The Myth
According to Peter “[the office space] has been designed to enhance collaboration… working with each other across departments.”
The myth is, you have to collaborate all the time.
But, not everybody operates that way. As far as I’m concerned, I like my work area quiet. I need focus to concentrate, and more often than not, my work needs to be accurate and creative. Two things I can (or need to) do alone, no collaboration is needed.
For Peter it’s the same; “I don’t function that way… I need time on my own to think.”
Collaboration is Not HappeningPeter explains his view further; “When you sit with other colleagues around a “collaboration” table.., I hardly see any collaboration. Everybody still works in their own zone, because they have work to do. It just doesn’t happen.”
This happens when culture and progressive ideas clash. You can’t force people into a collaborative state of mind. Reshuffling desks, open up the floor, and taking away personal offices does not guarantee collaboration.., it just doesn’t.
I’m sure at some companies, for some departments this approach can do wonders. But, we should judge the merit of such huge changes on any specific floor/office/department/company.
You could simply ask employees their stand on such a high impact change.