Hi all,
Currently debating an office move within my organisation (Law enforcement) and was looking for opinions on the wider scale on the best type of office environments for a Forensic computer Unit. Currently we are small office (4 x analysts 1 x supervisor) which is small but well ventilated and has large windows (2nd floor) which afford plenty of natural light if required.
As many of you know there are unique stresses that go hand in hand with dealing with particular case types and I for one am of the opinion that a good office environment can contribute greatly to better well-being.
A proposal is out that we move to a long narrow office with small windows - no views to the outside world and lesser ventilation. It is also in a building that no longer functions as an 'active' operational base for other law enforcement personnel and as such the benefit of social interaction is also being lost.
Am just curious how other units are currently set up and whether or not people feel as i do that office and personnel welfare should be taken into account at the planning stage. Being stuck in a 'box' for 8 - 10 hours a day does not really appeal to me!
Look forward to any comments…
Stay safe!!!
Dr G
Our office is open plan - we're behind 2 security doors, so it's a reasonably secure environment (we're also several floors up, so we can't be overlooked!). We're still in a large building, so there's plenty of interaction with other departments.
Personally, I prefer the open office. It encourages people to talk to each other, rather than working in isolation in small windowless rooms. Given the nature of the job we do, we should be able to get up and talk to our colleagues. I think a bit of light and space adds to a better office environment, otherwise it feels like you're stuck in some dingy basement.
In the end, it depends on your security needs and what space is available to you.