The End of the Open Office?

There is evidence that working in open offices reduces productivity and the well-being of workers. So, open offices are not the best option for everyone. At Setting, we have also noticed that more and more companies are moving away from open offices and prefer private office spaces. Therefore, we have compiled the advantages and disadvantages of an open office to make it easier to decide which office form is best for your company.

The Origin of the Open Office

Open offices are not a new development. The first open office was created in New York in 1906 by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. His office, which had plenty of natural light and space, was incredibly well designed.

In the 1960s, the concept of "office landscaping" became popular in Europe. The desks were arranged in organic patterns that seemed almost chaotic in order to encourage communication between workers. The idea was to increase creativity and productivity by tearing down walls.

Decades later, these open space designs are gaining popularity again. However, the careful planning of Lloyd Wright's original open office has been lost in the meantime. Most open offices do not place enough value on careful space planning, and that is their downfall.

Advantages

Cost: An underestimated advantage of the open office is the price. Open offices are usually more cost-effective than private office spaces.

Better exchange opportunities: The absence of partitions and walls can promote employee communication. Closed doors in private offices can seem off-putting. The proximity to others can create a sense of belonging.

Flexibility: In an open office, you are not limited to one layout. You can adjust the spatial arrangement to the changing needs of the company. For example, if the company grows, the desks can be rearranged to accommodate more employees. This can also save costs.

Aesthetics: Open offices usually look more aesthetic than private offices. In open offices, employees literally have more room for creativity and can decorate the office according to their preferences.

Disadvantages

Distraction: One of the biggest disadvantages of the open office is the large number of potential distractions. Unintentionally overhearing phone conversations or conversations between colleagues can be perceived as disturbing by many. Therefore, many find it difficult to concentrate in open offices, which can reduce productivity.

Lack of privacy: Another disadvantage is the lack of privacy. Employees may feel uncomfortable having to work directly next to their boss or colleagues. They may feel constantly observed, which can lead to paranoia and exhaustion.

Conclusion

Open offices are a good option for rapidly growing companies and companies looking to save costs. However, they also have their limitations. In the end, the decision depends on the individual needs of the company. Therefore, it is important to weigh both the positive and negative aspects beforehand in order to make the best decision.

What experience have you had with open offices? Write to us at hello@setting.io.