Essay: Open plan offices

In management efforts to make the work more satisfying for employees, the open space office concept will become prominent. Although this may result in less privacy for workers, open space designs will be more consistent with more open communications. The result of this concept will likely be the reduction of status differentiation within the organisation, a movement toward a more open atmosphere.
In future years the offices will be characterised as spaces enclosed by movable portions. These offices will probably be self contained units (desk furniture part of or attached to the partitions), which will provide privacy while reaping the benefits of an open space design. Colours too will become more important in establishing office decors. Colours that are soothing will be selected rather than the more vibrant colours. The offices of the future will require more deliberations than just finding a place to place a desk. Because the environment has such an impact on employee productivity, this area is likely to become a major function within human resources.
Decline of Unions:
Because of the bimodal distribution of the work force, there will be even fewer employees joining unions. The unions will focus, however, on the low to moderately skilled workers.
Although there will be a fewer people unionised, the animosity between management and unions, will intensify. The presence of unions will further dichotomise the groups in the bimodal workforce. This is likely to further exacerbate the tension between the ‘educated professionals’ and the ‘minimum wage service workers’.
Conclusion:
Certainly no one can predict the future, and we are not implying that we can. However, the evidence thus far points to a more active interest in and careful implementation of human resource management. Remember that management is, by definition, getting things done through people. If manager are to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve their organizations competitive posture, they must focus on how to properly manage personnel.
As an aspiring manager, you will be charged with the responsibility for effectively and efficiently managing your subordinates. This leadership role is one that does not manifest itself overnight. It is a lengthy process. You must be willing to expand your time and energy to learn how to manage people. Managing the human resources has changed drastically from the days when manager hovered over subordinates with a stopwatch and threats of punishment. The environment in which managers work today is more dynamic than in the past. Additionally, the individuals with whom they work are increasingly diverse in intents, abilities, and motivations. The result is a future with exciting challenges and opportunities for managing organizations most valuable resources- its people.