Whether you’re an employer looking to maximize your office space or a member of staff staring down the barrel of open-plan purgatory, it’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls associated with this style of workspace. Open-plan offices are now commonplace in many businesses; however, some employees have experienced stress and distraction from interferences in their workflows due to these new layouts. It can be difficult for employers and employees alike to find harmony in an open-plan office without understanding how their presence affects productivity. In this blog post, Zorayr Manukyan discusses the potentially disastrous consequences of open-plan workspaces on business performance and employee wellbeing.
Zorayr Manukyan Lists Disastrous Pitfalls Of Open-Plan Offices
According to Zorayr Manukyan, open-plan offices have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their purported cost savings and the potential to increase collaboration within teams. However, they can be rife with drawbacks that could have serious repercussions for businesses if not addressed. Below are some of the disastrous pitfalls of open-plan offices:
1. Inability to concentrate – Open-plan offices do not provide employees with individual workspaces or privacy; consequently, it can be difficult for staff members to concentrate as they will likely be surrounded by colleagues engaging in conversations or making noise from other activities. For example, research conducted by OfficeTeam reveals that nearly 60% of workers indicate an inability to focus due to distractions caused by coworker conversations. This lack of concentration can lead to employees taking longer to complete their work, which can be detrimental to businesses whose success depends on quick turnarounds.
2. Poor air quality – Open-plan offices often have large windows that allow a lot of natural light into the space but also cause excessive heat in the summer months. Additionally, due to the concentration of people and equipment, the air inside open-plan offices is usually more polluted than that of traditional offices. This poor air quality can lead to health issues such as headaches, asthma attacks, and respiratory infections in workers. According to an American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) study, 45% of office workers report feeling sick because they are sitting next to someone who has been exposed to poor air quality.
3. Uncomfortable physical environment – Open-plan offices usually have benches or tables that are shared by multiple people, so workers may not be able to adjust their chair and desk heights in order to maintain proper posture during long work days. Furthermore, open-plan environments tend to have higher noise levels due to conversations between team members and the lack of soundproofing. This can lead to fatigue and stress in employees who may feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle. A survey conducted by YouGov revealed that 70% of respondents said they experienced greater stress levels when working in an open-plan office than in a closed one.
4. Reduced productivity – According to Zorayr Manukyan, the distractions from conversations, noise, and other activities caused by open-plan offices can lead to a decrease in productivity and engagement. Additionally, since employees are not able to focus on their work due to the lack of privacy, it can be difficult for them to stay motivated and complete tasks efficiently. According to a study from Harvard Business School, workers in an open-plan office space experienced a 15% slower completion time for assigned tasks compared to those who had their own private office spaces.
Zorayr Manukyan’s Concluding Thoughts
Open-plan offices may seem like an attractive option for businesses looking to save costs; however, they come with several disadvantages that could have serious repercussions if left unaddressed. Poor air quality, lack of concentration, and uncomfortable physical environments can cause health issues along with decreased productivity and engagement among staff members. According to Zorayr Manukyan, businesses should take the time to consider all factors before deciding whether an open-plan office is right for their workplace.