The diagram illustrates the layout of the typical working space in the US and Japan.
Overall, the design of the Japanese office only has three main areas to encourage employees to discuss and share with each other, while that of the US is divided into many areas to support the workers’ privacy. In addition, the typical working space in Japan has lower windows and doors than that of the US.
The Japanese office has two identical areas, with each having one desk for the section manager and six positions for employees. The position of the department manager is located behind this area to supervise his or her staff easily. Conversely, the US office consists of eight independent desks which are located in the centre. The section and department managers sit in the private corners which side on the right of the working space, helping them improve their ability of concentration.
The typical office in Japan only has one window and two doors which are set up behind the position of the department manager. In contrast, US companies build up to two windows at the left and right sides as well as doors at four corners of their office. In addition, we can see many functional rooms such as conference, storage, and printer copiers in the typical office of US enterprises.