Do Open-plan Office Systems Really Work?
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Many business owners, employers, and managers have accepted open-plan systems because they believe that these promote better communication in the office. In addition, these systems help them reduce building costs. In this regard, most owners look at the good side of it and neglect the consequences to their workers. Do Open-plan Systems Really Work? An article published by the Sydney Morning Herald revealed that 9 out of 10 offices in Australia are open plan. Many people think that it's the most effective layout due to its popularity, but office workers say otherwise. Managers see open plan offices as a way to save money and improve collaboration, but many say that makes for a noisy and distracting atmosphere in the office. There's the lack of privacy, as well.
A study by researchers from Stockholm University, which was published in the latest edition of Ergonomics, monitored 2,000 workers to find out the truth behind openplan office spaces. According to them, employees in open-plan spaces are likely to take more days off. The risks are higher in shared workplaces because of infection and exposure to environmental stress, like noise. Another Swedish research shows that openplan workers have higher blood pressure and stress levels because they struggle more due to the lack of privacy.
What System Should Offices Follow? The effectiveness of an open-plan system depends on the type of work. It's true that collaboration is necessary, but it's best to take note of how employees want to work. People have different preferences, which can affect their working pace. One employee might be good at ignoring their surroundings, while others can be sensitive. If employees need a quiet environment to concentrate on their tasks, then it's best to let them have their own office. It doesn't have to be spacious, though. Many employees find partitions and other enclosed spaces acceptable. If they can work in peace, their productivity can increase. Open-plan spaces might or might not be detrimental to the business's productivity. Nonetheless, it's best to know what working conditions employees are comfortable with to motivate them to work.
Sources: http://www.news.com.au/open-plan-offices-make-you-sick/storye6frfm69-1111118550887 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific /australia/10315165/Workers-less-satisfied-in-open-plan-offices.html http://www.thecaretakers.com.au/