Open-plan office. Many people intuitively cringe when they hear this term. Most people equate a large and open office environment with noise, hectic, ringing telephones, little space and privacy and a high noise level. However, if planned correctly, open space can become a space for focus, concentration and teamwork and create the best conditions for efficient working.
In the past, workspaces were planned according to two extremes: Either employees sat separately in individual offices behind closed doors or next to each other in an open-plan office, as if in a box. Modern concepts bring a breath of fresh air to these working environments. The spatial design of the workplace has a decisive influence on well-being and productivity. Anyone who struggles with their surroundings, misses contact with colleagues or, on the other hand, can no longer understand their own thoughts due to the noise level, can hardly be productive.
Every team member ticks differently. While one person needs absolute peace and quiet for their work, another likes to interact and can work even when there are three phone calls going on around them. What's more, these needs can also change for individuals depending on the current tasks of the day. The open space office therefore creates different spaces for different needs.
With the help of various elements such as partition walls, large plants, lounge furniture, glass elements or high containers, very large work areas can be structured in such a way that an almost living room atmosphere is created. The open office landscape is divided into many small areas, in which there are both retreats and communal spaces for meetings.
When lots of people come together in a room, there is automatically a level of noise. A crackling here, a conversation there and there's always that one person tapping the keys extra loudly. Noise is one of the biggest stress factors that can disrupt concentration and even make people ill. Studies have shown that employees who are constantly exposed to noise in their day-to-day work show a drop in performance and are absent more often. There are already numerous options available today for optimizing room acoustics. In addition to varied zoning, noise-reducing furniture, sound-absorbing walls and acoustic wall and ceiling panels can all contribute to improving room acoustics.
Resourceful manufacturers have also developed so-called telephone booths for the office. These are self-contained, small rooms that are placed in the middle of the open space. These are soundproofed and offer a retreat for concentrated work, discreet meetings in small groups or important phone calls.
Some companies are even going one step further and breaking up the traditional work areas. Each employee is no longer assigned a fixed workstation; instead, everyone works in the workstation that is free and currently offers the best conditions for the tasks at hand. This creates efficiency on several levels. In larger companies in particular, jobs almost always remain vacant. This occurs because employees are sick, on vacation or sitting in meetings all day. These workstations are wasted for the day or even the whole week. Instead, employees who are currently working together on a project and need short distances for mini-meetings can sit next to each other.
The efficiency of the working environment can significantly increase the efficiency of teams. It is therefore worth considering individual concepts for your own office environment and taking a step towards the future with an open space.
Do you have the feeling that your employees need a change of space? Get in touch with US and we will help you find a constructive solution for your employees!