Noise and distractions make it more difficult for employees to focus on their work and conduct business. Here are a few of the reasons behind the criticism of the open plan office: Reduced office equipment expenses since the open office design plan makes it easier to share printers, copiers and other office supplies.Įasier layout changes. Open plan offices can more easily accommodate increases in headcount, or rearrangements of groups due to changes in company structure. Lower build and fit-out cost. Without the need to build so many walls (or even purchase cubicles), the costs of constructing a space with an open office design can be as much as 20 percent lower.Įnergy savings. Having an open plan workplace also may reduce heating, cooling and electricity expenses thanks to improved flow of air and light. Increased collaboration. Particularly for functions such as sales and marketing where interaction is beneficial, open plan environments do tend to encourage employees to work together more than private office environments.Ĭreative thinking and innovation. When workers are able to easily get input from others without having to schedule a meeting, it can lead to better ideas. Here are some of the touted benefits of the open office design plan: Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of the open plan office, and an emerging idea that can combine the best features of open design and private work spaces. In the US, open office design plans are used in about 70 percent of offices, according to the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).Īt the same time, in recent years there has been a flurry of negative press about open office design, with critics now saying that it hinders productivity and worker attitudes. Tech companies such as Facebook and Google are leading the movement to open office design, and the idea has become mainstream in Australia and the Netherlands: the Sydney Morning Herald reports that nine out of ten offices in Australia are open plan. There’s a good reason why: the premise is that open office design floor plans tend to promote collaboration among workers, since the lack of barriers encourages more interaction. Open office design plans that minimize private offices and eliminate walls and doors have been gaining traction since the idea was introduced in the mid-20th century.
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