The modern workplace is undergoing a major transformation, with the introduction of a new alternative to the closed office: the open office, or open space. Although they are very different, these two solutions have advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into account to determine which is best for your business. Here is some information to help you find it better.
The emergence of open offices, or open spaces
Open offices, or open spaces, have become increasingly popular in companies over the past few years, as more and more employers realize the immense benefits they can offer. Not only is the open office cost effective and makes efficient use of available space, it also has the potential to dramatically improve employee morale, productivity and collaboration.
The open office is defined as an open and airy workspace, without walls, cubicles or other physical barriers between employees. Instead of the traditional office layout, which can create feelings of isolation and a lack of collaboration, open spaces use an open floor plan to encourage mutual support, communication, and creativity. The open office also helps to build a sense of community among employees, as they can see and interact with each other more easily.
The open office is often used in corporate offices, but it's especially popular with small businesses and startups looking to revamp their corporate policy. Open spaces can, however, be beneficial to businesses of all sizes and in all sectors, as they allow for better growth and adaptability, although they obviously have some drawbacks.
Open or closed office: pros and cons
Traditionally, we work with closed offices, where two or three employees, no more, work. However, the appearance of the open office and the open space have come to revolutionize this scheme and shake up our habits. So how do you know which solution is best suited to your business and your goals? Here is a recap of the pros and cons of open and closed offices.
Advantages and disadvantages of the open office
One of the most obvious benefits of the open office is the potential for improved collaboration and productivity. With a less siled environment, employees can communicate more easily, and groups can quickly share ideas and work together more effectively.
Open spaces also encourage creativity and innovation, as employees can move around quickly to brainstorm and interact with each other. Also, the open office can be cost effective, as it often requires less space than traditional offices.
However, designing an open office can also present some challenges. For example, it can be difficult to maintain privacy and confidentiality in an open environment because conversations and activities can be overheard by other people. Additionally, open plan offices are often noisier than a traditional office, which can be a source of distraction and reduce concentration and productivity.
It can also be difficult to establish boundaries in an open office: without the physical walls of a cubicle or office, employees may be tempted to intrude on each other's space or conversations. personal. Some may also feel exposed, which can lead to feelings of insecurity and reduced productivity.
Advantages and disadvantages of the closed office
The closed office offers certain advantages that cannot be obtained with an open office, such as:
- Privacy: The most obvious advantage of closed offices is that they offer more privacy to their occupants. Conversations and phone calls can take place without being distracted by other conversations and noises in the office.
- Adaptability: Closed offices also offer better control to occupants. They can control the temperature, lighting and layout of their space to make their work more comfortable.
- Calm: in a closed office, the noise is limited to that of one, two or three people at most, which makes it possible to work in calm and silence, and is essential for some people.
Despite the advantages of closed offices, there are some disadvantages that should also be taken into account:
- Isolation: Lack of interaction with colleagues in a closed office can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This can lower morale and lead to lower productivity.
- Poor communication: Without the casual interactions that come with an open office, it can be difficult to share ideas and information with colleagues.
- Increased stress: Closed offices can also lead to increased stress, as there is less room for creative thinking and problem solving, but also for mutual support and camaraderie.
What if the best solution was a compromise of the two?
But then if these two solutions have so many advantages and disadvantages, how to make a choice? Well, maybe the solution is in compromise? Indeed, installing acoustic cabins in an open office is an alternative solution that more and more companies are choosing to take advantage of the advantages of open space without the disadvantages.
Soundproof booths provide a private, distraction-free workspace perfect for taking calls, conducting interviews, and working on projects without interruption. They create a sound barrier between the cubicle and the rest of the office, reducing background noise and allowing workers to concentrate on their tasks.
Employees can thus concentrate on their tasks without being disturbed by the agitation of their colleagues. Booths also help discourage rumors and misunderstandings in the office, since conversations are confined to the booth and cannot be heard from the rest of the office.
Soundproof booths also help to create a sense of privacy and security, allowing employees to feel more comfortable and relaxed but also to be able to enjoy a moment of calm when working on a more complex project or that they feel the need to isolate themselves for a while.
In summary, the open office and the closed office both have advantages and disadvantages, and the ideal solution is certainly in between combining the good sides of these two ways of arranging the space. It's up to you to choose which seems to be the most appropriate for your business and the constraints you face on a daily basis.
