Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!pdn!reggie
From: reggie@pdn.UUCP (George W. Leach)
Newsgroups: comp.software-eng
Subject: Re: Is it hot in here or is it me?
Keywords: workspace office cubicle status book-review
Message-ID: <3927@pdn.UUCP>
Date: 2 Aug 88 12:39:41 GMT
References: <12849@agate.BERKELEY.EDU>
Reply-To: reggie@pdn.UUCP (George W. Leach)
Organization: Paradyne Corporation,   Largo FL
Lines: 39

In article <12849@agate.BERKELEY.EDU> bks@ALFA.berkeley.edu (Brad Sherman) writes:

>Anxious managers might be surprised to find that, given a free choice in the
>matter, not everyone will opt for a private office.  Problems involving
>private offices seem to stem from the fact that, historically, they have
>been assigned based on status, not need.


       In some companies this is true.  Just like the type of furniture one
is given is a status symbol.  However, this is not a justification for sweeping
the issue under the rug!  Constantly one hears about how important an issue
productivity is.  Yet, whenever a suggestion is put forth concerning ways to
improve productivity it usually involved an increase in spending for more
and better equipment, offices over cubes, etc.....  These involve REAL money.
Increased productivity, while it reduces costs, is not an immediate or very
visable quantity.  Any type of study that can make valid measurements via a
controlled experiment to show that the cost of such improvements will result
in paybacks over many years would be a help.


        The amazing thing is that almost all companies are willing to provide
some sort of financial assistance to the *individual* for the purpose of
continuing education, either in the form of pursuing a degree or attendance
at a seminar, conference or outside course.  Yet, the turnover rate in this
industry is quite high.  So what is the net return on this investment for an
employer?  Now, when an employee leaves you loose all that training as well.
But offices, equipment, etc.... do not leave with the employee.  In fact, the
environment has a lot to do with the ability to attract and keep employees.
The financial investment in continuing education is something that most people
expect.  To not offer it puts you at a disadvantage in attempting to attract
quality people.  Yet, how many companies view issues like offices, equipment,
etc... in the same light?


-- 
George W. Leach					Paradyne Corporation
..!uunet!pdn!reggie				Mail stop LF-207
Phone: (813) 530-2376				P.O. Box 2826
NOTE: codas<--->pdn will be gone soon		Largo, FL  34649-2826