Would You Feel The Same Way?

The new office arrangements
@SIMPLYD (90722)
Philippines
September 4, 2018 4:56am CST
Last Thursday, the office arrangements that our mall manager wants, were executed. Thus, we, the department heads had our cubicles, while the staff were made to face the wall so, what they are doing on their computers can be seen at once by the mall manager whenever she makes her round. With my staff and the Admin. Department, they were made to sit near one another. I didn’t like that and was angry because there was no delineation between the two departments . Besides , they were so crammed on a small working area. I want my staff to have a bigger working place near my cubicle since they have lots of paper works. I asked for small extra tables. Thus, I voiced out what I felt, and told the mall manager about it. I didn’t feel afraid at all that I might be reprimanded. So, she had the other department in another area near our department instead. That pacified me and when she asked me how I felt, I told her I am already appeased. She smiled and said “ I like it that you are so caring of your staff.” Would you feel like me too, if your staff will be in a crammed place near your cubicle when there are other spaces where the other department can position themselves, so my staff will have a bigger working area?
25 people like this
31 responses
@topffer (42156)
• France
4 Sep 18
I never worked in an open space, they have a bad reputation in France and people do not like to work in an open space here. I worked once in a shared office with another worker, and I had the feeling that the office was crowded. I would approve everything offering more space and privacy to workers. I am not a cop to always control what people are doing on their computers.
5 people like this
@sol_cee (38223)
• Philippines
4 Sep 18
Open space concept is common here. It gets noisy when everyone speaks on the telephone all at once.
4 people like this
@YrNemo (20261)
5 Sep 18
@topffer Now I understand why you like to work as an archaeologist....
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
That's understandable that you felt crowded when you shared office with another worker when you once worked. Me, as much as possible I want to have a co-employee nearby. I feel lonely when alone in an office room. Actually with the employees facing the wall, the mall manager can see what they are working with. The computers of the employees, have restrictions already. Even their cellphones, if they want a wifi connection by the office, it has to be approved and only for a certain number of hours. YouTube, Facebook and a lot more are blocked on their computers. Having more space is what the employees need so I have to talk it out with the manager.
2 people like this
@Mavic123456 (21898)
• Thailand
4 Sep 18
at least you have huge sofas to lay down during breaktime.
2 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
Yes, they are good for lying down during breaktimes. But no one dared. They just sit and recline their heads.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
@Mavic123456 They do nap, but in their work areas, during lunch break. They are ashamed to lie there where everyone passes by every now and then
1 person likes this
@Mavic123456 (21898)
• Thailand
5 Sep 18
@SIMPLYD LOL. too bad, why? don't you know that napping is OK for more employees produtivity?
1 person likes this
@jpso138 (7851)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
I have not worked in an office environment since I worked in the ambulance service. My office is the ambulance and the streets where accidents happen and we respond. But I do agree with you that having a comfortable working atmosphere will surely provide a good output.
@jpso138 (7851)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
@SIMPLYD well, we have a living quarter in our station. Its similar to a house but with plenty of beds in one room. We also have a kitchen where we can dine. Of course the femake crew are separated in another room. Think of it as one big family...
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
6 Sep 18
@jpso138 That's a nice setting for a home like office where everyone treats one another as family. In our office too, we are like one big family.
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
What if you are not in the ambulance because there's no emergency? Where do you make yourself available for people who asks for help?
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (457918)
• Switzerland
4 Sep 18
Same as @topffer, I do not like an open space. I need of complete silence to work, sometimes even hearing my husband talking on the phone distracts me. You did the right thing to complain.
2 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
We are opposite . I like music playing and don't like silence while I am working. The rank and files have open space. But for us, officers we have our cubicles and our computers aren't blocked from FB, YouTube and a lot more like the rank and files. I think the cubicles seemed to make the clear distinction as to who were the officers. I feel sad for the R & F that it's like that.
2 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
@LadyDuck That could indeed be confusing because you are hearing another language being spoken while you are typing in English or French.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (457918)
• Switzerland
5 Sep 18
@SIMPLYD It depends which kind of work you need to do. Many times it happens that I am typing in English or French and my husband is speaking in Italian with his client on the phone. You cannot believe how this can be confusing. Even listening to music while you are performing complicated calculations is distracting.
1 person likes this
@anya12adwi (6037)
• India
4 Sep 18
Obviously, anyone in your place would have been felt the same.. Only thing that you were not scared to voice out.. Others won't have had voiced out..
2 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
Well, I am famous at the office for being vocal. They know that I will always voice out what I feel lest I will explode.
1 person likes this
• India
5 Sep 18
@SIMPLYD We need people like you.. Because here people shout to do wrong things.. We want a person who will shout for right things..
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
1 person likes this
• Philippines
7 Sep 18
Communication, I guess, is the key for understanding. If you chose to keep quiet but being resentment, it will cause an issue. Good thing that you open up your concern and it was addressed in a professional manner.
2 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
10 Sep 18
That is true. I would rather voice out what I feel if voicing it will be for the good of many. But if it will not do good, I would keep it to myself. It's hard to be resentful because you chose to be silent when you know it will do good for the majority.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
10 Sep 18
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72285)
• Philippines
4 Sep 18
Of course because what you were actually suggesting is for the benefit of your staff and not just your own caprice.
2 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
Yes, thank Toni. I cannot work when I know others are not comfortable with their working areas. How much more with my two boys (staff).
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38223)
• Philippines
4 Sep 18
The mall manager should also be commended. Not all bosses accept other employees’ ideas openly.
2 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
That is what is nice with our mall manager. She respects suggestions and would change her mind when she sees there is a better option than what she thought of.
@DianneN (246626)
• United States
4 Sep 18
I agree with you and you were brave in your honesty. I know I would want an area in which to work that was spacious. I always had my own desk and my own classroom.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
Actually, I wasn't able to voice it outright because the manager traveled to Manila that day with some of the officers for bench marking. But the next day, I told the staff who did the perspective of the arrangement to tell her head who was also with the manager travelling. So she did, and that day, my wish was granted because a picture was sent and they saw the crammed space indeed.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
@DianneN You know what, I prayed hard that our mall manager will understand our situation. Though, I am 90% sure since I know, anyone seeing the area including our safety officer whom I talked to, said that it's not a safe working area anymore.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246626)
• United States
5 Sep 18
@SIMPLYD I'm so glad it all worked out. That would have been an awful way to have to work.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325605)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Sep 18
I am sure I'd work better where there was space around me.
2 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
That is so true. That is why, I have to voice out the sad situation of my two boys ( staff).
1 person likes this
@ShifaLk (17817)
• India
5 Sep 18
Yes, when we are right, we should speak. I always raise my voice for my rights and for what is right.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
6 Sep 18
If we remain silent but angry inside, we might one day explode over a small concern.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
7 Sep 18
@ShifaLk My officemates have known me to be explosive long ago. Since then, they don't want to mess with me.
1 person likes this
@ShifaLk (17817)
• India
6 Sep 18
@SIMPLYD exactly, and when I explode, things really shatter haha..
1 person likes this
@Courage7 (19633)
• United States
4 Sep 18
Oh yes immediately like you I would voice it to her. That was wrong for the staff to be uncomfortable as it will reduce productivity. You did good Rebel Glad you prevailed. Keep going haha
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
Thank you. I wasn't able to sleep well that night, because I wasn't able to voice it outright, since the manager traveled to Manila with some of the officers, for bench marking. So the next day, I had the staff call her head that I don't like it that my two boys have a crammed up working area. A picture was sent. That day, we made the revised arrangement.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
6 Sep 18
@Courage7 I think any department head will do what I did, for the sake of his staff.
1 person likes this
@Courage7 (19633)
• United States
5 Sep 18
@SIMPLYD Very very good Rebel.
1 person likes this
@yoalldudes (35040)
• Philippines
4 Sep 18
This is a good application of assertiveness. Kudos to you.
2 people like this
@theend (2778)
• Gifu, Japan
5 Sep 18
Such a body would be more comfortable. I feel so beautiful.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
What do you mean by such comment. I don't find it related to what I am discussing, i think.
1 person likes this
@ridingbet (66857)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
@SIMPLYD sorry, but i am just laughing because of the comment and your response, unless the user is into translation of the posted comment.
1 person likes this
@theend (2778)
• Gifu, Japan
6 Sep 18
@SIMPLYD I mean your office. I'm not talking about your body.
1 person likes this
@lady1993 (27225)
• Philippines
4 Sep 18
that does make sense. It was quite brave of you to voice out your opinion
1 person likes this
@lady1993 (27225)
• Philippines
6 Sep 18
@SIMPLYD And it is nice that they appreciate it too
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
I think, I am the bravest to voice out anything that I think isn't right at the office. My officemates and our manager knows that.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
6 Sep 18
@lady1993 Oh yes, because if ever it is not good to the manager, I will be the one who will experience her ire.
1 person likes this
• China
6 Sep 18
Well done ! You spoke the truth and put in a word for your staff ,accordingly they got a bigger working area,therein lies your power.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
7 Sep 18
Thank you. My conscience cannot take up that I have a comfortable cubicle while they have a crammed up area.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
7 Sep 18
@changjiangzhibin89 Yes, that's how I am to them. It makes them happy working with me.
1 person likes this
• China
7 Sep 18
@SIMPLYD As a department head,you always try to be considerate towards your staff,and in turn,they support you in your work.
1 person likes this
• India
7 Sep 18
We have designated cubicles for the respective teams in our Organization so we are not crammed in a small space. I would definitely not prefer having large number of people in a short space as it affects moving in and moving out and can cause trouble to other fellows. Its great that you voiced out your concerns rather than just following what was told. I believe a Company should always keep open door policy and encourage employees to question.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
7 Sep 18
Yes, the work areas of each department should be properly delineated and should be spacious enough for them to be able to move easily. One thing that encourages me to speak out or voice out what I feel is that our immediate boss is understanding and cares for what is good for the employees. So, more or less I know that she will agree with me. We are free here to voice out suggestions. It is just other employee don't have the guts to do it.
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
7 Sep 18
@aadesh_1987 I super agree.
1 person likes this
• India
7 Sep 18
@SIMPLYD More than guts, I would say the employees need to be empowered to speak their thoughts and ask questions. An organization can thrive only when people put forth their ideas and not just follow the herd.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
4 Sep 18
It's good that you take the trouble to ensure that your staff is happy, well done.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
I cannot work well in the comfort of my own cubicle, while they suffer working and are unhappy in their new crammed up work areas. They were so happy and proud of me, after that.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
6 Sep 18
@jaboUK Thank you.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
5 Sep 18
1 person likes this
@just4him (305965)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
4 Sep 18
I'm glad you were able to voice your objections and were appeased with a better working situation.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
Actually, I wasn't able to voice it outright because the manager traveled to Manila along with some officers for benchmarking. That night, I was troubled and wasn't able to sleep well. The next day, I told the staff who did the perspective of the arrangement to text her boss that I complained of the crammed space of my two boys (staff) and that I don't like that they share with two more other department staff. So, the situation was remedied, according to what I asked it to be.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
6 Sep 18
@just4him Thank you.
1 person likes this
@just4him (305965)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
6 Sep 18
@SIMPLYD It's good it was.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
4 Sep 18
I like lots of space
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Sep 18
I think all of us do. I cannot work well in my cubicle knowing that my two boys aren't comforable in their working area, so I have to voice it out to our manager thru text.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
7 Sep 18
@FayeHazel Thank you.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
6 Sep 18
@SIMPLYD It's great that you can make that known
1 person likes this