We previously cautioned that these offices pose a health hazard. Given the widespread transmission of the Coronavirus, it is imperative that we reiterate this warning. Despite the apparent indifference of the World Health Organization and local authorities, we urge you to exercise caution. Contrary to popular belief, particularly among the younger demographic, open-plan offices are not the norm. It is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of open versus closed office spaces.
The closed office space helps keep germs from spreading between employees and therefore provides workers with increased physical health safety. Closed office space also improves employees’ emotional wellbeing, as they are less exposed to work-related stressors, including the need to appear in constant productivity. Indeed, research has shown that employees working in closed offices tend to experience less age discrimination due to the exhibition of anxiety, cardiac issues and digestive problems caused by the stressful environment they are working in. These employees also experience less neurological problems, like vertigo, brought on by the busy open-space environment. Link
This is not a cost-efficient work environment and is typically not utilized in impoverished countries or by companies driven by greed. Instead, they house their employees in structures resembling farms.
The US originated the “space” model to save money, not for higher salaries but for other purposes. I refer to these work spaces as “Aquariums” or hovels. There are no complaints from the employees who are akin to fish swimming silently within. They are often provided with machine-dispensed sandwiches of questionable quality, yet they appear content. It’s peculiar.
Open space offices are a model that has spread like a virus everywhere, and have been unobtrusively introduced around the world. However, no one explained what was behind it. But now, I think more and more people are aware of the dangers that exist, and are starting to ask for better work conditions. Of course, not in poor countries where people are happy even when they have something to eat and a smartphone.
These buildings should be prohibited by a competent government because the presence of a single diseased individual, regardless of whether it is due to influenza or bacterial infection, poses a potential threat to the health of others. This situation not only endangers your own health but that of others, and this creates a lucrative market for pharmaceutical companies.
Those who profit from constructing cost-effective buildings and offices are also the ones who create legislation. It is unreasonable to anticipate that they will be enthusiastic about resolving this issue.
The coronavirus is reportedly surging in select European nations. Alas, I observe an insufficient reaction from the authorities. It appears they are relying on the virus to simply pass over us. The Austrians, however, stand out for their attentiveness and concern for their populace, exemplified by their recent closure of a railway line. Meanwhile, other countries remain unresponsive.
We must not be self-centered and assume that this issue pertains solely to another country. However, to remain idle would result in calamity. The populace is insufficiently educated about the situation. Even organizations endowed with substantial funding cannot determine the virus’s latency period after two months. What are they even doing?
But let’s address the issue of “open space offices” and the potential danger they present. Consider the consequences if even a single person were to become ill. Some offices cram over 100 people into a mere 200 square meters, maximizing occupancy at the expense of personal space. This is akin to the layout of a cruise ship.
The modern and democratic world appears to be observing with anticipation. Rather than addressing the conditions in which individuals live and work, modern pharmaceutical companies and the WHO are seemingly focused on developing methods to enhance breast size. Thankfully, some companies allow their workers to work remotely from home, a superior alternative to subjecting individuals to unhealthy and crowded environments.
However, there exists a threat far more perilous than the virus, posing itself as the recession instigated by it. While the virus instills fear in us, very few are apprehensive of the possibility of bankruptcy. Our ideologies differ.
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Do you believe that you reside in a normal world? Please feel free to express your thoughts below.
