askST Jobs: Meetings and chats at the breakout area next to my desk can get quite ‘lively’. What can I do?
Shared spaces are for everyone, but consideration and clear ground rules can prevent friction.
The workspace at <source>askST</source> has become increasingly lively due to spontaneous meetings and chats happening in the breakout area near individual desks. Business correspondent Timothy Goh raises concerns about this trend in his series on navigating workplace challenges. According to Li Fengling, a certified senior professional at the Institute of Human Resource Professionals, it is crucial for colleagues to directly address any disruptions in a positive manner, as HR should focus on setting conditions rather than policing behavior.
Li emphasizes that shared spaces should be considered by everyone, and guidelines should be practical and communicated clearly. Workplace Asia's Tan Weixi suggests having a conversation about the proper use of shared spaces instead of confronting colleagues directly. He proposes simple ground rules, such as limiting the duration of group discussions or reserving the area during certain times for larger groups. The ultimate goal is to ensure shared spaces are used responsibly and comfortably by all employees.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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