Argentina. A study carried out by the consulting company, Adecco, and its subsidiary in the South American country, studied the problems of coexistence that exist at work, which showed that during the summer, air conditioning and schedules are the factors that generate the greatest number of conflicts.
What are the problems of working coexistence?
When asked what are the aspects that generate more discussions at work, 44% responded that they have problems with the times of entry and exit, and another 28% do not agree with the air conditioning. Other highlights are cell phone ringtones, heating food (especially the one with an ugly smell), music and "Who makes coffee?", since the one who finishes it, does not prepare it for the next partner.
Air conditioning: 28% admit that they do not agree with colleagues, while 44% reach an agreement without generating conflict, and 28% have no option since it has central air conditioning.
Music: It is a crucial issue in open offices. While 42% agree, 25% do not and choose to take turns choosing between colleagues or listening to each their music with headphones. 3 out of 10 people do not listen to music during the working day.
Lunch: According to the respondents, in general the time of lunch is not a matter of conflict, 33% already have pre-established shifts, 25% have a single shift where they have lunch all together, another 23% arrange it at the moment, 17% eat at the desk, and only 3% admit that there are conflicts with schedules and shifts.
Noises: 7 out of 10 say that noises and calls in the office are not a problem because they are already used to it or have a meeting room for these issues, while 25% find it annoying because it makes it difficult to concentrate.
Work environment and discussions
More than half of Argentines (51%) say they have a good work environment, while 20% rate it as regular, 21% as excellent and 6% as bad. In addition, 3 out of 10 say it worsens during the summer as a result of heat, transportation, increased irritability and air conditioning.
Open or closed offices?
More than half prefer to work in an open office, while 45% opt for the closed office.
When asked about the benefits of working in an open office, 60% believe that it favors teamwork, 49% believe that it improves interaction, 37% because it allows sharing work situations, 25% because it allows sharing a space and 22% because it favors creativity.
Likewise, when asked about the problems that this type of office has, 56% affirm that noise is the greatest conflict, 40% believe that concentration is difficult, 35% believe that it does not offer privacy and 31% believe that it hinders the definition of personal space.
More than half of respondents (54%) say they like their workplace, against 35% who responded with a "more or less" and 10% who were negative.
Source: Adecco Argentina.
