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I'd argue that's a side effect, not an intent... but you never know.


the intent of creating an office environment that is pleasant to work in is rarely something that employees provide enough input into. I would argue that the side effect of making an office that disrespects some employees perferences is more than a "blind spot", it's a "I don't give a damn"

Examples: - talkative/noisy areas - lighting level - speakerphones/headphones/cellphone conversations - kitchen/ping pong/foosball noises - privacy/divider existence/divider height - personalization - lighting/glare/sunlight/color reproduction - start/stop/break schedule - "cool" versus "comfortable", "public" vs "private" - "corner office" versus "bull pen"

In my new office, I was given the choice to rank my preference from nine desks in a small area (group/team cluster, because "synergy"). I didn't even bother asking if I could sit closer to people I like or identify with (the parents of children at home subgroup).


Every place I worked that has sought feedback threw it in the bin because of "costs" - smiled, nodded, agreed, then ignored.

Many people I've worked with gave a damn but were constantly ignored due to costs. Just my experience




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