ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: Xuân Phi, 29/11/2021
Supported by: Ex-BC Examiner, 30/11/2021
Question: Nowadays, a lot of offices have open-space design instead of separate rooms. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
(IELTS Academic – 27/11/2021)
ANSWER (8.0+):
Many modern offices are now adopting open spaces in lieu of separate working areas for employees. While some would say that such a setting can heighten the level of distraction as well as pose risks to employees’ health, I contend that the fostering of closer collaboration among colleagues and reducing costs outweigh the disadvantages.
Open-space offices can result in more distractions which consequently affect productivity and health. Owing to a lack of private space, employees often have to contend with distractions, such as nearby conversations and co-workers congregating. These diversions may cause them to lose focus and engagement in their work. Furthermore, employees can potentially suffer from poorer health in an open-space office. As they are situated closer together, it gives various pathogens ample opportunity to spread and maximise the potential rate of infection. This can lead to increased absences from work, which in turn may negatively affect overall productivity.
However, open-space offices engender better social relations and cost less. Having an open office can reduce construction and utility expenses as well as the need for office equipment. All employees can share equipment and resources such as printers and stationery. Open-space offices can also engender closer communication and teamwork between workers. Such an environment makes it easier for them to exchange ideas and fosters greater inclusion. Since most businesses thrive on innovation, having all employees in a single space can help those ideas to flow faster and get everyone involved in the process.
In conclusion, despite the disadvantages related to loss of concentration and adverse risks to health, I would assert these are outweighed by how such a setup can stimulate closer collaboration between employees and reduce costs. In the near future, it is likely offices with separate rooms will completely be phased out in favour of open offices.
Word count: 299
WORD LIST:
|
ENGLISH |
TIẾNG VIỆT |
|
In lieu of |
Instead of |
|
Heighten the level of distraction |
Nâng cao mức độ mất tập trung |
|
The fostering of closer collaboration among colleagues |
Thúc đẩy sự hợp tác chặt chẽ hơn giữa các đồng nghiệp |
|
To congregate |
Tụ họp, họp nhóm |
|
To lose focus and engagement in their work |
Mất tập trung và mất sự kết nối với công việc của họ |
|
Various pathogens |
Nhiều mầm bệnh khác nhau |
|
Ample opportunity |
Nhiều cơ hội |
|
Potential rate of infection |
Tỷ lệ lây nhiễm tiềm năng |
|
Increased absences from work |
Gia tăng tỉ lệ vắng mặt/nghỉ làm |
|
Engender better social relations |
Tạo ra các mối quan hệ xã hội tốt hơn |
|
Construction and utility expenses |
Chi phí xây dựng và chi phí tiện ích |
|
Fosters greater inclusion |
Thúc đẩy sự hòa nhập nhiều hơn |
|
Thrive on innovation |
Phát triển nhờ sự đổi mới |
|
Adverse risks to health |
Các rủi ro tiêu cực tới sức khỏe |
|
To phase out sth |
Loại bỏ dần một thứ gì đó |
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