Open-plan offices have their fair share of advocates and critics. On one hand, those who love them point to the higher levels of transparency and collaboration, while the detractors cite distraction and noise as disadvantages.
With the current Covid-19 crisis, the open-plan concept would certainly be seen as more of a health hazard. Even when Singapore’s circuit breaker eases on June 1, offices are expected to comply with mandatory measures like reduced physical interaction and safe distancing measures.
If businesses deemed non-essential continue to have staff WFH, it is imperative for the top management to ensure that their corporate culture stays intact. I am a big believer in installing and maintaining a winning culture.
We do this in two ways. Firstly, ensuring that everyone is clearly aligned with our shared goals, and secondly, reinforcing that everyone’s role is important to the company and to each other. When these two objectives are met, it does not matter whether it is done at the office or online. Culture is never impeded by physical or geographical barriers.
To view my thoughts on Business Times, visit this link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/opening-up-big-changes-mario-singh/
