Work in a limited, open-space environment

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LEARN is a new (name type of business) business that has been operating for five years.  Beginning with ten employees initially, the company now has 20 full-time employees who work in a limited, open-space environment.  Many of the employees have complained that the open space working environment creates distractions, caused by excessive noise/chatter, crowding, clutter etc., that prevent them from being fully productive.  After lengthy discussion and trial runs, a work-from-home policy was developed and instituted on a pilot basis.  Six months later, it is clear to senior executives that the policy is working:  employee morale has improved and productivity levels have increased.

Responding to the scenario,

  • Write a 300 – 500-word interoffice memo addressed to all staff. Cover the following:
      1. Results of the pilot work-from-home policy;
      2. Decision made to continue with policy for the foreseeable future;
      3. Recognizes employee contribution to the success of the policy;
      4. Acknowledges benefits of the work from home policy;
      5. Reminder that work-from-home policy is an option only:
        • If it is temporary (no more one to five days away from the office);
        • If it is clear that working at home is the best way to accomplish work priorities;
        • if their job duties allow it, that is, collaboration with other team members and contact with clients are not affected;
        • The majority of their work is carried out on a computer;
        • Cybersecurity and data privacy are not concerns;
        • Direct supervisor has been given at least two days notice of request;
        • All work at home requests must be approved by employee’s direct supervisor.