Workplace design is centered between these four dimensions of tensions. In dealing with tensions, workplace design should integrate the goals, objectives, and considerations of each of these four dimensions to be successful in supporting the business. 

Workplace Design and Handling Tensions

1. Financial management
2. Organizational Design
3. Information technology
4. Facilities management

Grand Valley State University

Every organization or group has a set of goals or outcomes that are expected/wanted but often these goals are in conflict with one another. This creates tensions that must be overcome in the workplace design. 

Tensions in Workplace Design

Chan, J., Beckman, S., & Lawrence, P. (2007). Workplace Design: a New Managerial Imperative. California Review Management 49(2). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.2307/41166380?casa_token=OQgRxDg89p0AAAAA:OYevrAPj5_ZffT4TSepzfsITIECcvy-il4vhj6Gv8L6za36ItvAvbprcrW-e-3kALT7BOw9uhK8ybvA

Workplace Design: A New Managerial Imperative 

4 Core Workplace Design Tensions

This axis of workplace design runs between facilities management and organizational design. It works on the physical aspects of the workplace to support work process and organizational preferences/needs that support the success of the business. 

Social-Physical Axis

This axis runs between facilities management and information technology. This axis focuses on resolving the tensions between the physical office setting and the office setting that is virtual/remote. 

Spatial-Network Axis

This axis goes between organizational design, human resource management, and information technology. This axis focuses on knowledge and information management which correlate to effectiveness and efficiency.

Knowledge-Communication Axis

This axis goes between the concepts of financial management and all of the other three dimensions. This axis represents the balance of decisions being cost driven or driven by the goals of the organization. 

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