desks
We mentioned larger desks, but standing desks are just a powerful tool for collaboration. Why? Well, firstly, they tend to promote movement which can help employees stay energized and focused. Secondly, they make it easy for employees to move around and talk to one another. And finally, they encourage a sense of community in the workplace as employees can easily see and talk to one another.
Rather than sitting and trying to generate enough energy to walk across the office to speak to somebody, the fact that employees are already standing will help encourage them to communicate with others. Over time, this will build camaraderie in the office and boost collaboration even more.
With this in mind, you have some amazing tips to create a collaborative workspace. Another top tip is to partner with a company like BTF Projects that understands how to design a modern office with everything you want and need!