The world of work is constantly changing. Especially since the pandemic turned many people’s work lives upside down, the discussion surrounding office spaces has become more relevant than ever. Should you opt for an “office-first” solution, or prioritize flexibility with remote work? Do employees need private offices, an open-plan layout, or perhaps a hybrid solution? After all, the choice of office space affects not only productivity and employee well-being but also the company’s bottom line and sustainability profile.
Open-plan offices, which have dominated office architecture for decades, have long been praised for promoting collaboration and reducing costs. But as most leaders may have discovered, this isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution.
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of this popular solution, and how smart technology can help strike the right balance.
In a study from NTNU , 58% of respondents said they were more satisfied with open-plan offices when it came to sharing knowledge and experiences. As many as 66% found that collaboration within a department was “better” or “much better” in the open-plan office. The study thus supports the idea that open-plan offices contribute to a more dynamic and transparent work culture.
Furthermore, the NTNU study shows that the open layout makes it easier for inexperienced employees to learn from more experienced colleagues. One of the interviewees stated that it is easier to “just ask a question out loud in the room and get an answer.” This type of casual exchange and immediate access to expertise can be extremely valuable for companies facing challenges related to knowledge gaps between new hires and more experienced employees.
In addition, open-plan offices offer significant space efficiency. Less space per employee also means lower rent and operating costs. Such efficiency is not only a financial benefit but also an important step toward more sustainable operations.
Despite many advantages, there are also some challenges associated with open-plan offices. Noise is one of the biggest. Constant chatter, ringing phones, and the sounds of the coffee machine can make it difficult to concentrate on complex tasks. In fact, the NTNU study found that 65% of employees found it difficult to perform work that required concentration and quiet. This is consistent with a Statistics Norway (SSB) survey that showed many employees prefer cubicles precisely to ensure they can concentrate adequately.
The lack of privacy can also be a significant drawback. Many employees feel as though they are “on display,” which can lead to additional stress and reduced job satisfaction. Employees who need quiet to think may feel compelled to find alternative workspaces, such as a home office, which in turn can lead to underutilization of the office.
Furthermore, the NTNU study showed that even though open-plan offices had small rooms for focused work, these were rarely used. The reasons were often a poor environment, an inconvenient location, or a lack of necessary technical equipment. This proves that a good office solution requires more than just knocking down walls; it must also support a variety of work needs.
Open-plan offices have become the standard in most industries, but this has not always been the case. In 2013, Statistics Norway (SSB) published a survey conducted in connection with the relocation of office space for all employees in the administrative department in Oslo.
So, how can you maximize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks of open-plan offices? The answer lies in smarter use of data and technology. At BLDNG, we specialize in transforming offices into smart and efficient workplaces. Our solutions collect real-time data from sensors and systems within the building, providing you with the insights needed to tailor the space to actual needs and usage.
With our solutions, you can access usage data for meeting rooms, workstations, and common areas. This shows you where and when the office is actually being used. Perhaps there’s a surplus of workstations at one end of the office, while the other end is constantly full? With this insight, you can optimize space utilization, which leads to direct cost savings through reduced energy waste and smarter maintenance.
The study from NTNU also points out that there are significant discrepancies between how people think they spend their day at the office and how they actually do. Employees often believe they work more alone in front of a screen than they actually do. By using data from BLDNG, you as a manager can gain an objective picture of how the workplace is used, providing a better basis for decisions regarding optimization and improvement.
The choice between an open-plan office and cubicles is no longer an either/or debate. By implementing smart technology, the drawbacks of open-plan offices can be minimized while maximizing the benefits. A smart open-plan office adapts to employees’ needs, provides management with valuable insights, and contributes to more sustainable operations for both the company and the building owner.
Is your office ready for the future? Book a meeting with us!