Phlysical surroundings and distance can affect how well people communicate.
The farther away one person is from another, the less often they communicate.
Some research has shown that when the distance is more than 10 metres, the probability of communicating at least once a week is only 8%.
This compares with 25% for people less than 5 metres apart.
The physical layout of on office should therefore be carefully planned.
Open-plan offices, for example, are designed to encourage quick and easy communication.
Some companies prefer to install escalators, rather than lifts, to increase the chances of employees meeting face-to-face.