I recently accepted a new job at a company much smaller than the previous one I worked for (18 employees instead of 500) The smaller company and it's friendlier culture was part of what drew me in.
In my previous company I noticed it's easy to get distanced from colleagues working at another floor or in a room that's not close. Also there's a natural tendency to form social groups based on location in the building that might collaborate less and have more conflict in between the groups.
Right now every colleague at my current company works at the same floor, divided in a few big rooms. This will not fit in the long term, which is why we will occupy another floor and will split.
Do you have any suggestions on how to keep working together closely in this situation? What would stimulate colleagues to see each other regularly and maintain a coherent group?
As it's a small company and the employer is open for suggestions, I'm mainly looking for ways to improve the office environment to support a close group of coworkers.