Face to face interaction through informal

communication.
Face to face interactions in formal collaborative
relationships are essential for productivity but
informal unplanned impromptu interactions
also equally affect productivity. Relatively
unstructured information exchange is also looked
upon to strengthen organizational culture and
interpersonal relations.
Movement and spatial configuration play a vital
role in informal interactions. When the circulation
passage passes by the work area, it increases face
to face interactions amongst colleagues which are
often informal, social interactions. Hence, passages
are considered as one of the most conductive
aspects of spatial planning that facilitates chance
encounters and impromptu interactions. Therefore,
there are open pockets of seating incorporated in
the passage areas which foster such interactions.
Communal spaces and immediate spillovers are
most conductive for informal interactions. Visual
connectivity in the space also plays a vital role in
inter communication within a workspace. Although,
it is essential to note that more than the physical
characteristics of a space, their location is of
prime importance to foster informal interactions.
Fig 3.1.11. Chance encounters due to movement Fig 3.1.12. Hyatt headquarters office
where work area is a cluster
of focus, collaborative and immediate spill over to foster interactions.
planned through the work area
So, as much as face to face interactions are essential
for efficient work, so is the spatial planning and layout
that conducts them. The layout not only affects the
movement of employees in space but also creates
either an interactive space which encourages
collaborative work or separate work areas where
the frequency of interaction is low. Increase in
probability of interactions increases coordination
,and it is done through spatial configurations and
planning of movement paths. Hence, the layout has
a direct influence on the ease of interactions and
office productivity.
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