Open Office Layouts: Where They Succeed and Where They Fail
When working with a site selection company, you may consider different layouts to meet your office’s needs. The fluidity of an open office layout is unmatched. Shared workspaces are displacing confined cubicles, while more visibility and networking opportunities replace closed doors, making workers more accessible to one another.
Conversely, as open offices layouts break down physical barriers that once divided a team, they may also open the floor to privacy intrusions, distractions, and stress. As you move through this article, you’ll discover where open office layouts succeed, where they fail, and whether it’s the right environment for your business.
Success: Improved Communication Within Team
An office lacking physical barriers may encourage workers to communicate and work closely together as a team. The improved communication may promote greater collaboration, making the team more approachable.
Fail: More Opportunities for Distractions
As an open layout discards cubicles to amplify space, it also may increase distractions deterring employee focus and productivity. From loud conversations to interrupting habits, workers may notice many more factors that keep them from getting work done.
Success: More Cost-Effective Than Traditional Office Layouts
Open floor office spaces often require fewer funds to establish working areas. You can ensure each employee has the necessary space and equipment to conduct business without investing in individual desks and walls.
Fail: Employees May Have Experience a Lack of Privacy
Many people favor cubicles over open office layouts as they offer more privacy. Employees may feel uncomfortable making a private phone call with the neighboring person overhearing. While a lack of privacy can turn most away, it can also prompt workers to remain focused.
Success: Flexible Layouts That Allow for Rearrangement
Open office plans are versatile and dynamic. Unlike traditional office spaces, you can integrate more workers into the design without having to add walls or renting floors or buildings. As more employees onboard, a layout may need to change to accommodate added workspace.
Fail: Germ and Bacteria Spread Is Greater
Without walls and cubicles, an employee fighting a cold can quickly spread germs to others. As the germs continue to spread, you should expect decreased productivity, as employees can become sick and take time off work.
Open office layouts are a modern improvement to the standard workplace. Knowing where they succeed and where they fail allows you to gauge whether building this type of environment would help or hurt your team.