Open space vs offices. Which one is better for a new team according to studies?
I want to create a new workspace for a small software development team (4-15 developers).
Is there any research into whether open workspaces or small offices make for a better working environment?
startup workspace
edited Feb 15 at 6:59
Kevin
1055
asked Feb 13 at 11:35
I. HamadI. Hamad
1,0072319
|
show 4 more comments
I want to create a new workspace for a small software development team (4-15 developers).
Is there any research into whether open workspaces or small offices make for a better working environment?
startup workspace
edited Feb 15 at 6:59
Kevin
1055
asked Feb 13 at 11:35
I. HamadI. Hamad
1,0072319
For open / closed, you mean a completely open space with no separation between developers vs separately cubicles or offices?
– DaveG
Feb 13 at 11:40
28
"Better" in which aspect? Cost? Flexibility? Employee production? Employee happiness?
– Abigail
Feb 13 at 13:46
6
Vote to close as too opinion-based, as I think we can all see from the comments here. As a software developer, who is also a huge introvert, I enjoy my open office space and would be reluctant to go back to a cubicle. Even introverts need to collaborate and the lack of high walls makes that easier. This directly contradicts several comments here. You aren't going to get a definitive answer.
– Seth R
Feb 13 at 21:50
4
@SethR there have been actual objective studies of this question (see the accepted answer, for example), closing it as opinion-based is inappropriate. Downvote answers that don't include citations if you like.
– Kevin
Feb 14 at 0:28
2
Being this is 2019, also consider remote working.
– GrandmasterB
Feb 14 at 6:25
|
show 4 more comments
I want to create a new workspace for a small software development team (4-15 developers).
Is there any research into whether open workspaces or small offices make for a better working environment?
startup workspace
edited Feb 15 at 6:59
Kevin
1055
asked Feb 13 at 11:35
I. HamadI. Hamad
1,0072319
I want to create a new workspace for a small software development team (4-15 developers).
Is there any research into whether open workspaces or small offices make for a better working environment?
startup workspace
startup workspace
edited Feb 15 at 6:59
Kevin
1055
asked Feb 13 at 11:35
I. HamadI. Hamad
1,0072319
edited Feb 15 at 6:59
Kevin
1055
asked Feb 13 at 11:35
I. HamadI. Hamad
1,0072319
edited Feb 15 at 6:59
Kevin
1055
edited Feb 15 at 6:59
Kevin
1055
edited Feb 15 at 6:59
Kevin
1055
1055
asked Feb 13 at 11:35
I. HamadI. Hamad
1,0072319
asked Feb 13 at 11:35
I. HamadI. Hamad
1,0072319
asked Feb 13 at 11:35
I. HamadI. Hamad
1,0072319
1,0072319
For open / closed, you mean a completely open space with no separation between developers vs separately cubicles or offices?
– DaveG
Feb 13 at 11:40
28
"Better" in which aspect? Cost? Flexibility? Employee production? Employee happiness?
– Abigail
Feb 13 at 13:46
6
Vote to close as too opinion-based, as I think we can all see from the comments here. As a software developer, who is also a huge introvert, I enjoy my open office space and would be reluctant to go back to a cubicle. Even introverts need to collaborate and the lack of high walls makes that easier. This directly contradicts several comments here. You aren't going to get a definitive answer.
– Seth R
Feb 13 at 21:50
4
@SethR there have been actual objective studies of this question (see the accepted answer, for example), closing it as opinion-based is inappropriate. Downvote answers that don't include citations if you like.
– Kevin
Feb 14 at 0:28
2
Being this is 2019, also consider remote working.
– GrandmasterB
Feb 14 at 6:25
|
show 4 more comments
For open / closed, you mean a completely open space with no separation between developers vs separately cubicles or offices?
– DaveG
Feb 13 at 11:40
28
"Better" in which aspect? Cost? Flexibility? Employee production? Employee happiness?
– Abigail
Feb 13 at 13:46
6
Vote to close as too opinion-based, as I think we can all see from the comments here. As a software developer, who is also a huge introvert, I enjoy my open office space and would be reluctant to go back to a cubicle. Even introverts need to collaborate and the lack of high walls makes that easier. This directly contradicts several comments here. You aren't going to get a definitive answer.
– Seth R
Feb 13 at 21:50
4
@SethR there have been actual objective studies of this question (see the accepted answer, for example), closing it as opinion-based is inappropriate. Downvote answers that don't include citations if you like.
– Kevin
Feb 14 at 0:28
2
Being this is 2019, also consider remote working.
– GrandmasterB
Feb 14 at 6:25
For open / closed, you mean a completely open space with no separation between developers vs separately cubicles or offices?
– DaveG
Feb 13 at 11:40
For open / closed, you mean a completely open space with no separation between developers vs separately cubicles or offices?
– DaveG
Feb 13 at 11:40
28
28
"Better" in which aspect? Cost? Flexibility? Employee production? Employee happiness?
– Abigail
Feb 13 at 13:46
"Better" in which aspect? Cost? Flexibility? Employee production? Employee happiness?
– Abigail
Feb 13 at 13:46
6
6
Vote to close as too opinion-based, as I think we can all see from the comments here. As a software developer, who is also a huge introvert, I enjoy my open office space and would be reluctant to go back to a cubicle. Even introverts need to collaborate and the lack of high walls makes that easier. This directly contradicts several comments here. You aren't going to get a definitive answer.
– Seth R
Feb 13 at 21:50
Vote to close as too opinion-based, as I think we can all see from the comments here. As a software developer, who is also a huge introvert, I enjoy my open office space and would be reluctant to go back to a cubicle. Even introverts need to collaborate and the lack of high walls makes that easier. This directly contradicts several comments here. You aren't going to get a definitive answer.
– Seth R
Feb 13 at 21:50
4
4
@SethR there have been actual objective studies of this question (see the accepted answer, for example), closing it as opinion-based is inappropriate. Downvote answers that don't include citations if you like.
– Kevin
Feb 14 at 0:28
@SethR there have been actual objective studies of this question (see the accepted answer, for example), closing it as opinion-based is inappropriate. Downvote answers that don't include citations if you like.
– Kevin
Feb 14 at 0:28
2
2
Being this is 2019, also consider remote working.
– GrandmasterB
Feb 14 at 6:25
Being this is 2019, also consider remote working.
– GrandmasterB
Feb 14 at 6:25
|
show 4 more comments
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
The problem is that different people work better in different environments. What you should do is have plenty of private spaces and a few usable public spaces for groups. Your spaces will not effectively work at 15 people; try to design spaces for 6 or fewer.
I’ve worked in cubicles, a private office, a shared office, and a open area. I disliked the open area because of a lack of privacy. And basically all the open space pioneers backed away from the idea quite long ago.
EDIT; Here are some interesting reads:
Harvard Study
Chicago Tribune
Forbes
answered Feb 13 at 11:46
UnhandledExcepSeanUnhandledExcepSean
3,23911323
Yes, 15 is too many for an open area
– Kilisi
Feb 13 at 11:47
2
worst place I worked in had an open plan office space designed for about 40 people but that due to the department growing without them getting funding for more office space now housed 80 people. I literally got ill, seriously ill, from the noise and people moving around me constantly.
– jwenting
Feb 14 at 4:15
@Kilisi that really depends, best office/team combination so far, despite earlier reservations on my part, turned out to be an open space office with about 15-20 people. However, it was neatly separated into smaller spaces (visually, e.g. flowers, desks etc.). Everyone was very disciplined (because of the open space) and the project had a requirement for short reactions and quite a bit of communication. So it made a lot of sense and helped there. If you however don't have such a project, then I'd agree that you won't gain its benefits and have its drawbacks.
– Frank Hopkins
Feb 15 at 12:21
add a comment |
Contrary to the original (claimed) intentions behind the open-plan office philosophy, namely the improvement of collaboration and communication research has shown that they actually cause a significant decrease in both face to face interactions and productivity.
They also appear to lead to a negative impact on employee health, one study showing a staggering 62% increase in the number of sick days taken by employees in an open plan environment vs having closed offices.
The only real benefit to open-plan is that it allows for reduced expenditure on office space, now in some locations where space is at a premium this trade off may actually make more financial sense:
An approximation for the cost savings in using open-plan can be done:
(Square feet per person saved via open offices * # of employees * Cost/square foot of office space)
So as the number of employees goes up - so does the value of potential cost reductions.
If the lost productivity of the open-plan model results in lost revenue of less than the additional cost of having closed plan offices then it can still make sense.
answered Feb 13 at 16:26
motosubatsumotosubatsu
50.5k27135200
8
Don't forget that "lost productivity" may also include increased turnover and potential employees turning down your job-offers, in favor of companies that offer them better (non-shared) workspace.
– SeldomNeedy
Feb 13 at 20:10
3
Empirically, when someone can see what's on my screen at all times I spend so much time worrying about making sure that what's on my screen looks like work that I never get any work done.
– Wayne Werner
Feb 13 at 23:29
@SeldomNeedy in the UK i don't think there is any choice all offices are one huge room.
– WendyG
Feb 14 at 9:24
The problem is that the “additional cost” is easily quantifiable while the “lost revenue” isn’t, so budget holders will almost always go with the superficially cheaper option.
– Gwyn Evans
Feb 14 at 23:23
@WendyG {{citation needed}}
– SeldomNeedy
Feb 15 at 22:41
|
show 1 more comment
4-15 developers.. that's a lot of variance, it's difficult to get something liked by everyone.
To add to what has already covered by UnhandledExcepSean's answer, I'd say, even for the same person, not everyday work requires same working condition.
Example: In a design review meeting, I'd like a open workplace where I sit face to face and discuss. Same me, would like to have a semi-private workplace when I'm trying to read, understand and debug someone else's code.
What I'd say, organize the available place into three categories
- Open working space : For collaborative works
- Head-down cubicles : Semi-private space for small period of high-focus individual work.
- AV Room (Audio-Video Privacy Room): For Conference calls.
Even if you can't get the third one, it's okay. Have spaces for both 1 and 2, and let people choose what they prefer.
answered Feb 13 at 11:52
Sourav GhoshSourav Ghosh
4,48621736
3
I think #3 is quite important. In fact, it could double as #1 (open working space / design space). I'd go with #2 & #3.
– DaveG
Feb 13 at 13:58
add a comment |
This is just my experience about what I found worked best.
In one company we were in an old big house. Each room was large enough for 6 people, so each team had a room to themselves. The volume and "fun" were controlled for how busy each team were.
The team members could just ask a question to the room and the correct person could now answer. Without disturbing other teams to who this question was irrelevant.
I now work in one room with the entire company, not a single sound barrier. Everyone is sat with headphones on, so nobody can add their own information which is relevant but you didn't know existed to ask about. But i guess they are cheaper for the company.
answered Feb 13 at 12:19
WendyGWendyG
602111
1
I used to work in an old house, but each room was treated as a private office. Me being the junior at the time ended in what had been the walk-in closet shared between two bedrooms.
– Peter M
Feb 16 at 13:23
add a comment |
Anecdotally: I've worked at companies that have had shared offices (usually 2 people per office) and that have had an open office arrangement.
Ironically, I've found myself collaborating less in open office arrangements.
- To deal with the extra noise created by open office layouts, many people end up wearing headphones all the time. However, by wearing headphones, they provide a (possibly unintended) cue that they don't want to be disturbed. I avoided talking to them.
- I want to avoid disturbing bystanders, so I usually avoided talking to people in general.
In contrast, with private offices:
- There is a clear visual cue whether the occupants are okay with visitors or if the occupants don't want to be disturbed: whether the door is open or closed.
- I worried less about disturbing others since if discussion in the office gets too loud, we (or the people disturbed) could close doors.
answered Feb 14 at 7:08
jamesdlinjamesdlin
1895
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "423"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: false,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f128935%2fopen-space-vs-offices-which-one-is-better-for-a-new-team-according-to-studies%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(function () {
$("#show-editor-button input, #show-editor-button button").click(function () {
var showEditor = function() {
$("#show-editor-button").hide();
$("#post-form").removeClass("dno");
StackExchange.editor.finallyInit();
};
var useFancy = $(this).data('confirm-use-fancy');
if(useFancy == 'True') {
var popupTitle = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-title');
var popupBody = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-body');
var popupAccept = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-accept-button');
$(this).loadPopup({
url: '/post/self-answer-popup',
loaded: function(popup) {
var pTitle = $(popup).find('h2');
var pBody = $(popup).find('.popup-body');
var pSubmit = $(popup).find('.popup-submit');
pTitle.text(popupTitle);
pBody.html(popupBody);
pSubmit.val(popupAccept).click(showEditor);
}
})
} else{
var confirmText = $(this).data('confirm-text');
if (confirmText ? confirm(confirmText) : true) {
showEditor();
}
}
});
});
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
The problem is that different people work better in different environments. What you should do is have plenty of private spaces and a few usable public spaces for groups. Your spaces will not effectively work at 15 people; try to design spaces for 6 or fewer.
I’ve worked in cubicles, a private office, a shared office, and a open area. I disliked the open area because of a lack of privacy. And basically all the open space pioneers backed away from the idea quite long ago.
EDIT; Here are some interesting reads:
Harvard Study
Chicago Tribune
Forbes
answered Feb 13 at 11:46
UnhandledExcepSeanUnhandledExcepSean
3,23911323
Yes, 15 is too many for an open area
– Kilisi
Feb 13 at 11:47
2
worst place I worked in had an open plan office space designed for about 40 people but that due to the department growing without them getting funding for more office space now housed 80 people. I literally got ill, seriously ill, from the noise and people moving around me constantly.
– jwenting
Feb 14 at 4:15
@Kilisi that really depends, best office/team combination so far, despite earlier reservations on my part, turned out to be an open space office with about 15-20 people. However, it was neatly separated into smaller spaces (visually, e.g. flowers, desks etc.). Everyone was very disciplined (because of the open space) and the project had a requirement for short reactions and quite a bit of communication. So it made a lot of sense and helped there. If you however don't have such a project, then I'd agree that you won't gain its benefits and have its drawbacks.
– Frank Hopkins
Feb 15 at 12:21
add a comment |
The problem is that different people work better in different environments. What you should do is have plenty of private spaces and a few usable public spaces for groups. Your spaces will not effectively work at 15 people; try to design spaces for 6 or fewer.
I’ve worked in cubicles, a private office, a shared office, and a open area. I disliked the open area because of a lack of privacy. And basically all the open space pioneers backed away from the idea quite long ago.
EDIT; Here are some interesting reads:
Harvard Study
Chicago Tribune
Forbes
answered Feb 13 at 11:46
UnhandledExcepSeanUnhandledExcepSean
3,23911323
Yes, 15 is too many for an open area
– Kilisi
Feb 13 at 11:47
2
worst place I worked in had an open plan office space designed for about 40 people but that due to the department growing without them getting funding for more office space now housed 80 people. I literally got ill, seriously ill, from the noise and people moving around me constantly.
– jwenting
Feb 14 at 4:15
@Kilisi that really depends, best office/team combination so far, despite earlier reservations on my part, turned out to be an open space office with about 15-20 people. However, it was neatly separated into smaller spaces (visually, e.g. flowers, desks etc.). Everyone was very disciplined (because of the open space) and the project had a requirement for short reactions and quite a bit of communication. So it made a lot of sense and helped there. If you however don't have such a project, then I'd agree that you won't gain its benefits and have its drawbacks.
– Frank Hopkins
Feb 15 at 12:21
add a comment |
The problem is that different people work better in different environments. What you should do is have plenty of private spaces and a few usable public spaces for groups. Your spaces will not effectively work at 15 people; try to design spaces for 6 or fewer.
I’ve worked in cubicles, a private office, a shared office, and a open area. I disliked the open area because of a lack of privacy. And basically all the open space pioneers backed away from the idea quite long ago.
EDIT; Here are some interesting reads:
Harvard Study
Chicago Tribune
Forbes
answered Feb 13 at 11:46
UnhandledExcepSeanUnhandledExcepSean
3,23911323
The problem is that different people work better in different environments. What you should do is have plenty of private spaces and a few usable public spaces for groups. Your spaces will not effectively work at 15 people; try to design spaces for 6 or fewer.
I’ve worked in cubicles, a private office, a shared office, and a open area. I disliked the open area because of a lack of privacy. And basically all the open space pioneers backed away from the idea quite long ago.
EDIT; Here are some interesting reads:
Harvard Study
Chicago Tribune
Forbes
answered Feb 13 at 11:46
UnhandledExcepSeanUnhandledExcepSean
3,23911323
edited Feb 13 at 14:31
answered Feb 13 at 11:46
UnhandledExcepSeanUnhandledExcepSean
3,23911323
answered Feb 13 at 11:46
UnhandledExcepSeanUnhandledExcepSean
3,23911323
answered Feb 13 at 11:46
UnhandledExcepSeanUnhandledExcepSean
3,23911323
3,23911323
Yes, 15 is too many for an open area
– Kilisi
Feb 13 at 11:47
2
worst place I worked in had an open plan office space designed for about 40 people but that due to the department growing without them getting funding for more office space now housed 80 people. I literally got ill, seriously ill, from the noise and people moving around me constantly.
– jwenting
Feb 14 at 4:15
@Kilisi that really depends, best office/team combination so far, despite earlier reservations on my part, turned out to be an open space office with about 15-20 people. However, it was neatly separated into smaller spaces (visually, e.g. flowers, desks etc.). Everyone was very disciplined (because of the open space) and the project had a requirement for short reactions and quite a bit of communication. So it made a lot of sense and helped there. If you however don't have such a project, then I'd agree that you won't gain its benefits and have its drawbacks.
– Frank Hopkins
Feb 15 at 12:21
add a comment |
Yes, 15 is too many for an open area
– Kilisi
Feb 13 at 11:47
2
worst place I worked in had an open plan office space designed for about 40 people but that due to the department growing without them getting funding for more office space now housed 80 people. I literally got ill, seriously ill, from the noise and people moving around me constantly.
– jwenting
Feb 14 at 4:15
@Kilisi that really depends, best office/team combination so far, despite earlier reservations on my part, turned out to be an open space office with about 15-20 people. However, it was neatly separated into smaller spaces (visually, e.g. flowers, desks etc.). Everyone was very disciplined (because of the open space) and the project had a requirement for short reactions and quite a bit of communication. So it made a lot of sense and helped there. If you however don't have such a project, then I'd agree that you won't gain its benefits and have its drawbacks.
– Frank Hopkins
Feb 15 at 12:21
Yes, 15 is too many for an open area
– Kilisi
Feb 13 at 11:47
Yes, 15 is too many for an open area
– Kilisi
Feb 13 at 11:47
2
2
worst place I worked in had an open plan office space designed for about 40 people but that due to the department growing without them getting funding for more office space now housed 80 people. I literally got ill, seriously ill, from the noise and people moving around me constantly.
– jwenting
Feb 14 at 4:15
worst place I worked in had an open plan office space designed for about 40 people but that due to the department growing without them getting funding for more office space now housed 80 people. I literally got ill, seriously ill, from the noise and people moving around me constantly.
– jwenting
Feb 14 at 4:15
@Kilisi that really depends, best office/team combination so far, despite earlier reservations on my part, turned out to be an open space office with about 15-20 people. However, it was neatly separated into smaller spaces (visually, e.g. flowers, desks etc.). Everyone was very disciplined (because of the open space) and the project had a requirement for short reactions and quite a bit of communication. So it made a lot of sense and helped there. If you however don't have such a project, then I'd agree that you won't gain its benefits and have its drawbacks.
– Frank Hopkins
Feb 15 at 12:21
@Kilisi that really depends, best office/team combination so far, despite earlier reservations on my part, turned out to be an open space office with about 15-20 people. However, it was neatly separated into smaller spaces (visually, e.g. flowers, desks etc.). Everyone was very disciplined (because of the open space) and the project had a requirement for short reactions and quite a bit of communication. So it made a lot of sense and helped there. If you however don't have such a project, then I'd agree that you won't gain its benefits and have its drawbacks.
– Frank Hopkins
Feb 15 at 12:21
add a comment |
Contrary to the original (claimed) intentions behind the open-plan office philosophy, namely the improvement of collaboration and communication research has shown that they actually cause a significant decrease in both face to face interactions and productivity.
They also appear to lead to a negative impact on employee health, one study showing a staggering 62% increase in the number of sick days taken by employees in an open plan environment vs having closed offices.
The only real benefit to open-plan is that it allows for reduced expenditure on office space, now in some locations where space is at a premium this trade off may actually make more financial sense:
An approximation for the cost savings in using open-plan can be done:
(Square feet per person saved via open offices * # of employees * Cost/square foot of office space)
So as the number of employees goes up - so does the value of potential cost reductions.
If the lost productivity of the open-plan model results in lost revenue of less than the additional cost of having closed plan offices then it can still make sense.
answered Feb 13 at 16:26
motosubatsumotosubatsu
50.5k27135200
8
Don't forget that "lost productivity" may also include increased turnover and potential employees turning down your job-offers, in favor of companies that offer them better (non-shared) workspace.
– SeldomNeedy
Feb 13 at 20:10
3
Empirically, when someone can see what's on my screen at all times I spend so much time worrying about making sure that what's on my screen looks like work that I never get any work done.
– Wayne Werner
Feb 13 at 23:29
@SeldomNeedy in the UK i don't think there is any choice all offices are one huge room.
– WendyG
Feb 14 at 9:24
The problem is that the “additional cost” is easily quantifiable while the “lost revenue” isn’t, so budget holders will almost always go with the superficially cheaper option.
– Gwyn Evans
Feb 14 at 23:23
@WendyG {{citation needed}}
– SeldomNeedy
Feb 15 at 22:41
|
show 1 more comment
Contrary to the original (claimed) intentions behind the open-plan office philosophy, namely the improvement of collaboration and communication research has shown that they actually cause a significant decrease in both face to face interactions and productivity.
They also appear to lead to a negative impact on employee health, one study showing a staggering 62% increase in the number of sick days taken by employees in an open plan environment vs having closed offices.
The only real benefit to open-plan is that it allows for reduced expenditure on office space, now in some locations where space is at a premium this trade off may actually make more financial sense:
An approximation for the cost savings in using open-plan can be done:
(Square feet per person saved via open offices * # of employees * Cost/square foot of office space)
So as the number of employees goes up - so does the value of potential cost reductions.
If the lost productivity of the open-plan model results in lost revenue of less than the additional cost of having closed plan offices then it can still make sense.
answered Feb 13 at 16:26
motosubatsumotosubatsu
50.5k27135200
8
Don't forget that "lost productivity" may also include increased turnover and potential employees turning down your job-offers, in favor of companies that offer them better (non-shared) workspace.
– SeldomNeedy
Feb 13 at 20:10
3
Empirically, when someone can see what's on my screen at all times I spend so much time worrying about making sure that what's on my screen looks like work that I never get any work done.
– Wayne Werner
Feb 13 at 23:29
@SeldomNeedy in the UK i don't think there is any choice all offices are one huge room.
– WendyG
Feb 14 at 9:24
The problem is that the “additional cost” is easily quantifiable while the “lost revenue” isn’t, so budget holders will almost always go with the superficially cheaper option.
– Gwyn Evans
Feb 14 at 23:23
@WendyG {{citation needed}}
– SeldomNeedy
Feb 15 at 22:41
|
show 1 more comment
Contrary to the original (claimed) intentions behind the open-plan office philosophy, namely the improvement of collaboration and communication research has shown that they actually cause a significant decrease in both face to face interactions and productivity.
They also appear to lead to a negative impact on employee health, one study showing a staggering 62% increase in the number of sick days taken by employees in an open plan environment vs having closed offices.
The only real benefit to open-plan is that it allows for reduced expenditure on office space, now in some locations where space is at a premium this trade off may actually make more financial sense:
An approximation for the cost savings in using open-plan can be done:
(Square feet per person saved via open offices * # of employees * Cost/square foot of office space)
So as the number of employees goes up - so does the value of potential cost reductions.
If the lost productivity of the open-plan model results in lost revenue of less than the additional cost of having closed plan offices then it can still make sense.
answered Feb 13 at 16:26
motosubatsumotosubatsu
50.5k27135200
Contrary to the original (claimed) intentions behind the open-plan office philosophy, namely the improvement of collaboration and communication research has shown that they actually cause a significant decrease in both face to face interactions and productivity.
They also appear to lead to a negative impact on employee health, one study showing a staggering 62% increase in the number of sick days taken by employees in an open plan environment vs having closed offices.
The only real benefit to open-plan is that it allows for reduced expenditure on office space, now in some locations where space is at a premium this trade off may actually make more financial sense:
An approximation for the cost savings in using open-plan can be done:
(Square feet per person saved via open offices * # of employees * Cost/square foot of office space)
So as the number of employees goes up - so does the value of potential cost reductions.
If the lost productivity of the open-plan model results in lost revenue of less than the additional cost of having closed plan offices then it can still make sense.
answered Feb 13 at 16:26
motosubatsumotosubatsu
50.5k27135200
answered Feb 13 at 16:26
motosubatsumotosubatsu
50.5k27135200
answered Feb 13 at 16:26
motosubatsumotosubatsu
50.5k27135200
answered Feb 13 at 16:26
motosubatsumotosubatsu
50.5k27135200
50.5k27135200
8
Don't forget that "lost productivity" may also include increased turnover and potential employees turning down your job-offers, in favor of companies that offer them better (non-shared) workspace.
– SeldomNeedy
Feb 13 at 20:10
3
Empirically, when someone can see what's on my screen at all times I spend so much time worrying about making sure that what's on my screen looks like work that I never get any work done.
– Wayne Werner
Feb 13 at 23:29
@SeldomNeedy in the UK i don't think there is any choice all offices are one huge room.
– WendyG
Feb 14 at 9:24
The problem is that the “additional cost” is easily quantifiable while the “lost revenue” isn’t, so budget holders will almost always go with the superficially cheaper option.
– Gwyn Evans
Feb 14 at 23:23
@WendyG {{citation needed}}
– SeldomNeedy
Feb 15 at 22:41
|
show 1 more comment
8
Don't forget that "lost productivity" may also include increased turnover and potential employees turning down your job-offers, in favor of companies that offer them better (non-shared) workspace.
– SeldomNeedy
Feb 13 at 20:10
3
Empirically, when someone can see what's on my screen at all times I spend so much time worrying about making sure that what's on my screen looks like work that I never get any work done.
– Wayne Werner
Feb 13 at 23:29
@SeldomNeedy in the UK i don't think there is any choice all offices are one huge room.
– WendyG
Feb 14 at 9:24
The problem is that the “additional cost” is easily quantifiable while the “lost revenue” isn’t, so budget holders will almost always go with the superficially cheaper option.
– Gwyn Evans
Feb 14 at 23:23
@WendyG {{citation needed}}
– SeldomNeedy
Feb 15 at 22:41
8
8
Don't forget that "lost productivity" may also include increased turnover and potential employees turning down your job-offers, in favor of companies that offer them better (non-shared) workspace.
– SeldomNeedy
Feb 13 at 20:10
Don't forget that "lost productivity" may also include increased turnover and potential employees turning down your job-offers, in favor of companies that offer them better (non-shared) workspace.
– SeldomNeedy
Feb 13 at 20:10
3
3
Empirically, when someone can see what's on my screen at all times I spend so much time worrying about making sure that what's on my screen looks like work that I never get any work done.
– Wayne Werner
Feb 13 at 23:29
Empirically, when someone can see what's on my screen at all times I spend so much time worrying about making sure that what's on my screen looks like work that I never get any work done.
– Wayne Werner
Feb 13 at 23:29
@SeldomNeedy in the UK i don't think there is any choice all offices are one huge room.
– WendyG
Feb 14 at 9:24
@SeldomNeedy in the UK i don't think there is any choice all offices are one huge room.
– WendyG
Feb 14 at 9:24
The problem is that the “additional cost” is easily quantifiable while the “lost revenue” isn’t, so budget holders will almost always go with the superficially cheaper option.
– Gwyn Evans
Feb 14 at 23:23
The problem is that the “additional cost” is easily quantifiable while the “lost revenue” isn’t, so budget holders will almost always go with the superficially cheaper option.
– Gwyn Evans
Feb 14 at 23:23
@WendyG {{citation needed}}
– SeldomNeedy
Feb 15 at 22:41
@WendyG {{citation needed}}
– SeldomNeedy
Feb 15 at 22:41
|
show 1 more comment
4-15 developers.. that's a lot of variance, it's difficult to get something liked by everyone.
To add to what has already covered by UnhandledExcepSean's answer, I'd say, even for the same person, not everyday work requires same working condition.
Example: In a design review meeting, I'd like a open workplace where I sit face to face and discuss. Same me, would like to have a semi-private workplace when I'm trying to read, understand and debug someone else's code.
What I'd say, organize the available place into three categories
- Open working space : For collaborative works
- Head-down cubicles : Semi-private space for small period of high-focus individual work.
- AV Room (Audio-Video Privacy Room): For Conference calls.
Even if you can't get the third one, it's okay. Have spaces for both 1 and 2, and let people choose what they prefer.
answered Feb 13 at 11:52
Sourav GhoshSourav Ghosh
4,48621736
3
I think #3 is quite important. In fact, it could double as #1 (open working space / design space). I'd go with #2 & #3.
– DaveG
Feb 13 at 13:58
add a comment |
4-15 developers.. that's a lot of variance, it's difficult to get something liked by everyone.
To add to what has already covered by UnhandledExcepSean's answer, I'd say, even for the same person, not everyday work requires same working condition.
Example: In a design review meeting, I'd like a open workplace where I sit face to face and discuss. Same me, would like to have a semi-private workplace when I'm trying to read, understand and debug someone else's code.
What I'd say, organize the available place into three categories
- Open working space : For collaborative works
- Head-down cubicles : Semi-private space for small period of high-focus individual work.
- AV Room (Audio-Video Privacy Room): For Conference calls.
Even if you can't get the third one, it's okay. Have spaces for both 1 and 2, and let people choose what they prefer.
answered Feb 13 at 11:52
Sourav GhoshSourav Ghosh
4,48621736
3
I think #3 is quite important. In fact, it could double as #1 (open working space / design space). I'd go with #2 & #3.
– DaveG
Feb 13 at 13:58
add a comment |
4-15 developers.. that's a lot of variance, it's difficult to get something liked by everyone.
To add to what has already covered by UnhandledExcepSean's answer, I'd say, even for the same person, not everyday work requires same working condition.
Example: In a design review meeting, I'd like a open workplace where I sit face to face and discuss. Same me, would like to have a semi-private workplace when I'm trying to read, understand and debug someone else's code.
What I'd say, organize the available place into three categories
- Open working space : For collaborative works
- Head-down cubicles : Semi-private space for small period of high-focus individual work.
- AV Room (Audio-Video Privacy Room): For Conference calls.
Even if you can't get the third one, it's okay. Have spaces for both 1 and 2, and let people choose what they prefer.
answered Feb 13 at 11:52
Sourav GhoshSourav Ghosh
4,48621736
4-15 developers.. that's a lot of variance, it's difficult to get something liked by everyone.
To add to what has already covered by UnhandledExcepSean's answer, I'd say, even for the same person, not everyday work requires same working condition.
Example: In a design review meeting, I'd like a open workplace where I sit face to face and discuss. Same me, would like to have a semi-private workplace when I'm trying to read, understand and debug someone else's code.
What I'd say, organize the available place into three categories
- Open working space : For collaborative works
- Head-down cubicles : Semi-private space for small period of high-focus individual work.
- AV Room (Audio-Video Privacy Room): For Conference calls.
Even if you can't get the third one, it's okay. Have spaces for both 1 and 2, and let people choose what they prefer.
answered Feb 13 at 11:52
Sourav GhoshSourav Ghosh
4,48621736
edited Feb 13 at 11:58
answered Feb 13 at 11:52
Sourav GhoshSourav Ghosh
4,48621736
answered Feb 13 at 11:52
Sourav GhoshSourav Ghosh
4,48621736
answered Feb 13 at 11:52
Sourav GhoshSourav Ghosh
4,48621736
4,48621736
3
I think #3 is quite important. In fact, it could double as #1 (open working space / design space). I'd go with #2 & #3.
– DaveG
Feb 13 at 13:58
add a comment |
3
I think #3 is quite important. In fact, it could double as #1 (open working space / design space). I'd go with #2 & #3.
– DaveG
Feb 13 at 13:58
3
3
I think #3 is quite important. In fact, it could double as #1 (open working space / design space). I'd go with #2 & #3.
– DaveG
Feb 13 at 13:58
I think #3 is quite important. In fact, it could double as #1 (open working space / design space). I'd go with #2 & #3.
– DaveG
Feb 13 at 13:58
add a comment |
This is just my experience about what I found worked best.
In one company we were in an old big house. Each room was large enough for 6 people, so each team had a room to themselves. The volume and "fun" were controlled for how busy each team were.
The team members could just ask a question to the room and the correct person could now answer. Without disturbing other teams to who this question was irrelevant.
I now work in one room with the entire company, not a single sound barrier. Everyone is sat with headphones on, so nobody can add their own information which is relevant but you didn't know existed to ask about. But i guess they are cheaper for the company.
answered Feb 13 at 12:19
WendyGWendyG
602111
1
I used to work in an old house, but each room was treated as a private office. Me being the junior at the time ended in what had been the walk-in closet shared between two bedrooms.
– Peter M
Feb 16 at 13:23
add a comment |
This is just my experience about what I found worked best.
In one company we were in an old big house. Each room was large enough for 6 people, so each team had a room to themselves. The volume and "fun" were controlled for how busy each team were.
The team members could just ask a question to the room and the correct person could now answer. Without disturbing other teams to who this question was irrelevant.
I now work in one room with the entire company, not a single sound barrier. Everyone is sat with headphones on, so nobody can add their own information which is relevant but you didn't know existed to ask about. But i guess they are cheaper for the company.
answered Feb 13 at 12:19
WendyGWendyG
602111
1
I used to work in an old house, but each room was treated as a private office. Me being the junior at the time ended in what had been the walk-in closet shared between two bedrooms.
– Peter M
Feb 16 at 13:23
add a comment |
This is just my experience about what I found worked best.
In one company we were in an old big house. Each room was large enough for 6 people, so each team had a room to themselves. The volume and "fun" were controlled for how busy each team were.
The team members could just ask a question to the room and the correct person could now answer. Without disturbing other teams to who this question was irrelevant.
I now work in one room with the entire company, not a single sound barrier. Everyone is sat with headphones on, so nobody can add their own information which is relevant but you didn't know existed to ask about. But i guess they are cheaper for the company.
answered Feb 13 at 12:19
WendyGWendyG
602111
This is just my experience about what I found worked best.
In one company we were in an old big house. Each room was large enough for 6 people, so each team had a room to themselves. The volume and "fun" were controlled for how busy each team were.
The team members could just ask a question to the room and the correct person could now answer. Without disturbing other teams to who this question was irrelevant.
I now work in one room with the entire company, not a single sound barrier. Everyone is sat with headphones on, so nobody can add their own information which is relevant but you didn't know existed to ask about. But i guess they are cheaper for the company.
answered Feb 13 at 12:19
WendyGWendyG
602111
answered Feb 13 at 12:19
WendyGWendyG
602111
answered Feb 13 at 12:19
WendyGWendyG
602111
answered Feb 13 at 12:19
WendyGWendyG
602111
602111
1
I used to work in an old house, but each room was treated as a private office. Me being the junior at the time ended in what had been the walk-in closet shared between two bedrooms.
– Peter M
Feb 16 at 13:23
add a comment |
1
I used to work in an old house, but each room was treated as a private office. Me being the junior at the time ended in what had been the walk-in closet shared between two bedrooms.
– Peter M
Feb 16 at 13:23
1
1
I used to work in an old house, but each room was treated as a private office. Me being the junior at the time ended in what had been the walk-in closet shared between two bedrooms.
– Peter M
Feb 16 at 13:23
I used to work in an old house, but each room was treated as a private office. Me being the junior at the time ended in what had been the walk-in closet shared between two bedrooms.
– Peter M
Feb 16 at 13:23
add a comment |
Anecdotally: I've worked at companies that have had shared offices (usually 2 people per office) and that have had an open office arrangement.
Ironically, I've found myself collaborating less in open office arrangements.
- To deal with the extra noise created by open office layouts, many people end up wearing headphones all the time. However, by wearing headphones, they provide a (possibly unintended) cue that they don't want to be disturbed. I avoided talking to them.
- I want to avoid disturbing bystanders, so I usually avoided talking to people in general.
In contrast, with private offices:
- There is a clear visual cue whether the occupants are okay with visitors or if the occupants don't want to be disturbed: whether the door is open or closed.
- I worried less about disturbing others since if discussion in the office gets too loud, we (or the people disturbed) could close doors.
answered Feb 14 at 7:08
jamesdlinjamesdlin
1895
add a comment |
Anecdotally: I've worked at companies that have had shared offices (usually 2 people per office) and that have had an open office arrangement.
Ironically, I've found myself collaborating less in open office arrangements.
- To deal with the extra noise created by open office layouts, many people end up wearing headphones all the time. However, by wearing headphones, they provide a (possibly unintended) cue that they don't want to be disturbed. I avoided talking to them.
- I want to avoid disturbing bystanders, so I usually avoided talking to people in general.
In contrast, with private offices:
- There is a clear visual cue whether the occupants are okay with visitors or if the occupants don't want to be disturbed: whether the door is open or closed.
- I worried less about disturbing others since if discussion in the office gets too loud, we (or the people disturbed) could close doors.
answered Feb 14 at 7:08
jamesdlinjamesdlin
1895
add a comment |
Anecdotally: I've worked at companies that have had shared offices (usually 2 people per office) and that have had an open office arrangement.
Ironically, I've found myself collaborating less in open office arrangements.
- To deal with the extra noise created by open office layouts, many people end up wearing headphones all the time. However, by wearing headphones, they provide a (possibly unintended) cue that they don't want to be disturbed. I avoided talking to them.
- I want to avoid disturbing bystanders, so I usually avoided talking to people in general.
In contrast, with private offices:
- There is a clear visual cue whether the occupants are okay with visitors or if the occupants don't want to be disturbed: whether the door is open or closed.
- I worried less about disturbing others since if discussion in the office gets too loud, we (or the people disturbed) could close doors.
answered Feb 14 at 7:08
jamesdlinjamesdlin
1895
Anecdotally: I've worked at companies that have had shared offices (usually 2 people per office) and that have had an open office arrangement.
Ironically, I've found myself collaborating less in open office arrangements.
- To deal with the extra noise created by open office layouts, many people end up wearing headphones all the time. However, by wearing headphones, they provide a (possibly unintended) cue that they don't want to be disturbed. I avoided talking to them.
- I want to avoid disturbing bystanders, so I usually avoided talking to people in general.
In contrast, with private offices:
- There is a clear visual cue whether the occupants are okay with visitors or if the occupants don't want to be disturbed: whether the door is open or closed.
- I worried less about disturbing others since if discussion in the office gets too loud, we (or the people disturbed) could close doors.
answered Feb 14 at 7:08
jamesdlinjamesdlin
1895
edited Feb 14 at 17:15
answered Feb 14 at 7:08
jamesdlinjamesdlin
1895
answered Feb 14 at 7:08
jamesdlinjamesdlin
1895
answered Feb 14 at 7:08
jamesdlinjamesdlin
1895
1895
add a comment |
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to The Workplace Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f128935%2fopen-space-vs-offices-which-one-is-better-for-a-new-team-according-to-studies%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
For open / closed, you mean a completely open space with no separation between developers vs separately cubicles or offices?
– DaveG
Feb 13 at 11:40
28
"Better" in which aspect? Cost? Flexibility? Employee production? Employee happiness?
– Abigail
Feb 13 at 13:46
6
Vote to close as too opinion-based, as I think we can all see from the comments here. As a software developer, who is also a huge introvert, I enjoy my open office space and would be reluctant to go back to a cubicle. Even introverts need to collaborate and the lack of high walls makes that easier. This directly contradicts several comments here. You aren't going to get a definitive answer.
– Seth R
Feb 13 at 21:50
4
@SethR there have been actual objective studies of this question (see the accepted answer, for example), closing it as opinion-based is inappropriate. Downvote answers that don't include citations if you like.
– Kevin
Feb 14 at 0:28
2
Being this is 2019, also consider remote working.
– GrandmasterB
Feb 14 at 6:25