Companies think that it is the simplest idea to have an open-plan office where employees can sit closer to each other, resulting in more collaboration, sharing of ideas, and removing the communication barrier. The workplace booms with team spirit and energy. Everyone is happy! But in real: They aren’t happy at all.
There has always been debate over what the ideal workplace consists of and what can be done to increase the productivity of employees. Many experts will suggest you to implement an open-plan office to increase collaboration among team members and to boost their productivity, but it seems to be doing just the opposite.
Distractions
Communication is undoubtedly vital for teamwork and innovation, but some people prefer to work in a quieter and calmer environment. The noise caused by others talking, attending calls or chatting (even if it’s about work) can be a huge distraction. And as the size of the organization increases, the noise from clattering of the keyboards, ringing phones, and talking people increases along, doing more harm than good.
Health issues
When all the employees sit together, the chances of spreading illness increases. In case of a flu outbreak, there is a 100% probability that all or many of your employees get affected. There is a substantial possibility of spreading contagious diseases at a higher rate in an open-plan workplace. As a result of this, a majority of your employees can be on sick leave at the same time.
Confidentiality of Company Matters
In an open-plan office, there is more transparency and with increased transparency, the confidentiality of company matters may be compromised. Sensitive information is harder to keep safe with easy access to private calls, confidential emails and information that was not supposed to be disclosed, popping on the computer screens.
Office Politics
Office politics becomes more evident, as cliques are more likely to form in an open-plan workplace. Bullying becomes more noticeable and it deteriorates employee happiness and engagement. Employees may roam around the office, asking for help from every other person, even for the smallest issues. This may lead to only bad things.
With changing generations, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to workplace design. So we need to adapt to the changing requirements of the workplace.