There is a growing preference for open spaces in office buildings. Today, many companies are choosing open spaces that encourage co-working among their staff. What’s at stake? Both open and closed offices have their advantages, it’s true. Find out the benefits of each so you can make the best choice for your workplace design.
The benefits of open offices
1. It’s much easier to communicate with each other
With an open office, you don’t have to contact a colleague or walk down the hall to their desk to ask a question or have a quick chat.
2. The number of collaborations has increased
Increase the chances of a successful project by keeping your team members close to each other and encouraging them to help each other.
3. Lighting should be improved
An open workplace design allows for maximum exposure to sunlight. This has a number of practical benefits, including reduced eye strain and lower electricity costs. According to a study on the subject, employee morale and performance increase when the amount of natural light in the office is increased.
4. This improves employee morale
Open and airy spaces appeal to many people. Both employee morale and recruiting efforts can benefit from open office design, as can recruiting and attraction strategies.
Benefits of enclosed offices
1. There are fewer things to occupy attention.
A closed office provides a quiet, distraction-free environment to work on tasks that require concentration.
2. Decreased interpersonal conflict.
Proximity to coworkers increases the likelihood that their behavior will become annoying, which can lead to conflict and drama. Closed offices can lessen the impact of these morale-draining events.
3. Fewer absences from work
One person’s illness or cold can easily spread to the rest of the team in an open work environment. In the event of an outbreak, it is easier to maintain hygiene in a closed office because there is less face-to-face interaction. This could result in fewer days of sick leave.
4. Confidentiality
In a closed office, employees have the privacy they need to discuss and work with private information like performance reviews and salaries. Employees can also make personal phone calls in closed work spaces, which improves work-life balance.
It is critical to remember that open and closed office environments are not mutually exclusive. It is common for space planners to recommend using both types of space in the same office.
There are many ways to accommodate the different needs of your employees, such as allowing some to work in open spaces and others to work in typical closed offices.
