More and more companies are adopting an open office design plan in which there are few offices or cubicles for workers. However, this type of distribution can also harm the concentration of employees, so hybrids have been appearing that are able to combine open offices with privacy. The idea is that each employee can have their workspace separated from the rest, but that they can also collaborate with each other just by turning the chairs or opening the doors.
Proximity vs. Productivity
Currently, many workers prefer to have a private space that invites concentration. However, we cannot deny that collaboration between team members is fundamental, especially in companies in the technology sector, where innovation is one of the key pillars. The point is that too much proximity can significantly reduce productivity and creativity. More and more people are feeling frustrated working in modern offices without any physical barriers where distractions and noise are constant.
Too Much Space
More than 65% of U.S. employees are unhappy with the degree of noise from their companies and 53% say people’s traffic bothers them while they work. If a worker spends more than half of his working day concentrating, it is clear that his performance will be affected.
Finding a Balance
One of the best solutions to the noise problem is to design workspaces for everyone to get their work done while also allowing people to interact with other colleagues easily. For this reason, there are many companies that have already begun to include small cubicles or office screens in their designs. The cubicle workspaces allow workers to maintain their privacy. However, it also allows employees to be closer together without the obvious distractions and is thought to be the ideal office design plan for most workers.
But in addition, regardless of whether cubicles or open offices are chosen, experts in an office design plan advise that the company has some private rooms that can be used for other purposes, such as conference rooms, meeting rooms, patios, and walking areas.
Privacy Concerns
Despite the rise in privacy concerns and distractions, there are companies that are taking the open office concept to another level by integrating workspaces in which employees do not have an assigned place. These offices seem to be the perfect solution to noise, as workers don’t have to sit next to their coworkers every day. Although soundproof cubicles can also be installed to avoid issues that would affect productivity.
Millenials Don’t Care
Millennials are those born between 1980 and 1990. This generation doesn’t seem to care too much about the bustle of the office and appreciates the design of open offices because it gives them the opportunity to socialize, work as a team, and help each other when a problem arises, which compensates for the negative aspects.
The Benefits of Both
Both open offices and cubicles have their advantages and disadvantages and depend a lot on the sector and the work system that is applied in the company. You are the only one that can decide which one best suits your company. Nevertheless, if you need advice, do not hesitate to ask for advice from the experts in the office design plan industry. GIve us a call today!
