What is an Open-Plan Office?

An open-plan office does away with private offices and cubicles in favour of an open workspace. Employees sit together in the same large room, rather than being compartmentalised into separate departments.

Traditional features of an open office layout include:

• Few or no internal walls and partitions
• Desk clusters or benches instead of segregated workstations
• Minimal enclosed rooms for meetings and calls
• An open, collaborative environment

Of course, no two open-plan offices are exactly alike. Some incorporate a mix of private spaces alongside open areas. The key focus is creating a free-flowing, interactive workspace.

The Benefits of Open-Plan Offices

There are several reasons why open-plan has surged in popularity:

 1. Improved Communication and Collaboration

Sitting in close proximity allows for easy communication between colleagues. Face-to-face discussions can happen spontaneously, without the need to schedule meetings. This can lead to faster decision-making and problem-solving.

Open-plan also encourages collaboration across different teams. There are more opportunities for inter-departmental relationships, brainstorming sessions, and knowledge sharing.

 2. Cost Effectiveness

An open layout typically requires less construction than creating separate offices and cubicles. Open plans also allow companies to accommodate more employees in the same space. This leads to significant cost savings in terms of build, furniture, and ongoing utilities.

3. Flat Hierarchy

The open workspace helps flatten traditional office hierarchies. Managers sit alongside employees and are more visible and approachable. Many companies believe this leads to a happier, more inclusive environment.

4. Adaptability

No internal walls make it easy to reconfigure furniture as needs change. Teams can cluster together and then split apart effortlessly. This level of adaptability suits fast-paced industries where change is constant.

5. Energising Vibe

Many companies use open-plan to create a lively, energetic vibe. The constant buzz and activity can feel more stimulating than being isolated in cubicles. Open plan proponents believe this boosts morale, well-being, and productivity.

Potential Cons of the Open Office

However, open-plan offices also come with challenges that are worth considering:

1. Noise and Distractions

The lack of soundproofing makes noise unavoidable. Between nearby conversations, phone calls, and other ambient sounds, focus can be difficult. Employees may struggle to concentrate amidst constant distractions.

2. Lack of Privacy

Private conversations and meetings can be overheard in an open plan. Employees have no quiet space for sensitive calls or solo work. Privacy screens provide some separation between desks but don’t fully enclose a space.

3. Reduced Storage

Common storage space tends to be minimal. Employees don’t have a dedicated cupboard or drawer. The mess can accumulate quickly in a shared environment.

4. Too Stimulating

While some appreciate the buzz, others find the open office over-stimulating. The constant activity can feel disruptive rather than energising. Introverts and those requiring deep focus often struggle.

5. Conformity

Some sociology studies suggest open-plan environments pressure employees to conform. The lack of walls means the behaviour is constantly on display. This can stifle individuality and autonomous work.

Achieving Balance with an Open Plan Design

So should you ditch cubicles and go full open plan with your office refit? Or do the cons outweigh the benefits?

In truth, there is no one size fits all solution. The ideal office design depends on your business, employees, and priorities.

That said, the most effective open plans aim to promote the pros around collaboration while minimising the cons of noise and lack of privacy.

Here are some tips to achieve balance in an open-plan workspace:

• Create quiet zones away from main traffic routes using screens or glass partitions. These allow private focus work.
• Install phone booths for personal calls. Enclosed booths limit sound travelling.
• Use zoning to group teams that regularly interact, avoiding cross-team noise.
• Allow remote working part of the week. This reduces office numbers and noise.
• Incorporate meeting pods of various sizes to allow private discussions.
• Choose furniture and acoustic panelling to dampen noise.
• Provide break-out areas for group conversations away from desks.