• Have you thought about software programs for improving employee productivity? We tried some for example Time Log, but http://www.timedoctor.com was the best program because it makes it almost impossible for employees to waste a lot of time.
  Answered by Rafael Jacob | 08, Oct 2010 07:56 PM

• The open office concept is good for some people but it is not for others. People do have this tendenc to be introvert so they cannot work in the open envornment. so this concept is working but this may hamper the productivity of some people. Answered by radhika kulkarni , hr at Kingfisher Airlines | 10, Sep 2010 10:31 AM

• Yes Answered by VEERAPPA KAMANNAVAR | 08, Sep 2010 05:06 AM

• I do not know Answered by VEERAPPA KAMANNAVAR | 08, Sep 2010 05:05 AM

• good question..open and healthy communication is important irrespective of the nature of infrastructure..this is primary..thanks Answered by nayan mali | 04, Sep 2010 10:32 AM

• Idea is good and implimented in some IT companies where work can be compleated on line and trasportation timings can be converted in to product .
  some of the public offices like secretariat and collectrate even with good mechanism of control no one attends in time . If you allow them i believe there will be chaos in admnistration. Answered by Satya Narayana Palukuru , Advocates & Mediators at Advocate , Hyderabad | 03, Sep 2010 06:23 PM

• Oh God with all control mechanism we are not able to find concerned persons in public related offices .
  It is good for some offices like iT but may not be suitable for all
  Think pl Answered by Satya Narayana Palukuru , Advocates & Mediators at Advocate , Hyderabad | 03, Sep 2010 06:18 PM

• Good idea. But the system is as such, no management wants this type of system as the management wants to have the direct control over the people. This may be one of the main drawback as far as management is concern if we go for open offices despite enhancing the productivity. Answered by vijaya rao , Senior Manager at Punjab National Bank | 02, Sep 2010 10:25 AM

• Yes...the concept of open office can definitely enhance productivity. Theoretically it is a great concept...Lets look at it practically. I have come across lots of open offices where only the offices are open but people who manage these offices are not as open. They have their own prejudice, class resentments, Oedipus complexes etc... Then, how on earth will an open office do well.
  
  I would recommend that we first see whether people can manage such open offices before boasting that we have an open office. It is not enough to display freedom, I need to also understand freedom to adapt to it. Answered by Ramakrishnan Murali Shankar , Director - Coaching at Think Future HR Consulting Private Limited | 01, Sep 2010 10:43 PM

• YesIt could be a worthwhile solution for generating more ideas for the organizational excelence. People can freely interact with each other with any boundaries of hierarchy.
  Thanks,
  Bhupendra
  09443300260 Answered by Bhupendra Singh , Deptt. Head - HR at Grasim Industries Ltd | 30, Aug 2010 11:45 PM

• YES, Open office would really enhance productivity in the workplace, involves creativity. Sharing ideas increase the efficiency of an individual. openness and transparency leads to drastic changes in time and change management. In the changing scenario which is very essential as per the need of the day. Answered by Meenakshi , Project Assistant at PHD Chamber | 30, Aug 2010 04:36 PM

• The word `Open' is the key and not the office !! Open offices create the environment only and does not gurantee and productvity unless people decide to create a culture using the open sapce provided for the purpose. You can still have closed atmosphere in an open office !!! Hence Open office concept is only a method for creating a culture - but creating the culture is people dependent. Answered by Stan Lobo , GM- Training & Development at PepsiCo International | 30, Aug 2010 10:56 AM

• The word `Open' is the key and not the office !! Open offices create the environment only and does not gurantee and productvity unless people decide to create a culture using the open sapce provided for the purpose. You can still have closed atmosphere in an open office !!! Hence Open office concept is only a method for creating a culture - but creating the culture is people dependent. Answered by Stan Lobo , GM- Training & Development at PepsiCo International | 30, Aug 2010 10:56 AM

• I dont think so. There should be proper co-ordination among staff and NO POLITICS should be played. There is no need of an Open Office. Answered by Shubhangi Vinod Padhye , Visiting Faculty at Western college of Commerce and Business Management | 29, Aug 2010 03:11 PM

• Open office environment shall enable the organizations to improve productivity indirectly by engaging the people to the organzation objectives, since there are no barriers of communication. Each one can you see each other. I heared companies operate on round table including the supervisor, this means, every one shares same information, resources and infrastructure in reasonable manner, which leads to more open mind working. Yes there is a limitation, with respect your privacy. Those who work for the organization goals, it is not a limitation , since the private working is different from professional working, since private life starts after your professional life. Answered by Venugopalarao Banki , HEAD - ORGAINZATION PLANNING at ACC Limited | 28, Aug 2010 11:44 PM

• it is not the open offices enhance the productivity but open minds make the difference.There is a need of exclusive space for top level persons to percieve the best ideas in a peaceful manner . Answered by Prof S.P.Phogat , Director at Astron int of MGt &TECH Faridabad | 28, Aug 2010 04:16 PM

• Dont think so. Productivity is best enhanced by everything and evreyone being in their rightful places. A fresher sitting next the MD is ok for getting brownie points or for those happiness surveys of assorted magazines, but not for productivity.
  
  There is a definite need for offices for certain apointments. Distance maintains the balance of dignity and respect which leads to better functioning. Answered by bs rao , GM at Insignia Limited | 28, Aug 2010 04:00 PM

• Dont think so. Productivity is best enhanced by everything and evreyone being in their rightful places. A fresher sitting next the MD is ok for getting brownie points or for those happiness surveys of assorted magazines, but not for productivity.
  
  There is a definite need for offices for certain apointments. Distance maintains the balance of dignity and respect which leads to better functioning. Answered by bs rao , GM at Insignia Limited | 28, Aug 2010 03:59 PM

• Dont thinik so. Productivity is best enhanced with every thing and every person being in its and their rightful place. A fresher sitting next to an MD is ok to gain brownie points or for happiness surveys of assorted magazines, but not for organized and smooth functioning.
  
  There is definitely a need for cubicles/offices for certain appointments. Distance maintains dignity and respect all round and results in better functioning. Answered by bs rao , GM at Insignia Limited | 28, Aug 2010 03:44 PM

• No I don't feel so, as if there are different personalities in humans(Referring to Behavioral concept) Introverts, extroverts etc. so every body as human require some their private space. Not to mix with all specially in Indian Culture it is not possible as if of our culture. Answered by Datla Bhanu Prakash Raju , HR Manager at DGS Technical Services Pvt.Ltd | 28, Aug 2010 12:50 PM

• We know there is Corporate Diplomacy. Sometime it is essential. But I believe "Open Offices" enhances productivity. After all, people work for the benefit of the organisation as a whole. There is nothing to hide. Everything should be transparent. Many times cozy chambers restrict people to discuss openly. They think now I am inside somebody else's area where he has more dominency. Secondly, awaiting for permission to meet somebody, wastes valuable times of other people. For me we should welcome Open office system. Answered by Susanta Rout , Placement In-charge at Central Tool Room & Training Centre | 28, Aug 2010 09:57 AM

• Yes this concept is interesting as more open,free and feel liberal in all aspects....all are the same....no bias....brings more confidence to people.....but may be a discomfort for feedback to people openly....this could be handled differently i guess. Answered by lathu kumar , consultant at free lance recruiter | 27, Aug 2010 06:19 PM

• I think this concept is both usefull & non-usefull.Usefull in the sense we can easily share our knowledge with each other.But on other hand if their is open space in the office then employees get frusted & worried about boses constantly monitering their activity.So difinately it affect on productivity of employees. Answered by Arif Khan , H.R. Executive-Retails at Staples Future | 27, Aug 2010 02:24 PM

Comments (1)

• I agree...absolutely right....... Commented by MOHMEDAAMIR SAYEED, Store Manager, Compliance Officer at NA | 531 days ago

• Well, I agree to the view that Open Offices culture could enhance productivity but it needs to be implemented carefully. Answered by Mallika Bharadwaj , Account Manager at Hindustan Unilever | 27, Aug 2010 01:56 PM

• 200%....No offfice=infinity, Answered by Anand Kumar , MANAGER at Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) | 27, Aug 2010 12:18 PM

• i do not think. mere open offices will not enhance productivity .it requires working culture in the organization Answered by hanumantharao d , general manager -hr at meenakshi group | 27, Aug 2010 11:52 AM

• I cannot say it will enhance productivity. There may be certain private conversations, the seniors may want to do within their cabins. As somebody has already pointed out, as long as there is always easy access to the cabins, there need not be any problem with productivity at all. Answered by Savithri Ravichandran , Training implementation coach at Nuveda Learning Private Limited | 27, Aug 2010 11:25 AM

• To a certain extent "open offices" can increase productivity,as issues can be discussed across with other depts & solutions got without waiting.For eg admin dept wanting to know about vendor payment due can walk across or talk over the desk to finance & know the status.This saves time ,energy& satisfies the external customer too.Productivity of both the dept increases.Same goes with Mktg& Sales solving issues through open office.
  However certain functions of depts cannot be accomodated in open offices for confidentiality,eg compensation dept in HR,Strategy Analyst etc. Answered by Shibu Jacob , Head-HR&Admin at Lotte India Corporation | 27, Aug 2010 11:19 AM

• i dont' think so,. can't say the relation between open offices and productivity. There can be demarcation in physical infra ans still can be open channels. Openness , i guess depends on the organisational culture. People can have separate cabins and still have the freedom to walk into each other freely. Rather open offices could create distractions which may hamper work. Answered by Lipsa Sahoo | 27, Aug 2010 10:59 AM

• This is good open opportunity to make environmental with all to work in open office without any cabin but need some discipline so that respects should be their to seniors. Answered by KUNAL KUMAR KHATOI , Trainer/HR Manager at Jyote Motors Pvt.Ltd | 27, Aug 2010 10:36 AM

• YES !!
  
  We notice an increasing number of organisations who are doing away with the cabin culture. Open office layout ensures greater transparency of operations and facilitates easier communication among various people in the same location. This promotes a feeling of oneness and eliminates physical barriers. There are only a few cubicles which serve as conference venues with lesser disturbances, else; no cabins.
  Today organisations have begun to lay greater emphasis on teamwork; you need to be effective in group besides being efficient individually. This fosters a “We” spirit and can often contribute to synergy which in turn can make the organisation more productive. Answered by Prof RSS Mani , Promoter & CEO at R S S MANI & ASSOCIATES | 27, Aug 2010 10:32 AM

• Open offices do help in bringing down hierarchial barriers and promote greater and open communication. Whether this leads to greater productivity is something which needs to be studied further. Ideally the environment should look at each persons work content and provide cabins for only those people who regularly deal with confidential type of data and information. Also those who are required to undertake creative work may require quieter surroundings may also need to be suitably located. Answered by Ashok Jaitly , General manager training at Knight Frank India Private Limited | 27, Aug 2010 10:18 AM

• This is very good things abt the open office bcz there is no gap areise in communication & hold door to door communication & main thinks that we have learn from other poeple abour her/his working style, comm style, professional style & tries to improve that for best
  
  Thanks & Reagrds
  Pardeep yadav
  Jaquar Group
  HR Team Answered by PARDEEP YADAV , Sr.executive-HR at Jaquar & Company Limited | 27, Aug 2010 10:04 AM

• I think open office idea is not good..because in open office we can't easily Concentrate on our work...there should be private cabins....to maintain the respect of respective designated persons......only the concept which must be applicable i.e. both at workplace whether senior or junior they must be cooperative, helpful & polite with each other that also increase the productivity as well consume less time and also helpful to motivate for work cheerfully to juniors.....
  "This I have wrote as per my self exp..." Answered by MOHMEDAAMIR SAYEED , Store Manager, Compliance Officer at NA | 27, Aug 2010 09:56 AM

• My experience of Open Office as implemented in one of the largest cement company in India is people instead of opening up are more worried about bosses constantly monitoring their activities. Hence lively atmosphere is lost and there is no much improvement in productivity. Answered by Rajendra Bhonslay , Head - Change Management & Internal Communication at ACC Limited | 27, Aug 2010 09:52 AM

• If we say that Open Office is directly proportional to Productivity then it's absolutely wrong. However open offices speaks about the Values & Culture of the organization. In our organization "Uninor" which is a part of Telenor (Norway) Group, we believe in Open Offices which supports our core values of Make it easy, Keep promises, Be inspiring and Be respectful. It is as simple as removing layers & barriers. We have demolished the walls and the rooms within the rooms. Problems get solved faster, new ideas come up freely, basically when you need to talk you don’t need to knock. There are no private cabins and there is complete flexibility, even a trainee can sit near a senior employee even next to MD. Answered by Anil Mohanty , Dy. General Manager- HR at Uninor | 27, Aug 2010 09:34 AM

• I think open office concept is excellent and I would prefer to have the same in my office as well. However certain dept need to have lot of storing place close to their seating arrangement. Answered by Neeraj Bhardwaj , GM, Training & Development, HR at Doshion Veolia Water Solutions | 27, Aug 2010 06:33 AM

• When the job involves creativity the sharing ideas increase the efficiency. Answered by MANOJ SHARMA , Sr. Manager at Bank of Baroda | 27, Aug 2010 02:42 AM

• No 'open office' does not enhance productivity on account of the noise / buzz factor. It saves cost on office space.
  
  Since 'open office' has become the order of the day, discussion rooms need to be provided to reduce the distrubance caused by group meetings and conference calls. Answered by chanda hate , Head - Global HR, Global Consulting Practice at Tata Consultancy Services Ltd ( TCS ) | 26, Aug 2010 10:27 PM

• In India no as there is no work culture. People are not nationalist. and as per human habit only the fear makes them run/work. Moreover it is a question of sincerity level of a person to work as some people do not require supervision and majority of them work only under supervision/fear of authority. Answered by LAJPAT RAI THAKRAL , GENERAL SECRETARY at Bank of India Retirees Association | 26, Aug 2010 09:27 PM

• Productivity also depends on the mental and emotional state of the workers and this cannot be denied that our physical environment influences our psyche.
  In this new way of running an office 'People can share ideas and collaborate more easily.' The level of informality may help nurture a degree of personal comfort conducive for people to be collectively innovative and develop a sense of belonging to the culture.
  But in open office concept privacy is sacrificed, sensitive information may leak out and there may be lot of distractions due to phone calls and colleague’s discussions.
  
  Hence, it all depends on the nature of work, place and culture. Answered by Neetu Aher , Proprietor at Smartleap HR Consultants | 26, Aug 2010 09:08 PM

• Definitely, the advance countries are following the same thing. They always accept the new ideas, creativity. We should encourage "Open Offices" whether they enhance the productivity or not, we do not know. We should practice such things. Answered by NASINI PURUSHOTHAMA RAO , LECTURER at LECTURER IN ELECTRICAL ENGG. | 26, Aug 2010 08:47 PM

• Yes, It's possible in any type of organizations but Top Management (Chairman, MD, Founder & etc.) cabin should be separate. There is no doubt its give more productivity. Answered by Brijesh Kumar , Manager at International Quality Management | 26, Aug 2010 08:22 PM

• Open office policy can be productive to an extent. I am of the opinion that it cannot be that good all the time with all level of management. I think they are after saving cost (in the wrong way) rather than improving productivity. Answered by Samir Ghazal , Chief Executive Consultant at Edaratec | 26, Aug 2010 08:13 PM

• In the Indian scenario, it is partly possible.
  
  The implementor category, the supervisors, officers can sit to gether but the employees involved in giving strategic direction need a partitioned work place, away from the rest.
  
  They can however, mix for certain activities like taking food together, playing, sharing certain info etc. but at the same time certain confidentiality needs to be maintained in the organisation and hence geographical seperation is a must.
  
  It also helps to keep necessery pressure on the staff since the access is not that easy. Answered by Jayant Joshi | 26, Aug 2010 07:29 PM

• - Productivity at offices goes in sync with work place environment, peer pressure, state of mental affairs followed by good management practices.
  
  - Open offices may or may not yield the desired result unless backed by strong inter personnel bonding and / or understanding. It requires a good amount of efforts on the part of the HR to build in.
  
  - In open offices particularly those that deal with third party will tend to lose secrecy. Besides, initiation of corrective measures on falling employees will land up in disaster. Answered by Omprakash Banerjee , Account Director - East at US Adcom Pvt. Ltd. | 26, Aug 2010 07:20 PM

• open office concept will not be very conducive to free working. It will create a very diplomatic way of working and individuals will be working under pressure.There will be no room for even slight relaxation or deviation from routine. Privacy will be lost. This system will create pressure for one and all in the company. Answered by PSN MURTY , HEAD OF TECHNICAL AND TRAINING at EMIRATES CMS POWER COMPANY | 26, Aug 2010 07:09 PM

Comments (1)

• I very much agree with Mr. PSN Murty,
  
  R.S.GILL. Commented by Ranbir Singh Gill, DGM-HR & ADMIN. at Usha Electronics India Private Limited | 532 days ago

• no , not in the indian working scenario Answered by ayushi bhatia , Director at AB Consultants | 26, Aug 2010 06:35 PM

• 
  Yes, it is very rightly said that openness and transparency leads to drastic changes in time and change management. In changing scenario, especially on the shop floors of continuous process industries the open offices concept will mean a lot in terms of exchange of knowledge, sharing of skills on the current situation, learning and adaption to situation. But the thumb rule the engaged team should have a guest attitude and behavior to receive the ideas and simultaneously ready to implement the same. Guest attitude is gesture of water like flow of knowledge and not a rock which stands and also blocks the substances carried.
  
  ...See More
  
  Open Office forum is also a test for a team that how much a team is ready for critical situation and how eager it is resolve the issues. Open office is a utopian place setting up an example of working together and understanding the gravity of the issues. I believe getting one and open platform is only the herculean task, once the floor is gel together, issues are no more an issues, they are turned into Core and Key responsibility of the team and definitely lead to enhance the productivity.
  
  
  
  Regards,
  
  Sanjay Athate Answered by SANJAY ATHATE , manager at Welspun India Limited | 26, Aug 2010 06:32 PM

• Not necessary. Answered by Ramachandran G Srinivasan , HR AND ADMIN at Corporate at Bangalore | 26, Aug 2010 06:19 PM

• Yes, we follow this concept. Answered by Sameer Sinha , BDM + Recruitment Team Lead at Confidential | 26, Aug 2010 06:12 PM

• The very fact that everyone is able to see everyone else, creates competition, as well as peer pressure to work and produce more Answered by Surendra Kukreja , Principal Consultant at united HR Solutions Pvt. Ltd. | 26, Aug 2010 06:11 PM

Comments (1)

• Great.. I liked it.. Commented by Keshav Kumar, Manager- PeerPower.com at Times Business Solutions Limited ( TBSL ) | 532 days ago

• Productivity will improve with open mind rather than with open spaces. Answered by Mahesh Shanbhag , Proprietor at Mangeshi Consultants | 26, Aug 2010 06:03 PM

• Good idea "open office" but will it remove hierarchy? "open office" will it promote ownership and accountability? "open office" is it applicable in all offices? What about the closed office represented by personal inhibitions, poor relationship management, low self-esteem and intimidation that come in the way of productivity? I am not sure if open office will enhance productivity, at best, it places everybody under the watchful eye of the leader. Answered by Zeb WATURUOCHA , Principal Consultant at AUI Consultants (The Human Process People) | 26, Aug 2010 06:02 PM

• You need to re frame the question.
  
  For example, in service industry how can you implement Open Office concept??
  
  Or say , how can a Transport Company can utilise this for their operating staff? Answered by Narasimhan Brig Retd S L | 26, Aug 2010 05:50 PM

Comments (2)

• I donthink the comcept of "open office" will contribute to more productivitiy or better effeciency. Physical proximity or togetherness cannot be a substitute to healthy relationships. The employees must feel one with the organisation through proper understanding and an enjoyable work climate.
  
  It is important that professional distance is maintained in the office. This is what the employees also want. They must be allowed to have their own space.
  
  In my view this idea pf an open office may not serve the desired objective and may prove contrary.
  
  Cyril
  
  . Commented by Cyril Khisty, Director Personnel & IR (Retd) at Coal India Limited | 531 days ago
• Sir, Open offices concept can be imbibed very successfully in services companies too. Uninor has 60 offices in India- all open offices. They claim to have much higher levels of collaboration amongst their employees than many other companies in the industry. But I also think while this concept may be on a rise in India, there is still some way to go before the glass barriers between CXOs and other employees breaks completely. But a change is in the offing, for sure. . Commented by Keshav Kumar, Manager- PeerPower.com at Times Business Solutions Limited ( TBSL ) | 532 days ago