The New Way of Working was originally initiated by Bill Gates while sending out an email in 2005 that used that very title. The general thought behind it is that the old way of working is based upon the industrial society, which has its main focus on the production of physical goods.
Nowadays, aiming at a high level of productivity is as important as it used to be, only the emphasis has shifted to the creation of an efficient environment that must enable employees to operate in perfect shape.
In terms of the New Way of Working, this means that the physical workspace is set up in a more flexible way. This could involve that the work is done at home, but it could also mean that the office is organized in a modern way. The arrangement of an office has been given a new significance.
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The acoustics make the difference
A huge difference lies in the approach to minimize the noise level in the office. Not only can overwhelming sound be disturbing and have a negative effect on productivity, but it can also be the cause of illness amongst the staff. Not just mentally, but physically as well.
Altering acoustics is a wise decision if you want to improve the working conditions for the better. No matter the location of your office, acoustics play an important role in the level of concentration.
Absorption of the sound
Noise is distracting, it’s as simple as that. As difficult as it is to create a noise-free environment, there are easier ways to decrease the noise. The reflection and absorption of sound waves produce what you perceive as noise. The waves bounce against all the objects that fill your office, like walls, chairs, and so on. If the surface of the objects is smooth and hard this will cause resonance. The best way to avoid this is by making sure that the noise is absorbed. Isolated walls, a freestanding screen or even improvised partitions could be the perfect solution to create a steadier and noise-free environment.
Ergonomics to straighten your posture
Another aspect of the New Way of Working is the use of ergonomics. Since a vast majority of the people working in offices sit behind their desks all day, it has been ever more necessary to align the body with the computer.
In order to avoid severe straining in the muscles and other bodily inconveniences, you must be positioned in the best possible way. This means the perfect height for the arms and eyes while working behind your screen. An easy way to achieve this is by making use of height adjustable desks. They allow you to sit and work at the appropriate height, making sure that you are well-placed. No need to say that taking breaks regularly and moving your body is also very healthy and productive. The New Way of Working is also about taking care of your body.
