Are you thinking about switching to an open plan office?
This type of office design is increasing in popularity. But still, many people think it is just a pretentious idea from start-ups. The public may think it is just a way to cram in more bodies — but the benefits could alter your opinion.
If you are struggling to attract new employees, or your office workspace is becoming unmotivated, switching to an open plan office could solve your problems.
Keep on reading as we discuss why switching to an open plan office could be the right move for your business!
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What Is an Open Plan Office?
An open plan office is an office layout with no physical boundaries between employees who work at individual desks or workstations. You can frequently find this style of office space in corporate settings.
Removing the walls to create an open office help improve air quality by allowing more air circulation and less stagnant air. It helps remove any airborne contaminants that can lead to fewer respiratory illnesses.
There are also usually a lot of windows in an open office. These windows allow natural light to come in.
It benefits employees by keeping them attentive and making them feel more at ease in the workplace. It also helps to reduce eye strain.
And because the area is open, it can give your workplace a more spacious feel. It can be ideal for employees who feel cramped in their current office space.
It is also a cost-effective way to build. There’s no need for extensive construction because you can create it fast with the service of commercial wall removal.
This type of office is also easier to maintain, compared to a traditional office setting, as you only need to clean and repair fewer private areas.
Improves Communication and Collaboration
An open plan office has several potential benefits related to improved communication and collaboration. First, it can foster a greater sense of community among employees. Employees form strong bonds when they can see and communicate with one another.
Second, it can reduce barriers to communication, making it easier for employees to share ideas and work together. Cubicles and walled-off offices can foster a feeling of isolation. Open space encourages team members to communicate and work together.
Third, it can increase the overall level of transparency in the workplace, which can lead to greater trust and cooperation. You can identify problems and solve them more quickly.
It can help reduce stress levels at work. And it also helps boost the morale of your employees.
Greater Engagement and Productivity
One of the most significant advantages is that it can lead to greater employee engagement and productivity.
Allowing employees to walk around and bump into one another during the workday might lead to unexpected and serendipitous encounters. Those brief conversations can lead to new perspectives and better solutions to problems.
Besides, it can help increase employee motivation. When you let people feel like they are part of a team and working towards common goals, they become more engaged in their work. It can lead to better job satisfaction and performance.
In fact, a study found that employees with more face-to-face interactions are more engaged with their work. They are also less likely to leave their jobs.
Reduces Distractions and Improves Focus
In an open-plan office, employees are typically seated near one another. This setup can help lessen environmental distractions. Fewer wall partitions can also help to reduce things like personal conversations and side conversations.
Many people think that open-plan offices are noisy and distracting. Yet, there is evidence that they can improve focus.
In fact, a study found that occupants of open plan offices were more likely to report high levels of concentration than those in private offices. There are a few possible explanations for this. First, open plan offices provide more informal collaboration and social interaction opportunities.
It can lead to a more stimulating work environment which can help to keep people engaged.
Second, open plan offices can increase transparency and accountability. Employees see what others are working on and how they are working, so they feel more motivated to do their job.
Finally, it encourages a culture of continuous learning. Employees tend to share knowledge in an open office, providing more opportunities for learning from others.
Increases Creativity and Better Ideas
An open-plan office fosters increased creativity and better ideas. With more people around, more potential ideas are floating around.
People are more likely to have chance meetings or unplanned discussions that promote new, inventive ideas. The place also tends to be more relaxed and comfortable, allowing a continuous flow of better ideas.
And because you do not restrict people to a narrow, isolated place, they feel more connected to one another.
Open Plan Office Improves Work and Life Balance
The enhanced communication and collaboration in open plan offices can lead to a comfortable work and life balance. Employees have more control over their work environment.
They can even customize their workstations to their needs. This can lead to a better working environment and more enjoyable work days.
Furthermore, because an open plan workplace lowers distractions and allows employees to focus on their task, their productivity increases and work-related stressors decrease.
The Bottom-line
The benefits of an open plan office are many and varied. But the bottom line is that it increases productivity and communication while fostering a sense of community in the workplace.
If your company is considering switching to an open-plan office, keep in mind that you are doing it for the needs of your business and your employees.
Make sure to build in plenty of collaboration and break-out areas. And prepare for a tiny bit of adjusting period as employees get used to the new layout.
Make the switch now and enjoy the various benefits of an open office!
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