What are the benefits of “open” plan offices?
The key benefits of “open” plan offices relate to providing enhanced opportunities for communication and interaction when they are critical elements of the work process. The issues of noise, unwanted distractions and disruptions, lack of confidentiality and capacity to concentrate are generally raised as the key problems with “open” office. It is a question of getting the balance right between “open” and “enclosed” spaces and providing opportunities for staff to have quiet locations where concentrated work can be done and private discussions can be held and at the same time fostering opportunities to encourage communication, share knowledge and support interaction between groups.
