New Space Calls for New Facility Management Rules

NEW ETIQUETTE
The Rules of Engagement

With alternative work environments, it is important to create rules for behavior. Rules may be different for individual and group spaces and are crucial for making alternative environments pleasant and productive. Examples of guidelines include:

• Each individual should be required to observe a clear desk policy. Work areas should be cleared at the end of each day and work stored in group storage, the personal pedestal or overhead storage in the individual workspace.
• Individuals should use lockers for personal items. Note that lockers are not “owned” and should be cleaned out daily.
• Open work areas are designed for concentrated work and controlled collaboration with immediate occupants.
• Whenever possible, noisy team activity should occur behind closed doors. Groups should not use open team spaces for collaboration immediately adjacent to a person performing concentrative work. Instead, the group should move to a small meeting room.
• Speaker phones should not be used in the open work environment.
• Mobile phones should be set to “silent” or “vibrate” mode when in open plan areas.
• Files or resource materials should be shared whenever possible. The focus should be on providing these for teams rather than individuals.