Should health service managers embrace open plan work environments? A review

Abstract

In an era of changing workplace reforms,
health service managers are embracing innovative work
place designs, such as open plan work environments,
where employees may have more flexibility. Managers
are constantly seeking different ways of transforming
their workplace so that their corporate culture and
image can be improved. On the one hand, they must
respond to corporate pressures to reduce the costs
of building facilities and on the other hand they are
indirectly introducing different types of issues that
affect their employees.

Method: A review of the literature was conducted by
examining textbooks and journal articles in relation to
the various issues that affect employees in an open plan
work environment.

Results: Research evidence shows that employees face
a multitude of problems such as the loss of privacy, loss
of identity, low work productivity, various health issues,
overstimulation and low job satisfaction when working
in an open plan work environment.

Conclusion: Managers need to have a better
understanding of open plan work environments before
embracing such workplace designs. A multidisciplinary
approach is recommended when decisions are being
made in relation to which type of environment is
better suited to the requirements of their employees as
this has an impact on workforce productivity and job
satisfaction.