If you've worked in an office, you know there are often many obstacles to productivity. Whether it's too many interruptions, a loud coworker, or just poor communication, aspects of the work environment can detract from your ability to focus. Over the years, office spaces have evolved to suit modern working styles, but some inefficiencies remain. This article looks at where we've been, where we're going, and how those changes can affect workplace productivity.
Yesterday
Ever work in a traditional office with doors and walls or a cubicle farm with rows of semi-partitioned spaces? For many people those layouts can feel isolating or confining.
In 1993 Dr. Francis Duffy and Jack Tanis warned that offices designed for an earlier era risked stifling initiative rather than stimulating invention. They advocated for physical spaces that give employees "the maximum freedom to use all their talents."
Today
Around that time open-plan offices—large, open spaces with few physical barriers—were rising in popularity. The intent was to increase collaboration, creativity, and productivity by encouraging a sense of group togetherness and a more relaxed, creative atmosphere.
Physical barriers have been closely linked to psychological privacy, and a sense of privacy boosts job performance.
While open layouts can improve communication and team work, they can also reduce the quality of individual work. Many people report not having enough privacy and being distracted by noise, and in some settings open plans have negatively affected productivity.
For guidance on balancing employee needs and workplace policies, see Workplace trust, safety, events and accommodations.
Tomorrow
Most offices won't revert entirely to traditional cubicles; open layouts let more people work per square foot and reduce overall space needs. The challenge is blending open and private elements to support both collaboration and focused work.
Design solutions include private breakout rooms for individuals or small groups, alcove sofas, and workbays that break up open areas and provide more private options. With more people using mobile devices and flexible schedules, workplaces should allow employees to move and choose the setting that fits the task.
Consider practical concerns such as technology, security, and insurance coverage when planning flexible spaces—see Office Technology, Security, and Insurance Tips for related considerations.
How has the way you work changed, and how has your workplace evolved in response? If you're evaluating office coverage or changes to workspace design, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do open offices affect productivity?
Open offices can improve communication and collaboration but often reduce privacy and increase distractions, which may harm focused individual work.
What are breakout rooms and why are they useful?
Breakout rooms are small private spaces for individuals or small teams; they provide quiet areas for concentrated work or confidential conversations within an open-plan office.
Should a business update its insurance when changing workspace layouts?
Yes—changes to office layouts, technology, or occupancy can affect risk and coverage needs, so consult an agent to review policy implications.